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.

Thursday, June 1, 2023
Goodwill BAC – Asheville Meeting
Jun 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Goodwill Workforce Development Center

Topic: The Making of an IT Town
What would it take for Asheville to be an IT hub? Join us to hear from some of Asheville’s current IT leadership and discuss how we can help develop Asheville into a town that attracts the best IT talent and employers.

Speakers:

  • Steve Newman, Meet the Geeks, Mountain Area Workforce Development Board Member, ERC Broadband
  • Jon Jones, CEO and Co-founder of Anthroware, a software and product development company
  • Scott Barnwell, Deputy CIO of City of Asheville
  • Drake Thomas, Lecturer, UNC Asheville
Monday, June 5, 2023
Business Ready Smart Legal Event
Jun 5 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
WUC Biltmore Park

No cost legal education for members of business community: employment mistakes to avoid, business succession, dos and don’ts for developing and maintaining a business. Lunch included. Call 828-227-7401 with questions.

Grand Opening of CarolinasDentist Asheville
Jun 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
CarolinasDentist

Please join the Chamber to Celebrate the Grand Opening of CarolinasDentist!

 

At CarolinasDentist, they know how important it is to find a primary dental care provider that can meet the unique wants and needs of your family. They are committed to providing families in and around Asheville with the high-quality dental care that they deserve. When you visit their office, you can expect custom care that centers around your unique smile! To learn more about CarolinasDenist’s new Asheville location, please contact them, and they will be glad to assist.

 

CarolinasDentist invites you to their grand-opening for their brand new dental practice in Arden/South Asheville. They will have light hors-d’oeuvres and special giveaways for attendees, including some local gift cards from some of their favorite businesses. Their partner doctor, Dr. Laura Johnson, will say a few words thanking everyone for coming and will give a tour of their high-tech facility, highlighting our state-of-the-art dental technology and their beautiful office.  

Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Raleigh Legislative Visit
Jun 6 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Raleigh

Join us in presenting a comprehensive voice of WNC business during our Raleigh Legislative Visit from Tuesday, June 6 to Wednesday, June 7!Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.As a delegate on the trip, connect with business leaders from across our region and reinforce WNC business priorities to the North Carolina General Assembly. Together, we can have more impact on our region’s priorities.

Raleigh

About 50 representatives from eight regional chambers will participate in the two-day trip to discuss issues with legislators and state agencies vital to our regional business environment.
Events will include an evening reception at Whiskey Kitchen, presentations on important policy issues, and visits with members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Visits will be focused on local priorities, economic development funding for WNC and key workforce issues including childcare and medicaid expansion. Participants must make their own hotel reservations, with a discounted rate available at The Sheraton. Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.

Ground Breaking at Benton Roofing
Jun 6 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Benton Roofing
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Raleigh Legislative Visit
Jun 7 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Raleigh

Join us in presenting a comprehensive voice of WNC business during our Raleigh Legislative Visit from Tuesday, June 6 to Wednesday, June 7!Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.As a delegate on the trip, connect with business leaders from across our region and reinforce WNC business priorities to the North Carolina General Assembly. Together, we can have more impact on our region’s priorities.

Raleigh

About 50 representatives from eight regional chambers will participate in the two-day trip to discuss issues with legislators and state agencies vital to our regional business environment.
Events will include an evening reception at Whiskey Kitchen, presentations on important policy issues, and visits with members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Visits will be focused on local priorities, economic development funding for WNC and key workforce issues including childcare and medicaid expansion. Participants must make their own hotel reservations, with a discounted rate available at The Sheraton. Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.

Chamber Golf Classic
Jun 7 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Country Club

Come out for a round of golf with the Chamber!

Each year, our annual Golf Classic raises funds for our Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its workforce development efforts. Programs under the Foundation include, Teacher of the Year Reception, Junior Leaders Program, Apprenticeships programs and more!

Please reach out to Amy at [email protected] to register for a team, to sponsor a hole, or both! All registration forms are below.

Team Registration Form
Hole Sponsorship Form
Individual Player Form

All registrations are due no later than May 31st!

Ribbon Cutting for True Divine Accessories
Jun 7 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Please Join the Chamber to Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for True Divine Accessories!

True Divine Accessories is an inexpensive way to accessorize your lifestyle and will make you look like you just walked off the Runway.

Everything is $5, so why not try it. Your wrist, neck, fingers, ears and wallet will be happy! There will be a drawing for a free gift, you don’t want to miss it!

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Speed Connecting for Women Entrepreneurs
Jun 13 @ 5:30 pm
Downtown Asheville

Traditional networking can be awkward! But we focus on fun, inclusive activities that make connecting with other women entrepreneurs easier.
When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened and power multiplied. So come connect with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women at Expand Your Circle.
Tickets ($15) and more information at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/speed-connecting-event-series

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Business Morning Update
Jun 14 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elks Lodge
Young Professionals Monthly Social
Jun 14 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewing
asheBUILT Drinks and Networking
Jun 14 @ 5:30 pm
New Origin Brewing
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Ribbon Cutting + Open House: Noble Pest Solutions
Jun 15 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Noble Pest Solutions
Friday, June 16, 2023
AM Power Hour
Jun 16 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
We Sell WNC
Inaugural Bark + Bolt: Dog-Friendly 5k, One Mile and 100 Meter Paw Pursuit
Jun 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Patton Park

Ready, Set…WOOF! Experience the inaugural event of the summer and join us at Patton Park for a truly unique experience on Friday, June 16th for the Inaugural Bark & Bolt presented by Hunter Subaru in Hendersonville, NC!

This family and pup-friendly event will feature the Bark & Bolt 5k, One Mile, and 100 meter Paw Pursuit. The race will be followed by a Top Dog Contest and a Bark in the Park Dog Fair with local pet friendly vendors.

We invite participants of all fitness levels to join us: whether you’re an avid runner looking to have your pup tag along with you or someone just looking for an enjoyable walk, our event is sure to provide something for everyone. Not only will it give you the chance to explore Hendersonville’s beautiful parks and greenways with your pet but also be part of a cause that helps rescue pups find loving homes.

Join us to help make this inaugural event an unforgettable success! Sign up today and get ready to bark and bolt your way through this summer event!

Event Schedule

  • 4:45 – 6:30pm – Registration & Packet Pickup
  • 5:00 – 8:00pm – Bark in the Park

  • 6:00pm – One Mile Fun Run/Walk

  • 6:30pm – Paw Pursuit 100m Dash

  • 6:45pm – Bark & Bolt 5k Race Start

  • 7:45pm – Awards Ceremony

Courses

5k:

The Bark & Bolt 5k starting and finishing at Patton Park in Hendersonville, NC is the paw-fect race for you and your pup! This course is made up of a flat, fast out and back section along the beautiful Oklawaha Greenway. It’s all on a paved surface, so no need to worry about muddy paws! Don’t be fooled though – one short, stinker of a hill will get you back to the finish line, so make sure you and your four-legged friend are ready for the challenge. With great views and plenty of spectator friendly spots along the way, this race will be ruff to resist! So grab your pup and join us – you won’t be barking up the wrong tree with this one!

Leashed (no retractable leashes allowed), vaccinated and friendly dogs are required!

5k course map – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42022755

 

One Mile: 

The Bark & Bolt One Mile course is a perfect way to get your pup and your feet moving! Starting at Patton Park in Hendersonville, NC you can enjoy a relaxing run along the Oklawaha Greenway, which has a paved surface that will keep your pup’s paws comfy throughout. A single stinker hill awaits you on the way back to the finish line, but don’t worry – it’s the only one on the route. The rest of the way is flat and fast, making this course a treat for runners (and their furry teammates) of all ages and abilities. So leash up those tail-wagging wonders and get ready to bark and bolt through this fun one-mile adventure!

Leashed (no retractable leashes allowed), vaccinated and friendly dogs are required!

One mile course map – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42023092

 

Paw Pursuit:

The Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash is the ultimate test of canine athleticism and speed! This competition is only for the most well-behaved pups, so it’s time to see who is Top Dog. Dogs will be divided into three weight classes: Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight.

This Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash promises lots of fur-ocious fun for pet owners looking to find out just who is Top Dog!

Let’s see which pup has what it takes to come out on top as the most paw-some pup in town! So, get excited and get your pup ready to run!

Dog owners are encouraged to run alongside their pup! 

We are thrilled to announce JAMBAR will be the official nutrition/energy bar partner of the race!

JAMBARS were created by the co-founder of the original PowerBar, Jennifer Maxwell. Jennifer worked for four and a half years to create the perfect bar. “Everything in a JAMBAR you could eat off a spoon!” JAMBAR is featured in this month’s Runner’s World magazine as one of the top bars of the year for their Mango flavor! JAMBARS are

  • Certified organic & non-GMO
  • Crafted in small batches in the company’s own facility
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free
  • Made with real fruit and/or fair trade chocolate
  • Sweetened with authentic sweeteners from nature
  •  Offer 10 grams of protein per bar

JAMBAR also donates 50% of all after-tax profits to qualified nonprofits to support music, active living and community connections! You’ll find JAMBAR at the water station. Be sure to stop by and pick one up! With four delicious flavors to choose from, you’ll definitely “Get your jam on!”

Bark + Bolt 5k, One Mile + 100m Paw Pursuit
Jun 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Patton Park

Ready, Set…WOOF! Experience the inaugural event of the summer and join us at Patton Park for a truly unique experience on Friday, June 16th for the Inaugural Bark and Bolt presented by Hunter Subaru in Hendersonville, NC!

This family and pup-friendly event will feature the Bark and Bolt 5k, One Mile, and 100 meter Paw Pursuit. The race will be followed by a Top Dog Contest and a Bark in the Park Dog Fair with local pet friendly vendors.

We invite participants of all fitness levels to join us: whether you’re an avid runner looking to have your pup tag along with you or someone just looking for an enjoyable walk, our event is sure to provide something for everyone. Not only will it give you the chance to explore Hendersonville’s beautiful parks and greenways with your pet but also be part of a cause that helps rescue pups find loving homes.

Join us to help make this inaugural event an unforgettable success! Sign up today and get ready to bark and bolt your way through this summer event!

All human finishers will receive a finisher ‘dog tag’ at the finish line and pups will receive a Bark and Bolt custom/commemorative bandana!

Saturday, June 17, 2023
2nd Annual Asheville Ideas Fest
Jun 17 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
various locations in Asheville

At Asheville Ideas Fest, our goal is to engage in meaningful conversations on topics that truly matter while showcasing the beauty of Asheville and the talented artists, entertainers, and chefs that make this city unique.  This intellectual vacation offers attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expert panelists while enjoying excellent food and entertainment.  It’s an investment in yourself that allows for reflection and renewal.

Our artist in residence this year is William Paul Thomas.  William is a talented Durham-based artist and he’ll be presenting his work in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery in our newly renovated Owen Hall on the UNC Asheville campus.  If you’d like a preview of William’s work you can check out his website: www.williampaulthomas.com

We have put together an exceptional program this year. We are honored to welcome Sanjay Gupta, Juju Chang, Tom Friedman, and Kwame Alexander.  Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers will be returning for an evening concert.  Wiley Cash has curated a fantastic lineup of bestselling authors.  Broadway actor Bryan Terrell Clark, who played George Washington in Hamilton and Marvin Gaye in Motown, will perform an exclusive sunset concert with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra at the Grove Park Inn.  You can find the full program at www.exploreasheville.com/asheville-ideas-fest/2023-schedule-of-events/.

We are excited to launch a national marketing campaign next week.  You may see Asheville Ideas Fest in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Atlantic Monthly. If you’re a PBS viewer, keep an eye out for our 15-second underwriting promos during your favorite primetime shows.

Early registration is available to our friends through this Saturday, April 15 and you can save $150 on a pass.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Tax-Saving Strategies for Small Businesses
Jun 21 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
online

Taxes can be stressful for small business owners – you wear many hats and the last thing you want to do is give more of your hard-earned business income to the government. This webinar will offer you several ways to reduce your taxable income and shrink your tax liability this year. We’ll start with the top three ways to keep on the good side of the IRS, discuss retirement accounts, business structure and more. Bring your questions and our experienced tax preparers will give you ways to keep more of your money working for you.

 

 

If we see you have registered here (on SCORE) but not on Zoom, we will enter your information with Zoom so that you receive the needed link to join the class.

 

Instructor: Keith Bristol, Accountant, Carol L. King & Associates, P.A.

 

Originally from Morganton, North Carolina, Keith was a small business owner and a software engineer before deciding accounting was his calling. He simply loves numbers! Keith received a BS degree in Business & Economics from University of Kentucky, and later an MS in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska. He owned a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Hartford, Connecticut from 1987 to 1996, and worked as a software engineer for IBM before returning to North Carolina to pursue accounting. Keith is the proud uncle of 7 nieces and nephews, has a pet Australian Shepherd named Lucy, and enjoys playing tennis and pickle ball as well as reading and exploring the great outdoors.

Saturday, June 24, 2023
Yappy Hour
Jun 24 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

FREE | Bring those four-legged canines over for some happy tail-wagging at our Summer Dog Pawty! Come out for a great time celebrating these furever friends of ours. Giveaways for all. Prizes for best dog costume, best dog trick, & best at guessing the right amount of treats in a jar! Refreshments are provided for both humans & canines! Dogs must be on a leash.

Hora Feliz para Mascotas
GRATIS | ¡Trae a esos perros de cuatro patas para que disfruten de una cola feliz en nuestra Fiesta de Verano para Perros! Ven y diviértete celebrando a nuestros amigos de cuatro patas. ¡Habrá obsequios para todos! Premios para el mejor disfraz de perro, el mejor truco de perro y el mejor adivinador de la cantidad correcta de golosinas en un frasco. ¡Se proporcionarán refrigerios tanto para humanos como para caninos! Los perros deben ir con correa.

Blue Ridge Humane Society: Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl
Jun 24 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic 7th Avenue District

During the Pup Crawl, participants will visit Guidon Brewing Company, M&T Distillery, Southern Appalachian Brewery, The Brandy Bar & Cocktails, and Celtic Creamery to enjoy food, drinks, and activities hosted by each business. As you stop for a drink and an activity, make sure to get your ‘pupport’ pass stamped at each bar. Once you collect all the stamps, check back in at the Blue Ridge Humane table at the last location you visit and enter the Grand Prize drawing with tons of swag and goodies from our hosts for you and your pup!

New this year, a pet-centric vendor fair will be hosted on Barker Street. Vendors will be onsite for participants to meet, learn about their businesses, and enjoy freebies or activities for themselves and their dogs. 

Pupport ticket sales will open May 1st until June 23 for $15 for one pet/$30 for multiple pets and day of registration on June 24th will have pupports available for $20 for one pet/$40 for multiple pets. Included in the pupport purchase price is also a 10% discount code for the event t-shirts. Shirts will only be available online, prior to Pup Crawl, and will not be available for purchase during the event. Visit www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/fundraising-events/pupcrawl/ for more information and to purchase your pupport. 

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
AYPROS June Pub Club @ Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore Village
Jun 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore Village

🌟 AYPROS Pub Club 🍻 is our monthly networking social event where members come together to connect, unwind, and foster meaningful relationships in a casual setting. 🤝 Each month, we select a different local bar or restaurant as the venue for Pub Club. 📍 It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, have fun, and engage with fellow young professionals in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. ✨

🥂 As an added perk, we kick off the evening by offering the first drink on us! 🍹 Whether you prefer a craft beer 🍺, a signature cocktail 🍸, or a non-alcoholic beverage 🥤, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🎉 Pub Club takes place on every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:30 PM. ⏰ Mark your calendars 📆 and join us for an enjoyable evening of networking, laughter, and new connections. 💼🗣️

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.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The Day-Job Side-Hustle Juggle
Jun 28 @ 5:00 pm
North Asheville Library

Are you managing both a full or nearly full-time job while simultaneously running your own business (and going a little bit crazy in the process)? If so this free seminar is for you. Many of us have given up on the idea of having a personal life. We worry that we can’t keep up our current pace and wonder when or if there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. In this seminar, you will learn practical tips on how to effectively juggle both your primary job and your side hustle while still growing your business and maintaining a personal life. We’ll also cover when and if you should transition out of your primary job and make that leap to running your own business full time. And finally, we’ll discuss how to maintain your sanity and protect your health as you’re juggling both, while you’re transitioning to running your own business full-time and after you’ve made the leap to full-time entrepreneur.

 

 

 

Instructor: Eliza Burr

Elizabeth (Eliza) Burr launched and grew two successful businesses, Preferred Pet Partners LLC and The Pet Business Coach. She’s a veteran in the pet care business space and has extensive practical experience in the pet sitting and dog walking industry. With degrees in Zoology and Molecular Biology, she’s had a varied career with 30 years spent in global companies in a variety of roles including Operations, R&D, Quality, and Continuous Improvement. She’s led organizations of up to 2400 employees and operations across the US and Canada. She’s traveled extensively for her career living in 13 states and 4 countries. In 2017 she launched her first side hustle and in 2018 she jumped the corporate ship to pursue her passion for animals and small business and has never looked back!

BUILDING OUR CITY: ASHEVILLE’S URBAN DESIGN SPEAKER SERIES
Jun 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Collider

The Building Our City Speaker Series is presented by The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation with support from the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, the City of Asheville, Carleton Collins Architecture, Mosaic Lifestyle Realty, Kimpton Hotel Arras and The Collider. The series is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association and Urban3.

The series is focused on housing for 2023.

Doors open at 5:30pm and the session begins at 6pm.

Featured Speaker:

Eric Kronberg is a zoning whisperer. He specializes in examining and demystifying zoning ordinances to find ways to make great projects possible and help others navigate through the zoning swamp. He uses his skills for the force of good as a principal at Kronberg Urbanists + Architects, leading the firm’s pre-development efforts by combining skills in planning, development, architecture, and zoning. Eric leverages this potent cocktail to chart the course of best possibilities for each site’s redevelopment. His work with KUA, the Incremental Development Alliance, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Georgia Conservancy, and the National Town Builders Association has solidified his stance as an advocate for walkable and bikeable communities.

Thursday, June 29, 2023
Ribbon Cutting: Off the Wall Books N Cafe
Jun 29 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Off the Wall Books N Cafe
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Grand Opening of Bear’s Smokehouse
Jul 6 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bear's Smokehouse Asheville

Please join the Chamber to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bear’s Smokehouse!

Bear’s Smokehouse was founded in 2013 by co-owners Cheryl Antoncic and Jamie “The Bear” McDonald. Jamie is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and the two dreamed of opening a restaurant to fill a void they both found in Cheryl’s home state of Connecticut for good BBQ.

In 2020, Bear’s began expansion into Asheville, North Carolina where it quickly grew to 2 locations. In addition to their restaurant and bar facilities, Bear’s offers full-service catering and food truck services, as well as in-house private events.

Bear’s Restaurant Group is proud to support members of the military and first responders, as well as several local and national non-profit organizations, and is honored to be the “Official BBQ of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs.”

Bear’s brick-and-mortar restaurant at 135 Coxe Avenue opened in October 2022, and features a casual-service restaurant and two full bars, as well as a massive, beautifully landscaped outdoor seating area. Bear’s offers live music every Saturday as well as numerous large-scale holiday celebrations throughout the year.

Join Bear’s Smokehouse and the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the full opening of their brick-and-mortar location in South Slope. A selection of appetizers will be provided from Bear’s new signature catering menu and drink specials will be available for purchase at both bars!

Street and pay-lot parking is located throughout South Slope.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Ribbon Cutting: Cappy’s Holistic Home Care, LLC
Jul 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cappy's Holistic Home Care, LLC
Ribbon Cutting for Hopscotch Health
Jul 11 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Hopscotch Health

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!

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Business Morning Update
Jul 12 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elks Lodge
Young Professionals of Henderson County
Jul 12 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Dry Falls Brewing
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Mojo Community Coworking Day
Jul 13 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mojo Coworking

AVL Digital Nomads – set your Mojo FREE!

Mojo Coworking is hosting another coworking day just for us!
In the Mojo Social Hall, they’ll have a combination of individual desks and group work tables for up to 50 people. Grab a single desk by the window, or share a round table with friends for the day. Upstairs, phone booths will be available on a drop-in basis, and a conference room by reservation.

Snacks will be provided by…all of us! It’s the return of the snack potluck — if you’re up for it, bring something easy to share with the group.

Interested in Mojo membership? Join with the summer promo!
Summer Membership includes 10 Flex Work hours & 2 conference room credits for only $20.

Please make sure you’re able to attend if you RSVP — this will no doubt be a popular event.

NOTE: The coworking day ends at 4pm, but you’ll want to stick around for the Mojo Summer Social event afterward — learn more and register here.