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.
Let’s check in with the Health Department for recommendations on how to stay safe.
Guest Speaker: Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County Health & Human Services Preparedness and Security Officer
Generally, Goodwill provides lunch at these meetings. But under the current circumstances, this meeting will be a virtual potluck!
Things to do to prepare for the event:
1. Support a local restaurant by getting take-out to bring to the event.
2. When you join, we encourage you to join with video so we can see your smiling face.
3. Bring any questions you may have for this amazing group of speakers.
Once you have registered, a link to the meeting will be sent to you.

UNC Asheville will continue its fall 2020 series of a free webinars on economics with a talk at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, by Tomáš Sedláček, chief macroeconomic strategist at Czech commercial bank CSOB and author of Economics of Good and Evil: the Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall Street. This online event is free and open to everyone via Zoom.
This series is presented by UNC Asheville’s Department of Economics, the Cary Caperton Owen Professorship in Economics, and the student Economics Club.
Falconry
Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.
Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum
*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.
Join Washington Post reporters for a discussion on the latest politics.

In this online talk at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, bestselling novelist Wiley Cash will discuss two questions he always asks when writing a novel. First, “what is this?” Second, “what do I call it?” He also will discuss and read from his forthcoming novel. Pre-register at this link.
Cash is the New York Times bestselling author of three novels – A Land More Kind Than Home, This Dark Road to Mercy, and most recently The Last Ballad. He won the SIBA Book Award and the Conroy Legacy Award, and was a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize. He is writer-in-residence and teaches creative writing at UNC Asheville where he earned his undergraduate degree.
This event is part of the Brown Bag series (now moved online) from UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library.

From Oct. 3-11, guests can enjoy 20-minute guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors.
Falconry
Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.
Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum
*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.
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LEARN
BACK OF BEYOND The editor of Back of Beyond, Frances Figart, will interview co-authors George Ellison and Janet McCue about their experience writing this award-winning publication. During the interview, the authors will read excerpts from the biography, share behind-the-scenes details about their research, provide insights into their writing process, and disclose mysteries of Kephart’s past still to be discovered. |
Tamsin Allpress will take you virtually through the gardens at Flat Rock Playhouse, explaining what is planted where and why. She’ll offer gardening tips, and tell her amazing story of her commitment to Flat Rock Playhouse and what it took to become a Master Gardener. If you have not had a chance to wander around the property lately, you would be amazed at the wonders there, thanks to Tamsin and her team of volunteer gardeners. Please join us for the October session of Backstage Pass on October 8 at 3 pm RSVP at [email protected]

The eighth annual CiderFest NC fundraiser will be held in a brand-new format this fall that offers loyal guests the chance to celebrate, sample and savor cider safely and responsibly.
While the large annual festival will not be offered this fall in light of current health concerns, the event will continue this year through CiderFest Tours: small-group curated tours of three Asheville cideries that are being offered in partnership with local business Leap Frog Tours.
The tours will allow participants to visit three of Asheville’s cideries — Noble Cider, Urban Orchard Cider Company – West and TreeRock Social Cider House & Mead Bar — for intimate, small-group tasting sessions to sample unique takes on the craft beverage on each of the locations. Proceeds will be shared between Leap Frog Tours, the three participating cideries and Green Built Alliance.
To offer the largest number of people the opportunity to participate, the four-hour tours will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. on every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in October.
Tours can be reserved for groups of 2 to 14 individuals, and bookings open up today. To prioritize safety in light of COVID-19, all tours will be private without combining reservations from separate parties. (Visit our website or Leap Frog’s booking page for a full list of COVID-19 precautions being taken for the tours.)
The cost is $85 per person. The price includes a tasting at each cidery, a souvenir CiderFest tasting glass, and transportation by Leap Frog Tours from Aloft Hotel in downtown Asheville.
Since the event has sold out in recent years, people are encouraged to book their tours early. For more information and to book a tour, visit www.ciderfestnc.com.
Celebrating over 15 years of bringing fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods to the community of Flat Rock NC.
Join us every Thursday, May – October at our location at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church at the corner of Upward Rd and Greenville Hwy.

During this time of social distancing and virtual connections, we would like to offer you an hour of enrichment and education the second Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Next week, Thursday, August 13 at 3 pm is our first class. This monthly Enrichment Program is an opportunity to learn more about the Playhouse, meet some of the incredibly talented staff, and answer questions you might have! This month, we’re talking with Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Director Lisa K. Bryant about how COVID-19 has affected the theatre industry and what steps FRP has taken during this time.
The Zoom-based gathering is limited to 25 participants and will have time for a Q&A.
RSVP to [email protected] or call 828-693-0731.

Make ‘em laugh in a musical comedy class combining silliness and song! This virtual class integrates acting, singing, improv, and movement as actors use their voices, bodies, and imaginations to develop hilarious Broadway repertoire. At the end of the semester, students will share their uproarious musical revue in a one-of-a-kind virtual showcase.
Sep. 24 – Nov. 19
3rd – 5th Grades
Weekly Zoom class, one 20-minute private lesson
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover
Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Sep. 24 – Nov. 19
9th – 12th Grades
Weekly Zoom class, one 20-minute private coaching
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover
Virtual Candidate Forum for the NC State House candidates in State House Districts
114, 115, 116, 118, & 119. This free event is open to the public and will be focused on the
economy and issues for WNC workers. All candidates were invited from the following districts:
NC House District 114 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 115 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 116 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 118 (Haywood, Madison & Yancey Counties)
NC House District 119 (Haywood, Jackson, & Swain Counties
The event will be moderated by Aisha Adams from the Asheville View and can be accessed by
the public through a free zoom link. The event will also be streamed live on facebook.
October 8, 15, 22 & 29—Thursdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: October 6
This program will take place virtually via Zoom. Space is limited; to register, click here or call 828.253.3227 x122.
In this four-part class, learn how to shoot in manual mode on your digital camera or smartphone. Through a series of weekly assignments, explore the three ways of exposing images (also called the “exposure triangle”), and have more control when shooting motion, depth-of-field, and in extreme lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, journaling, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts and short readings.
This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind. Previous knowledge of digital photography is not needed to participate in and/or benefit from the class. Learning how to use a digital camera is manual mode is the focus; however, the instructor can answer other questions about digital camera functions and use as requested.

Hendersonville City Council Members are venturing outside the traditional council meeting format to offer a series of ‘Council Conversations’ in the community. 2020 marks the third year Council Members have hosted collaborative meetings in various neighborhoods throughout the City.
“It is more important than ever for elected leaders to remain accessible to their citizens,” said Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk. “These meetings give the public an opportunity to ask questions and interact with City Council in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.”
Each meeting will last approximately one hour and be hosted by an individual member of City Council. Various City staff members will be available to answer questions as well.

Relax and unwind at the Arboretum’s “ArborEvenings” after hours series. Held every Thursday, June – October, from 6 to 9 p.m., visitors will sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s beautiful gardens while enjoying live music amongst flowers and friends. Local beverages, including beer and wine, are available for purchase along with light food options.
Admission to ArborEvenings is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members.

For safety precautions, we are asking that you sign up to attend the conversation group
Looking to practice your Spanish Language skills? Come to the Spanish Conversation Group at Pack! The group meets once a week to practice their language skills and to help each other out when needed. Newcomers are always welcome.

Take a moment away from the busyness of life to breathe in breathtaking vistas as the sun sets before you. Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop and sink into a lovely all levels yoga practice on the summit while soaking up the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A unique way to practice self care and social distancing ;)
Need a different date? Sunset hikes are available daily for private groups of 1-20. Message me with your desired date and group size or visit the website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/ to browse options.
Covid Considerations: for a detailed rundown of the precautions we’re taking, visit our website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/
We’re now associated with a Facebook group (LOTS of other members) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tinyhouseasheville .
This group was inspired by the need for affordable, sustainable and attractive housing. Driven by the struggles of the economy and combined with Asheville’s inherent sense of creativity, community, and environmental awareness, we are coming together to give life to the idea that there IS a solution to this problem and we can all contribute to each other’s success in achieving that goal… owning an affordable, sustainable, attractive home.
Together, we can better our own lives while helping the planet. All ages & levels of experience welcome! For more information, please see our Calendar of Events or Contact Us.
Our Goals
• Learn more about green building through lectures, tours, workshops, building, and sharing information
• Make green home building more affordable via our volunteer labor
• Bring attention to a housing (and life) crisis solution: A new type of “affordable housing” and the ethos behind it
We are just neighbors helping neighbors.
Expectant parents learn to prepare for the challenges of birth, including the labor and delivery process, relaxation and breathing techniques, positioning and comfort measures. A tour of Pardee Women & Children’s Center is included.
A minimum of two participants must be registered and present for a class to be held. Pardee Women & Children’s Center will adhere to Blue Ridge Community College’s inclement weather policies. In the event of inclement weather, classes will not be held when Blue Ridge Community College is closed.

Jon Stickley Trio is a genre-defying and cinematic instrumental trio, whose deep grooves, innovative flatpicking, and sultry-spacy violin move the listener’s head, heart, and feet. “It’s not your father’s acoustic-guitar music—although Stickley’s pop showed him his first chords when he was 12 years old. Instead, Stickley’s Martin churns out a mixture of Bluegrass, Chuck Berry, Gypsy-Jazz, prog, and assorted other genres—all thoroughly integrated into a personal style,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. With inspiration ranging from Bela Fleck to Tony Rice to Nirvana, Grateful Dead, David Grisman and beyond, the Trio, which features violinist Lyndsay Pruett and drummer Hunter Deacon, is making waves with their unique sound.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2020 venue for the 8th Annual The Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-touch no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. Experience a family-friendly heart pumping walk with live actors (at a distance), spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.
This year The Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail will also be available for ages 4 and over. Climb on one family-friendly aerial trail while it is illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
In addition to the Trails, there will also be spooky live entertainment, no touch activities while in line, and food and beverages available including hot chocolate. It is a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season with the family.
As the Haunted Trail and the Adventure Center are committed to safety, Social Distancing and Wearing Face Masks (for ages 4 years old and over) are required. The Haunted Trail Scenes will have barriers and at least a 10-foot space between guests and the performers. Guests lining up for both activities will be separated into Family Groups.

Live stream to be broadcast on the Mountain Spirit Acoustic Facebook Page. This show is by “donation”- please consider what a ticket would cost to a Lounge concert ( $15-$20).
Sarah Burton’s career started in 2006 with a broken heart, a broken down van and a haphazard tour across Canada in a van named Lucky. This set the tone for an artist’s life driven by adventure, spontaneity, and a desire to connect with people from all walks of life. 3 Minivans, and several greyhound trips later, Sarah has played 200+ shows a year, released 4 albums and played many festivals across North America, finding and sharing the inspiration for hundreds of songs.
Burton’s new album, Give Me What I Want, marks her 5th release, and her migration from Toronto, Canada to Terlingua, Texas. Give Me What I Want tells classic stories in a modern age from love and lust, to enchantment and disenchantment, and that constant search for fulfillment. Rooted in folk, and skirting pop, rock and country – Sarah’s music is a collage of her own adventures, and the people she meets along the way. Her songs have made their way to the big screen, earned college radio charting in US and Canada and commercial radio play in Canada and Europe.
GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR
COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!
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Mitch Fortune brings you an irreverent and nostalgia filled night of pop culture trivia every Thursday night 7-9 pm at the One Stop in Downtown Asheville. A potpourri of movies, music, TV show trivia just for you!

The crowd-favorite returns remotely to regale audiences with his signature musical talents and playful presence but in an intimate online performance unlike anything else he’s done on the Rock! Watch the trailer for this one-of-a-kind performance and learn how you can register below.




