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.

Friday, July 7, 2023
MUNI: Documentary Screening + Panel Discussion
Jul 7 @ 4:30 pm
East Asheville Library

Join us for a screening of Paul Bonesteel’s documentary Muni (2020), followed by a panel discussion of the film with the filmmaker, community leader Matthew Bacoate Jr., and Chris Corl from the City of Asheville.

Muni is a love letter to the game of golf as told by the Black caddies-turned-players who, despite Jim Crow laws, built a rich and vibrant golf culture on a classic municipal course in Asheville, affectionately known as Muni.

This free program will be Friday, July 7 at 4:30 p.m. at the East Asheville Library and everyone is invited. Click here to watch a trailer for Muni.

Monday, July 10, 2023
“Music Movie Mondays” at Grail Moviehouse -The Monkees in HEAD
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Grail Moviehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District continues its popular event series: Music Movie Mondays. Showcasing the best in new, classic and cult films about music, these special screenings feature an introduction by music journalist Bill Kopp (that’s me), followed by a screening of the film and then a moderated discussion about what we’ve just seen and heard.

The latest in the series is HEAD, The Monkee’s 1968 film made to deconstruct their cuddly TV image. Is it weird? Oh, yes indeed. Is it fun? Absolutely. And it’s rarely seen on the big screen. Details are in the attached press release; more info at http://musoscribe.com/movies

Music Movie Mondays: ‘HEAD’ starring The Monkees
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

The Monkees was quite popular during its year-and-a-half run NBC-TV. In light of the group’s enduring popularity, it’s remarkable to realize that they existed onscreen for such a brief time. And as is widely known, the four members — admittedly to varying degrees — bristled at the manner in which they were packaged and sold to the public. So it was in 1968 after the show had gone of the air that the group — with show creators Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider and a friend of theirs named Jack Nicholson — decided to make a motion picture that would destroy once and for all their cuddly image.

That film was and is HEAD. Imagine The Monkees TV show expanded to movie length and dosed liberally with LSD, and you’ll begin to get a sense of what HEAD is like. The list of co-stars hints at the madness: Frank Zappa, Victor Mature, Annettte Funicello, Sonny Liston. “Weird” doesn’t even begin to describe it. Weirdly wonderful, too.

HEAD is not often screened these days. We had to jump through some hoops to get it for Music Movie Mondays. But we did, and we’re excited to share it with you.

Some 55 years after its original release, the willfully bizarre HEAD continues to fascinate, to entertain, to bewilder. Grail Moviehouse proudly presents a special one-night screening of the movie on Monday, July 10. Hosted by author, speaker and music journalist Bill Kopp, the evening will feature a screening of the film followed by an interactive discussion. HEAD is the latest in Grail Moviehouse’s ongoing series, Music Movie Mondays.

Outdoor Movie Nights – The Goonies
Jul 10 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
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!

Friday, July 14, 2023
Film Screening: Fully Awake: Black Mountain College
Jul 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Black Mountain Public Library

Join us for a screening of the first ever feature-length documentary film on Black Mountain College, Fully Awake: Black Mountain College.

Hidden in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Black Mountain College (1933 – 1957) was an influential experiment in education that inspired and shaped twentieth century American art. Fully Awake: Black Mountain College is a documentary film that explores the college’s progressive pedagogy and radical approach to arts education. Highly democratic and faculty-owned, the school promoted practical responsibilities and the creative arts as equally important components to intellectual development. During WWII, Black Mountain College was a haven for refugee European artists such as Josef and Anni Albers who arrived from the Bauhaus in Germany.

In the socially conservative 1940s and 50s, the college also became a refuge for the American avant-garde, (Franz Kline, John Cage, Buckminster Fuller, Merce Cunningham, Robert Creeley, Jacob Lawrence, Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, and M.C. Richards). Fully Awake explores how the confluence of this diverse community came together to create a unique educational model.

Movies in the Park: Top Gun: Maverick
Jul 14 @ 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️
📽️
📽️
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Sunday, July 16, 2023
Ten Minute Movies
Jul 16 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– FULLY SEATED SHOW

Ten Minute Movies returns for the first time since 2019! We take cult and classic movies and transform them into ten-minute plays for the Grey Eagle stage, building ramshackle worlds out of old cardboard and goodwill castoffs. Whether you want to participate and make a play, or you simply want to come watch, we have room for you. Come join us!
This installment of TMM is a benefit for Asheville Survival Project, who do vital work supporting unhoused and underserved folks in the community.
Monday, July 17, 2023
Outdoor Movie Nights – Jurassic World Domination
Jul 17 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023
To Protect and Preserve: Historic Flat Rock’s Legacy to Keep
Jul 18 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The history of Flat Rock comes to life in a new film. The archivally rich film showcases a wealth of stories and history specific to Flat Rock that includes photos, maps, blueprints, literature, and art from diverse repositories. Buncombe County Special Collections at Pack Memorial Library has contributed a trove of archival photos from its African American and Flat Rock Collections.

The award-winning historical documentary film, To Protect and Preserve: Historic Flat Rock’s Legacy to Keep, will be screened at the Pack Memorial Library. The first hour of the film, Part 1, Flat Rock’s History will be shown on Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. The event is free to the public. Designed to educate and inspire all ages and demographics, the film unveils Flat Rock’s unique and hidden history as a small American village established in the early 1800s in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

A look back

The film begins in the land of the Cherokee, revealing their way of life and attitudes toward stewarding the land, water sources and trading. The story continues with the Early Explorers, First Settlers, Charlestonian Rice Planters, Enslaved and Freedmen, impacting transgenerational descendant lives to this day. The filmmakers of One Life, One Legacy Films made discoveries in the archives of St. John in the Wilderness Church in Flat Rock that led them to uncover transgenerational connections to living descendants that they could bring to the big screen. The filmmakers interviewed Historian and Author Alexia Helsley, Cherokee Scholar Tom Belt, descendants of the first families, a slave descendant, and preservationists and residents.

Wanda Horne, a 5th generation descendant, whose ancestors were the first enslaved couple married in 1855 at St. John in the Wilderness, tells stories of growing up in East Flat Rock with her extended family. Her Aunt Blanche was a pivotal part of their family and was employed by a white family headed by Dr. D.I.C King. King is a descendant of Judge Mitchell King who was a slave owner in Flat Rock, as well as known for giving the land to settle Hendersonville. Dr. King was the physician for all the Williams family and the new generation of their children. His son, Rick, tells of how Blanche was their nanny, their cook, “their everything,” and how she and his mother would build things together. The filmmakers note, “This one story of black and white connections enriches our understanding, serving as the catalyst in connecting families to our universal histories within our community from generation to generation. There are countless hidden stories yet to be uncovered and threaded together to enlighten us all.”

Filmmakers Patricia Bradley and Michelle Mullen wish to encourage others to bring their community’s and family’s important histories to life, which help us understand our past and present stories.

About Historic Flat Rock

Flat Rock is the largest historic district in our state. Historic Flat Rock, Inc. was founded in 1968 as a non-profit volunteer organization of community residents, preservationists and conservationists who protect the Flat Rock Historic District. Its mission is to “Protect and Preserve” houses, churches, woodlands, and open spaces as well as promoting its cultural history through education.

Thursday, July 20, 2023
YPA Professional Development: What is the Economic Development Coalition?
Jul 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
YPA Professional Development: What is the Economic Development Coalition?

 

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

Friday, July 21, 2023
Food Truck + Flix at Dana Park
Jul 21 @ 7:00 pm
Dana Park

Grab your blanket or chair and join us under the stars for a free movie in the park, This
week’s movie is the film Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, Food truck opens at 7pm and movie begins at nightfall (approx.
8pm),

Saturday, July 22, 2023
Roundtable Session for Women Entrepreneurs
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am
Downtown Asheville

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

The Asheville 48 Hour Film Project, Awards Night
Jul 22 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

It’s the Asheville 48 Hour Film Project, AWARDS NIGHT GALA!

The 48 Hour Film Project, the largest independent film competition in the world, has returned to Asheville for its 18th year.

Each year, filmmakers from Western North Carolina and the surrounding area write, shoot, and edit a short film in just 48 hours. The Best Film from Asheville moves on to represent Asheville at the international Filmapalooza festival, and earns a chance to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival “Short Film Corner”.

The Awards Night Gala will include a screening of the “Best Of” Asheville’s short films, followed by an “Oscar’s” style awards ceremony. Come out and support our creative local actors, writers, and filmmaking teams, and see who takes home the Award for Best Film!

Monday, July 24, 2023
Outdoor Movie Nights – Elvis
Jul 24 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
AYPROS July Pub Club at The Draftsman Bar + Lounge
Jul 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Draftsman Bar + Lounge

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.

Saturday, July 29, 2023
New York Film Score Orchestra…Music of Hans Zimmer, John Williams + More by Candlelight
Jul 29 @ 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience cinema’s most iconic music performed by The New York Film Score Orchestra in a candle-lit setting.
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon.

Venue: First Congregational Church, Asheville NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance.

Saturday, July 29th
4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before showtime

Start time: 4:00pm
End Time: 5:15pm

Please note, the advisory age for this event is 5+ (no children under 3)

Programme:

E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof

Vienna Light Orchestra Presents: A Tribute to Broadway + The Greatest Showman
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience cinema’s most iconic music performed by The New York Film Score Orchestra in a candle-lit setting.
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon.

Venue: First Congregational Church, Asheville NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance.

Saturday, July 29th
4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before showtime

Start time: 4:00pm
End Time: 5:15pm

Please note, the advisory age for this event is 5+ (no children under 3)

Programme:

E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof

Vienna Light Orchestra: MAGICAL FILM SCORES
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience performances by world renowned Vienna Light Orchestra as they play cinema’s most iconic music, surrounded by over 2,000 LED candles. An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon. “Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of the Vienna Light Orchestra, where timeless classics blend seamlessly with contemporary arrangements. Join us for an enchanting evening of symphonic brilliance that transcends time.”

Vienna Light Orchestra is privileged to perform at the historic First Congregational Church in Asheville, NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance. Step into the awe-inspiring sanctuary, where every whispered note reverberates with ethereal grace, as the divine acoustics transform each instrument into a symphony of celestial harmony.”

🕰 Date and Showtimes: Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 4pm (sold out), 6pm & 8pm

🕰 Runtime: 70 Minutes (an easy addition to your evening plans!)

📌 Venue: First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St Asheville, NC 28801

Programme:

Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof
… and More!

Highlights
🕯️ A spirited ambience bathed in magical candlelight.
🎼 Talented world-class orchestral musicians performing powerful favorites – Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom of the Opera, Hans Zimmer, John Williams…and MUCH more!
💃🏻 Performers are from the renowned Vienna Light Orchestra.
🏛 Stunning architectural intimacy awash in a parade of intimate candlelight and more.

Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight ambiance is provided through flameless candles.

New York Film Score Orchestra…Music of Hans Zimmer, John Williams + More by Candlelight
Jul 29 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience cinema’s most iconic music performed by The New York Film Score Orchestra in a candle-lit setting.
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon.

Venue: First Congregational Church, Asheville NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance.

Saturday, July 29th
4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before showtime

Start time 8:00pm
End Time 9:15pm

Please note, the advisory age for this event is 5+ (no children under 3)

Programme:

E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof

Monday, July 31, 2023
Outdoor Movie Nights – Back to the Future
Jul 31 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Friday, August 4, 2023
‘The River Runs On’
Aug 4 @ 6:00 pm
Highlands Nature Center

Follows conservationists throughout southern Appalachia as they struggle to manage two national forests in America: the Pisgah and Nantahala. Visit https://theriverrunson.com/ or www.highlandsbiological.org.

The Way We Speak with the World Documentary
Aug 4 @ 7:00 pm
Cherokee Central School

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian presents a film & concert event celebrating the citizens working to preserve, perpetuate, & learn Tsalagi.

Friday, August 4: Screening of “ᏓᏗᏬᏂᏏ (We Will Speak),” a feature-length documentary collaboration chronicling the efforts of Cherokee activists, artists, and educators fighting to save the Cherokee language. A Q&A with members of the film’s production team will follow the screening. Doors open at 6pm, screening begins at 7pm.

Saturday, August 5: Cherokee language concert featuring Cherokee Nation musicians who contributed to the groundbreaking 2022 compilation album Anvdvnelisgi (ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩ). Doors open at 6pm, concert begins at 7pm.

Performers:

  • Aaron Hale (Psychedelic Singer/Songwriter)
  • Agalisiga Mackey (Country)
  • Austin Markham (Pop)
  • Colby Luper (Metal)
  • Desi & Cody (Rock)
  • IIA (Pop)
  • Kalyn Fay (Folk/Americana)
  • Medicine Horse (Metal)
  • Monica Taylor (Folk/Americana)
  • Ken Pomeroy (Alternative Folk)
  • Travis Fite (Reggae)
  • Zebadiah Nofire (Hip-Hop)
Monday, August 7, 2023
Outdoor Movie Nights – Encanto
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023
WomanUP Workshop – Embracing Authenticity: Stories of Self-Discovery
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center
WomanUP Workshop - Embracing Authenticity: Stories of Self-Discovery

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

Film Screening: Never Let Me Go
Aug 8 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Free film screening of Never Let Me Go (2012) Rated R. Starring Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley.

From IMDB: “The lives of three friends, from their early school days into young adulthood, when the reality of the world they live in comes knocking.”

This is part of a book and movie study series. Our monthly book club will be discussing the book (and movie) on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:30AM. Everyone is welcome to join that discussion.

Popcorn and light beverages will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own bag lunch to this film.

Friday, August 11, 2023
Movies in the Park: Little Giants
Aug 11 @ 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Monday, August 14, 2023
Outdoor Movie Nights – Jungle Criuse
Aug 14 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Teen Movie Night: Into the Spiderverse (PG)
Aug 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
East Asheville Library

Get together for a screening of Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (PG)
Free. Recommended for middle and high school-age students.
Questions? Call the library at 828-250-4738.

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Shortcomings at SCREEN AND SUDS
Aug 19 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Ben, a struggling filmmaker, lives in Berkeley, California, with his girlfriend, Miko, who works for a local Asian American film festival. When he’s not managing an arthouse movie theater as his day job, Ben spends his time obsessing over unavailable blonde women, watching Criterion Collection DVDs, and eating in diners with his best friend Alice, a queer grad student with a serial dating habit. When Miko moves to New York for an internship, Ben is left to his own devices, and begins to explore what he thinks he might want.

Tickets for the August 19, 1:15 screening of SHORTCOMING will be available on the Grail website in the coming week. Advance tickets are recommended. We’ll Meetup at Grail at 1:00. As always, we will gather at Wedge Brewery next door for post-screening conversation.