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.
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The YMCA Mobile Market will be set up in the library parking lot from 4:30-5:30 PM. Bring your grocery bags and get fresh food for your family. The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and a Community Engagement Table with valuable services such as cooking demonstrations. While you’re in the lot, stop in to get a library card if you don’t have one, pick up a cookbook or two to experiment with your bundle of groceries, or grab a DVD to watch while snacking. Distributions are FREE and all community members are welcome. |
Are you looking for a way to develop your Spanish language skills or a way to keep your skills fresh? Join this friendly and welcoming Spanish Language Practice Group organized by Pack Library. Newcomers are always welcome on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. This group meets online and is focused on providing an intermediate level, immersive discussion experience. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.
From Buncombe County Special Collections (BCSC)
Since 2013 our blog, HeardTell, has engaged lovers of Buncombe County history by sharing stories about and found in our archive. Over the years, HeardTell has become a tremendous resource and outreach tool, reaching more than half a million views. The blog was so well-received that our Friends group and staff transformed many of the posts into our first publication, Hidden History of Asheville (Arcadia, 2019).
Until now, postings on the blog have been limited to Special Collections staff and regular volunteers, but we know that others in our community are passionate about local history and want to share that interest with the community. That is why, beginning in July 2022, we’ll begin accepting submissions to HeardTell from community members.
Great blog posts are short (500-1500 words) and are engaging. Topics can range from observations, curiosities, hidden histories, personal memories, and more. While they might be longer than a social media posting, these posts aren’t meant to be in-depth research, though they should be factually accurate and include citations when appropriate. We especially encourage submissions that include plenty of visuals and are linked to collections and materials held in our library.
Earlier this year, we shared a series of five posts by former BCSC collections manager Zoe Rhine. Zoe’s posts are a great example to follow.
Though we will not accept submissions before July, you can view and download the submission guidelines here. We encourage you to get started now!
This is an exciting move for us! Part of the BCSC mission is to share and collect the history and culture of our region. By inviting our community to share their stories and research with a wide audience, we can help nurture a community of history buffs in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond.
Staff and volunteers are looking forward to the diverse perspectives that our community can add the narrative of our collective past! Happy research and writing!
Katherine Cutshall, Collections Manager
Thinking about your next national park experience? These free downloadable national park Owner’s Guides are filled with travel tips and helpful information. It’s your one-stop resource to discover all your national parks!
Are you looking for a great way to get involved with your community and make a difference? Board, committee, and commission members aid the governing process by keeping Buncombe County in touch with the ideas and attitudes of our community. They help provide direction for the allocation of funds, the provision of human services, protection of residents, property, and our natural resources.
Public input is vitally important to the success of our County, and right now Buncombe County has vacancies on a number of boards and commissions. Learn more about vacancies, deadlines to apply, and the application process at buncombecounty.org/transparency.
Featured Board & Commission vacancies
Buncombe County is seeking applications to join the Early Childhood Committee
This is a great chance to be a part of shaping the future for children in Buncombe County. The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education.
As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the first Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. To learn more about the Early Childhood Fund, click here to visit our website.
There are two open positions designated as Community/At Large for a two-year term that begins July 1, 2022. To apply, click here to complete an online application. The deadline to apply is June 24.
Economic Development Coalition Board Vacancy June 2022: At Large / 2 -year initial term
Are you a Buncombe County resident with interest in the strategies and goals of economic development? Have you carried executive leadership responsibility in the healthcare sector of Buncombe County? Do you offer passion for the needs of Buncombe County businesses and the direct relationship between economic vitality and community health and wellness? The EDC is seeking a c-level healthcare executive with expertise and perspective of a locally headquartered healthcare system for board service.
The Board of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County is a partnership of Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce with a mission to improve economic opportunity in Buncombe County by growing wages, employment, tax base and a more diversified and balanced regional economy for all residents. Members of the Board will contribute to priority setting, financial planning, and program evaluation for staff of the EDC according to the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan for 2025. Members may also be tasked with private sector fundraising for the AVL 5×5 Campaign, strategic plan development, service on ad-hoc advisory committees, or special projects that advance the goals of economic development in Buncombe County.
For more information, contact Lamar Joyner at 250-4105 or [email protected].
Audit Committee Seeking New Members
Looking for a great opportunity to further develop personally and professionally? The Audit Committee is seeking new members and will have three open positions for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
The Audit Committee was originally formed in 2000 to oversee the independent audit of the County’s financial statements and provide an annual evaluation of the budget documents. Since that time, the committee’s duties have expanded to include oversight of the County’s Internal Audit function including approving the annual internal audit plan and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal audit function.
The committee is made up of seven total members including two County Commissioners. We are looking for a member of another governing body, a member of the accounting profession, and a member of the banking community. Find more information on the Audit Committee here.
Time commitment: Minimum of two meetings required per year but typically meets six to seven times a year, on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m.
If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Blood donors of all types are urgently needed through the summer. Community members are urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. One donation can help up to three people. ‘Freedom Week’ at TBC was formed many years ago to anticipate and prepare for the decrease of blood donors in the summer months. This year, Freedom Week is June 26 through July 10. TBC will be thanking blood donors who give from June 26th – July 10th with a commemorative t-shirt and an eGift card valued at $20. The blood donation is priceless.
When temperatures rise, something as simple as a box fan can potentially save a life!
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts has held Art in Bloom for 14 consecutive years (take that, COVID-19!). This is a two-month long event that features 2 gallery exhibits, a gala, a local garden tour, a 2-day live floral arrangement exhibit, and live plein air painters in local gardens.
This year marks the 16th Annual Art in Bloom, our most anticipated fundraiser of the year. This multi-faceted event celebrating nature and art combines two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements, local garden tours featuring working artists, and floral-inspired workshops. Whether you join us for one event or all of them, you are playing an important role in supporting the arts in our community.
Schedule of Events
June 15 – July 6 • 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday • Regional Galleries Exhibit
In the weeks leading up to Art in Bloom, our gallery will feature selected pieces from regional galleries. The works featured will be inspiration for the arrangements created by talented regional floral designers.
July 7 • 5-7pm • Art in Bloom Preview Party
We know how to throw a party! Be among the first to see the floral interpretations at their freshest and meet the floral designers. We’ll kick off Art in Bloom with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. This is a night you won’t want to miss.
July 8 & 9 • 10am-4pm • Tour the Gallery & Floral Arrangements
Visit the gallery to experience the stunning creativity of our Ikebana and Western floral designers who have created arrangements inspired by the artworks in the show. The flowers will only be on display for 2 days, so don’t miss your chance to see nature imitating art!
July 8 & 9 • 10am-2pm • Local Garden Tour & Plein Air Artists
Our self-guided garden tour features a diverse array of inspiring local gardens. Look for plein air artists creating in each garden! Your Garden Tour Ticket includes a map and directions to each garden and access to our main gallery for the Art in Bloom exhibit.
July 13 – 29 • 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday • Art from the Garden Exhibit
Return to BMCA after Art in Bloom to view the works created during the Garden Tour by the plein air artists. This beautiful show is free and open to the public.
Tickets
Art in Bloom is a unique exhibition that also serves as a fundraiser for the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Every ticket you purchase supports local artists, programming, and creative opportunities in Western North Carolina.
Art in Bloom Gallery Exhibit – $5
Garden Tour & Gallery Exhibit -$30
Preview Party (includes Gallery Exhibit, drinks and hors d’oeuvres) – $45
Art in Bloom Everything Pass (includes Preview party, Garden Tour, and Exhibit) – $65
Workshops
We are offering several art and nature based workshops to coincide with Art in Bloom this year. Check our website for a full list of workshops!
As Buncombe County prepares to honor Juneteenth, the County has partnered with the Shiloh Community Association to release historic maps of African American landmarks. These maps identify the historical landmarks and markers that outline the rich and vibrant history of African Americans in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Free maps are available at the following locations:
- Buncombe County Register of Deeds, 205 College St., Asheville, available Monday-Friday
- Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville, available Tuesday-Saturday
- Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Ave. Asheville, available Monday-Friday
- Buncombe County tent at the Freedom Festival, a celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18 at Pack Square Park, Asheville
Please note that in observance of Juneteenth, the Buncombe County Register of Deeds will be closed on Friday, June 17, and the Pack Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18.
The Asheville Historic Map of African American Landmarks takes readers on a tour of the Burton Street, East End/Valley Street, Southside, and Shiloh communities, noting historically African American neighborhoods, landmarks, churches, cemeteries, and lynching memorials. The map also details the contributions of James Vester Miller, one of the most prominent Black builders in Western North Carolina. His work is represented through the construction of many prominent African American churches, government buildings, and private projects for white clients.
The map also includes the lynching memorials, which were installed in October, 2021 to honor the lives of Mr. John Humphries, Mr. Bob Brackett, and Mr. Hezekiah Rankin. This Buncombe County Remembrance Project installation is part of the County’s partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative’s Historical Marker Project that collaborates with communities to memorialize documented victims of racial violence that occurred from 1877-1950, as well as to foster meaningful dialogue about race and justice.
To request maps or to learn more, email [email protected].
Learn more about Juneteenth here.
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Want to take your hiking trip to the next level? Interested in getting a closer look at our local wildlife? The North Asheville Library now has binoculars available for check out!
Being an artist can be a lonely endeavor. RAD Collabs seeks to inspire artists to leave behind solitary work habits, encourage new friendships and inspire imaginative art.
We put the word out to Asheville-area artists earlier this year and had an overwhelming response from painters, potters, metalsmiths, woodworkers and others who expressed an interest in working with glassblowers.
The work exhibited in this show will shine the light on these new partnerships. Come see the show and watch glassblowers in action all at the same time!
Pictured is a collaboration between Joe Nicholson and Vanessa Tsumura.
Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.
Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.
Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.
For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.
Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.
Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Pool Locations
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
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Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
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Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
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North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
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Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
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Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and learn about our Animal Therapy program.
We will be meeting at the PARC building and walking to the different greenhouses, garden site, and a visit with our animals. Reservations required, tickets are $10 each visitor (to be collected at the time of the tour).
We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.
We will begin out tour promptly at the starting time, so please arrive 5-10 min early to allow for parking and check-in. If you are running late or cannot make your tour, please email [email protected] or call #828-348-2287.
All proceeds from ticket sales from your farm tour go directly back to helping the Campus Farm Program grow more food for the children of Eliada!
Click above photo to sign up for a time slot and number of people in your group. Payment for tour will be collected when you arrive. Cards accepted.
This tour is best suited for school age children ages 10+ and adults.
Visiting Asheville soon and looking for a fun way to fill your Friday night? The Asheville Drum Circle is a tradition unique to the area. While locals usually begin the beating of drums, tourists are welcome to join, dance, or simply take in the incredible atmosphere at any point.
If you’re looking for things to do in the area during your stay, this is a must! Here’s everything you should know about the Drum Circle.
The Asheville Drum Circle is a free event that’s open to all.
Since 2012, the Appalachian Energy Summit (AES) — a three-day, annual event envisioned and hosted by App State — has gathered faculty, staff and students from colleges and universities, energy managers and visionaries, and government and industry leaders to share ideas and put into action ecological, financial and social processes designed to improve energy efficiency across the UNC System, the state and beyond. Support from sponsors and private donors has allowed participants to attend free of charge.
Throughout the year, working groups sponsored and supported by the summit continue to advance energy saving initiatives.
Listen to notable AES speakers
- Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute co-founder and chief scientist; 2013 AES.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a world-recognized environmentalist and energy policy expert; 2015 AES.
- Bill McKibben, a best-selling author and environmental activist; 2016 AES.
- McKibben and Lovins, an armchair discussion at the 2016 AES.
- Leith Sharp, director of executive education for sustainability leadership, Harvard University; 2017 AES.
- Michael Regan, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality; 2017 AES.
- David Orr, environmentalist, activist and the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics Emeritus at Oberlin College; 2017 AES.
From Buncombe County Special Collections (BCSC)
Since 2013 our blog, HeardTell, has engaged lovers of Buncombe County history by sharing stories about and found in our archive. Over the years, HeardTell has become a tremendous resource and outreach tool, reaching more than half a million views. The blog was so well-received that our Friends group and staff transformed many of the posts into our first publication, Hidden History of Asheville (Arcadia, 2019).
Until now, postings on the blog have been limited to Special Collections staff and regular volunteers, but we know that others in our community are passionate about local history and want to share that interest with the community. That is why, beginning in July 2022, we’ll begin accepting submissions to HeardTell from community members.
Great blog posts are short (500-1500 words) and are engaging. Topics can range from observations, curiosities, hidden histories, personal memories, and more. While they might be longer than a social media posting, these posts aren’t meant to be in-depth research, though they should be factually accurate and include citations when appropriate. We especially encourage submissions that include plenty of visuals and are linked to collections and materials held in our library.
Earlier this year, we shared a series of five posts by former BCSC collections manager Zoe Rhine. Zoe’s posts are a great example to follow.
Though we will not accept submissions before July, you can view and download the submission guidelines here. We encourage you to get started now!
This is an exciting move for us! Part of the BCSC mission is to share and collect the history and culture of our region. By inviting our community to share their stories and research with a wide audience, we can help nurture a community of history buffs in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond.
Staff and volunteers are looking forward to the diverse perspectives that our community can add the narrative of our collective past! Happy research and writing!
Katherine Cutshall, Collections Manager
Thinking about your next national park experience? These free downloadable national park Owner’s Guides are filled with travel tips and helpful information. It’s your one-stop resource to discover all your national parks!
Are you looking for a great way to get involved with your community and make a difference? Board, committee, and commission members aid the governing process by keeping Buncombe County in touch with the ideas and attitudes of our community. They help provide direction for the allocation of funds, the provision of human services, protection of residents, property, and our natural resources.
Public input is vitally important to the success of our County, and right now Buncombe County has vacancies on a number of boards and commissions. Learn more about vacancies, deadlines to apply, and the application process at buncombecounty.org/transparency.
Featured Board & Commission vacancies
Buncombe County is seeking applications to join the Early Childhood Committee
This is a great chance to be a part of shaping the future for children in Buncombe County. The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education.
As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the first Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. To learn more about the Early Childhood Fund, click here to visit our website.
There are two open positions designated as Community/At Large for a two-year term that begins July 1, 2022. To apply, click here to complete an online application. The deadline to apply is June 24.
Economic Development Coalition Board Vacancy June 2022: At Large / 2 -year initial term
Are you a Buncombe County resident with interest in the strategies and goals of economic development? Have you carried executive leadership responsibility in the healthcare sector of Buncombe County? Do you offer passion for the needs of Buncombe County businesses and the direct relationship between economic vitality and community health and wellness? The EDC is seeking a c-level healthcare executive with expertise and perspective of a locally headquartered healthcare system for board service.
The Board of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County is a partnership of Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce with a mission to improve economic opportunity in Buncombe County by growing wages, employment, tax base and a more diversified and balanced regional economy for all residents. Members of the Board will contribute to priority setting, financial planning, and program evaluation for staff of the EDC according to the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan for 2025. Members may also be tasked with private sector fundraising for the AVL 5×5 Campaign, strategic plan development, service on ad-hoc advisory committees, or special projects that advance the goals of economic development in Buncombe County.
For more information, contact Lamar Joyner at 250-4105 or [email protected].
Audit Committee Seeking New Members
Looking for a great opportunity to further develop personally and professionally? The Audit Committee is seeking new members and will have three open positions for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
The Audit Committee was originally formed in 2000 to oversee the independent audit of the County’s financial statements and provide an annual evaluation of the budget documents. Since that time, the committee’s duties have expanded to include oversight of the County’s Internal Audit function including approving the annual internal audit plan and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal audit function.
The committee is made up of seven total members including two County Commissioners. We are looking for a member of another governing body, a member of the accounting profession, and a member of the banking community. Find more information on the Audit Committee here.
Time commitment: Minimum of two meetings required per year but typically meets six to seven times a year, on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m.
If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Blood donors of all types are urgently needed through the summer. Community members are urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. One donation can help up to three people. ‘Freedom Week’ at TBC was formed many years ago to anticipate and prepare for the decrease of blood donors in the summer months. This year, Freedom Week is June 26 through July 10. TBC will be thanking blood donors who give from June 26th – July 10th with a commemorative t-shirt and an eGift card valued at $20. The blood donation is priceless.
When temperatures rise, something as simple as a box fan can potentially save a life!
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts has held Art in Bloom for 14 consecutive years (take that, COVID-19!). This is a two-month long event that features 2 gallery exhibits, a gala, a local garden tour, a 2-day live floral arrangement exhibit, and live plein air painters in local gardens.
This year marks the 16th Annual Art in Bloom, our most anticipated fundraiser of the year. This multi-faceted event celebrating nature and art combines two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements, local garden tours featuring working artists, and floral-inspired workshops. Whether you join us for one event or all of them, you are playing an important role in supporting the arts in our community.
Schedule of Events
June 15 – July 6 • 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday • Regional Galleries Exhibit
In the weeks leading up to Art in Bloom, our gallery will feature selected pieces from regional galleries. The works featured will be inspiration for the arrangements created by talented regional floral designers.
July 7 • 5-7pm • Art in Bloom Preview Party
We know how to throw a party! Be among the first to see the floral interpretations at their freshest and meet the floral designers. We’ll kick off Art in Bloom with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. This is a night you won’t want to miss.
July 8 & 9 • 10am-4pm • Tour the Gallery & Floral Arrangements
Visit the gallery to experience the stunning creativity of our Ikebana and Western floral designers who have created arrangements inspired by the artworks in the show. The flowers will only be on display for 2 days, so don’t miss your chance to see nature imitating art!
July 8 & 9 • 10am-2pm • Local Garden Tour & Plein Air Artists
Our self-guided garden tour features a diverse array of inspiring local gardens. Look for plein air artists creating in each garden! Your Garden Tour Ticket includes a map and directions to each garden and access to our main gallery for the Art in Bloom exhibit.
July 13 – 29 • 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday • Art from the Garden Exhibit
Return to BMCA after Art in Bloom to view the works created during the Garden Tour by the plein air artists. This beautiful show is free and open to the public.
Tickets
Art in Bloom is a unique exhibition that also serves as a fundraiser for the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Every ticket you purchase supports local artists, programming, and creative opportunities in Western North Carolina.
Art in Bloom Gallery Exhibit – $5
Garden Tour & Gallery Exhibit -$30
Preview Party (includes Gallery Exhibit, drinks and hors d’oeuvres) – $45
Art in Bloom Everything Pass (includes Preview party, Garden Tour, and Exhibit) – $65
Workshops
We are offering several art and nature based workshops to coincide with Art in Bloom this year. Check our website for a full list of workshops!
As Buncombe County prepares to honor Juneteenth, the County has partnered with the Shiloh Community Association to release historic maps of African American landmarks. These maps identify the historical landmarks and markers that outline the rich and vibrant history of African Americans in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Free maps are available at the following locations:
- Buncombe County Register of Deeds, 205 College St., Asheville, available Monday-Friday
- Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville, available Tuesday-Saturday
- Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Ave. Asheville, available Monday-Friday
- Buncombe County tent at the Freedom Festival, a celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18 at Pack Square Park, Asheville
Please note that in observance of Juneteenth, the Buncombe County Register of Deeds will be closed on Friday, June 17, and the Pack Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18.
The Asheville Historic Map of African American Landmarks takes readers on a tour of the Burton Street, East End/Valley Street, Southside, and Shiloh communities, noting historically African American neighborhoods, landmarks, churches, cemeteries, and lynching memorials. The map also details the contributions of James Vester Miller, one of the most prominent Black builders in Western North Carolina. His work is represented through the construction of many prominent African American churches, government buildings, and private projects for white clients.
The map also includes the lynching memorials, which were installed in October, 2021 to honor the lives of Mr. John Humphries, Mr. Bob Brackett, and Mr. Hezekiah Rankin. This Buncombe County Remembrance Project installation is part of the County’s partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative’s Historical Marker Project that collaborates with communities to memorialize documented victims of racial violence that occurred from 1877-1950, as well as to foster meaningful dialogue about race and justice.
To request maps or to learn more, email [email protected].
Learn more about Juneteenth here.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers maintain a composting demonstration site at the Western NC Farmers Market, at the Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center. After a two-year hiatus, due to Covid, the site is reinstituting public demonstrations, beginning April 9, 2022.
When to Visit?
The site is staffed and provides demonstrations from 10:00am to 1:00pm on the second Saturday each month, April through September.
What Will You See?
There are five different composting methods on display at the site. There is a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin and a classic 3-bin system — we also usually bring an example of vermiculture on each demo day. The site is stocked with informational pamphlets on the how-to and why of composting and they complement the information available in the composting video on this website. Click here to view the video: Making and Using Compost at Home.
An additional Composting demonstration area is located at The Learning Garden at the Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Click here for details about The Learning Garden.