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, August 26, 2023
“Ice House” Entrepreneurial Mindset Training Program for Women
Aug 26 all-day
AB Tech Enka

“An entrepreneurial mindset can empower ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things,” according to the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI), a leader in entrepreneurial education serving academic, corporate, and non-profit organizations globally. Even if you are already extraordinary in certain arenas, learning to think like an entrepreneur can create possibilities and opportunities that may exist only in your dreams today. What would it be like to empower the entrepreneurial spirit within you that has a passion for building, connecting, and motivating yourself and others?

If this sounds interesting to you, you may want to consider enrolling in this course and becoming an Ice House Entrepreneur. Our 3-part program teaches how to think like an entrepreneur based on the book “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.” This book, and the associated Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (IHEP), are inspired by the life story of Pulitzer Nominee Clifton Taulbert and the influence of his Uncle Cleve, who embodied the entrepreneurial mindset even when success seemed out of reach. “An entrepreneurial mindset exposes opportunity, ignites ambition, and fosters innovation. It shifts everyday thinking into a new framework, empowering people to identify problems, deploy solutions, and make connections using creative and critical thinking, communication, and collaboration,” states the ELI.

If you are a new entrepreneur, thinking about starting a business, or just need a jumpstart – this course is especially for you. It is also for anyone who aspires to improve their performance in any profession. Upgrading your mindset to better recognize and act on opportunities is a key to success in work and in life.

The instructor is Gold Certified Ice House Facilitator Beverly Jurenko, MBA, ACE-certified Executive Coach, and founder of Inside Edge Consulting LLC. She will be leading this course in the IHEP over the span of three Saturdays in August 2023 (8/12 9:30 to 3:30; 8/19 9:30 to 3:30; 8/26 9:30 to 1:30).

Because this is a deep dive course, we are limited to 20 students. The course will take place at AB Tech’s Enka campus. The cost to sign up is $89. This fee includes lunch all three days, and the book Who Owns the Ice House? Reserve your spot at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/ice-house-entrepreneurship-program

This project received support from NC IDEA and the AB Tech Small Business Center.

About the facilitator: Beverly Jurenko is a leadership and career coach based in Asheville, NC and the founder of Inside Edge Consulting LLC. She specializes in supporting diverse talent to embrace their power and realize their potential. She is certified as a coach by the Academy for Coaching Excellence, and a member of the International Coaching Federation. She is also an NC Idea Gold Certified Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator, and serves as an Advisory Board Member for UNC-Asheville Business Department and the Western Carolinas Coaches subchapter of the International Coaching Federation, and as an Advisory Committee member for the Asheville YMCA.

“If you are talented, and ambitious, but feel held back in some way, I want to support you. Together, we can identify and remove invisible barriers that get in your way so you can build your own sense of power and entitlement and pursue your goals with clarity and ease.” ~ Beverly Jurenko, Founder, Inside Edge Consulting LLC

Beverly brings her broad international background in the corporate, non-profit, and startup sectors to her work as a coach. She is a former Vice President for private equity investor BancBoston Capital; a co-founder of HBS Houston Alumni Angels; and the founder of two startups: That’s Math, an EdTech bilingual family math engagement company, and Best Cleaning Services, an award-winning commercial cleaning company she sold for 6.7x capital invested. She is also the former Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and has worked in Latin America, Russia, and Europe in energy for Amoco and Enron, and in financial services for the Prudential Investment Corporation. She is certified in Diversity Equity & Inclusion by eCornell, and is an alum of Yale (double major: BA Economics, Russian/East European Studies) and Harvard (full-time MBA). As a mother, wife, and serial expat, she has first-hand experience with transitions, career-life balance, and multicultural challenges.

Buncombe County Democratic Party Volunteer Headquarters Workday
Aug 26 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party

The BCDP headquarters is in need of a deep clean and a little TLC. August 26th’s event is phase 1 of a multi-phase project to deep clean, organize, update, and rejuvenate headquarters. During phase 1 we will tackle the basement. Tasks will include moving tables & chairs outside, power washing the tables & chairs, cleaning out the basement kitchenette, and deep cleaning the bathroom.

Due the size of the basement, we will limit the volunteer count to 20 people. If you have a truck, and are willing to take items to either the dump or Habitat for Humanity, please bring it!

Cleaning supplies and products will be provided, but please bring your own cleaning gloves. Please also bring spare towels for drying the tables & chairs. Be prepared to take these towels with you after the workday. We will provide light snacks (think granola bars) and water.

Who should attend: We are seeking at MAXIMUM 20 hardworking volunteers who want to help clean headquarters basement.

Haywood Road Cleanup
Aug 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

Join Asheville GreenWorks, the West Asheville Business Association, Wrong Way Campground, and OnHaywood for a cleanup of the Haywood Road corridor in West Asheville. Breakfast and post cleanup rewards will be provided to volunteers.

What is a Haywood Road Clean Up Day? A day where volunteers work to pick up trash and recycling along the Haywood Road corridor.

How do you participate? 1-RSVP by “joining” this project 2-Meet and sign in at Archetype Brewing, 10am 3-Grab some breakfast, receive instructions and gear, and head out as a group to pick up of trash along Haywood Road and side streets 4-Return gear to Archetype and enjoy volunteer rewards!

Is this a family-friendly event? Yes, although please consider that Haywood Road is a busy street and it is important that you and your children stay alert and safe throughout the clean up.

Should you bring anything? Asheville GreenWorks will supply gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, and trash bags for everyone. Please bring water and any personal items that you need.

Need to know

Dress in comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Meet at Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd, at 10am. After signing in, volunteers will receive a free breakfast and their cleanup gear. We’ll go over safety and instructions before heading out to cover the Haywood Road corridor. Return your gear to Archetype and enjoy volunteer rewards!

We rely on financial support from our community in order to inspire, equip and mobilize volunteers who make an impact. Please consider making a gift in support of this event.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Hardesty Nursery Workdays 
Aug 29 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hardesty Lane Nursery

Join us for monthly workdays in the Hardesty Lane native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include weeding, mulching, mowing, weed eating, fertilizing, labeling, watering, etc.

Minimum Age: 13+

Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Aug 30 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Aug 31 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Friday, September 1, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 1 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 2 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Sep 2 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Sunday, September 3, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 3 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Monday, September 4, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 4 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Dogwood Alliance Ambassador Meeting
Sep 4 @ 6:00 pm
online w/ Dogwood Alliance

We need inspired, compassionate Ambassadors. You can help to spread the word and speak truth to power. You can help us grow the movement to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging.

By signing up to be an Ambassador, you’ll receive:

  • Regular updates
  • Exclusive event invitations
  • Opportunities to shape this important work
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 5 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 5 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tree Nursery Workdays
Sep 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Tree Nursery

Join us for weekly workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

Volunteer Training Online w/ Literacy Together
Sep 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
online

 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 6 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 6 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Thursday, September 7, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 7 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 7 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Volunteer Training Online w/ Literacy Together
Sep 7 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online
Friday, September 8, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 8 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 8 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Saturday, September 9, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities with Literacy Together
Sep 9 all-day
Literacy Together
  • The ESOL Program has a waiting list of 100 people who have been waiting for months for tutors. We offer online and in-person volunteer opportunities and welcome volunteers from all over the world willing to tutor remotely. Tutors don’t need to speak the student’s language. Learn more here.
  • The Youth Literacy Program needs more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year. The training will occur in person from Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14, from 1:00-4:00. We will begin supporting students in after-school program settings the week of September 18. We provide 1:1 tutoring support in multiple after-school programs in the Asheville community. Learn more here.
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Monday, September 11, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 11 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Volunteer for the Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count
Sep 12 all-day
TBA
family of four riding bikes on the greenway

The City’s Transportation Department is gearing up for its Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count to take place again this year. Each year, the counts are held the week after Labor Day. Counts are taken on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This year, the dates are Sept 12th – 14th & 16th. The hours are on weekday mornings from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. or afternoons from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. On Saturday, counts are from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Data collected helps staff identify bike/pedestrian trends and also helps in implementation of the recently adopted GAP Plan.

Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. No special skills or previous experience is required to volunteer.

Community members can sign up to volunteer a couple of different ways:

We will do our best to assign volunteers based on their location preferences but ask that folks have some flexibility. Community members are encouraged to sign up by early September.

All volunteers that complete their shift and submit the data they collected will be entered into a random drawing to receive a free annual membership from The Flying Bike (Thank you to The Flying Bike!).

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 12 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Volunteer for the Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count
Sep 13 all-day
TBA
family of four riding bikes on the greenway

The City’s Transportation Department is gearing up for its Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count to take place again this year. Each year, the counts are held the week after Labor Day. Counts are taken on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This year, the dates are Sept 12th – 14th & 16th. The hours are on weekday mornings from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. or afternoons from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. On Saturday, counts are from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Data collected helps staff identify bike/pedestrian trends and also helps in implementation of the recently adopted GAP Plan.

Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. No special skills or previous experience is required to volunteer.

Community members can sign up to volunteer a couple of different ways:

We will do our best to assign volunteers based on their location preferences but ask that folks have some flexibility. Community members are encouraged to sign up by early September.

All volunteers that complete their shift and submit the data they collected will be entered into a random drawing to receive a free annual membership from The Flying Bike (Thank you to The Flying Bike!).

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.