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.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
GROW Mills River
Sep 26 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Mills River Brewery
Strategies for Sustainable Expansion + Succession Planning
Sep 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Presenter(s): Chris Grasinger + Panelists
Virtual via Zoom

Transitioning out of your business or selling a part of your business can be a complex process. This session will provide guidance on preparing your business for sale, including valuation methods, legal considerations, and marketing strategies. We will also address succession planning, exploring options such as transferring ownership to family members, employee owned, or seeking external buyers. Gain insights into maximizing the value of your business and ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Succession Planning and Business Continuity

  • Identifying potential successors and planning for leadership transitions
  • Establishing a comprehensive succession plan and exit strategy
  • Ensuring business continuity and preserving company values
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Business After Hours
Sep 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Boyd Automotive
125th Anniversary Celebration Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Sep 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
125 Years: Together for Tomorrow - Chamber Celebration

This year, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce is marking our 125th anniversary by celebrating Asheville Through the Looking Glass. A reflection of business prosperity and success and a connection to Asheville’s future progress and growth.

This lively garden party will commemorate 125 years of the Chamber’s accomplishments, ongoing business partnerships, and the impactful nonprofit work conducted in our community. In honor of our very important date, we plan to award twelve $10,000 grants to nonprofits at our event that support our mission of “Building Community Through Business.”  Whether we look backward, forward, or even down a rabbit hole, the Asheville Chamber sees the importance of supporting businesses in our community.

 

All profit from this event will go to support the 125th Anniversary Grants awarded to local nonprofits. A portion of your ticket will be tax-deductible. We also invite you to support non-profit attendance at the event by purchasing an additional Donated Ticket.

Friday, September 29, 2023
Grand Opening + Ribbon Cutting: Bill Moore Community Park New Multi Courts
Sep 29 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Something to Talk About
Oct 1 all-day
Laughing Elephant Yoga

Tired of small talk and never really making true connection?
Do you wish you had more skills to feel relaxed and social?
Would it be nice to feel seen and heard – even celebrated?
Gain skills / Give & Receive / Listen In… Have fun!

This is a fun and interactive time together remembering skills needed to build true community. Become more in tune with yourself, learn to engage others in positive ways while becoming the change you wish to see all around you. Walk away feeling seen, heard, accepted and having made real connections.

Tina FireWolf is your facilitator – Self Expression Coach and Master of Voice as Medicine
Register at Laughing Elephant Yoga 828-595-9747

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Ribbon Cutting for Reuter Family YMCA
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reuter Family YMCA Gym

The Reuter Family YMCA is one of seven local YMCAs operated by the YMCA of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit that strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, the YMCA of WNC engages more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

Join them to celebrate a greener future for the Reuter Family YMCA! You’re invited to a ribbon cutting to mark the installation of solar panels on the facility roof. This project was made possible by YMCA members Pete and Pat Wallenborn. Their generous gift helps the Y take a significant step toward sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. The Wallenborns will be recognized at the event. Attendees include representatives from Sundance Solar, the YMCA, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Light refreshments will be served. Meet at the front entrance of the Reuter Family YMCA on the Biltmore Park side. In case of rain, the event will be held in the lobby.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Ribbon Cutting for Fastest Labs
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fastest Labs

Fastest Labs is a drug, alcohol and DNA collection company that prides itself on accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. They specialize in providing fast and affordable drug and alcohol testing to employers and other organizations seeking to implement drug testing programs for their employees and members. Their franchise structure and certified collection site network allows them to provide stellar drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services in locations all over the country, with branches owned and operated by local business people.

 

They look forward to you joining them at the event as they celebrate one of their newest locations to service the community.   The event will be held from 11am – 12pm with light refreshments.

Smart Series: Business in Asheville – What’s Next?
Oct 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Boardroom

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. 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.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Ribbon Cutting: ALLCHOICE Insurance
Oct 5 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
ALLCHOICE Insurance
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Mega Networking
Oct 12 @ 12:30 pm
Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts

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]

 

 

Monday, October 16, 2023
North Carolina Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America FALL CONFERENCE
Oct 16 – Oct 19 all-day
The Cherokee Convention Center
Read all information pertaining to daily resort fees, early check in fees, parking, etc.

Driving Directions

NC SWANA Garby Awards
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.

Be a sponsor and have your company logo on the tournament banner and enjoy the evening with participants.  Food and beverages provided.  Sponsor registration must be completed by September 1st to ensure logo on banner.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
SERDC Symposium: Restoring Confidence in Recycling
Oct 17 – Oct 19 all-day
DoubleTree by Hilton in Asheville, NC

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.

Tuesday, October 17

Off-site evening gathering TBD

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

Thursday, October 19

​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.

Thursday, November 2, 2023
DigiMarCon Texas 2023 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference + Exhibition
Nov 2 all-day
The Westin Dallas Downtown Hotel

DigiMarCon Texas 2023 is your chance to …

– Hear from some of the most audacious and thought-provoking speakers in the digital marketing, media and advertising industry.
– Gain insight into emerging strategies, the latest innovative technologies, and best practices to move your business to the next level.
– Network with thought leaders, reunite with your peers, and build your professional network.

DigiMarCon Texas, the Premier Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition in Texas, returns November 2nd and 3rd, 2023 to The Westin Dallas Downtown Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Join your peers in-person or online for 2-days jam-packed with digital marketing best practices, latest trends, practical solutions, strategy, and networking, also check out the next generation of technology & innovation; Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech & SaaS Technology.

Expand your knowledge on the following topics: Account-Based Marketing, Behavioral & Neuromarketing, Content Marketing, Conversational Marketing, Conversion Rate Optimization, Data Science & Big Data, Email Marketing, Geo-Targeting & Proximity Marketing, Growth Hacking, Inbound & Outbound Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Native & Contextual Advertising, Omnichannel Marketing, Paid Search Marketing, Personalization & Privacy.

You’ll also learn the following: Podcast & Webinar Marketing, PR & Cause Marketing, Predictive Analytics & Attribution, Programmatic Advertising, Sales & Marketing Automation, Search Engine Optimization, Shopper Marketing, Marketing & Customer Experience, Social Commerce, Social Media Marketing, UI / UX Design, User-Generated Content, Video Marketing, Viral & Buzz Marketing, Visual & Voice Search, Web Analytics, and much more!

At DigiMarCon Texas 2023, you will receive all the elements you need to achieve digital marketing success! Conventional thoughts will be challenged, and new ways of thinking will emerge. You will leave with your head, notebooks, and professional toolkit full of action items and ideas to lead and supercharge your agency/team/account to even greater success.

Be a part of DigiMarCon Texas 2023 and discover how to thrive and succeed as a marketer in a rapidly evolving digital world. Top keynotes, case studies, strategy sessions and networking!

See why people keep coming back year after year to this must-attend event! Register and secure your seat today.

For more details visit https://digimarcontexas.com

Friday, November 3, 2023
2023 WomanUP Celebration
Nov 3 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Join us in celebrating outstanding women in business!  This fall, we will gather in the lovely, historic Grove Park Inn to make valuable connections and learn from other women who have made significant strides in their careers while offering valuable support to others in the workplace and greater community.

The year 2023 is also the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary year, and our WomanUP Celebration will feature historical as well as forward-thinking elements to inspire, support and engage women in our region.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

 

Outstanding Women in Business Awards:

  • Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader, presented by TD Bank
  • Woman Executive of the Year Award, presented by MAHEC
  • Women Entrepreneurs, Best in Business Award, presented by Webb Investments Services, Inc.
  • Rising Star Young Woman Professional Award, presented by Western Carolina University
  • Impact Award, presented by Kudzu Brands
  • STEM Award, presented by Pratt & Whitney
  • Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by First Bank

 

Nominations will be accepted beginning in early July. Submit a nomination here: WomanUP Award Nominations

Deadline to submit nominations is August 10.

 

 

WomanUP is an initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business who wish to build a strong network of women intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potential; supporting each other in business endeavors; and creating a legacy through mentorship.

 

Chamber Event Refund Policy:  The Chamber requires payment in advance for admission to all Chamber events. Chamber event fees (regardless of attendance) are refundable only if a cancellation notice is received at least two weeks prior to the event. Event Refund & Photo Policy

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
The French Broad River Partnership 5th Annual Meeting
Nov 8 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Ferguson Auditorium

Coffee & Networking 8:30am

Program 9-11:30am

Program Overview:

  • The French Broad River Partnership is a collaboration of business, nonprofit, and government stakeholders all interested in the water quality and economic impact of the watershed in our region.
  • Our 5th Annual Meeting will be held the morning of Wednesday, November 8th at the A-B Tech main campus with an expected attendance of 100 to 150 people.
  • The 2.5 hour program features three moderated panel discussions on The French Broad River Watershed :: The Intersection of the Environment + Economy.
  • Our panels include: State + Local Elected Officials and Government, Industry Stakeholders, and Business + Tourism leaders.
  • The moderated panel discussions are designed to be energetic, informative, collaborative, and representative of multiple perspectives followed by a brief audience Q&A.