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.

Thursday, March 18, 2021
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Mar 18 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

LCI Annual Update & Awards Celebration 2021
Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual

Join Lung Cancer Initiative virtually for this year’s Let’s Create Hope Annual Update & Awards Celebration on Thursday, March 18th at 6pm! This program will share all that we accomplished in the LCI community in 2020 and our goals for 2021. We will also recognize and celebrate the work of lung cancer advocates from across the state.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Lung Cancer Initiative, meeting others interested in the cause and taking action to make a difference is encouraged to attend.

Red Clay Revival Outdoor Stage
Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Salvage Station

Red Clay Revival

Join us as Red Clay Revival performs live bluegrass on the outdoor stage by the French Broad River. Root Down will be serving up their delicious Southern Soul Food and the bars will be open! The show is rain or shine and there’s plenty of covered outdoor pod seating for you to enjoy.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Mar 18 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

 Artful Trivia: Across the Atlantic
Mar 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Test your knowledge of French and American art, craft, and design from the 19th and 20th centuries in honor of our special exhibition Across the Atlantic: American Impressionism Through the French Lens. Between rounds, Associate Curator Whitney Richardson shares her favorite works from Across the Atlantic; sommeliers pair wines with paintings in the exhibition; and artist Ben Hamburger demonstrates Impressionist painting techniques. Recruit your favorite trivia partner, brush up on your fin-de-siècle art knowledge, and get ready to delight your senses of sight and taste. This program takes place via Zoom; space is limited. Generous funding for exhibition programming provided by Art Bridges. More info at ashevilleart.org/events.

Virtual Third Thursdays: Coloring and Cocktails
Mar 18 @ 7:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual program
Spend your Thursday evening with the Museum for some creative fun! Kelly Baisley, school & family programs manager, interviews Appalachia Now! artist Byron Tenesaca about three of his photographic series that relate to the Andean Cosmovision, as well as select drawings and paintings. Following the interview, sit back, relax, and color Tenesaca’s artist-designed coloring sheets while listening to experimental Andean music performed by Natalia Maxi of Alli Yuyawan. Miranda Escalante, beverage manager of The Montford Rooftop Bar, kicks off the evening teaching us about the classic margarita. Generous funding for this program is provided by Art Bridges.

Kyshona
Mar 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Peace Center--Genevieve's

Hero Image

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kyshona has always lent her voice and music to those that feel they have been silenced or forgotten.

Honing a message of empowerment, overcoming adversity, and finding hope, she released her aptly titled LP “Listen” in February 2020. The album’s 10 tracks are co-produced with Andrija Tokic (St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Alabama Shakes, Hurray For The Riff Raff) and recorded mostly at his famed Nashville studio The Bomb Shelter.

Kyshona’s lyrical prowess mixed with a compelling blend of roots, rock, R&B, and folk uplifts the marginalized and brings awareness to the masses. After her powerful performances, concertgoers often ask, “What can I do?” Her response? “Listen.”

Friday, March 19, 2021
‘Walking in the Void’ Interview w/ Philip Baldwin and Monica Guggisberg
Mar 19 all-day
virtual Tour w/ Bender Gallery
Species Novae<br/> varying dimensions
virtual gallery tour along with an interview with Philip and Monica, explaining some of the ideas and thoughts behind the exhibition ‘Walking in the Void’. Presented at Glasmuseet Ebeltoft 16th June 2020 – 11th April 2021, may be found at the bottom of this page. 

 Guggisberg and Baldwin have laid a new avenue. By joining Italian coldworking to the Swedish overlay, they have embarked upon an innovative sequence of experimentation and research not only on surfaces, but also on color and the interplay of color and texture through surface treatment. These explorations have increasingly drawn them to probe the expressive fields of textural elements. Initially soft and tactile, with the new strong angles, facets and deep cuts, the surface itself takes on a kind of fourth dimension, something sculptural that moves beyond the limits set by height, width, and volume.

A quote from Louise Berndt, writing in “Battuto 2002: Philip Baldwin and Monica Guggisberg”

Free virtual demonstration: Plein Air Painting Tips
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

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Plein Air Painting Tips
Don Osterberg has illustrated some of his advice on plein air painting with step-by-step stages of his pastel “Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah Forest.”

Free virtual demonstration: Costanza Knight – Introduction and About the Artist
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

The watermedia and mixed media paintings, drawings, and monotype prints of Costanza Knight, also known as Connie Knight, are contemporary expressions that explore and celebrate the human form and the landscape. Poetry and narratives are often her creative touchstone, but she also takes inspiration from the landscapes she loves. Her diverse interests are evident in her varied styles.

Free virtual demonstration: Costanza Knight – Print Making
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

The watermedia and mixed media paintings, drawings, and monotype prints of Costanza Knight, also known as Connie Knight, are contemporary expressions that explore and celebrate the human form and the landscape. Poetry and narratives are often her creative touchstone, but she also takes inspiration from the landscapes she loves. Her diverse interests are evident in her varied styles.
Free virtual demonstration: Heavily textured acrylic painting–Diane Dean
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

Diane Dean talks about the process of painting a commission painting

Acrylic Painter, Diane Dean teaches her technique for creating heavily textured acrylic paintings using heavy gesso for surface texture, fluid and heavy body acrylics, brushes and palette knives.

Free virtual demonstration: Mary Alice Braukman – “Collage Surprise”
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

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Mary Alice Braukman presented “Free Up: Collage Surprise,” a workshop that was videotaped for viewing on the League’s YouTube channel. Students: Lisa Casperson, JoAnn Jenson and Sharon Richmond participated.  Lynn Padgett and Diane Dean video recorded this event for publication on the Art League website for all members to view.
Braukman was the Director of the Kanuga Watercolor Workshops for 17 years, held at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She teaches workshops throughout the United States, in experimental water media painting and collage for intermediate and advanced painters, consults on workshops, lectures, serves as juror in national, state and regional water media exhibitions.

Free virtual demonstration: Pat Morgan – Design – Repetition and Alternation
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

Pat has been teaching workshops for over 20 years and has received several local and regional awards and has had solo shows as well as  Kindred Spirit exhibits with her friend and colleague Janet Campbell.  She is a signature member of the North East Watercolor Society,   Audubon Artists, Inc.  and a former elected member of the New Jersey Water Color Society and the Salmagundi Club in NYC.

Free virtual demonstration: Textured acrylic painting–Diane Dean
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ The Art League

Diane Dean demonstrates using a palette knife to complete a dogwood painting.

Acrylic Painter, Diane Dean teaches her technique for creating heavily textured acrylic paintings using heavy gesso for surface texture, fluid and heavy body acrylics, brushes and palette knives.

High-Risk Medical Conditions Group 4: Eligible COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning March 17
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ NC Department of Health and Human Services
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7. (See Deeper Dive)
The state was able to update its timeline today based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.
Higher Risk Individuals in Group 4 are Now Eligible for COVID Vaccines
Mar 19 all-day
North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released information on the addition of high-risk, group 4 individuals to those eligible for vaccines. According to their release, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and those who live in certain congregate settings are now eligible for vaccination. You can find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you at MySpot.nc.gov.
North Carolina follows the recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as to who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. That includes adults of any age with conditions, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, obesity, or smoking.
In addition, those who are eligible starting March 17 includes anyone who is living in higher-risk congregate or close group living settings who is not already vaccinated.
The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers, will become eligible April 7. Previously eligible groups – health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, people 65 and older, and frontline essential workers – will continue to be prioritized.
Some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to people with a medical condition on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1, 2 and 3.
Visit YourShotYourSpot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish) for more information about the vaccines, including answers to frequently asked questions..
Not sure what vaccine group you’re in? Visit FindMyGroup.nc.gov. You can also contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center toll-free at 1-888-675-4567.
Listen to This episodes from 2020!
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

ACT Rewind: 3 Fave Episodes!

Available as Video on Demand thru March 31, 2021!

Hit rewind and watch (or re-watch!) three of the best Listen to This episodes from 2020! Each episode clocks in between 60-80 minutes.

Here’s how it works: you purchase a ticket for the show of your choice and you’ll be sent a unique link to watch. Once you click the “start watching” button, you’ll have 48 hours to complete your view – so feel free to stop and start – or watch the whole thing in one sitting!

We’re featuring:

  • Theme Park Theme: True Amusement Park Tales Meant to Amuse
    • Featuring stories by Bryan Morrisey, Alison Fields, Delina Hensley, and Karen Stobbe, plus songs by Kim Richardson – Originally aired July 30, 2020
  • Surprise and Shine: True Tales of Unexpected Events
    • Featuring stories by Tessa Fontaine, Corr de Joch, Shelagh Ratner, and Rod Murphy, plus songs by Silas Durocher – Originally aired October 1, 2020
  • When a Story Calls: True Tales of In-house Horrors
    • Featuring stories by David Novak, Andy Corren, Waylon Wood, and Rebecca Morris, plus songs by Rebecca O’Quinn – Originally aired October 29, 2020
Share Your Story Campaign: Support Asheville Art Museum as Finalist in The National Medal
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum is the only museum in North Carolina to be selected as a finalist for this award. Chapel Hill Public Library is the only library to be selected in North Carolina.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the Asheville Art Museum’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story Campaign, using the #IMLSmedals hashtag, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website. The Asheville Art Museum will be featured on IMLS’s social media accounts on Tuesday, March 30, and we invite all to also share the content with the community.

National Medal winners will be announced in late spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.

Shiloh Peace Garden Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Mar 19 all-day
Shiloh Peace Garden

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

UNC Asheville Opens On-Campus Vaccine Clinic in Partnership with MAHEC
Mar 19 all-day
UNC Asheville Reuter Center
TIME AND DATES VARY
Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, UNC Asheville has a new role to play in combating COVID-19, expanding the campus’ commitment of care and compassion beyond the classrooms and into the community, as the Reuter Center has been transformed into a COVID-19 immunization site in partnership with the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC).

“MAHEC and UNCA are eager to urgently vaccinate as many people as possible every week until COVID is no longer present in Western North Carolina,” commented MAHEC’s CEO Jeff Heck. “UNCA is a great partner and together we will work to bring the vaccine to as many residents as possible.”

The site continues to call individuals as vaccine shipments arrive. Schedule updates and frequently asked questions will be posted at https://coronavirus.unca.edu/faq/covid-19-vaccine/, and individuals will be contacted directly with their appointment details.

Vaccine Update Buncombe County Group 3 Waitlist Opening March 10
Mar 19 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

Frontline Essential Workers group 3

To get more information on vaccine distribution for Group 3 and beyond, text BCAlert to 99411. Read more about the frontline essential workers in Group 3 at the NCDHHS website.

Virtual Exhibition – Opening the Door to Change: Educating Rural Appalachia
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ Mars Hill University

Opening the Door to Change presents the history of education in Western North Carolina, with a particular emphasis on Madison County, from the mid-nineteenth century through the late twentieth. Here, learning has taken many forms, from in-home instruction, common, subscription, and religious schools, to colleges of farming and craft. The curriculum of these schools, as well as their very construction, and in some cases closing, was deeply entwined with the changing needs and values of the Western North Carolina Appalachian community.

 The exhibition focuses on the dynamic relationship between community values and education, with a special focus on how students and their families navigated the economic, geographic, and racial challenges to education. Trends and changes in curriculum, assessment, and classroom design will also be explored.

The virtual exhibition will feature didactic panels showcasing a survey of schools within Madison County and highlighting the effect community values had on the curriculum, function, and format of these institutions. Online visitors may also get a sneak-peak at an original film, produced by the Museum, presenting the oral histories of several Madison County residents sharing their personal recollections and memories of past school-days.

Additional films will spotlight the Historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School and Laurel School, with first-hand accounts from former students and teachers.

This virtual exhibition is sponsored by the Madison County Tourism and Development Authority.

Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ RiverLink

Show Us What the River Means to You!

Art & Poetry contest winner

Every spring we host our Voices of the River: Art & Poetry Contest. We ask kids to use the river as a source of inspiration to showcase their creativity. Each year we are so amazed by the talent of these young artists, poets, and performers. Submissions can include 2D and 3D works in various mediums, poems and creative writings, and video compositions of songs, dances, or skits. Winners are selected by a council of judges made up of local artists, writers, and community leaders. Many generous businesses also donate prizes for winners from each age group and category.

This year we want you to show us “How has the river helped you during this time of isolation?”

All entries are due by Thursday April 22nd

WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
Mar 19 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

WNC’s All-Inclusive Visual Arts Group/​All Skill Levels/All Media
Mar 19 all-day
The Art League of Henderson County

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​Membership is not limited to Henderson County. Artists and art lovers from elsewhere are welcome to join.
Virtual meetings will continue until it is safe to hold in-person meetings.  March 7th’s meeting with speakers is detailed on the Meetings website page.  Exhibits are continuing at our Library gallery.  Workshops and demos are available on our website.  The Art League is working hard to provide our members with opportunities to enjoy the benefits of membership during these difficult times.  We will be posting artist calls and updates on programs on an on-going basis.
​Read the most recent newsletter.
American Red Cross Be a hero Roll up a Sleeve
Mar 19 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Blood Donation Center

March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.
This March the community is invited to join in the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and be
someone’s hero by rolling up a sleeve to give blood.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to
patient emergencies. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients,
and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood.
All blood types are needed.
Be a hero in your community by rolling up a sleeve….

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card
or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Blue Ridge Honor Flight, Advent Healthcare join forces to Vaccinate Veterans
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fletcher Valley Market

 

 Blue Ridge Honor Flight has teamed up with AdventHealth Hendersonville to administer vaccinations to veterans who have not yet received a shot. 

We will not be doing a drive-thru event. They will be greeted in the parking lot/front portico and directed through the process to receive the shots inside the clinic.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County
Medicare Advantage
Open Enrollment Period
ends March 31.
Each year, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time.
Our Medicare counselors are available to work with you individually to provide unbiased information about your Medicare insurance options.
New COVID-19 ACA Special Enrollment Period w/ Pisgah Legal
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.

HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Cornelius.

 

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.