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.
Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville • Advanced Business Equipment
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville • Advanced Business Equipment
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Support Asheville GreenWorks’ Urban Forestry program by planting a native Paw Paw grown in our nursery to celebrate the release of The Hop’s Paw Paw ice cream.
You’ll need a mate to pollinate! – If you don’t have a Paw Paw already planted at your home, you may want to consider purchasing 2 from us. We will choose two different genetic strains, which is needed for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Paw Paws are self-infertile, so for good fruit set, each variety must be fertilized with pollen from a different variety of Paw Paw tree.
Paw Paws are also the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about Paw Paws.
Paw Paw’s can be picked up on either:
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(Paw Paw Ice Cream release day!) Friday October 6th, 3-6pm at The Hop Merrimon – 640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804
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Tuesday October 10th, 10am-1pm at the Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park 24 Apac Circle, Asheville, NC 28804 (first parking lot on the left past the dog park)
Please note, seedlings vary in size and will be in either 1 or 3 gallon pots.
Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville • Advanced Business Equipment
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Seeds of Joy
The Evolution of Your Home Garden
We have five speakers who will present wonderful ideas we can use in Western North
Carolina! Bookending the day, Linda Vater, popular YouTuber, will start us off with
gardening for your favorite season, and our very own Craig Mauney from the Mountain
Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center will close us out with tips and tricks
for WNC wildlife and landscaping challenges. In between, our speakers will be Brannen
Basham of Spriggly’s Beescaping, podcaster Leslie Harris of Into the Garden with Leslie,
and Heather Andrews of Garden Thoughtfully. What an inspiring lineup!
The event will be held at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. With easy access
just off I-26, the facility offers a roomy conference center with excellent graphic displays
and sound, plus a central area where the vendors will be situated so you can easily see
everything they have to offer.
The symposium fee is $65, or $60 if you register before the early bird deadline.
We have a fabulous caterer who will provide a morning snack,
lunch, and an afternoon coffee break.
As always, there will be wonderful door prizes, great vendors, and plenty of free parking.
Attendance for the full day is valid for 5 hours of continuing education.
Details and information for online registration will be released in August.
Visit buncombemastergardener.org for more information.
All Young Professionals are welcome for an After Hours Networking event! Come connect with other young professionals and enjoy drinks from Highland and snacks from Biscuit Head.
Ernest Co-Warehousing offers flexible warehousing suites and coworking sapce in Asheville, NC.
Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville • Advanced Business Equipment
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
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Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.
Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.
You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.
Helpful tips:
- * Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
- * Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
- * Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
- * If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
- * Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.
Cost is $45 per Chamber member, $75 for other attendees.
Limited to 1 attendee per organization and five attendees per business category.
Table Host Sponsorship – serve as moderators for each table during the connection rounds rather than rotating as other attendees do. Previous experience at Mega Networking is preferred and extremely valuable for serving in the Table Host role. Table Hosts are encouraged to decorate their table in a fun and festive manner representative of their business.
If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]
Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

Thank you to our Sponsors!
A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville • Advanced Business Equipment
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
ArtSpace Charter School offers a complete education, through an integrated curriculum centered around visual and performing arts, utilizing an experiential approach. We believe in a family-centered, cooperative approach to education that encourages parental involvement and community service in order to nurture responsible citizenship.
Come celebrate the Grand Opening of the school’s art building. There will be a Fall festival with games, music and food trucks!
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Have you ever wondered about hiring a Business Coach but don’t know where to start? Has the cost of coaching seemed like one of the great mysteries you’d like to see demystified? Here’s your opportunity!!! ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners is presenting a Learn Over Lunch virtual webinar to give you all the answers you want.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN DURING THE 40-MINUTE WEBINAR
- The variety of programs we offer to meet the needs of businesses of every size
- The cost of working with our Expert Team
- Testimony from past and present coaching clients
Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service
Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes! How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.
Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.
Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing, and thriving is even harder!
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
What makes the Journeyperson program unique?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
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Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing, and thriving is even harder!
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
What makes the Journeyperson program unique?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
Come join us for Business After Hours at Eliada Homes!
Eliada Homes is a non-profit agency in Asheville that provides a cradle-to-career continuum of services for over 400 children and youth annually. This includes our 5-Star Child Development Center (child care, pre-k, afterschool, and summer camp), Residential mental health programs, Foster Care, adoption services, respite care, equine therapy, intensive in-home therapy, and Workforce-Ready housing assistance for youth aging out of foster care. Established in 1903, we have been helping children succeed for 120 years.
Join us for the Asheville Chamber Business After Hours Corn Maze & Fall Festival event on October 17th at 5 p.m. at Eliada Homes. Network and mingle while enjoying all the Eliada Fall Fundraising Festival attractions such as the custom maze, slides, bouncy pillow, corn cannons, hayride, and lawn games! Farm tours will also be available.
Feel free to bring a gift to be raffled off as door prizes towards the end of the evening. Bring your business cards for networking and a chance to win prizes!
This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing, and thriving is even harder!
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
What makes the Journeyperson program unique?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
Interested in learning how to grow beautiful orchids in your home? Henderson County Extension Agent Isaac Wyatt will be sharing his knowledge on this topic, including information on specific culture requirements such as light, containers, and humidity, and much more. He will highlight popular genus’ that are available at orchid shops in the area and how to pick a healthy plant for your home.
Conference Fees & Registration Form
Hotel – Harrah’s of Cherokee Convention Center (Cherokee Tower) – Room block ends September 15, 2023
Have an employee that stands out? Nominate them for the new Garby Award.
Bowling Tournament Information and Registration Form – Young Professionals join a team! Come enjoy an evening to network with peers and mentors in a relaxed atmosphere. YP’s that compete in the tournament will be entered in a drawing for a scholarship. The scholarship includes complimentary registration at next conference and hotel reimbursement.
There’s no better time to visit Western North Carolina than in the fall when leaves are exploding with color. The weather is still warm yet offers an evening crispness long forgotten from the hot, humid summer months. This year, the SERDC Symposium and Annual Membership Meeting will take place in Asheville, NC, just steps from the famed Biltmore Estate, minutes from an eclectic downtown and right beside the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This year’s Symposium aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the recycling community. It serves as a platform for professionals to stay updated on industry trends, build partnerships, and contribute to the sustainable development of recycling practices. In addition, our 2023 Champions of the Southeast award winners will be announced and the SERDC membership will be able to get an update on this year’s work as well as vote in the 2024 Board of Directors.
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Tuesday, October 17 Off-site evening gathering TBD |
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Wednesday, October 18 10:00-12:00 PM Registration opens/Tour option 1 1:00- 3:00 PM Tour option 2 3:00 – 7:00 PM Exhibitor Welcoming Reception |
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8:30- 9:15 AM Welcome/Keynote- Restoring Confidence in Recycling (NCDEQ Secretary: Elizabeth Biser) 9:15- 10:15 AM Session 1-Panel on Demand 10:15- 10:45 AM Break/Exhibitor time 10:45- 11:45 AM Session 2- A working session on What steps can be taken and Who will take them? 11:45 AM- 12:15 PM Champions of the SE Awards 12:15- 1:15 PM Lunch/Business Meeting 1:15- 2:00 PM Session 3- Legislative panel- Material Management 2:30- 2:45 PM Session 4- Engaging Legislators 2:45- 3:30 PM Session 5- How EPR stands to impact recycling 3:30- 5:00 PM Conclusion/Reception |
DoubleTree by Hilton in Asheville, NC
Room Block October 16-19 available $169/night plus taxes and fees
Free Parking No Resort Fees
The block is limited and closes Sept. 17, so book now to get this rate.
If you want to extend your stay in order to do a Biltmore tour or explore the area, the hotel has offered shoulder dates 2 nights before and after the contracted block BUT it must be booked directly with the hotel front desk to get the group rate. They are only offered on a first come first serve basis. Make a reservation for the blocked dates using the link below then call them at (828) 274-1800 to extend your stay.
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing, and thriving is even harder!
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
What makes the Journeyperson program unique?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing, and thriving is even harder!
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
What makes the Journeyperson program unique?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation

