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.
We are delighted to welcome Andrew Wakefield to Bloom WNC Outdoor Summer Concert Series!
Andrew Wakefield is a guitarist, songwriter and singer based in Asheville, NC. He has an extensive and eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, old-time, newgrass, rock, american, and more!
2023 SPRING FLING PLANT SALE, sponsored by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County, the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society, and The Men’s Garden Club of Asheville.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers will offer a huge selection of plants for any garden spot. Choose among perennials, ground covers, native plants, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs. Garden art, books and some hard goods will also be available. Master Gardeners will help you select the right plant for the right place and answer your gardening questions.
The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will sell many varieties of roses, including own-root, fragrant, and miniature roses. Expert rosarians will be on hand to help you choose the perfect rose and to give practical advice on growing and caring for roses.
The Men’s Garden Club of Asheville will be selling popular annual flowering plants in a wide variety of colors including Sunpatiens, impatiens, geraniums, marigolds, begonias, non-flowering sweet potato vines, and several others.
A planting activity for children will be offered. Parental supervision required.
Rain or shine, we’ll see you there! Don’t forget to bring your wagon.
While the county mask mandate has been lifted, participants for all events and activities are welcome to wear a mask to feel more comfortable.
In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.
Roundtable sessions allow us to not only connect, but to harness our collective experience to apply to each other’s pain points. Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! This is really a great opportunity to level-up your business or figure out how to implement your dream. So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.
Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.
Tickets and more information available at plrconnectevents.com
Celebrate Wanderful’s 10th birthday by getting together with your girlfriends, celebrate sisterhood, and talk all things travel, of course.
Because it’s Wanderful’s 10th birthday, we’ve decided to invite everyone to this event for free. Stop by and say “hi” at our Asheville, NC meet up on Friday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Crave Dessert Bar.
Network with incredible travel-loving women in your local community and maybe even win a fun giveaway (including a Wanderful membership). Attendees will also have access to incredible membership discounts.
Members, to thank you for your friendship (and because we love you all so, so much), you can expect to receive a little something extra at the event.
Non-members, please RSVP to attend, only 50 spots are available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wanderfuls-10th-birthday-extravaganza-tickets-587803836097
Black Mountain Garden Sale, one of the most popular gardening sales in WNC, will be held on Friday, May 19, 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.
Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other specialty items.
The popular Members’ Market will have personal services and baked goods for sale. Purchase raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award, Community Improvement Award, and to keep the town beautiful!
Additional information at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!
Black Mountain Garden Sale, one of the most popular gardening sales in WNC, will be held on Friday, May 19, 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.
Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other specialty items.
The popular Members’ Market will have personal services and baked goods for sale. Purchase raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award, Community Improvement Award, and to keep the town beautiful!
Additional information at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!
Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day.
Join us in this inclusive and supportive environment as we all take turns in the “hot seat” where the focus is on getting insight and solving problems.
Not only will your challenge be addressed, but you get to learn from what others are bringing to the table too. And it’s a great way to meet other entrepreneurs who are on a similar journey.
Join entomologist Matt Bertone, NC State Director, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic as he shares his expertise and teaches us how to encourage the many beneficial organisms in our gardens and landscapes. Some of these lesser-known organisms have vital roles in healthy garden ecosystems, providing organic waste reduction and natural pest control services.
Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answers your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution. Soil test kits and information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars will be available. Please stop by to learn more!
The Learning Garden is certified by Asheville Greenworks as a Pollinator Habitat. Plantings for pollinators thrive in several of the individual gardens, including the Pollinator Garden, the Sun and Shade Garden, the Four Seasons Garden and Cottage Gardens. This presentation will offer ideas and a plant list for creating your own Pollinator Garden. Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather. Presentation is free, but attendance is limited and registration is required.
Focal Point Coworking and Biz Radio.US are proud to present Biz & Bites, a monthly event series!
Join us each month for a short talk with some of Asheville’s leading business thinkers, to meet and socialize with other local professionals, and to enjoy some of the tastiest treats Asheville has to offer!
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June: Boomers to Gen Z: Closing the Generational Divide
Generational stereotypes run deep. Join us for an impactful panel discussion hosted by Biz Radio Host, Hank Elder, as we explore how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z conduct business differently and find ways to come together as one.
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Location
Focal Point Coworking is located at 125 S Lexington Avenue, Suite 101. The entrance is on Hilliard Avenue, across from the Bhramari parking lot. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
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Cost: $5 per person
Free for Focal Point Co-Working Members
Please pre-register to reserve your seat!
Join us on Thursday, July 6th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, located downtown on Biltmore Ave, for an exclusive preview party of their upcoming gallery opening, Summer Salon, on July 7th! This event is hosted by Michael Manes (co-owner/Executive Dir.) and Blair Guggenheim (Asst. Dir.), two dynamic young professionals who run the gallery.
The Summer Salon exhibition will be showcasing vibrant new works by a selection of esteemed BS1 artists. This diverse group exhibition features artists working in various mediums, including glass, painting, collage, basketry, metal, and mixed media sculpture. Come celebrate and explore the unique styles, techniques, and concepts expressed in the artists’ latest creations.
The Summer Salon will be held on the main level gallery, featuring works by talented artists such as Alex Bernstein, Robert Burch, Clay Burnette, Thomas Campbell, Andrew Hayes, Duy Huynh, Isaac Payne, Jeremy Russell, and Jon Sours. Their captivating pieces will be on display from July 7th to August 23rd, 2023.
During the preview party, we’ll provide complimentary drinks and food for you to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of one of Asheville’s finest galleries. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, meet new people, and appreciate the local art scene. There is no specific dress code, but most attendees will likely be coming from work in business attire.
Please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough bubbly and food for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable evening of art and connection!
Arts & Entertainment Crew
At Hopscotch, their mission is to transform rural health in America through advanced primary care for Medicare patients. To make this happen, they knew they were going to have to build something that did not already exist: a company built with purpose and mission, that leverages the strength of communities they seek to serve, combined with incredible skill and expertise around operations and technology to enable better things for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities.
Come join them for their Grand Opening of their Asheville clinic! Enjoy light refreshments, tour the clinic and meet their team all while learning more about the new level of primary care they are offering the Asheville community!
Bring your children and join Extension Master Gardener volunteer Carol Brown under the awning for fun gardening activities – learning about soil, water, seeds, plant needs and much more! Following the activities, the group will visit the Veggie Garden of The Learning Garden and see a variety of DIY raised beds, and plants growing in grow bags pots. We will harvest and taste vegetables that are ready.
There will also be a scavenger hunt to identify the parts of plants. Fun door prizes will be raffled!
NOTE: This presentation is limited to 20 children. Children must be accompanied by a caring adult.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
The presentation is free, but attendance is limited and registration is required
. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answers your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution. Soil test kits and information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars will be available. Please stop by to learn more!
Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day..
Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day.
ON-LINE PRESENTATION: Learn how properly planting trees and shrubs helps them establish early and contributes to long and healthy lives. Questions about soils and amendments, hole size and depth, back fill and whether to stake and wrap the trunk can be site specific and are not always easily answered.
Join Horticulture Specialist and Associate Professor Barbara Fair as she demonstrates proper planting techniques for trees and shrubs and how to recognize problems that may develop years later when trees are not planted correctly. The presentation is free; registration is required.
Members of YPA are invited to this professional development session to hear an overview of the Asheville Metro Economy and the role of the Chamber’s Economic Development Coalition in driving sustained economic growth in Western North Carolina. The presentation and open Q&A will detail the organization, mission, strategies and impacts of economic development here in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Presenters: Keevon Baten, director of business recruitment and Clark Duncan, senior vice president for economic development
5:30-6:30 – Social Hour (snacks and beverages provided)
6:30-7:30 – PD Session
The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information or to join, please visit Young Professionals
In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.
At our Roundtables, women entrepreneurs gather to deal with real issues. Let’s face it, entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, with very specific challenges. It’s so refreshing to brainstorm with others who get that.
Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.
Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.
Tickets and more information available at plrconnectevents.com/event-tickets
Join us for our July Pub Club at The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville on July 25th at 5:30 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to socialize, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Asheville’s newest hotspots.
Pub Club is our monthly casual happy hour, designed to bring young professionals like yourself together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting and explore one of Asheville’s many bars and restaurants. As a special treat, your first drink on us! It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of AYPROS.
The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville, located at The Restoration Hotel, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and camaraderie. They’ve got Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Pinball Machines and Skee Ball! Whether you’re new to Asheville, a recent returnee, or a lifelong local, you’re sure to meet like-minded professionals and forge valuable relationships.
To keep your taste buds satisfied, The Draftsman kitchen will be serving up a delectable selection of food throughout the event, including vegetarian options. You won’t have to worry about going hungry while you mingle and make new friends! Menu is here
So mark your calendar and get ready for an evening filled with laughter, good times, and the opportunity to expand your friendships. We kindly ask that you RSVP, as it helps us ensure that their staff and kitchen are fully prepared to make this a memorable experience for everyone.
Upcoming Pub Clubs:
8/22 Pub Club: The Easy Tiki Bar
9/26 Pub Club: Mudpuppies Sports & Sushi Bar
New Member Onboarding:
Psst! Are you interested in joining AYPROS and taking your involvement to the next level? We invite you to attend our New Member Onboarding at 5:00 p.m., just before Pub Club begins. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our community, initiatives, crews and how we support our city by making it a better place for young professionals to live, work and play. It’s also the final step in completing your membership initiation. Be sure to RSVP to secure your spot!
Thanks for registering and we are looking forward to seeing you!
Note: Please drink responsibly 🚫🍻 and arrange for a safe and sober means of transportation. 🚗💨
AYPROS IS POWERED BY FIRST BANK .
AYPROS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all members of our community. For questions about accessibility, requests for accommodations, or to inform about dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance of the event.
Join Extension Master Gardener volunteers Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba to learn about growing and collecting 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens, and enjoy a hands-on experience with 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo. Time permitting, information will be provided about creating an organic indigo dye vat.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Presentation is free, a $10 donation is requested. Cash only.
Attendance is limited and registration is required.
Learn about the 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens and 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo.
Presenters: Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers
In this class, you will learn about growing 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens. Additionally you will have hands-on experience collecting the plant material and learning 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo. If there is time, there will be information on creating an organic indigo dye vat.
$10 donation requested. Cash only
This class will be in the garden, please dress appropriately..
Registration: Seating is limited and registration is required.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
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Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
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Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
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One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
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Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
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Access to Field Days with regional partners
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Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
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Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
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15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Disbudding is the first step of pruning dahlias. Join Extension Master Gardener Dave Bush to learn all the steps of pruning in order to get the best blooms from your plants. Dave will also introduce the American Dahlia Society’s classification system.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Attendance is limited and registration is required.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Finding our authentic professional path can take many turns, and the task of embracing our authentic selves is ever unfolding. In this WomanUP Workshop, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration in the stories from three successful, local business women: Leah Wong Ashburn (Highland Brewing Company), Sandar Leung (Manna FoodBank) and Molly Gaffney-Keebler (Spherion Staffing & Recruiting). They’ll share the twists and turns of their on-going journeys to discovering their authentic selves through life, family and career.
About our speakers:
Leah Wong Ashburn is the second-generation family owner of Highland Brewing Company and serves as President and CEO. She has served on several boards including the Asheville Chamber, Buncombe County TDA, Riverlink and A-B Tech and currently serves on the UNC Board of Visitors and the NC Brewers Guild. She is also recipient of the 2019 WomanUP Woman Executive of the Year Award.
Sandar Leung is Director of Operations at MANNA FoodBank. Prior to her role at MANNA, she served as Senior Manager of Fabrication Value Stream at Thermo Fisher Scientific where she was responsible for long-term capacity and technology strategy. She is also a Functional Board Member of the Asian Children’s Mission which advocates for the welfare and education of children in Myanmar.
Molly Gaffney-Keebler is the Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Licensed Franchisee for WNC and Tri-Cities, TN and is president of the Spherion Franchise Advisory Board. In her tenure at Spherion, she has won multiple awards including Rookie of the Year in 2017 and Franchisee of the Year in 2020. Spherion Asheville has been the fastest growing market in Spherion history.
Agenda
8:00 am Doors Open
8:00-8:50 am Meet and Mingle, Enjoy a Light Breakfast
8:50-10:10 am Program
10:10-10:30 am Q&A with Panelists
Breakfast provided by Everyday Gourmet:
Fresh Fruit Platter – GF, Vegan
Open Face Bagels with Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Cucumber Dill Caper Relish (some will be vegetarian)
Yogurt Berry Granola Parfaits – GF, Vegetarian
Sweet Potato Hash with Peppers & Onions – GF, Vegan
Breakfast Sausage – GF
Coffee, Hot Tea, Lavender Lemonade