Calendar of Events

Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

May 2020 May 2020
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Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

“The party Broadway’s been looking for!” –TheaterMania

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Official Website

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Categories: Theatre
The Lifespan of a FACT
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

A determined young fact checker is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author. Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin—with undeniably delicious consequences.

“stinging relevance to so much of what’s been happening for years now in American social, cultural and political discourse” – The Hollywood Reporter

Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language

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Categories: Theatre
Avl and WNC Go Outside and Howl at 8 Support essential front-line workers
May 20 @ 8:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Online

“Go Outside and Howl at 8” is a national call for communities to recognize all essential front-line workers! Let’s join this call, Asheville! Show people in this community who are putting their lives at risk that we see them, and we love them! Let’s hear y’all howl at 8pm every night!!

Feel free to add pictures and/or videos to the Discussion in this event!

Much love, y’all!

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Categories: Community
Online Sales of Skillet Six Ways + Asheville Symphony Collaboration
May 20 @ 8:00 pm
online

Be sure to grab your Skillet Six Ways for the Virtual Skillet Six Ways Tasting (Thursday, 5/28) with Doug, Jess, and Tim of Burial as well as the limited release Burial/Asheville Symphony Collaboration!

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Categories: Food & Drink
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Asheville Community Theatre: Class Interest Survey
May 21 all-day
Online

We are trying to see if there is enough interest in a Zoom class for Adult Improv, taught by Tom Chalmers. If you would be interested in this, please fill out the interest form. Thank you!

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Categories: Theatre
Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens
May 21 all-day
Blue Ridge Parkway

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

  • Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
  • Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
  • Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
  • Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
  • Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
  • Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
  • Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
  • Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
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Categories: Outdoors Parks & Recreation
BMC@Home: Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor
May 21 all-day
online

BMC favorite Gil Shaham shares a special at-home performance of the first movement of the Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043. Adele Anthony performs the violin 1 solo, Shaham performs the violin 2 solo, and colleagues Colin Jacobsen (violin, viola) and Eric Jacobsen (cello) supply the orchestral accompaniment.

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Categories: Music
Brevard Music Center Online: Keith’s Corner Summon the Heroes
May 21 all-day
Online

Keith’s Corner

Inspiring music and personal stories from our very own Keith Lockhart and special guests.

One of my great joys at Brevard is being able to share with you symphonic music that is special to me. Keith’s Corner will allow me, albeit virtually, to continue to do that. Join me here as I share stories with you about the music that I love…some of the music that made me fall in love with orchestras, some works that have produced memorable moments during my years at Brevard, and some of the music that touches me most profoundly. It will also be an opportunity to, on occasion, introduce you to a gem you may not have yet discovered. Join me for a completely personal, somewhat subjective and, I hope, entertaining listening experience! – Keith Lockhart

The Boston Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, performs a musical video tribute, Summon the Heroes–featuring the work originally composed by John Williams for the 1996 Olympic Games–as a tribute to today’s first responders who are providing critical and needed services during the Covid-19 epidemic. John Williams joins the virtual tribute with a musical and spoken introduction from his home studio in Los Angeles.

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Categories: Music
Buncombe County COVID-19 Testing Information
May 21 all-day
online

COVID-19 Testing

NOTE: Please see attached documents for Community- Based Testing Dates and Locations. 

General COVID-19 Testing Information: 

COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.

If your primary care provider does not offer COVID-19 testing, they can refer you to an option that works for you. Please go online or call ahead to schedule a visit and to confirm the location of the testing site.

Paying for COVID-19 Testing:

If you have private insurance, payment should be covered by your insurance company. If you are uninsured, please ask about the CARES Act which may cover the cost of the medical provider assessment and testing for COVID-19. Some providers offer charity care assistance or sliding scale options for payment. Check with your provider about these details.

COVID-19 Testing Providers

MAHEC Family Health Center 

Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.

MAHEC Family Health Center

Call (828) 257-4730

Sliding Scale may apply.

Mercy Urgent Care

Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.

Range Urgent Care

Please go online or call before you arrive.

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms Include: 

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Testing is available to everyone regardless of their race, income, gender, ethnicity, citizenship status, or religion. COVID-19 testing will not impact your ability to receive future public assistance benefits or public charge status.

 

Community Based Testing Sites:
Community based testing sites are now in rotation throughout the community. Please see attached documents for more information.

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund
May 21 all-day
online
Full program details are currently being finalized and will be posted shortly. We expect online applications will be accepted starting Friday, May 15, and will be due by May 31. Awards will be announced in mid-June.
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Categories: Other
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 21 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

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Categories: Parks & Recreation
Coronavirus in North Carolina: Daily status updates
May 21 all-day
online

Daily updates on coronavirus in NC

Coronavirus in North Carolina: Daily status updates

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Categories: Community
Digital BMC: Open Air Brevard Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major
May 21 all-day
online

Open Air Brevard

Enjoy featured re-broadcasts of Open Air Brevard, produced by 89.9 WDAV Classical Public Radio based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additional broadcasts co-produced by BPR Classic in Asheville, North Carolina. Check back regularly for new episodes!

Also Sprach Zarathustra (opens in new tab)

Posted May 21, 2020; originally aired in the 2013 and 2016 seasons

Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Matthias Bamert, conductor
Tone poem and the opening theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major

Jean-Louis Steuerman, piano
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Matthias Bamert, conductor

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Categories: Music
Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 21 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

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Categories: Festivals
Fundraiser: Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center Toilet Paper Art Auction
May 21 all-day
online
Can you spare one sheet of toilet paper and 10 minutes of your time?

The Asheville Area Arts Council and Buncombe County Schools have partnered to raise funds to purchase art supplies for the Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center.

Artists and community members are encouraged to submit a single piece of toilet paper with original art created on it to be auctioned online. ALL proceeds will go towards the purchase of art supplies for families in need.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

Participants may submit up to 3 works of art. Art should be submitted no later than May 11 and mailed no later than May 16. Bidding will take place starting at noon on May 14 and will end at midnight May 23.

See the submission form to enter your artwork and to get mailing instructions.

SUBMISSION FORM
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Categories: Art & Craft Fundraisers
GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 21 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!
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Categories: Garden
Have You Taken Our Reopening Survey Yet? Asheville Art Museum
May 21 all-day
online
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Categories: Art & Craft Community
Helpful Resources: Parents Educating kids at home
May 21 all-day
online

How to Work from Home Efficiently with Kids
http://wfmdepot.com/how-to-work-from-home-efficiently-with-kids/

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Categories: Education Family Fun
It’s Mind Your Plastic May! Go Plastic Free
May 21 all-day
GreenWorks Online

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It’s May 1st, and you know what that means! That’s right, a whole month of mindfulness aimed at reducing plastic usage in our lives. For years, Asheville GreenWorks has worked at #goingplasticfree, and this year will be no different. Starting Monday, May 4th, we’ll be releasing daily blog posts from our staff, members of the Plastic Reduction Task Force, and other zero waste advocates in Buncombe County. There will be repurposing and upcycling challenges, a special screening of The Story of Plastic, and a Trivia Night testing your knowledge of the topics we cover throughout the month.

Daily posts can be found on our website, as well as on our Going Plastic Free Facebook Page. And, in case you miss a post, we will send out a weekly digest to keep you up to date on the week’s happenings. And we’re including a calendar in today’s newsletter to give you a sneak preview of the month’s events.

Now, more than ever, we are challenged to find the fine balance between safety, cleanliness, and waste reduction. Thank you for your commitment to Asheville GreenWorks; we can’t wait to share another amazing Mind Your Plastic May with you.
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Categories: Community
Moogmentum in Place: Fundraising live stream events, celebrating Bob Moog’s 86th birthday + one year anniversary of the Moogseum
May 21 all-day
online

Moogmentum in Place is an upcoming series of fundraising live stream events, from May 9th- May 31st, celebrating Bob Moog’s 86th birthday and the one year anniversary of the Moogseum.

Moogmentum In Place will feature performances, musical and technical insights, and question and answer sessions with a prodigious and varied group of legendary musicians, composers, and music technologists. All events will be streamed from the Foundation’s Facebook page where attendees from around the world will have the opportunity to donate in any amount.

Moogmentum In Place will feature film composers and synthesists Alex Wurman (May 9th) and Michael Whalen (May 17th), renowned keyboardist and musical director Greg Phillinganes (May 15th), former Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Larry Dunn interviewed by Jerry Kovarsky (May 21st), theremin virtuoso and music technologist Randy George (May 23rd), and electro-acoustic violist/composer Martha Mooke (May 28th). A virtual tour of the Moogseum and other events are also planned. Further information about each event will be released the week prior to it occurring.

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Categories: Fundraisers Music
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 21 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.
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Categories: Business and Networking
North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Issues Guidance on PPP Loan Forgiveness
May 21 all-day
online
North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Issues Guidance on PPP Loan Forgiveness
The US Chamber of Commerce has issued guidance on navigating the PPP Loan Forgiveness. We encourage our members to use the information outlined to help with the process of applying for the loan forgiveness.
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Categories: Community
RBC Heritage to be played without spectators
May 21 all-day
RBC Heritage
 PGA Tour announced that the RBC Heritage will be played June 15-21, 2020, at the Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines without spectators.
Sea Pines CSA is sharing the news release below with the community and will continue to keep you updated on how CSA will handle our operations related to the Heritage as plans are finalized.
For more information on the 52nd annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing tournament, visit rbcheritage.com or call 843-671-2448.
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Categories: Sports
Reopening Guidance for Businesses in the Age of COVID-19
May 21 all-day
online
As more businesses move to reopen in the new normal of COVID-19, the Chamber has complied guidelines from several sources outlining the steps businesses should take to reopen safely and within the recommendations of the State Health Department and the CDC. While the guide is extensive, it is not exhaustive. For full details and recommendations, or for information specific to your business, please refer to official communication channels and the advisement of your legal representative.
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Categories: Community
Reopening Resources for the Creative Sector
May 21 all-day
online

Asheville Area Arts Council
In addition to our COVID resources page, AAAC has a new Reopening Resources page to assist the creative sector with the reopening process. We will continue to add to this page as more information becomes available.
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Categories: Art & Craft
St. Louis Symphony 2020 BMC Instrument Playground Online
May 21 all-day
online
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Categories: Family Fun Music
The Blood Connection FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing for Blood Donors
May 21 all-day
varies
The Blood Connection will now be offering FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing. The COVID-19 Antibody Test will test a sample of each donor’s blood to see if it contains COVID-19 antibodies. This will be offered to TBC blood donors at all blood donation centers and mobiles across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, at no cost. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment first, to maintain adequate social distancing.
Some important things to note:

· This is NOT a test to determine if the donor is infected with COVID-19. Positive test results do not confirm COVID-19 infection or immunity. A positive antibody result is indicative of the body’s immune response to COVID-19.

· This test is only available to those who complete a whole blood, platelet, or plasma donation where samples are successfully collected.

· The results of a COVID-19 Antibody Test will be posted on the donor’s TBC online portal in seven business days of their donation.

· More information about this testing: https://thebloodconnection.org/antibody-testing/

· Appointments can be made at thebloodconnection.org, click DONATE NOW.

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
The Literacy Council’s Plan to Move Forward Tutoring Online
May 21 all-day
Online

As this pandemic has given us all a difficult path to predict and navigate, all orientations, tours, and tutor trainings continue to be on hold until we can ensure, to the best of our ability, the safety of everyone we serve.
We will continue to monitor Buncombe County’s progress and outcomes regarding reopening and update our reopening plan based on those outcomes. Our first priority will always be the safety of our students, volunteers, and staff.
Many of our tutors and students have continued their regular classes digitally with great success. Our program directors are also working to revise tutor training courses in order to transition as many components as possible to an online platform.
We will continue to keep you updated regarding reopening and what that looks like. Please reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns by calling our office at 828-254-3442 or by emailing us at [email protected].
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Categories: Community
The Virtual 44th Clean Streams Day GreenWorks+ Mountain True
May 21 all-day
online

Environmental Education

Clean Streams Day is going virtual! We’re partnering with MountainTrue and Asheville GreenWorks to share a mix of educational videos and activities, action steps and petitions, and hands-on service opportunities to highlight the 44th Clean Streams Day. Connecting with our streams and rivers is vital during these difficult times, and we hope you will join us on social media from May 21-30 to learn about our waterways, create positive environmental change, and help clean up our community!

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Since 1976, Asheville GreenWorks has held “Clean Streams Day” to kick off the summer river cleanup season. Teams sign up prior to the day of the event to take on a particular stream, river or roadside of their choosing. Teams then report back their findings at the after cleanup party.

Thousands of bags of trash and tires have been removed over the last 42 years making our waterways cleaner and safer to use.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions about this event or if you would like to be a sponsor. Ph 828-232-7144
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Urge Support for H1068 and Arts Funding During COVID-19
May 21 all-day
online

New NC Arts Funding Bill Needs Support
Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education Co-Chairs Rep. Becky Carney and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore are joined by Rep. Michele Presnell and Rep. Susan Fisher as primary sponsors of H1068, the new legislation that would allocate $3 million to arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the NC Arts Council.
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Categories: Art & Craft Community