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.

Monday, March 18, 2024
Buncombe Extension Master GardenerSM Helpline Opens for 2024 Gardening Season
Mar 18 all-day
NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Have your garden and plant questions answered. There are three ways to contact the Master Gardener Helpline:

Call 828-255-5522

Email questions and photos to [email protected] or stop by the extension office hours:

Mondays – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesdays – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Help Buncombe County Vote: Become a Poll Worker
Mar 18 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Are you interested in earning money while helping support the democratic process? If so, Buncombe County Election Services is looking for poll workers to help with the 2024 Primary and General Elections. It’s a rewarding way to help our community while supplementing your income. If this sounds interesting, read on to learn more about the perks of working the polls, eligibility requirements, pay rates, and more.

Perks of working the polls:

  • Meaningful work
  • No prior experience needed
  • Option to work one full day or shifts for two weeks
  • Earn extra money
  • Great team atmosphere
  • Build highly transferrable skills
  • Doesn’t impact unemployment benefits (Per Session Law 2020-71, any person that is receiving unemployment may work as a poll worker without any effect on their unemployment benefits)
  • Opportunities for students, people looking for supplemental incomes, and retirees with flexible schedules

Representation from both parties is an important part of the process and is statutorily required. “Our poll workers are the backbone of safe and fair elections,” said Election Services Director Corinne Duncan. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer our Buncombe County voters the best experience at the polls, regardless of if they vote early or on Election Day.”

Election Services is staffed up for Early Voting during the primary, but we are currently hiring for the Primary Election Day, especially registered Republicans, and creating a roster of people interested in working the general election in November.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a registered voter of Buncombe County (Unaffiliated voters are welcome to apply)
  • Be comfortable and confident using a laptop
  • Be able to sit or stand for long periods of time while working with voters
  • Be able to put aside all political activity and conversation on social media and in person for a two-week period over Early Voting and Election Day
  • Be able to lift 25 lbs.

Through the Student Assistant Program, students who will be at least 17 years old by Election Day (March 5, 2024) can work as assistants. Student Assistant 101.

Early Voting 
During Early Voting (Oct. 17-Nov. 2) each location is staffed with a Captain and a team of workers. Captains earn $16/hour and workers earn $14/hour. Working during Early Voting requires a minimum commitment of 15 of 17 days, including weekend shifts and mandatory paid training. The captain carries the most responsibility with duties including voting location access, task delegation, reconciliation, equipment troubleshooting, and voting process/election law familiarity.

For more information about working Early Voting, contact Karen Rae at (828) 250-4224.

Election Day
On Election Day (March 5), each of our 80 precincts is staffed with three judges and several assistants. Election Day workers receive a lump sum payment (see below) which includes payment to attend the mandatory four-hour training session. Everyone is required to work the entirety of Election Day on March 5, 2024, which typically runs from 6 a.m-9 p.m. Precincts are located throughout the county, and we do our best to assign you to a precinct near your home.

Chief Judge – $300

Party Judge – $225

Assistant – $200

The Chief Judge carries the most responsibility with duties including collecting precinct supplies, officially opening, and closing the polls, voting location access, task delegation, close of polls audit processes, and voting process/election law familiarity. Party Judges are also required to participate in the official work of opening, and closing the polls, as well as the close of polls audit process.

For more information about working Buncombe County elections, contact Karen Rae at (828) 250-4224 or visit buncombecounty.org/pollworker.

March for Meals 2024
Mar 18 all-day
Council on Aging for Henderson County office

The annual March for Meals campaign commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older.

The event will feature staff, volunteers and community leaders speaking about the importance of addressing senior hunger and isolation, followed by a Proclamation from the Mayor of Hendersonville, and ending with packing that day’s meals for drivers to deliver to homebound seniors throughout the County. Participants have the opportunity to take part in a ride-along with a Meals on Wheels driver and get a hands-on look at the impact of this vital program.

This campaign arrives at a pressing time for Henderson County’s Meals on Wheels service. Demand continues to exceed available financial resources. This issue is magnified by the pending loss of COVID-related funds at the end of this fiscal year. In response, COAHC recently had to make the difficult decision to stop accepting clients beyond their current funding capacity, resulting in a waitlist of over 100 homebound seniors, with an average wait time of at least 6 months before receiving service. This means that there are dozens of seniors in our community who are unable to access the vital support they desperately need to age in place

Stormwater: TAKE ACTION
Mar 18 all-day
WNC

Introducing RiverLink’s year-long campaign to recruit absolutely everyone to help restore the health of the French Broad River.

Untreated rainwater (also known as stormwater) flows off hard surfaces such as parking lots and roofs, and carries sediment, pollutants and bacteria with it, negatively impacting water quality. The sheer volume and velocity of rain runoff is the biggest threat today to the French Broad River.
Our campaign includes educational resources and action steps everyone can take to protect our rivers and streams here in Western North Carolina. You’ll also find real-life stories of local people taking action to reduce rain runoff at their homes and businesses. We want YOU to join us!

As a resident or business owner in WNC, you can be part of the solution. Here are four ways to take action to reduce rain runoff and protect our rivers and streams:

  • Disconnecting Your Downspout
  • Installing Rain Barrels
  • Implementing Rain Gardens
  • Other Green Infrastructure

Rain Garden Guide

Interested in creating an eco-friendly oasis? Read more about the benefits and steps to set up your rain garden.

Downspout Disconnect Guide

Learn how to disconnect your downspout and its benefits for sustainable stormwater management.

Rain Barrel Guide

Discover an affordable and easy-to-install solution for collecting rooftop runoff.

WaterRICH Guide

The FREE WaterRICH Guide will teach you how to harvest rainwater, create garden features which promote water seeping into the soil (stormwater features), and reduce outside water needs.

Ready to spread the word about river health and reducing rain runoff?
Adult Beginner Tap 1: Intro to Tap
Mar 18 @ 10:00 am – Mar 30 @ 11:00 am
Hendersonville Theatre

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 5

Max Students: 10

Class Dates: Saturdays, February 3 – March 30 (8 weeks)

Time: 10 am to 11 am

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Auditorium

Must be 18+ to attend

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 12, 2024. After this date, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Does Tap dancing seem a little daunting? Is it something you always wanted to try but didn’t have the time to commit to months of classes at a time? Whether you are preparing for a show with tap involved or just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of Tap into easy-to-catch moves that build the foundation of any Tap number. This 8-week class is a comprehensive basics course that you don’t want to miss!

*Tap shoes required and not provided.

For more information and to register, please visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Adult Beginner Tap 2: Kicking it up a Notch
Mar 18 @ 11:30 am – Mar 30 @ 12:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 5

Max Students: 10

Class Dates: Saturdays, February 3 – March 30 (8 weeks)

Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Auditorium

Must be 18+ to attend

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 12, 2024. After this date, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
It’s time to build on the basics you learned in Intro to Tap while still refining those foundational steps. Whether you are preparing for a show with tap involved or just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of Tap into easy-to-catch moves that build the foundation of any Tap number. This 8-week class is a continuation of beginner tap that will push you to learn harder steps and combinations while still allowing you to learn at your own pace!

*Tap shoes required and not provided. Below is a link to some reasonably priced shoes. Make sure to order early so your shoes are here in time!

​For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Sewing 101
Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm – Mar 27 @ 7:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 3

Max Students: 5

Class Dates: Wednesdays, February 7 – March 27 (8 weeks)

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Costume Shop

Must be 14+ to attend. Parents are encouraged, though not required, to participate with minor students.

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 9, 2024. After January 9, 2024, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Sewing 101 is an eight-week class for beginners with little sewing experience. Whether that means you have never even SEEN a sewing machine or have explored a little and are ready to learn what all the switches and buttons do! Allison will help you master the basics, from threading your machine and blowing a bobbin to making projects using zippers! Join this exciting new class and impress your friends with your new sewing prowess.

For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Sewing 101 (Tuesdays)
Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm – Mar 26 @ 7:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 3

Max Students: 5

Class Dates: Tuesdays, February 6 – March 26 (8 weeks)

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Costume Shop

Must be 14+ to attend. Parents are encouraged, though not required, to participate with minor students.

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 9, 2024. After January 9, 2024, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Sewing 101 is an eight-week class for beginners with little sewing experience. Whether that means you have never even SEEN a sewing machine or have explored a little and are ready to learn what all the switches and buttons do! Allison will help you master the basics, from threading your machine and blowing a bobbin to making projects using zippers! Join this exciting new class and impress your friends with your new sewing prowess.

For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Accepting Nominations for Clean Air Excellence Awards
Mar 19 all-day
online

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency (AB Air Quality) is now accepting nominations for our twentieth annual air quality awards program. The goal of the Clean Air Excellence Awards is to recognize businesses and organizations that have truly gone above and beyond regulatory requirements to improve air quality for the residents of our area. Past years’ award recipients have included Dynamite Roasting Company, Eaton Corporation, and Western North Carolina Veterans Affairs Health Care System; each initiated voluntary efforts that improved air quality in the Asheville-Buncombe County Area.

Award guidelines explain the criteria for the awards and different categories of awards apply to different types of permitted facilities, organizations, and individuals that would like to nominate themselves or another entity for consideration.

To submit a nomination for a Clean Air Excellence Award, please download the application form online and include a brief summary describing what was done to improve air quality for Buncombe County.  Examples of voluntary pollution prevention measures include:  significant energy efficiency upgrades, switching to more environmentally friendly and lower-emitting solvents and cleaners, installing renewable energy systems, and upgrading fleet vehicles to more fuel-efficient or lower-emitting models. We ask that nominations be submitted to our Agency by April 12, 2024. We encourage you to submit any and all efforts your company (or another company or organization) has undertaken to reduce emissions. Agency staff are available to assist with emissions-related questions.

More information and the application form are available at abairquality.org. Please contact Ashley Featherstone at 828-250-6777 or [email protected] with questions.

Buncombe Extension Master GardenerSM Helpline Opens for 2024 Gardening Season
Mar 19 all-day
NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Have your garden and plant questions answered. There are three ways to contact the Master Gardener Helpline:

Call 828-255-5522

Email questions and photos to [email protected] or stop by the extension office hours:

Mondays – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesdays – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Code Purple: Emergency Weather Program
Mar 19 all-day
Asheville
Code Purple illustration
code purple

As cold weather moves into the region, many in our community turn their thoughts to the unhoused population and the additional hardships they face during winter months.

One of the most immediately responsive assets is the Code Purple program.

Driven by community organizations, this effort provides emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during freezing weather.

 

The Code Purple program kicks off this year on October 15, 2023 and runs through April 30, 2024. During that time members of the Homeless Coalition will determine when a Code Purple will go into effect. You can find details about the program in the Code Purple Manual

 

Exciting news about the expansion of services this year.

 

When a Code Purple Can be called. 

Code Purple emergency shelters and services are typically available at 32 degrees or below. A Code Purple may also be enacted this year when temperatures are 33-40 degrees with precipitation.

 

Additional Beds

ABCCM has 75 beds available between their Veterans Restoration Quarters and Transformation Village sites.

The Salvation Army will also participate this year, adding 16 new Code Purple beds for  people who are unhoused to seek shelter in extreme weather

A recorded message will be available at 828.398.6011 confirming that Code Purple is operational and providing information about shelter locations.

How is the City continuing to support this community-driven initiative?

  • The City of Asheville, once again, agreed to fund 50-thousand dollars of the Code Purple from this year in their annual budget.
  • ART buses will continue to over free rides to shelters for those in needs
  • Community Responders will assist in the transport of individuals on an “as needed” basis
  • The marquee at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center will post messaging indicating when a Code Purple will be or is in effect.

 

Stay Connected

To join the Homeless Coalition’s distribution list to receive notifications about when Code Purple is called, email [email protected].

Stormwater: TAKE ACTION
Mar 19 all-day
WNC

Introducing RiverLink’s year-long campaign to recruit absolutely everyone to help restore the health of the French Broad River.

Untreated rainwater (also known as stormwater) flows off hard surfaces such as parking lots and roofs, and carries sediment, pollutants and bacteria with it, negatively impacting water quality. The sheer volume and velocity of rain runoff is the biggest threat today to the French Broad River.
Our campaign includes educational resources and action steps everyone can take to protect our rivers and streams here in Western North Carolina. You’ll also find real-life stories of local people taking action to reduce rain runoff at their homes and businesses. We want YOU to join us!

As a resident or business owner in WNC, you can be part of the solution. Here are four ways to take action to reduce rain runoff and protect our rivers and streams:

  • Disconnecting Your Downspout
  • Installing Rain Barrels
  • Implementing Rain Gardens
  • Other Green Infrastructure

Rain Garden Guide

Interested in creating an eco-friendly oasis? Read more about the benefits and steps to set up your rain garden.

Downspout Disconnect Guide

Learn how to disconnect your downspout and its benefits for sustainable stormwater management.

Rain Barrel Guide

Discover an affordable and easy-to-install solution for collecting rooftop runoff.

WaterRICH Guide

The FREE WaterRICH Guide will teach you how to harvest rainwater, create garden features which promote water seeping into the soil (stormwater features), and reduce outside water needs.

Ready to spread the word about river health and reducing rain runoff?
Asheville Fire Department Strategic Plan Survey
Mar 19 @ 6:30 am
online

Asheville Community Member, As part of our ongoing commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, the Asheville Fire Department is excited to invite you to participate in this survey for the development of our new strategic plan. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we shape the future direction of our department to better serve and protect our community. This survey provides an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, expectations, and priorities, ensuring our plan reflects the diverse needs of our community. We appreciate your time and thoughtful contributions in helping us enhance our services and strengthen our connection with the community we proudly serve.

The survey will be available until 11:59 p.m. on March 19.

Growing Minds Farm to School Mini-Grant
Mar 19 @ 6:30 am
online
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools throughout the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

  • November 30, 2023
  • January 30, 2024
  • March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks
Mar 19 @ 7:00 am
online

Following multiple in-person and online engagement opportunities last summer and fall, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) announced additional feedback workshops and a survey for Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks, a community-driven comprehensive plan to guide the City of Asheville’s parks and recreation decisions for the next 10-15 years.

During the City of Asheville’s Environment and Safety Committee meeting on February 27, APR shared an update on the months-long planning process and a summary of information learned during a community needs assessment period that included a statistically valid survey mailed to homes throughout the city, an online survey, in-person workshops and engagement events, focus group meetings, and stakeholder discussions.

 

Upcoming Feedback Opportunities

  • March 27-April 15
  • March 27 at 6 p.m.
  • March 28 from 7-11 a.m.
    • Stephens-Lee Community Center on 30 George Washington Carver Avenue
    • Drop-in open house community meeting with the opportunity to stay as little or as long as your schedule allows to participate in hands-on budgeting activities and speak directly with City of Asheville staff
  • Additional opportunities in April will be announced on the Recreate Asheville website as they are confirmed.
  • APR team members are also happy to attend virtual or in-person meetings of Asheville’s neighborhood organizations to discuss the plan in greater detail.

bar chart calendar showing milestones in development of plan

What happens next?

Feedback during this phase will be incorporated with feedback from the previous community needs assessment period to develop a strategic action plan. Community members then have an additional period (tentatively scheduled from May 20-June 2) to review and comment on the drafted plan.

 

What is Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks?

Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks is a community-built comprehensive plan to guide long-range planning, address service gaps, and identify opportunities for improvements. It is a visionary document that sets the values and goals for systemwide investments and a framework to guide future investments in recreation programs and spaces.

It is not an operations model or financial budget, though it is a method to inform capital expenditures. The Recreate Asheville plan does not contain detailed design proposals for specific neighborhoods, parks, or facilities.

 

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation

With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 10 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.

Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For latest updates, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter, follow the department on Facebook (@aprca) and Instagram (@ashevilleparksandrecreation), or visit  www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
Mar 19 @ 8:00 am
online

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is announcing the launch of its new online reservation system for park pavilions.

ACTIVENet, the new online reservation system, allows for a hassle-free user experience for Buncombe County park visitors. With just a few clicks, visitors can make and cancel reservations from the comfort of their home, in addition to checking real-time availability of the pavilions. Park pavilions are located at Lake Jullian, Charles D. Owen, and the Buncombe County Sports Park. Field rental is also available through this new portal.

Key takeaways of the new reservation system include: 

Seamless Interface: The user-friendly layout of the reservation system allows for hassle-free bookings and cancelations.

Real-time Park Pavilion Availability: Users are able to check the availability of the park pavilions at their favorite park, and on their preferred date and time.

Secure Payment: ACTIVENet’s secure payment portal ensures data protection and encryption with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant technology.

Email confirmations: Once a reservation is made or canceled, users will receive a confirmation email with the details of their booking.

Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion. 

To access the new park pavilion reservation system, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/parks. There is a “Reserve & Register” button that will take users directly to the reservation portal. Please note that users must create an account prior to booking a park pavilion. For any inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 250-4260.

Less Plastic Asheville Challenge
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am
Asheville Area
 

This City of Asheville is launching the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge to encourage residents to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics. The campaign has two key features, a social media challenge called Less Plastic Bingo and a Pass on Plastic Pledge. The City will provide information on the impacts of single-use plastic on our community and tips for how our residents can understand and reduce their consumption of single-use plastics at tabling events around town and on our social media platforms. Those participating in the social media challenge can post photos and videos of themselves taking action to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

Those who take the pledge will make commitments to sustainable lifestyle choices such as using reusable grocery bags and refusing single-use plastics. Residents who participate in either the Less Plastic Bingo Challenge or Pass on Plastic Pledge will win great prizes!  The Less Plastic Asheville Challenge will begin in February 14, 2024 and end May 31, 2024. Follow the link at the top of the page to learn more about how you can participate and win these great sustainable items.

 


Background

In October 2022, Asheville City Council directed the Sustainability Department to take a phased approach to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic.

The first phase included an update to Chapter 15 of the City Code to prohibit the use of plastic bags in curbside brush and leaf collection. This ordinance change was approved by City Council on January 10, 2023 and was implemented August 1, 2023. For more information about this change and resources available check out this sanitation webpage.

The second phase included further analysis and stakeholder engagement with area businesses, residents and city staff to inform a recommendation on additional single-use plastic reduction strategies surrounding plastic bags at point of sale and expanded polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) disposable foodware products. To see the results of this engagement read this blog post.

On September 22, 2023 the North Carolina General Assembly approved the state budget that included a law prohibiting local governments from banning single-use plastic products. Due to this regulation, the City cannot adopt an ordinance banning plastic bags or expanded polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) takeout containers. Instead, the City is providing information and resources to residents and businesses to reduce single-use plastic consumption voluntarily through the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge. For more information on the previous plastic-reduction projects go to this webpage.

 


Less Plastic Asheville Challenge

To reduce single-use plastic consumption and litter in our community it will take all of us! We invite you to join us, have a little fun and earn some prizes in the process!

There are two ways to participate in the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge. You can take the Pass on Plastic Pledge and/or play Less Plastic Asheville Bingo. The pledge asks for you to commit to changes in your life to reduce your own plastic footprint, and the Bingo Challenge asks you to spread the word and help educate and inspire others about the issue through social media.

The Pass on Plastic Pledge

The Pass on Plastic Pledge asks you to look at your own habits regarding single-use plastics and commit to practices that cut down your consumption, simple acts that improve our community and the environment. By taking this pledge, you are taking the charge to reduce your own plastic consumption. You can do this in a number of ways and the City of Asheville is here to inspire, support and cheer you on!

When you commit to any one of the sustainable practices in the pledge, you will win plastic reducing prizes from the City.  Your actions alone can reduce hundreds of pounds of plastic waste every year! By taking this pledge, you are showing that you care about the health, cleanliness, and pristine environment of our home in Asheville. It’s a big deal, and the City of Asheville thanks you.

Take the Pass on Plastic Pledge

 

 

Less Plastic Asheville Bingo

This bingo game is a social media challenge. It’s a fun way for you to help spread the word about single-use plastics, and to inspire the people around you to make changes and support sustainable businesses and habits. When you sign up, you will be emailed a bingo card. Once you have your card, follow the steps below in order to earn your swag.

  1. Take videos or pictures to create social media content that matches the descriptions on the bingo card. You can choose any five pieces of content that form a complete bingo row. Content that does not form a straight line bingo will not count.
  2. Post this content on your own social media page (Facebook or Instagram Only) and include the hashtag #LessPlasticAsheville and tag @CityofAsheville.
  3. Copy the links from all five of your posts and send them in a single email to [email protected]. After we check out your great posts we will send you an email with our appreciation letting you know how you can collect your prizes!
  4. If you chose to take the Less Plastic Pledge as one of your bingo items (the center square) please include the email you used to take the pledge as one of your five email items.

Sign up below to receive your Less Plastic Bingo Card.

Tax Help – BY APPOINTMENT
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
West Asheville Library

West Asheville Library and Burton Street Community Center
Tuesdays, appointments are available between 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

To make an appointment for tax help at the Burton Street Community Center email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment at the Community Center. If you don’t have access to email, the staff at the West Asheville library can email AARP for you. You can pick up your tax packet at the library. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.

For more information, check the link below.

BCDP Phone Banking
Mar 19 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

Bring your laptops and fully-charged cellphones for this in-person phone bank session! We will be making calls to increase voter participation throughout Buncombe County during these regularly scheduled phone banks on Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings.

If you don’t have a laptop, we have several at HQ, so just be sure to bring your email login information so we can get you started. If you already have an Action ID User ID & password, bring those as well. (If you don’t have one, we’ll help you get set up with one after you arrive.)

After making calls at HQ, you’ll be encouraged to continue making calls from the comfort of your home afterwards.

We will have plenty of refreshments on hand, and we hope you’ll keep coming back, because this phone banking community is growing and having lots of fun!

Who should attend: Democrats and left-leaning unaffiliated voters welcome!

The State of Downtown
Mar 19 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Burial Beer Co.

The Asheville Downtown Association proudly presents the much-anticipated annual State of Downtown presented by the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation, set to take place on Tuesday, March 19, Burial / Eulogy in the South Slope. This engaging and informative gathering kicks off with lunch at Burial from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by the presentation at Eulogy from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

This year’s event promises an in-depth look into the heart of Asheville’s Downtown through the lens of the Downtown Stakeholder Survey, offering valuable insights into the community’s views and visions for the future. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand updates from Mayor Manheimer and County Commissioner Newman, highlighting the city’s progress and future initiatives.

A highlight of the event will be the keynote speech sponsored by First Bank featuring Gerren Price of the Downtown DC Business Improvement District, who will delve into the critical importance of downtown areas in fostering vibrant, thriving communities. His insights are poised to inspire and provoke thought among stakeholders and participants.

Adding to the appeal of the event, a selection of local restaurants such as Good Hot Fish, South Slope Cheese, Curate, and Bear’s BBQ will be providing an assortment of culinary delights, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Asheville. To complement the experience, entertainment will be provided by DJ Molly Parti.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with city leaders, business owners, and fellow residents in a dialogue about the future of Downtown Asheville, all while enjoying the best of local food and entertainment.

Scholarship tickets are available. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation

Keynote Sponsor: First Bank

Table Sponsors: YMCA Western North Carolina and McGuire Wood & Bissette

THANK YOU NIGHT service industry friends
Mar 19 @ 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
DSSOLVR

Join us every Tuesday for some sweet sweet deals as a way for us to thank you and all of our fellow service industry friends!

Restoring And Planting American Chestnuts Tree Planting Workshop
Mar 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
West Asheville Edible Park

Attend this FREE Workshop

Restoring And Planting American Chestnuts

with

Bountiful Cities Community Garden Network and

The American Chestnut Foundation

Curious about American chestnuts?
Come learn how to plant and care for American chestnut seedlings as we add to a small demonstration orchard in Asheville’s city parks!
You will hear about The American Chestnut Foundation’s current strategies on how to restore this once prolific tree.
No supplies needed, just bring yourself and any questions you may have.
This workshop will be led by Jamie Van Clief, Southern Regional Coordinator with The American Chestnut Foundation.
The Amazing World of Plants – ecoEXPLORE
Mar 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library
  It’s botany season! Come learn all about the amazing world of plants with the NC Arboretum’s ecoEXPLORE program.
History Hour: The Rumbling Mountain of 1874
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
online

This event airs live and will be recorded. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for general admission.

In 1874 the mountains at the eastern edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge began to thunder and shake. Many locals supposedly panicked, thinking the world was ending or a volcano was set to erupt. The commotion continued for the next month and news spread throughout the country. Geologist Warren DuPre of Wofford College in Spartanburg embarked on a journey in mid-March “to allay, if possible, the fears of the inhabitants” and interacted with many spectating residents and journalists during his investigation.

Leicester History: Learn about the Alexander Chapel Baptist Church and Cemetery
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Leicester Library

Join us as we continue our series on Leicester History. Annette Coleman, Leicester native and caretaker of Alexander Chapel Baptist Church, will share the history of this church and its legacy in the area.  The Alexander Chapel cemetery is the permanent resting place for Black residents of Leicester, Alexander, and the surrounding areas. Family members still remember services and celebrate gatherings held on the property. This event is free, no registration is required. Light snacks will be provided.

Mind Your Mind: Ticking Clocks and Broken Dreams; the Real Danger of Procrastination
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Swannanoa Library
Sign Up

Learn about the dangers of procrastination and discover what you can do to improve with Virginia Oman LCMHC, NCPT a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, certified Wellness Master and Life Coach

Procrastination is one of the most common and frustrating behaviors for the overwhelming majority of people.
Virginia Oman LCMHC, NCPT is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist of over 30 years.  She is also a certified Wellness Master and Life Coach.
Come and hear her insights regarding the root and cause of this behavior, and also find out about the tragic danger of procrastination.

Sneak peek of Matilda: The Musical
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library
Join us at Pack Memorial Library for an exclusive sneak peek of Matilda: The Musical, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
This one-time event will showcase select performances, offering a glimpse into the magical world of Matilda. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to hear from the cast and creative team, who will share insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
What: Sneak Peek of Matilda: The Musical
When: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Where: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
ABOUT THE SHOW: Matilda: The Musical is a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Accepting Nominations for Clean Air Excellence Awards
Mar 20 all-day
online

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency (AB Air Quality) is now accepting nominations for our twentieth annual air quality awards program. The goal of the Clean Air Excellence Awards is to recognize businesses and organizations that have truly gone above and beyond regulatory requirements to improve air quality for the residents of our area. Past years’ award recipients have included Dynamite Roasting Company, Eaton Corporation, and Western North Carolina Veterans Affairs Health Care System; each initiated voluntary efforts that improved air quality in the Asheville-Buncombe County Area.

Award guidelines explain the criteria for the awards and different categories of awards apply to different types of permitted facilities, organizations, and individuals that would like to nominate themselves or another entity for consideration.

To submit a nomination for a Clean Air Excellence Award, please download the application form online and include a brief summary describing what was done to improve air quality for Buncombe County.  Examples of voluntary pollution prevention measures include:  significant energy efficiency upgrades, switching to more environmentally friendly and lower-emitting solvents and cleaners, installing renewable energy systems, and upgrading fleet vehicles to more fuel-efficient or lower-emitting models. We ask that nominations be submitted to our Agency by April 12, 2024. We encourage you to submit any and all efforts your company (or another company or organization) has undertaken to reduce emissions. Agency staff are available to assist with emissions-related questions.

More information and the application form are available at abairquality.org. Please contact Ashley Featherstone at 828-250-6777 or [email protected] with questions.

Code Purple: Emergency Weather Program
Mar 20 all-day
Asheville
Code Purple illustration
code purple

As cold weather moves into the region, many in our community turn their thoughts to the unhoused population and the additional hardships they face during winter months.

One of the most immediately responsive assets is the Code Purple program.

Driven by community organizations, this effort provides emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during freezing weather.

 

The Code Purple program kicks off this year on October 15, 2023 and runs through April 30, 2024. During that time members of the Homeless Coalition will determine when a Code Purple will go into effect. You can find details about the program in the Code Purple Manual

 

Exciting news about the expansion of services this year.

 

When a Code Purple Can be called. 

Code Purple emergency shelters and services are typically available at 32 degrees or below. A Code Purple may also be enacted this year when temperatures are 33-40 degrees with precipitation.

 

Additional Beds

ABCCM has 75 beds available between their Veterans Restoration Quarters and Transformation Village sites.

The Salvation Army will also participate this year, adding 16 new Code Purple beds for  people who are unhoused to seek shelter in extreme weather

A recorded message will be available at 828.398.6011 confirming that Code Purple is operational and providing information about shelter locations.

How is the City continuing to support this community-driven initiative?

  • The City of Asheville, once again, agreed to fund 50-thousand dollars of the Code Purple from this year in their annual budget.
  • ART buses will continue to over free rides to shelters for those in needs
  • Community Responders will assist in the transport of individuals on an “as needed” basis
  • The marquee at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center will post messaging indicating when a Code Purple will be or is in effect.

 

Stay Connected

To join the Homeless Coalition’s distribution list to receive notifications about when Code Purple is called, email [email protected].

Help Buncombe County Vote: Become a Poll Worker
Mar 20 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Are you interested in earning money while helping support the democratic process? If so, Buncombe County Election Services is looking for poll workers to help with the 2024 Primary and General Elections. It’s a rewarding way to help our community while supplementing your income. If this sounds interesting, read on to learn more about the perks of working the polls, eligibility requirements, pay rates, and more.

Perks of working the polls:

  • Meaningful work
  • No prior experience needed
  • Option to work one full day or shifts for two weeks
  • Earn extra money
  • Great team atmosphere
  • Build highly transferrable skills
  • Doesn’t impact unemployment benefits (Per Session Law 2020-71, any person that is receiving unemployment may work as a poll worker without any effect on their unemployment benefits)
  • Opportunities for students, people looking for supplemental incomes, and retirees with flexible schedules

Representation from both parties is an important part of the process and is statutorily required. “Our poll workers are the backbone of safe and fair elections,” said Election Services Director Corinne Duncan. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer our Buncombe County voters the best experience at the polls, regardless of if they vote early or on Election Day.”

Election Services is staffed up for Early Voting during the primary, but we are currently hiring for the Primary Election Day, especially registered Republicans, and creating a roster of people interested in working the general election in November.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a registered voter of Buncombe County (Unaffiliated voters are welcome to apply)
  • Be comfortable and confident using a laptop
  • Be able to sit or stand for long periods of time while working with voters
  • Be able to put aside all political activity and conversation on social media and in person for a two-week period over Early Voting and Election Day
  • Be able to lift 25 lbs.

Through the Student Assistant Program, students who will be at least 17 years old by Election Day (March 5, 2024) can work as assistants. Student Assistant 101.

Early Voting 
During Early Voting (Oct. 17-Nov. 2) each location is staffed with a Captain and a team of workers. Captains earn $16/hour and workers earn $14/hour. Working during Early Voting requires a minimum commitment of 15 of 17 days, including weekend shifts and mandatory paid training. The captain carries the most responsibility with duties including voting location access, task delegation, reconciliation, equipment troubleshooting, and voting process/election law familiarity.

For more information about working Early Voting, contact Karen Rae at (828) 250-4224.

Election Day
On Election Day (March 5), each of our 80 precincts is staffed with three judges and several assistants. Election Day workers receive a lump sum payment (see below) which includes payment to attend the mandatory four-hour training session. Everyone is required to work the entirety of Election Day on March 5, 2024, which typically runs from 6 a.m-9 p.m. Precincts are located throughout the county, and we do our best to assign you to a precinct near your home.

Chief Judge – $300

Party Judge – $225

Assistant – $200

The Chief Judge carries the most responsibility with duties including collecting precinct supplies, officially opening, and closing the polls, voting location access, task delegation, close of polls audit processes, and voting process/election law familiarity. Party Judges are also required to participate in the official work of opening, and closing the polls, as well as the close of polls audit process.

For more information about working Buncombe County elections, contact Karen Rae at (828) 250-4224 or visit buncombecounty.org/pollworker.