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, November 25, 2023
Donate to Protect Land and Water Forever
Nov 25 all-day
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
State of NC Completes Land Acquisition for Future Pisgah View State Park

On Friday, Nov. 17 the state of NC completed the last stage in the planned purchase of over 1,500 acres for Pisgah View State Park, the first state park to be designated in Buncombe County!

“Five years ago three members of the Cogburn family sat down in SAHC’s office on Merrimon Avenue,” recalls Jay Leutze, SAHC’s Senior Advisor to the Board. “We walked out of that room with the bones of a deal. SAHC would work with the state of North Carolina to raise the funds to purchase Pisgah View Ranch from the Cogburns.  The state of NC bought the last few acres specified in the contract on Friday — a year earlier than our rosiest projections.  There are too many heroes on a big project like this to name them all here, but stay tuned. Step one was to buy the land, and this was a monumental task.  Now we can look forward to the creation of this breathtaking park and its facilities.  See you in a couple of years at the grand opening!”

Projects like this are made possible because of supporters like YOU.
We are very grateful for all the ways you help to preserve special places across the mountains of NC and TN.  Thank you!

click here to donate: 2018 Annual Giving Program (clickandpledge.com)
aerial image of forested mountaintop
THANK YOU to ALL the folks who continue to support the creation of new parks and the protection of mountains, forests, farmland, wildlife habitat, and clean water.

If you have not made a gift recently, please consider making a donation today!

RiverLink GIVE LOCAL
Nov 25 all-day
online

A Helping of Graditude

River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select.

Participate in Give!Local
RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you!

Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions:

  • Astral
  • Bottle Riot
  • Burial Beer Co.
  • Cedar Rock Adventures
  • Curtis Wright Outfitters
  • East Fork Pottery
  • Edgewater Resources
  • Ferguson Waterworks
  • Fresh Market
  • Hellbender Paddleboards
  • High Five Coffee
  • Preserving a Picturesque America
  • Whole Foods
  • Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
Sponsor a child for the holidays
Nov 25 all-day
Eliada Homes
Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!

 

Sponsor a Child:

When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $200. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.

 

For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.

To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].

Sponsor Multiple Children:

We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.

 

Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!

 

Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!

 

Sponsor a last minute wish:

Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?

If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”

 

To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at rboline@eliada.org or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Nov 25 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Sunday, November 26, 2023
Donate to Protect Land and Water Forever
Nov 26 all-day
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
State of NC Completes Land Acquisition for Future Pisgah View State Park

On Friday, Nov. 17 the state of NC completed the last stage in the planned purchase of over 1,500 acres for Pisgah View State Park, the first state park to be designated in Buncombe County!

“Five years ago three members of the Cogburn family sat down in SAHC’s office on Merrimon Avenue,” recalls Jay Leutze, SAHC’s Senior Advisor to the Board. “We walked out of that room with the bones of a deal. SAHC would work with the state of North Carolina to raise the funds to purchase Pisgah View Ranch from the Cogburns.  The state of NC bought the last few acres specified in the contract on Friday — a year earlier than our rosiest projections.  There are too many heroes on a big project like this to name them all here, but stay tuned. Step one was to buy the land, and this was a monumental task.  Now we can look forward to the creation of this breathtaking park and its facilities.  See you in a couple of years at the grand opening!”

Projects like this are made possible because of supporters like YOU.
We are very grateful for all the ways you help to preserve special places across the mountains of NC and TN.  Thank you!

click here to donate: 2018 Annual Giving Program (clickandpledge.com)
aerial image of forested mountaintop
THANK YOU to ALL the folks who continue to support the creation of new parks and the protection of mountains, forests, farmland, wildlife habitat, and clean water.

If you have not made a gift recently, please consider making a donation today!

RiverLink GIVE LOCAL
Nov 26 all-day
online

A Helping of Graditude

River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select.

Participate in Give!Local
RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you!

Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions:

  • Astral
  • Bottle Riot
  • Burial Beer Co.
  • Cedar Rock Adventures
  • Curtis Wright Outfitters
  • East Fork Pottery
  • Edgewater Resources
  • Ferguson Waterworks
  • Fresh Market
  • Hellbender Paddleboards
  • High Five Coffee
  • Preserving a Picturesque America
  • Whole Foods
  • Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Nov 26 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Appalachian Gothic
Nov 26 @ 12:00 pm
DSSOLVR

Get ready for a brunch experience that hits all the right notes! Appalachian Gothic is back. Sunday, November 26th, starting at 12pm, Our pals at Paloma Madre are bringing you live music from the talented Jackson Grimm and a bunch of their pals, creating a backdrop of sweet melodies for an unforgettable afternoon.

But that ain’t all – we’ve teamed up with the incredible Igor Does Brunch again to whip up an exclusive brunch menu to harmonize your taste buds and fill that post Thanksgiving void!

Savor a symphony of flavors and melodies as we bring together the finest in brunch eats and delightful tunes

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Nov 26 @ 1:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party

Brings the Magic to Fans at Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances

Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air.  This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 22-26, 2023.

  • Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on July 25th.  Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace.  Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.  Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room.  Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates’ flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.  And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration

Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred
Nov 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sigal Music Museum

Sigal Music Museum’s current special exhibition, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred, highlights items from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, which hails from all over the world. Showing November 2023 – May 2024, Worlds Apart uses a diverse range of historical instruments, objects, and visuals to bring together musical narratives from seemingly disparate parts of the globe.

 

Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred aims to increase public access to historical instruments from around the world and improve visitors’ understanding of musical traditions at the global level. Expanding beyond the typical parameters of the Western musical canon, Worlds Apart seeks to expose audiences to musical instruments and customs that are often overlooked or exotified. The instruments and other exhibit materials will offer visitors new perspectives on global music and a chance to consider how music is used for prayer and leisure in cultures around the world. By celebrating these stories, the museum intends to further its mission to collect and preserve historical musical instruments, objects, and information, which engage and enrich people of all ages through exhibits, performances, and experiential programs.

 

Displaying various objects from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred focuses on international musical instruments and cultures, celebrating rites and traditions with ancient histories and contemporary legacies. Frank Edwinn, a successful basso in the mid-20th century, studied and toured internationally, eventually settling in North Carolina, where he taught music at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Throughout his life, he purchased various objects from around the world, aiming to expose students, and himself, to the wide and wonderful world of musical instruments. This impressive collection occupies a unique position for educating audiences unfamiliar with the vast scope of global music.

And, UNCA’s Ramsey Library Special Collections is now processing the Edwinn’s papers and a few recordings that will be accessible next semester!

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Nov 26 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Nov 26 @ 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party

Brings the Magic to Fans at Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances

Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air.  This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 22-26, 2023.

  • Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on July 25th.  Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace.  Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.  Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room.  Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates’ flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.  And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration

Mannheim Steamroller
Nov 26 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The Ultimate Holiday Tradition!

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years!   Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

AMERICAN AQUARIUM
Nov 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

AMERICAN AQUARIUM

 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
Ages 18+
TimaLikesMusic Presents: That 90’s Love
Nov 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– ALL AGES
– STANDING/DANCING ROOM ONLY

TIMALIKESMUSIC’S:  THAT 90’S LOVE
“Yo, tonight we are all family. So, at the count of three, everyone yell out your favorite curse word.”

So starts a typical show by R&B/Funk keyboardist, vocalist and band leader TimaLikesMusic. Backed by drums, bass, trumpet, guitar, and a second keyboardist, TimaLikesMusic shows are full of James Brown-style energy and musical comedy.

“When I say ‘I like’ you say ‘Music’… I Like – Music, I Like – Music…”

Tima’s big break came during Covid when she appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about her viral series of humorous jingles posted on Instagram’s Reels platform. Since then, Tima has composed music for companies & brands including Iliza Shlesinger’s 2022 Netflix special Hot Forever, Ralph Lauren’s short film, A Portrait of the American Dream, National Public Media podcast sponsorships, and more. Her work on a podcast created in conjunction with YouTube and National Public Media, The Upload: Rise of the Creator Economy, won Best Branded Podcast at the 2022 PR Daily Content Marketing Awards.

“Fans adore her relatable content — she’s sung about everything from the awkwardness of social interactions, to how to properly wear a face mask, to the frustration of getting only one sauce packet with her fast food meal.” – NY Post
Tima’s summer 2023 EP, Love, Daddy Princess, is a nod to the smooth 80’s and 90’s R&B era. Listen carefully and you can hear the influences of Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Sade.

Tima also produces and performs TimaLikesMusic Presents: That 90’s Love – old-school R&B dance parties in which she hosts and DJs, accompanied by a live drummer. Most of her live shows start with the live band set, leading into the TimaLikesMusic Presents: That 90’s Love after party.

After selling out venues in Brooklyn, NY and Washington D.C., Tima signed with Wasserman super agent Andrea Johnson. More tours have since been booked, more music has been recorded, and more plans have been made. You should probably jump on this train before it leaves you behind at the station.

The beginning piano notes of “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton ring out. The audience roars. “You want some funk on it?” The audience becomes a crowd, and the roar grows. “We gonna put some funk on it. Ready?!”

They are

Monday, November 27, 2023
Donate to Protect Land and Water Forever
Nov 27 all-day
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
State of NC Completes Land Acquisition for Future Pisgah View State Park

On Friday, Nov. 17 the state of NC completed the last stage in the planned purchase of over 1,500 acres for Pisgah View State Park, the first state park to be designated in Buncombe County!

“Five years ago three members of the Cogburn family sat down in SAHC’s office on Merrimon Avenue,” recalls Jay Leutze, SAHC’s Senior Advisor to the Board. “We walked out of that room with the bones of a deal. SAHC would work with the state of North Carolina to raise the funds to purchase Pisgah View Ranch from the Cogburns.  The state of NC bought the last few acres specified in the contract on Friday — a year earlier than our rosiest projections.  There are too many heroes on a big project like this to name them all here, but stay tuned. Step one was to buy the land, and this was a monumental task.  Now we can look forward to the creation of this breathtaking park and its facilities.  See you in a couple of years at the grand opening!”

Projects like this are made possible because of supporters like YOU.
We are very grateful for all the ways you help to preserve special places across the mountains of NC and TN.  Thank you!

click here to donate: 2018 Annual Giving Program (clickandpledge.com)
aerial image of forested mountaintop
THANK YOU to ALL the folks who continue to support the creation of new parks and the protection of mountains, forests, farmland, wildlife habitat, and clean water.

If you have not made a gift recently, please consider making a donation today!

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Nov 27 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Donations: Shoebox Gifts for Seniors
Nov 27 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Council on Aging

The Council on Aging for Henderson County (COAHC) wants to make sure all seniors receive a gift this holiday season, and they need your help. For the 25th year, the COAHC will be collecting shoebox gifts filled by community members, then deliver those gifts to Henderson County seniors. Last year they delivered more than 350 boxes to COAHC clients. This year all additional boxes will be donated to clients of Henderson County Department of Social Services Adult Services.
Participants fill a shoe box with small, useful items and gifts, such as hygiene items, gloves, large-print books and puzzles, notepads, calendars, flashlights, and any other small gifts a senior would appreciate. Then bring the wrapped shoebox to the Council on Aging office (105 King Creek Boulevard) during their business hours: Mon-Fri, between 9am and 4pm. Please mark if the box is for a male, female or either. Gift collection ends on Friday, December 8th.
This gift drive is in conjunction with a Meals on Wheels gift drive for requested items from their clients. Participants can choose a client, shop for their requested items, then bring the wrapped gift to the Council on Aging office, where volunteers will distribute the gifts to clients in late December.

Silent Films / Loud Music
Nov 27 @ 7:30 pm
DIFFERENT WRLD

Silent Films, Loud Music is a screening of silent short films, accompanied by local bands providing live music. This will be a night of silliness, collaboration, and expressions of queer joy! Proceeds will support Fierce Flix programs for 2024. Come listen to original music, enjoy films by awesome local filmmakers and show support trans queer and femme youth! Doors at 7:30, show at 8!

Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Donate to Protect Land and Water Forever
Nov 28 all-day
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
State of NC Completes Land Acquisition for Future Pisgah View State Park

On Friday, Nov. 17 the state of NC completed the last stage in the planned purchase of over 1,500 acres for Pisgah View State Park, the first state park to be designated in Buncombe County!

“Five years ago three members of the Cogburn family sat down in SAHC’s office on Merrimon Avenue,” recalls Jay Leutze, SAHC’s Senior Advisor to the Board. “We walked out of that room with the bones of a deal. SAHC would work with the state of North Carolina to raise the funds to purchase Pisgah View Ranch from the Cogburns.  The state of NC bought the last few acres specified in the contract on Friday — a year earlier than our rosiest projections.  There are too many heroes on a big project like this to name them all here, but stay tuned. Step one was to buy the land, and this was a monumental task.  Now we can look forward to the creation of this breathtaking park and its facilities.  See you in a couple of years at the grand opening!”

Projects like this are made possible because of supporters like YOU.
We are very grateful for all the ways you help to preserve special places across the mountains of NC and TN.  Thank you!

click here to donate: 2018 Annual Giving Program (clickandpledge.com)
aerial image of forested mountaintop
THANK YOU to ALL the folks who continue to support the creation of new parks and the protection of mountains, forests, farmland, wildlife habitat, and clean water.

If you have not made a gift recently, please consider making a donation today!

GIVING TUESDAY
Nov 28 all-day
online

GivingTuesday is all about celebrating each and every single act of generosity we have to offer. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor out, or showing up for an issue or people we care about, we each have something to contribute. Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back – not just today but every day.

Need ideas? Visit GivingTuesday.org. Don’t forget to share how you’re participating on social media! Sharing inspires others, turning a ripple into a tidal wave of good.

November 28, 2023
12:00am – 11:59pm Local Time

Location

Worldwide

How to Participate in GivingTuesday

CHOOSE A FAVORITE LOCAL NON-PROFIT

Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor out, or showing up for an issue or people we care about, we each have something to contribute. Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back. Each seemingly small act turns a ripple into a wave of good, transforming society and building the world we all want to live in.

Give Nourishment

‣ Create a Little Free Pantry in your community.
‣ Organize a Community Fridge.
‣ Sign up to volunteer at your local food pantry.

Create a Little Free Pantry

Give Blood

There’s no substitute for human blood. The decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several!

Donate to a Nonprofit or Community Organization

Donate to a nonprofit that’s doing work that aligns with your values. Don’t forget that small community-led organizations need your support too!

Pay It Forward

‣ Pay for the next person’s order at the coffee shop or drive-thru.
‣ Leave a gift card or cash at the gas pump.
‣ Tuck a grocery store gift card & a note in a shopping basket.
– Leave a great online review for a business you love.

Distribute Essentials to People Experiencing Homelessness

‣ Start with non-perishible snacks and bottled water.
‣ Add bandages, lip balm, and travel-sized sunscreen.
‣ Include socks, menstrual supplies and hand sanitizer or wipes.
‣ Don’t forget gloves and hand warmers for cold weather!

List of What to Pack

Give Voice

‣ Post about your favorite cause on social media.
‣ Contact your elected officials in support of fair policies and funding for social services.
‣ Text 10 friends and family members to tell them about GivingTuesday!

Sample Messages

Lead a GivingTuesday Community

Unleash generosity in your country, city, or community by organizing a GivingTuesday movement of your own.

Learn How

Adopt a Family

‣ Participate in a local Adopt a Family program.
‣ Organize a Giving Tree for your community: Pair those that want to give, with those that are in need of food or gifts for the holiday season.

Give Kindness

Sometimes a kind word is all you need to start a chain of generosity that lasts throughout the day. Go beyond a “like” and make a point to offer positive feedback, compliments, and gratitude to as many people as you can today.

50 Acts of Kindness for the Young and Young at Heart

Help Your Neighbors

‣ Help with yard work or other chores for those who are ill, elderly, or immunocompromised.
‣ Organize a rent relief program or pay someone’s over due gas bill.
‣ Surprise a new mom with a lasagna or help with caregiving for an hour.
‣ Starting a community project, like a community garden or public artwork, is a great way to bond with your neighbors.

Some Inspiration

Give Time

Giving time helps you connect with like-minded people, provides immediate impact and even has a postive effect on our mental health and emotional well-being.
You can even volunteer virtually in many cases right from your couch!

How to Volunteer on GivingTuesday

Give Skills

Use your talents for good!
‣ Teach a dance or yoga class.
‣ Use your marketing skills to help a nonprofit.
‣ Teach your friends how to knit, then give away hats or scarves to people in need.

Pledge an Hour of Your Skills

Help Animals

‣ Donate to shelters and rescues.
‣ Consider adopting or fostering.
‣ Organize a pet grooming event for people experiencing homelessness.
‣ Drop off a can of tennis balls at your local shelter; instant joy.

Give Back to Our Earth

‣ Join Tuesdays4Trash and clean up a corner of your world on GivingTuesday.
‣ Organize a beach clean up.
‣ Commit to using less waste and share with others how you’re going to do it.
‣ Plant a tree on GivingTuesday.

Pledge to Clean Up Trash

Give Thanks

‣ Write a letter to someone who’s helped you.
‣ Send a thank you note to a teacher, healthcare working, or a mentor.
‣ Leave a basket of goodies for delivery and postal workers.

Share Your Generosity!

Share how you’re giving back on social media with hashtag #GivingTuesday and inspire others!

RiverLink GIVE LOCAL
Nov 28 all-day
online

A Helping of Graditude

River lovers are encouraged to support RiverLink and other community nonprofits through Give!Local, the annual philanthropy program organized by MountainXpress. The first 10 donors of $100 or more to RiverLink will be entered into a drawing for a kayak tour on the French Broad River with Renee Fortner, RiverLink’s expert water resources manager. First Bank is waiving transaction fees, so 100 percent of your donation goes to the nonprofits you select.

Participate in Give!Local
RiverLink deeply appreciates the contributions this community makes directly to the organization — whether as gifts of stock, required IRA distributions, donor-advised funds, donations made in memory of others, and all the ways you give. Please reach out to Susan Andrew at [email protected] for assistance with any of these giving modes. And anyone can use the handy Donate button at the bottom of our newsletters. Thank you!

Sincere gratitude to RiverLink’s recent business supporters — we are honored by your contributions:

  • Astral
  • Bottle Riot
  • Burial Beer Co.
  • Cedar Rock Adventures
  • Curtis Wright Outfitters
  • East Fork Pottery
  • Edgewater Resources
  • Ferguson Waterworks
  • Fresh Market
  • Hellbender Paddleboards
  • High Five Coffee
  • Preserving a Picturesque America
  • Whole Foods
  • Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Nov 28 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Donations: Shoebox Gifts for Seniors
Nov 28 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Council on Aging

The Council on Aging for Henderson County (COAHC) wants to make sure all seniors receive a gift this holiday season, and they need your help. For the 25th year, the COAHC will be collecting shoebox gifts filled by community members, then deliver those gifts to Henderson County seniors. Last year they delivered more than 350 boxes to COAHC clients. This year all additional boxes will be donated to clients of Henderson County Department of Social Services Adult Services.
Participants fill a shoe box with small, useful items and gifts, such as hygiene items, gloves, large-print books and puzzles, notepads, calendars, flashlights, and any other small gifts a senior would appreciate. Then bring the wrapped shoebox to the Council on Aging office (105 King Creek Boulevard) during their business hours: Mon-Fri, between 9am and 4pm. Please mark if the box is for a male, female or either. Gift collection ends on Friday, December 8th.
This gift drive is in conjunction with a Meals on Wheels gift drive for requested items from their clients. Participants can choose a client, shop for their requested items, then bring the wrapped gift to the Council on Aging office, where volunteers will distribute the gifts to clients in late December.

Claxton Giving Tree
Nov 28 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

 

It is that time of year again for the ACT community to make a needy youth’s Christmas something to remember.  You can be Santa for a child in our community this year.
We are partnering with Claxton Elementary School again to help students have a merry and bright holiday!
Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you their information. The email includes a child’s age, sizes, favorite colors, and wish list for holiday gifts. The list includes winter clothing, pajamas, underwear, books and toys (which can range from stuffed animals to board games to bikes and electronics).
You can pick up your bag at the ACT box office after you receive the information on the child.  The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4.
You’ll need to wrap your gifts and return them in your brown bag to ACT by Wednesday, November 29, 2023.  ACT staff will deliver the gifts to Claxton, and Claxton will give the bag to the child at a special holiday party!
Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred
Nov 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sigal Music Museum
Sigal Music Museum’s current special exhibition, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred, highlights items from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, which hails from all over the world. Showing November 2023 – May 2024, Worlds Apart uses a diverse range of historical instruments, objects, and visuals to bring together musical narratives from seemingly disparate parts of the globe.

 

Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred aims to increase public access to historical instruments from around the world and improve visitors’ understanding of musical traditions at the global level. Expanding beyond the typical parameters of the Western musical canon, Worlds Apart seeks to expose audiences to musical instruments and customs that are often overlooked or exotified. The instruments and other exhibit materials will offer visitors new perspectives on global music and a chance to consider how music is used for prayer and leisure in cultures around the world. By celebrating these stories, the museum intends to further its mission to collect and preserve historical musical instruments, objects, and information, which engage and enrich people of all ages through exhibits, performances, and experiential programs.

 

Displaying various objects from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred focuses on international musical instruments and cultures, celebrating rites and traditions with ancient histories and contemporary legacies. Frank Edwinn, a successful basso in the mid-20th century, studied and toured internationally, eventually settling in North Carolina, where he taught music at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Throughout his life, he purchased various objects from around the world, aiming to expose students, and himself, to the wide and wonderful world of musical instruments. This impressive collection occupies a unique position for educating audiences unfamiliar with the vast scope of global music.

And, UNCA’s Ramsey Library Special Collections is now processing the Edwinn’s papers and a few recordings that will be accessible next semester!

PARENTS LOUNGE LEAF Global Experience
Nov 28 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Experience

LEAF isn’t just for kids! Join us in the Mezzanine while you wait for your youth to finish their class or just to hang out!

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Nov 28 @ 6:30 pm – 10:45 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hans Zimmer at AyurPrana Listening Room under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info📍 Venue: AyurPrana Listening Room📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant❓ View the FAQs for this event here🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert (min 15+ people), please click here🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Asheville🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Tentative Program
“Time” from Inception“This Land” from The Lion King“Zooster’s Breakout” from Madagascar“Supermarine” from Dunkirk“Honor” from The Pacific“A Dark Knight” from The Dark KnightWonder Woman SuiteGladiator Suite“Cornfield Chase” from InterstellarDune Suite“Discombobulate” from Sherlock HolmesPirates of the Caribbean Suite
Performers
Listeso String Quartet
Reviews of Candlelight Concerts💬 Dixie L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: “Incredible talented and entertaining. The venue was beautiful:) so thankful for a beautiful experience.”💬 Daisha T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: “This was great! The talent, the ambiance, the vibe made for a really great evening.”💬 Iliana D. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: “Great experience! I loved every single piece played.”

Curtis on Tour
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Renowned violinist Erin Keefe, concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra and Curtis faculty member, joins dynamic conductor, clarinetist, and composer Osmo Vänskä and Curtis’s extraordinary emerging professional musicians for a tour of North America. Built around the septet version of Sibelius’s evocative tone poem En Saga, this eclectic program features cherished classics by Mozart and Sibelius, alongside striking early twentieth-century works such as Dohnányi’s string trio, Serenade in C major, and Schulhoff’s fiery, folk-influenced Concertino for flute, viola, and double bass.


Auditorium seating is reserved.

DJ Lyric in The Draftsman
Nov 28 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Draftsman Bar + Lounge

“Join us for a rhythm-filled night at The Draftsman with Lyric Jones! Elevate your Tuesday nights with electrifying live music performances from local performers while sipping on our unique cocktails. Unwind, tap your feet, and indulge in a perfect blend of melodies and mixology.

People in the biz get half off select appetizers and burgers all night!”