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.

Sunday, October 17, 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Update: COVID-19 cases drop for third week
Oct 17 all-day
online

News
                            article image

Oct. 5 Update: COVID Cases Drop for Third Week; Buncombe County Nears 400 Deaths

For the third straight week, COVID-19 cases continue to decline, and the percent positivity is 6.7%, down from the mid-9% range a month ago. As transmission rates decrease, hospitalizations have also decreased. However, with 397 COVID-related deaths, Buncombe County is closing in on a grim milestone. Cases per 100,000 per week is now 216, and school-aged children make up approximately 24.5% of new cases.

“We anticipate children ages 5-11 to become eligible very soon, but until then, the rest of us need to do our part to keep our youngest protected,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “This means eligible populations who are not yet vaccinated should consider vaccination now. The more we as a community are protected, the better we build a shield around those who cannot be vaccinated, including our younger children.”

Because of sustained high transmission levels, the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces has been extended until the end of October.

Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Oct 17 all-day
Organic Growers School

Mentor Services

Our Mentor Services help support beginning and intermediate farmers by pairing them with experienced, regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills.
These skills include systems management, marketing and business development, farm design and production, and connecting to the regional farming community
With 14 COVID-Related Deaths Reported Last Week, Indoor Face Covering Requirements Extended through October
Oct 17 all-day
Buncombe County Businesse

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

  • 65 or older
  • At high risk of severe COVID-19
  • At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Fall Tree Giveaway
Oct 17 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery

Fall Tree Giveaway

Sunday, October 31st

10am-2pm

Sand Hill Nursery

24 Apac Circle, Asheville

 

2 trees per Buncombe County residence, only. You must register with your tree species selection and pick up time slot. Registration opens October 17th.

Seed Saving 101
Oct 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
TBD within 1 hour of Asheville

okra

seed saving logo

Seed Saving 101 Course

Knowing how to save our own seed is an important and fun skill that anyone can learn how to do, and make part of one’s current garden plans. Seed Saving is an accessible craft that can actually make you a better gardener by helping you understand the full life cycle of plants and botany. Learn why, how, and when to save seeds; with a focus on harvesting and processing for viability, good germination, and storage. This class will include demonstrations on low tech seed processing methods.

Reiki + Restore PRIDE Class
Oct 17 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Down Dog

Your nervous system needs a break. All of ours do. 🌟introductions & community ⭐️ centering & gentle stretches ⭐️ restorative yoga poses complimented by reiki Reiki is an ancient Japanese energy healing which can ease general tension, and aid with physical & mental dis-ease. It has helped Allé overcome great fear, anxiety, mental distress & even physical ailments. You have to believe. Come try it out for yourself. Well behaved dogs ARE WELCOME! Cost is pay what you can, and there are no cost spots available. The sliding scale is $0-40 $0-10 BIPOC $10-20 queer Trans folks $20-40 for thin, cis-het, white, able bodied folks

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular
Oct 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Over 5,000 magical pumpkins burst to life in this breathtaking immersive Halloween festival for the entire family at Tryon Resort.

Stroll through a host of all-new attractions that offer something for everyone, including:

  • The Midway Monster Party
  • Harvest Village & Pumpkin Patch
  • KidZone Trick-or-Treat Play Area
  • Enchanted Pumpkin Hollow
  • & the terrifying Gold Rush Haunted Mine!

This interactive experience is guaranteed to be safe, spooky, fun for all ages. We promise you’ll spend the night dancing, laughing, gasping with wonder, and screaming, “Happy Halloween” at the top of your lungs.

 


		Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular image

About Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort

Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.


		Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular image

 

Monday, October 18, 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Update: COVID-19 cases drop for third week
Oct 18 all-day
online

News
                            article image

Oct. 5 Update: COVID Cases Drop for Third Week; Buncombe County Nears 400 Deaths

For the third straight week, COVID-19 cases continue to decline, and the percent positivity is 6.7%, down from the mid-9% range a month ago. As transmission rates decrease, hospitalizations have also decreased. However, with 397 COVID-related deaths, Buncombe County is closing in on a grim milestone. Cases per 100,000 per week is now 216, and school-aged children make up approximately 24.5% of new cases.

“We anticipate children ages 5-11 to become eligible very soon, but until then, the rest of us need to do our part to keep our youngest protected,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “This means eligible populations who are not yet vaccinated should consider vaccination now. The more we as a community are protected, the better we build a shield around those who cannot be vaccinated, including our younger children.”

Because of sustained high transmission levels, the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces has been extended until the end of October.

With 14 COVID-Related Deaths Reported Last Week, Indoor Face Covering Requirements Extended through October
Oct 18 all-day
Buncombe County Businesse

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

  • 65 or older
  • At high risk of severe COVID-19
  • At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Asheville Outlets to Host FREE COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Oct 18 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

 

 

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

Mobile Mammograms @Hillman Beer
Oct 18 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hillman Beer - Asheville/Biltmore Village
Invision Diagnositcs will have their mobile mammography bus at Hillman Beer 2-7pm. There are a few requirements, so please follow link and read before signing up for a time that day.
Link to make your appointment will be created closer to the time of the event.
We believe early detection is key and should be available to everyone!!
*You must have a primary care provider to send the results to
*Hillman Beer will have funds set aside to pay for 3 women’s mammograms that do not have insurance. First come.
Also, on 10/4 we will have “Power in Pints” to raise money for The Hope Chest for Women. $1 per Hillman Beer draft for the whole day will be donated to help women in our community fighting breast cancer
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 18 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
With 14 COVID-Related Deaths Reported Last Week, Indoor Face Covering Requirements Extended through October
Oct 19 all-day
Buncombe County Businesse

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

  • 65 or older
  • At high risk of severe COVID-19
  • At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Asheville Outlets to Host FREE COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Oct 19 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

 

 

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

YMCA offers Free Diabetes Prevention Program Online
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online

The Diabetes Prevention Program at the YMCA of WNC is an evidence-based that encourages participants at risk of type 2 diabetes to eat healthier, increase physical activity, and lose a modest amount of weight in a supportive, virtual environment.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. It affects more than 29 million people in the United States. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed with early intervention from programs such as the one being offered by the Y.

 

To register for a class or to receive more information, please call 828-652-5903 or go to https://ymcawnc.org/diabetes-programs.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 19 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
With 14 COVID-Related Deaths Reported Last Week, Indoor Face Covering Requirements Extended through October
Oct 20 all-day
Buncombe County Businesse

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

  • 65 or older
  • At high risk of severe COVID-19
  • At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

Sand Hill Community Orchard Public Workdays
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Come enjoy the beautiful Fall weather by joining our weekly nursery workdays. We will meet in the Sand Hill native tree nursery from 10am-12pm. We will do a variety of activities from potting trees and weeding nursery plants. Please dress to get dirty and have a good time! Bring water, sun protection, and any other personal items.

* Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult on all workdays. Minors 14-17 can volunteer unaccompanied but must have a parent or guardian submit a minor waiver (contact [email protected]). *

Please register for the workday(s) you will be attending.

Review our Communicable Disease Guidelines for Volunteers

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Oct 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Share Common Ground at Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Oct 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Until consistent warm weather, Wednesday community workdays will be scheduled as weather allows. Be sure to check the Recreation Services calendar or join the community garden email list below.

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Thursday, October 21, 2021
With 14 COVID-Related Deaths Reported Last Week, Indoor Face Covering Requirements Extended through October
Oct 21 all-day
Buncombe County Businesse

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

  • 65 or older
  • At high risk of severe COVID-19
  • At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

Online Seminar: Garden Conifers and Evergreens
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online

Blue spruce bud tip_Lal Beral_CC BY-NC 2.0_Flickr

Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection

Presenter: Bruce Appeldoorn, Appeldoorn Landscape Nursery

Bruce Appeldoorn, a life-long nurseryman and the owner of Appeldoorn Landscape Nursery, will share with us some of the best conifers for Western North Carolina gardens. You will see his favorite low-maintenance, long-lived choices based on his 45 years of nursery experience.

The Appledoorn Nursery is a small nursery of high-quality, specialty conifers located in the Golden Valley section of Rutherford County. Appeldoorn grows over 750 varieties of conifers, all produced from cuttings or grafting and grown on-site. He is a consultant, designer and installer for many Western North Carolina landscapes and his projects have been featured in Southern Living magazine.

Mr. Appeldoorn will also talk about his efforts to develop new landscape plants from native forest trees, an 8-year project in conjunction with the U.S. National Arboretum. He will reveal his trade secrets and tell fascinating stories of scouting and selecting witch’s brooms, grafting, trialing, and new-variety production. You are sure to be inspired and leave with a greater appreciation of the diversity, beauty, and resilience of garden conifers.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Oct 21 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 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.