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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 26 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
Home Repair Builders Challenge
Feb 26 all-day
Habitiat for Humanity

Do you work in the local home building industry? Ready for a friendly challenge to help community members in need? Gather 2-4 coworkers to spend a day volunteering with our Home Repair team and make critical repairs so low-income residents can live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Each group’s hours will be tracked and at the end of the challenge the group with the most will get a prize.

The lack of affordable housing in Buncombe County is no secret, but one need is often overshadowed by the demand for new units. Far too many of  our neighbors- homeowners often 62+ years old, whose families have lived here for generations- are having to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions because they cannot afford
critical home repairs.
That’s why members of the local home building industry are coming together for a friendly
challenge to help meet this urgent community need. The Home Repair Builders Challenge will
take place March 2 to April 17. Groups will volunteer alongside Asheville Habitat’s Home
Repair team, and at the end of the challenge the team with the most accumulated hours will get a prize.

Thursday, February 27, 2020
Home Repair Builders Challenge
Feb 27 all-day
Habitiat for Humanity

Do you work in the local home building industry? Ready for a friendly challenge to help community members in need? Gather 2-4 coworkers to spend a day volunteering with our Home Repair team and make critical repairs so low-income residents can live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Each group’s hours will be tracked and at the end of the challenge the group with the most will get a prize.

The lack of affordable housing in Buncombe County is no secret, but one need is often overshadowed by the demand for new units. Far too many of  our neighbors- homeowners often 62+ years old, whose families have lived here for generations- are having to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions because they cannot afford
critical home repairs.
That’s why members of the local home building industry are coming together for a friendly
challenge to help meet this urgent community need. The Home Repair Builders Challenge will
take place March 2 to April 17. Groups will volunteer alongside Asheville Habitat’s Home
Repair team, and at the end of the challenge the team with the most accumulated hours will get a prize.

Attracting Birds to the Landscape
Feb 27 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Bullington Gardens

Bullington staff Kelsey Jarvis and John Murphy will discuss trees, shrubs and hardy perennials that will draw birds to your garden year-round with examples of nesting preferences and food sources for specific birds. In partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited Hendersonville.

Friday, February 28, 2020
Ambassador Training Manna Food Bank
Feb 28 all-day
MANNA FoodBank
Ambassador Training
Ambassadors are the voice of MANNA. They table at farmer’s markets, fairs and community events to talk to people about MANNA’s mission. Ambassadors engage in conversations about the need in our community and encourage people to get involved with MANNA through donations, volunteerism, and advocacy work.
On February 28th, we’ll be having an Ambassador training for those interested in representing MANNA at community events throughout WNC.
If you are interested, please contact [email protected] for more information or to register.

 

Contact MANNA for specific time.

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 28 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Home Repair Builders Challenge
Feb 28 all-day
Habitiat for Humanity

Do you work in the local home building industry? Ready for a friendly challenge to help community members in need? Gather 2-4 coworkers to spend a day volunteering with our Home Repair team and make critical repairs so low-income residents can live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Each group’s hours will be tracked and at the end of the challenge the group with the most will get a prize.

The lack of affordable housing in Buncombe County is no secret, but one need is often overshadowed by the demand for new units. Far too many of  our neighbors- homeowners often 62+ years old, whose families have lived here for generations- are having to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions because they cannot afford
critical home repairs.
That’s why members of the local home building industry are coming together for a friendly
challenge to help meet this urgent community need. The Home Repair Builders Challenge will
take place March 2 to April 17. Groups will volunteer alongside Asheville Habitat’s Home
Repair team, and at the end of the challenge the team with the most accumulated hours will get a prize.

Healthy Beginnings WNC Farmers Market
Feb 28 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
WNC Farmers Market

Healthy Beginnings – February 28 at noon to 2:30. AdventHealth and WNC Farmers Market are teaming up to promote healthy habits. Blood pressure and body mass index screenings will be available and AdventHealth dieticians will prepare samples of healthy recipes using WNC Farmers Market ingredients.

Cheers to Volunteers 2020 by Junior League of Asheville
Feb 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple
Cheers to Volunteers Reception and Silent Auction
Feb 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Prior to the Volunteer Expo on February 28th, 2020, community members are invited to celebrate all of the volunteers that are making the Volunteer Expo possible and meet leaders of local nonprofit organizations.

Our Cheers to Volunteers Reception and Silent Auction will be held from 6:00-9:00pm at the Asheville Masonic Temple (1st Floor) on February 28th, 2020.

At Cheers to Volunteers and the Expo, you can learn about our League’s 90 years of impact and our continued work to develop women as leaders through service and build a better community.

Saturday, February 29, 2020
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Feb 29 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 29 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 29 all-day
SAHC

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!

Farming = a long-term game. Traditionally, farming was a lifelong+ learning process, with families passing along experience, knowledge, and land accrued by multiple generations. Today, your experience in farming may be different. This program is part of a collaborative support system to help “incubate” farm businesses as they grow.

Farming is a business… What’s your business plan?

Do you have a farm business idea? Make it a reality! You are invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Farmer Incubator Program, a “business incubator” for farm operations.

Flat Rock Playhouse seeking volunteers
Feb 29 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Flat Rock Playhouse and The Supporting Players are excited to announce they are welcoming volunteers who will participate in various programs that take you behind-the-scenes at the State Theatre of North Carolina.

“The Supporting Players of Flat Rock Playhouse is a great way to meet and work with people that are like-minded and have a desire to come alongside the staff to help secure the future of performing arts in western North Carolina, “ remarks Karolyn Killian, President of Supporting Players. “It is a pleasure and a joy to volunteer my time and talent for such a wonderful group of people that are dedicated to excellence in live theatre and our community!”

The Supporting Players are a unique way to get an inside look into life on the Rock while making an impact on our community. If you are interested in joining this passionate collective of volunteers and becoming part of the Flat Rock Playhouse family, make sure to tune into WTZQ on March 10th at 8:00 am to hear from some of the Supporting Players. Additionally, you can visit flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer or email [email protected] to learn more!

Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 29 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
Home Repair Builders Challenge
Feb 29 all-day
Habitiat for Humanity

Do you work in the local home building industry? Ready for a friendly challenge to help community members in need? Gather 2-4 coworkers to spend a day volunteering with our Home Repair team and make critical repairs so low-income residents can live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Each group’s hours will be tracked and at the end of the challenge the group with the most will get a prize.

The lack of affordable housing in Buncombe County is no secret, but one need is often overshadowed by the demand for new units. Far too many of  our neighbors- homeowners often 62+ years old, whose families have lived here for generations- are having to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions because they cannot afford
critical home repairs.
That’s why members of the local home building industry are coming together for a friendly
challenge to help meet this urgent community need. The Home Repair Builders Challenge will
take place March 2 to April 17. Groups will volunteer alongside Asheville Habitat’s Home
Repair team, and at the end of the challenge the team with the most accumulated hours will get a prize.

Volunteer Expo
Feb 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Asheville

The Junior League of Asheville, one of Buncombe County’s oldest women-led volunteer and training organizations, will be hosting their third annual Volunteer Expo on February 29, 2020.

Modeled after a job fair, the Volunteer Expo is an opportunity for residents of Western North Carolina to learn about local nonprofits, their volunteer needs, and other ways to support these organizations. To make this event a success, the League will partner with over 70 local nonprofits, including organizations that specialize in addressing health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education, and animal welfare.

Local nonprofits are an incredible asset to our community and are responsible for much of Buncombe County’s progress. We believe that the Volunteer Expo will be a great opportunity for Western North Carolina residents to connect with outstanding nonprofit organizations, learn about what they are doing, and how they can contribute (time, talent, or treasure). There will be a reception and silent auction the night before the Expo, February 28, at the Masonic Temple. All exhibiting nonprofits and members of the Asheville community are welcome to attend!

Volunteer Expo Junior League
Feb 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Crown Plaza

Modeled after a job fair, the Volunteer Expo is an opportunity for residents of Western North Carolina to learn about local nonprofits, their volunteer needs, and other ways to support these organizations. To make this event a success, the League will partner with over 70 local nonprofits, including organizations that specialize in addressing health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education, and animal welfare.

Local nonprofits are an incredible asset to our community and are responsible for much of Buncombe County’s progress. We believe that the Volunteer Expo will be a great opportunity for Western North Carolina residents to connect with outstanding nonprofit organizations, learn about what they are doing, and how they can contribute (time, talent, or treasure). There will be a reception and silent auction the night before the Expo, February 28, at the Masonic Temple. All exhibiting nonprofits and members of the Asheville community are welcome to attend!

Do you have questions? Are you interested in sponsoring the event? Contact us below or at !

The Junior League of Asheville (JLA), is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

For over 90 years, the JLA has been both a powerful organization of trained women volunteers and a vital part of the Asheville community.

Sunday, March 1, 2020
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 1 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

Flat Rock Playhouse seeking volunteers
Mar 1 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Flat Rock Playhouse and The Supporting Players are excited to announce they are welcoming volunteers who will participate in various programs that take you behind-the-scenes at the State Theatre of North Carolina.

“The Supporting Players of Flat Rock Playhouse is a great way to meet and work with people that are like-minded and have a desire to come alongside the staff to help secure the future of performing arts in western North Carolina, “ remarks Karolyn Killian, President of Supporting Players. “It is a pleasure and a joy to volunteer my time and talent for such a wonderful group of people that are dedicated to excellence in live theatre and our community!”

The Supporting Players are a unique way to get an inside look into life on the Rock while making an impact on our community. If you are interested in joining this passionate collective of volunteers and becoming part of the Flat Rock Playhouse family, make sure to tune into WTZQ on March 10th at 8:00 am to hear from some of the Supporting Players. Additionally, you can visit flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer or email [email protected] to learn more!

Thursday, March 5, 2020
Plant Sale
Mar 5 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
NC Cooperative Extension-Buncombe County

 

It’s almost time for Soil & Water’s popular plant sale. For a list of plants and prices, click the below PDF. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss out.

2020 Plant Sale

Friday, March 6, 2020
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 6 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Plant Sale
Mar 6 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
NC Cooperative Extension-Buncombe County

 

It’s almost time for Soil & Water’s popular plant sale. For a list of plants and prices, click the below PDF. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss out.

2020 Plant Sale

Saturday, March 7, 2020
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 7 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 7 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Flat Rock Playhouse seeking volunteers
Mar 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Flat Rock Playhouse and The Supporting Players are excited to announce they are welcoming volunteers who will participate in various programs that take you behind-the-scenes at the State Theatre of North Carolina.

“The Supporting Players of Flat Rock Playhouse is a great way to meet and work with people that are like-minded and have a desire to come alongside the staff to help secure the future of performing arts in western North Carolina, “ remarks Karolyn Killian, President of Supporting Players. “It is a pleasure and a joy to volunteer my time and talent for such a wonderful group of people that are dedicated to excellence in live theatre and our community!”

The Supporting Players are a unique way to get an inside look into life on the Rock while making an impact on our community. If you are interested in joining this passionate collective of volunteers and becoming part of the Flat Rock Playhouse family, make sure to tune into WTZQ on March 10th at 8:00 am to hear from some of the Supporting Players. Additionally, you can visit flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer or email [email protected] to learn more!

LEAF Volunteers is now LEAF WeX
Mar 7 all-day
LEAF
We’ve opted to shift the name and give some different benefits.
WHAT is changing? The name, WeX Star Crew benefit, & Festival HQ
– Regular Volunteers are now WeX. Work 10 hours in exchange for Weekend (Fri to Sun) Ticket
– Plus Volunteers are now WeX Plus. Work 15 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket
– Star Volunteers are now WeX Star. Work 20 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket AND a Culinary Passport -OR- a Star Guest Pass Ticket (Thu to Sun). Guest passes are LIMITED.

We’ll update our Auto-Reply as well as make a note on the website when the guest pass is no longer an available option. Those who have submitted completed applications prior to the cut off will have the guest pass option.

WeX Headquarters (HQ) will now be located under the Ship with a designated lounging area for WeXs. Make sure to come by and say hello!! You’ll pick up official schedule cards and culinary passes here as well.

Organic Growers School 27th Annual Spring Conference, March 6–8
Mar 7 all-day
Mars Hill University

The 27th Annual Spring Conference—for farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and sustainability seekers—is hosted by Organic Growers School (OGS), an Asheville-based non-profit organization. The conference takes place Friday–Sunday, March 6–8, 2020. The weekend event takes place at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill and the pre-conference events are in Buncombe and Henderson Counties.

Cost for  the pre-conference workshops are $60 with conference registration (Saturday, Sunday, or both) and $75 without. Cost for the weekend conference if registered by January 31, 2020 is $65 for Saturday and $80 for Sunday with the full weekend for $110.  For registration  after January 31, the cost of Saturday is $80, Sunday is $70 and the full weekend is $140.

The Spring Conference offers practical, region-specific workshops on farming, gardening, permaculture, urban growing, and rural living and includes a trade show, a seed exchange, special guest speakers, and a Saturday evening social.

More than 150 classes—both 90-minute sessions and half-day workshops—are offered on Saturday and Sunday in 17 learning tracks:

  1. Community Food

  2. Cooking

  3. Earth Skills

  4. Farmers: Beginning

  5. Farmers: Experienced

  6. Gardening: Beginning

  7. Gardening: Experienced

  8. Herbs

  9. Homesteading

  10. Livestock

  11. Mushrooms

  12. Permaculture

  13. Poultry

  14. Soils

  15. Sustainable Forestry

  16. Sustainable Living

  17. Thinking Big

This one-of-a-kind event brings people of all walks of life together for a weekend of learning, inspiration, and networking and features a host of local and regional experts. The mission of the Spring Conference is to provide down-to-earth advice on growing and sustainable living while remaining affordable and accessible. The Spring Conference is the largest locally run sustainability conference in the Southeast and is proudly focused on regionally appropriate growing methods.

Three full-day, on-farm, pre-conference workshops with special guest instructors are available on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are:

  1. Mushroom Cultivation at the Farm & Home with William Padilla-Brown & Leif Olson at Creekside Farms Education Center in Arden, NC.

  2. Healing Our Soils through Compost, and Compost Tea: Safe & Natural Fertilizers with Troy Hinke at Living Web Farms in Mills River, NC

  3. Chickens & You: From Egg to Table with Pat Foreman & Meagan Coneybeer at Franny’s Farm in Leicester, NC.

The conference will also host an evening lecture on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with Leah Penniman entitled, Farming While Black: African Diasporic Wisdom for Farming & Food Justice. The location for this event is the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801.

The Spring Conference features a trade show on Saturday and Sunday that showcases a wide array of exhibitors and products from local farms, gardening suppliers, and cottage industries that specialize in organic products and resources. Also featured on Saturday and Sunday is the annual Seed and Plant Exchange booth which offers the opportunity to preserve genetic diversity and protect regionally adapted varieties. Attendees may bring excess seeds and small plants to share, barter, or trade.

For more information, visit the website at https://organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring/ and see the entire weekend schedule at https://organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring/schedule/.

2020 Workdays at Sandhill Tree Nursery
Mar 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

2020 Workdays at Sandhill Tree Nursery

From Asheville GreenWorks:

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Public workdays at Sandhill Native Tree Nursery and Edible Orchard take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until noon at Buncombe County Sports Park (58 Apac Circle in West Asheville/Candler). 2020 dates include:

  • Feb. 1
  • March 7
  • April 4
  • May 2
  • June 6
  • July 11 (the second Saturday due to July 4)
  • Aug. 1
  • Sept. 5
  • Oct. 3
  • Nov. 7

Join other volunteers in mulching, pruning, and weeding along with special projects. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and close-toed shoes. Sunscreen, water, and hat are also handy items to have on hand. All other tools and gear will be provided. Contact Gabby Fitts with any questions at (828) 232-7144 or [email protected].

The Sandhill tree nursey is supported with a Buncombe County Community Recreation Grant. Specific native trees are grown at the site and planted in public places throughout the county as a larger plan to plant no less than 500 trees annually. The project allows for a greater variety of fruit and shade trees to support a more diverse ecology.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Sunday, March 8, 2020
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 8 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!