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.

Saturday, March 6, 2021
WitchCon Online 2021: A Livestream Magical Conference
Mar 6 all-day
Livestream w/ WitchCon

Hosted by WitchCon
Join the largest online magical conference in the world, devoted to Witchcraft, Conjure, and Rootwork.

About this Event
March 5th to 7th, 2021, Brian Cain, Christian Day and the HEX Education Network present WitchCon Online, featuring over a hundred classes by over a hundred Witches and Conjurers from across the globe ready to share their time-honored wisdom and witchery.

WitchCon Online presenters are the preeminent masters of the magical arts and hail from across a rainbow spectrum of occult and spiritual practices. Their classes are personally designed to help beginners, novices, and experts alike draw upon the power of magic!

WitchCon Online 2021 registration includes admittance to all livestream video classes, rituals, and performances, each personally designed to help beginners, novices, and experts alike draw upon the power of magic. It also grants access to watch every class after the event has ended via our on-demand library so you don’t have to miss a magical moment!

The conference is livestreamed by the Hex Education Network on Crowdcast, a web-based platform with no need to download an app!
WitchCon Online attendees will love shopping live with our magical presenters, each showcasing powerful ritual tools, signed books, exquisite jewelry, and spellcrafts handmade by true practitioners in half-hour Live Sales. You don’t have to travel to the ends of the Earth to scour the witch markets: you can buy from enchanting artisans and score amazing tools and talismans from the comfort of your own home. Our Virtual Vendors’ Hall is free to the public as well!

The WitchCon Online Virtual Meet and Greet lets you meet and interact live on Zoom with WitchCon presenters and its hosts Brian Cain and Christian Day. This is a great way to get to know your favorite teachers and what’s even better is that it’s free and open to the public!

Sunday, March 7, 2021
WitchCon Online 2021: A Livestream Magical Conference
Mar 7 all-day
Livestream w/ WitchCon

Hosted by WitchCon
Join the largest online magical conference in the world, devoted to Witchcraft, Conjure, and Rootwork.

About this Event
March 5th to 7th, 2021, Brian Cain, Christian Day and the HEX Education Network present WitchCon Online, featuring over a hundred classes by over a hundred Witches and Conjurers from across the globe ready to share their time-honored wisdom and witchery.

WitchCon Online presenters are the preeminent masters of the magical arts and hail from across a rainbow spectrum of occult and spiritual practices. Their classes are personally designed to help beginners, novices, and experts alike draw upon the power of magic!

WitchCon Online 2021 registration includes admittance to all livestream video classes, rituals, and performances, each personally designed to help beginners, novices, and experts alike draw upon the power of magic. It also grants access to watch every class after the event has ended via our on-demand library so you don’t have to miss a magical moment!

The conference is livestreamed by the Hex Education Network on Crowdcast, a web-based platform with no need to download an app!
WitchCon Online attendees will love shopping live with our magical presenters, each showcasing powerful ritual tools, signed books, exquisite jewelry, and spellcrafts handmade by true practitioners in half-hour Live Sales. You don’t have to travel to the ends of the Earth to scour the witch markets: you can buy from enchanting artisans and score amazing tools and talismans from the comfort of your own home. Our Virtual Vendors’ Hall is free to the public as well!

The WitchCon Online Virtual Meet and Greet lets you meet and interact live on Zoom with WitchCon presenters and its hosts Brian Cain and Christian Day. This is a great way to get to know your favorite teachers and what’s even better is that it’s free and open to the public!

Wednesday, March 17, 2021
St. Patrick’s Day at Red Stag Grill
Mar 17 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Red Stag Grill
Sip and savor St. Patrick’s Day spirit with us at Red Stag Grill. We’re serving up Irish classics all day long including Cured Brass Town Corned Beef ($20) and Irish Lamb Guinness Stew ($18).
Cheers to new memories with discounted drinks, from $5 draft beer to $8 Jameson cocktails, and embrace the luck of the Irish.
St. Patrick’s Day at WXYZ bar
Mar 17 @ 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

Eat, Drink, and be Irish for the day at WXYZ bar as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, great food, and drink specials!
7pm-10pm: Live Music by DJ Phantom Pantone & Friends
For the safety of guests and employees, wearing a mask is required while walking or standing at WXYZ bar.
Saint Patrick’s Day at Catawba Brewery
Mar 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Co

May be an image of text that says 'SAINT PATRICK'S DAY AT CATAWBA May your heart be peaceful and happy always!'

Join us for a small Paddy’s Day celebration on March 17th!

– We’ll have live trad/bluegrass music from Mike Martin and the Beautiful Mess from 4-8pm

– 2 Irish beers on tap: A traditional Irish Stout and an Irish Red!

– A little game of giveaways. Find a 4 leaf clover in the tasting room, receive a prize at the bar!

St. Patty’s Shindig with Matt Waters +The Recipe
Mar 17 @ 6:00 pm
One World Brewing West

May be an image of 3 people, people playing musical instruments, guitar and text that says 'St. Patricks Day ONE WORLD BREWING ASHEVILLE NC ETHE WATERS ITSONOR BATERS STARTS AT 6:00 ONE WORLD WEST (828) (828)575-9992 575-9992 $5 COVER CHARGE'

We are going to celebrate with Irish food & live music. Umami Mami Food Truck will be serving up Irish classics and Matt Waters & The Recipe always puts on a fun show. $5 cover
———————
Matt Waters is a soul artist from Cincinnati, OH. A unique blend of an acoustic songwriter & funk frontman, Waters began his career at age fourteen as a young guitarist searching for every opportunity to step onto the stage. He soon discovered his voice, and began stepping out as a solo artist.
Waters quickly progressed as an entertainer & songwriter, by his early 20’s had already opened for acts such as Luke Combs, AJR, Judah & the Lion, and Tim Reynolds. As Matt continued to grow, so did the performances. From the local dives that he played as a teenager to jam-packed stadiums with over fifteen thousand listeners, Waters refined his craft as an entertainer with incessant touring of the US.
During 2019, Waters played over 270 shows across the country from the ocean side bars of Laguna Beach, CA to the coffee shops of Burlington, VT and all the way back to Hilton Head, SC where it all began almost a decade prior. Waters’ live show ranges from a one-man band looping performance to a jam packed 8-piece funk band.
Waters is currently working on music from his home studio in Cincinnati, where he is accompanied by his band, “the Recipe” who perform with him on his studio & live performances. They plan to release music throughout 2021 to accompany their touring schedule, and Waters continues to write material for the future.
St. Patrick’s Day Paint Party
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Painting with a Twist

Happy St. Pats! Come out and paint Emerald Forest with us! 16+ welcome. BYOB for 21+. Folks who register together will have a table for their group. Masks required but painters can take breaks for sipping!

St. Patrick Is Dead at The One Stop!
Mar 17 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall


Limited capacity, mask required
21+

A St. Patrick’s Day celebration including an Irish/drinking themed set and a tribute to the Grateful Dead!!
Friday, April 2, 2021
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
Apr 2 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

New for 2021 – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad introduces The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train April 2 & 3! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 10:30am, and will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to our picturesque layover destination, for Easter themed activities and Egg Hunt.

  • Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS AVAILABLE!
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 3 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

Sunday, April 4, 2021
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 4 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

Virtual 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Apr 4 @ 7:00 am – 7:30 am
Online w/ Chimney Rock State Park

Please Note: This year’s service will be streamed virtually on our Facebook page. Please tune in at 7 am on April 4 to celebrate our 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service.

Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s nondenominational Annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in western North Carolina.

Easter Day Buffet
Apr 4 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Highland Lake Inn & Resort
Highland-Lake-Inn-Resort-Flat-Rock-1

Join us for an authentic dining experience at one of our signature events:

Sunday, April 4
$55.00 per person, $27.50 Children 6-11 / 5 and under free
10% senior discount. For reservations, please call (828) 696-9094
VIEW MENU

The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
Apr 4 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

New for 2021 – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad introduces The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train April 2 & 3! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 10:30am, and will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to our picturesque layover destination, for Easter themed activities and Egg Hunt.

  • Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS AVAILABLE!
Sunday, April 11, 2021
WNC Farmers Market Easter Demos
Apr 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

Ideas shared using ingredients from the Market – local eggs, natural dyes, Easter, décor, Easter treats.

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

Friday, April 16, 2021
NC Science Festival’s Star Party!
Apr 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Cane Creek Pool

The Perfect Turkey

Join Buncombe County Public Libraries, Buncombe County Recreation Services, and the Asheville Museum of Science for the NC Science Festival’s main event, the Star Party! We’ll be hosting a socially distanced, outdoor event for all ages at Cane Creek Pool on Friday, April 16. The program starts with a very special space-themed story time with songs, dance, and puppets at 6 PM. Story time will be followed by a short intermission, and then families are invited to join AMOS astronomer Hary Lazich for a presentation about the night sky.
This program will be held outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, our rain date is the following evening, Saturday, April 17.

Capacity is limited for this free event, and registration is required.

For the safety of staff, presenters, and attendees, we will be enforcing safety precautions for the duration of the program. As part of the registration process, attendees will sign a waiver indicating they understand that all members of their party will wear a mask and stay in their designated circles in the grass. You are welcome to bring blankets or chairs to make your circle extra comfortable!

Saturday, April 24, 2021
CODA Music Festival
Apr 24 all-day
Montreat College

The Coda Music Festival is a family-friendly event featuring live outdoor music, food, games, and more! This year we will feature Malcolm Holcombe, Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats, Harriers of Discord, Straightlines, and Hannah Wyatt.

Celebrate Earth Day with a Cleanup at Lake Julian Park
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Individuals, community organizations, and other groups of volunteers are invited to help clean up Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) and along Heywood Road on Saturday, Apr. 24. Projects include roadside trash removal, landscaping, wetland remediation, lake surface litter skimming, and more. The park-wide cleanup celebrates Earth Day and the growing global movement to restore ecosystems and forests, conserve and rebuild soils, improve farming practices, protect wildlife populations, and rid waterways of plastics.

“Buncombe County parks saw record-breaking visitation in 2020,” according to Peyton O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down, the one avenue for maintaining peoples’ physical and mental wellbeing were parks, open spaces, greenways, and trails. Hopefully, this increased usage will lead to increased advocacy. Our citizens are the best defense in preserving our unique collection of outdoor spaces for current and future generations of Buncombians against pollution and natural disasters caused by climate change.”

Advance registration is required. This is a free event, but space is limited in accordance with current North Carolina guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. All attendees are expected to follow public health guidance during the event.

Volunteers will be provided with cleanup supplies, but should wear clothes that can get dirty. Volunteers who bring their own watercraft will be allowed to skim trash from the lake surface.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

 

Friday, April 30, 2021
Trees for Tots–Celebrate Arbor Day
Apr 30 all-day
Western Carolina Community Action

April 30th is Arbor Day – a nationally recognized day to celebrate the beauty of nature and plant a
tree in support of the environment. To commemorate the day, the children of WCCA’s Head Start
and Early Head Start programs will be busy planting over 250 White Pine seedlings with a little
help from their families and the staff!

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Mothers Day- Moms Climb Treetops/ Zip KidZip for Free
May 9 all-day
The Adventure Center Asheville

Book an Adventure at the Treetops Adventure Park or KidZip and Mom will climb/zip for free with paying family members.  Use code “mom” when booking online.

Mother’s Day Buffet
May 9 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Highland Lake Inn & Resort
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 12 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 13 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

LEAF 2021 announces a few key dates
May 13 all-day
LEAF

Spring LEAF Retreat May 13-16 at Lake Eden
LEAF Downtown/ Reimagine August 27-28
Fall LEAF Festival October 14-17 at Lake Eden 
(Size TBD*)

These events will be limited in size but will retain all the LEAF Love. LEAF Members will have priority and at times exclusive access to these events. Please note that Spring LEAF Retreat will be members-only and tickets will be made available on January 4th, 2021. Members have kept LEAF Mission alive and at work in this wild year of 2020! Your membership empowered LEAF to maintain our support of LEAF International Culture Keepers in the 10 countries and local LEAF Schools & Streets Artists. When you support culture, artists and teachers you are investing in the community and young people’s future. Interested in becoming a member? Join membership today!

All $250+ memberships will receive the 2021 LEAF Calendar hot off the press and its going to be a great year!

Friday, May 14, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 14 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

LEAF 2021 announces a few key dates
May 14 all-day
LEAF

Spring LEAF Retreat May 13-16 at Lake Eden
LEAF Downtown/ Reimagine August 27-28
Fall LEAF Festival October 14-17 at Lake Eden 
(Size TBD*)

These events will be limited in size but will retain all the LEAF Love. LEAF Members will have priority and at times exclusive access to these events. Please note that Spring LEAF Retreat will be members-only and tickets will be made available on January 4th, 2021. Members have kept LEAF Mission alive and at work in this wild year of 2020! Your membership empowered LEAF to maintain our support of LEAF International Culture Keepers in the 10 countries and local LEAF Schools & Streets Artists. When you support culture, artists and teachers you are investing in the community and young people’s future. Interested in becoming a member? Join membership today!

All $250+ memberships will receive the 2021 LEAF Calendar hot off the press and its going to be a great year!

Saturday, May 15, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 15 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

LEAF 2021 announces a few key dates
May 15 all-day
LEAF

Spring LEAF Retreat May 13-16 at Lake Eden
LEAF Downtown/ Reimagine August 27-28
Fall LEAF Festival October 14-17 at Lake Eden 
(Size TBD*)

These events will be limited in size but will retain all the LEAF Love. LEAF Members will have priority and at times exclusive access to these events. Please note that Spring LEAF Retreat will be members-only and tickets will be made available on January 4th, 2021. Members have kept LEAF Mission alive and at work in this wild year of 2020! Your membership empowered LEAF to maintain our support of LEAF International Culture Keepers in the 10 countries and local LEAF Schools & Streets Artists. When you support culture, artists and teachers you are investing in the community and young people’s future. Interested in becoming a member? Join membership today!

All $250+ memberships will receive the 2021 LEAF Calendar hot off the press and its going to be a great year!

Sunday, May 16, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 16 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.