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.

Thursday, June 20, 2024
2024 Fairy Door Sponsor
Jun 20 – Aug 31 all-day
Bullington Gardens

Last year, our fairy gardens attracted almost 9,000 visitors between June and August 2023. We see this as an opportunity to highlight Bullington’s circle of contributors through the sponsorship of a fairy door. The handcrafted doors will have the sponsor’s name, will be opened by guests to reveal a hidden message, and will be given to the sponsors when they are taken down after the summer.

Here are just a few statistics about the 2023 Fairy trail and sponsors from last year:

  • Visitors – Local visitors (from a 50-mile radius) numbered 2,647. Total visitors: over 8,700 from 18 countries, 41 different states, and D.C., 138 cities in N.C., 52 cities in S.C.

  • Appeared on WLOS and over 15 print publications.

  • Appeared in over a hundred social media posts (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.)

  • Acknowledgement of sponsors were printed on 1350 of the Woodland Gazettes that were given out to children as they visited.

  • Sponsors were highlighted in our Friends of Bullington newsletter.

The dates of the fairy garden will run from June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. Please consider being one of our ‘Sponsors with Heart’ by purchasing a fairy door. We need to hear from you no later than April 15, 2024, so we can customize your door and message in time for the grand opening of our Fairy Gardens kickoff.

Fairy Door Sponsor Information:

Thank you for supporting Bullington Gardens, and sharing our passion for providing WNC with magical public gardens aimed to connect to the natural world and provide science-based education.

Dates: June 1- August 31, 2024

Location: Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Sponsor Benefits $350

  • Business or name listed on a medium (approx.) 12” fairy house doors. (You can help our artist to design if ordered early enough)

  • Recognition of sponsorship in Bullington Board newsletter.

  • Acknowledgment on the Bullington Gardens social media pages.

  • Sponsor logo and link on the Bullington Gardens website for 90 days

  • Donation is tax-deductible.

Invoices and tax-deductible receipts will be sent from Bullington Gardens, Inc. Please send payment and the form below by April 15, 2024. For any questions, please contact Annie Higgins at [email protected] or call (828) 698-6104

Sponsor a door here.

Asheville Ideas Fest 2024
Jun 20 all-day
UNC Asheville

The Third Annual Asheville Ideas Fest is June 17-20, 2024.

When the inaugural Asheville Ideas Fest launched in June 2022, it was a watershed moment when 450 friends from around the country came together with world-class thinkers and doers to engage in meaningful discussions. The program evolved in 2023, and now 2024 promises to be an even more impactful gathering.

Asheville Ideas Fest is for curious citizens who want to engage with other deep thinkers on topics that matter. You may find your deeply held beliefs challenged on these important topics, and we invite you to lean into those moments, approaching them with an open mind and genuine curiosity.

This year will include three core themes:

The Thriving American City: Revitalizing Communities through Connection and Growth

In an era of rapid urbanization and evolving societal needs, we will examine strategies that encourage human connection and promote sustainable growth, creating a blueprint for thriving cities. Join us for an engaging day of panel discussions and intensive workshops that evaluate the essential elements of revitalizing American cities and communities.

The Edges of the Unknown: Seeking Enlightenment through Exploration

Ideas Fest panelists and speakers will contemplate the mysteries of space, depths of the ocean, and what lies beyond our current scope of understanding. Using a lens of exploration and curiosity, we will navigate uncharted physical and spiritual territories as we seek to unlock secrets that lie at the edges of the unknown. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and challenged in this unique journey of discovery.

House of Cards or Hallowed Halls: Our Polarized Union and the Future of Democracy

Dive into the heart of contemporary political discourse with Ideas Fest. We will examine the polarized landscape of our union and explore the critical challenges facing democracy today. Engage in thought-provoking discussions about the structural, cultural, and societal factors shaping the future of our democratic institutions.

In addition to dynamic panel discussions with audience Q&A, afternoon workshops with panel speakers provide further opportunities to explore the themes and develop your ideas. Our program consists of a phenomenal lineup of speakers and a laser focus on generating civil discourse on topics that ignite conversations.

Monday, June 24, 2024
South Carolina Education & Business Summit
Jun 24 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us on June 24th-27th at the Greenville Convention Center for the 2024 South Carolina Education and Business Summit. Come on out and checkout new innovations and opportunities for networking for educators and entrepreneurs.

Parking can be located off Exposition Drive and Eisenhower Drive.

To register: Registration (ebsummit.info)

Tuesday, June 25, 2024
 Ribbon Cutting for Drip Sauna
Jun 25 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Drip Sauna
GROW Mills River Mixer
Jun 25 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Join us to stay updated on business in Mills River. With updates from the Town of Mills River and networking with neighboring businesses, let’s work to GROW your business in Mills River.

Thursday, June 27, 2024
 Ribbon Cutting for Food Connection
Jun 27 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Food Connection

Food Connection is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce food waste while easing hunger. They keep surplus, fresh, chef–prepared meals out of the landfill and and share them with their neighbors, no questions asked.

They will have coffee and light snacks, and a brief introduction to Food Connection by their founder, followed by a Q &A and a tour of their operations including the Mobile Meals Truck which they bring to communities to offer a free food truck experience.

Directions: They operate out of the kitchen and Parish Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church. Parking can be accessed via School Rd. and Mimosa Dr. Overflow parking is available across Mimosa Dr. in the Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church parking lot. To enter the Parish Hall, use the green ramp next to the playground and enter through the green door.

Business After Hours
Jun 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Church Street Funeral and Cremation
Experience the Chamber’s Business After Hours – an event designed for real connections and genuine conversations. Mix and mingle with fellow professionals and broaden you network, meet potential clients and create a new referral source!
Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with fantastic food and beverages, courtesy of our monthly host sponsor, with the chance to win fabulous door prizes – a perfect blend of business and enjoyment!

Plus don’t miss the chance to try your luck in our 50/50 raffle!
No cost to attend, just pre-register.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Free Hendersonville Rockstar Connect Networking
Jul 9 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Trailside Brewing Co

Are you ready to rock the networking scene in Hendersonville? Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection and opportunity at the Rockstar Connect Networking Event on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Trailside Brewing Co.

Hosted by Jeff Patterson, this event is all about building meaningful relationships with people who get things done in Hendersonville. Our events are open to everyone to make meaningful connections, known for their friendly and engaging atmosphere, and we guarantee that you’ll feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

Don’t pass up the chance to network with the appropriate people, become part of the Hendersonville community, and create long-lasting connections that will further your career. Join our Facebook Group: Hendersonville Networking powered by Rockstar Connect

Visit our landing page: https://rockstarconnect.com/hendersonville-networking/

Jeff Patterson

Jeff Patterson

Rockstar Connect

Homepage

Introducing RockstarConnect.club: Your Exclusive Social Networking Platform

Be among the pioneers of a revolutionary social networking experience!

Join now! https://rockstarconnect.com/rockstarconnect-club/

All attendees are welcome, either living in or visiting the Greater Hendersonville, North Carolina area: Asheville, NC, Fletcher, NC, Mills River, NC, Laurel Park, NC, Flat Rock, NC, Etowah, NC, Horse Shoe, NC, Arden, NC, Biltmore Forest, NC, Mountain Home, NC, East Flat Rock, NC, Hendersonville, NC, Fairview, NC, Brevard, NC, Pisgah Forest, NC, Black Mountain, NC, Montreat, NC, Weaverville, NC, Woodfin, NC, Swannanoa, NC, Canton, NC, Clyde, NC, Waynesville, NC, Lake Lure, NC, Chimney Rock, NC, Tryon, NC, Columbus, NC, Saluda, NC, Rosman, NC, Marshall, NC.

#rockstarconnect #events #networking #businessnetworking #connection #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #business #meetup #opportunities #hendersonvillenc #northcarolina

Tuesday, July 16, 2024
PROpel AVL Grow Series: Acquistion Entrepreneurship
Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

The July session of the PROpel AVL GROW series for young professionals, we’ll explore “Acquistion Entrepreneurship.”

In the ever-evolving business landscape, “Acquisition Entrepreneurship” has emerged as a powerful pathway for young professionals eager to carve out their niche in the corporate world.

This presentation, designed specifically for forward-thinking and ambitious young professionals, will delve into the complexities and opportunities of acquiring and growing existing businesses as a form of entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship that starts from scratch, acquisition entrepreneurship offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards involving the identification, evaluation, and successful takeover of existing enterprises.

The program will cover essential aspects of acquisition entrepreneurship, including the art of identifying potential acquisition targets, conducting due diligence, understanding valuation techniques, and negotiating deals. Participants will gain insights into the critical skills needed to navigate these processes successfully, such as financial analysis, market assessment, and leadership abilities to integrate and grow the acquired business. Additionally, the presentation will highlight the common pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring a smoother transition into ownership and management roles.

Key takeaways from this session will include specific, actionable strategies that young professionals can apply immediately in their pursuit of business acquisition. These include:

Frameworks for Identifying Suitable Acquisition Targets: Learn how to spot businesses with growth potential and understand what makes an acquisition target viable.

Due Diligence Checklists and Techniques: Gain knowledge on conducting thorough due diligence, a critical step in assessing a business’s true value and potential risks.

Negotiation Strategies for Acquisition: Discover key negotiation tactics for acquisition deals to ensure a beneficial agreement for all parties involved.

Post-Acquisition Integration Plans: Understand the steps necessary to successfully integrate an acquired company, from employee management to merging systems and cultures.

Financial Analysis and Funding Options: Explore financial analysis basics for acquisition and learn about various funding options, including loans, investors, and other financial instruments.

 

About the presenter:

Benjamin Wann, CMA, CSCA, MBA, PMP, owns Asheville accounting firm CFO Consultants, LLC, with a team of 13 and 2 offices in NC.

Originally from the Philadelphia region and coming from a 10-year career providing insights to executives of mid-sized manufacturing firms, Ben transitioned to entrepreneurship full-time in Nov 2022. Ben’s thesis was that the small business community would value the same expertise, technology and know-how that the large organizations have to help accelerate their own businesses.

 

12:00-1:00pm – GROW Session

Sandwiches, salad and chips will be catered by Del Vecchios!

Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.

About PROpel AVL:
Designed for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the Asheville/Buncombe area, PROpel AVL provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking.

Stay connected with text alerts! Text #propelavl to 828-827-5332 for updates and reminders about PROpel AVL programs.

Thursday, July 18, 2024
AI In Production Conference
Jul 18 – Jul 19 all-day
The Collider

AI in Production is a two-day, single-track conference designed for product teams and software developers tasked with building AI products, offering guidance on best practices and starting points.

This community event brings together professionals to exchange ideas, learn about the latest AI practices and tools, and discuss their applications and limitations with industry leaders and peers in AI and software development.

Join us to learn, network, gain inspiration, and shape the future of AI in business and applications.

Thursday, August 15, 2024
Farm-to-Fork Dinner, Social, and Silent Auction
Aug 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Eliada Homes

WHY: To learn more about our mission and raise funds which will provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young adults at Eliada. Helping children and teens in crisis develop the skills they need to overcome life’s obstacles and become productive adults helps ensure the future of our community. But we cannot do it without your support.

MISSION: Helping Children Succeed

SERVICE AREA: State of North Carolina – Eliada serves more than 500 children annually through 5 key programs that provide a place to live, education, special education, food and clothing, and intensive therapy to children who need these services. While most children are from Buncombe and surrounding counties, Eliada serves children from all corners of NC.

Thank you for helping us share Eliada’s mission with the community!

Have an auction item you would like to donate? Please fill out the Auction Donation Form. We appreciate your helping making this event a success!