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, May 9, 2024
Arts Discounts Page
May 9 all-day
online w/ ArtsAVL
Bee City Asheville Spring Raffle
May 9 all-day
online

Only 400 tickets being sold at $25 each! Sales end May 9 at midnight and the drawing will be held May 10. Every ticket supports pollinator habitat and outreach efforts in the greater Asheville area.

 

Bee City-Asheville pollenteers will help USFWS Conservationist Bryan Tompkins prepare and install the habitat and, afterwards, the owner will receive Bee City-Asheville habitat certification and a written maintenance plan.

BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Call to artists: public art enhancements of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
May 9 all-day
online

Artist Qualification Application

Explore Asheville, River Front Development Group, and the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail (BCHT) Advisory Committee seek artists to submit qualifications for consideration for public art enhancements of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Public art is art utilizing any media such as murals or sculptures in public spaces that are free and open to the public.

Project Background

In 2018 Explore Asheville, powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, supported the creation of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage trail in partnership with River Front Development Group through a Tourism Product Development Fund Grant. The process included community engagement, the creation of an advisory committee, research, design, installation, and the creation of a digital version of the trail.

Twenty-one signs at 14 sites throughout downtown, Southside, and the River Area in Asheville were installed December 2023. The content of the trail informs the physical path that the trail takes through the historically Black neighborhoods that surround and include downtown Asheville. The four interpretive goals for this project are:

  • Share the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community in Asheville.
  • Celebrate individuals and groups that supported the community.
  • Highlight Black people’s agency and the capacity to express individual power.
  • Combat or correct misconceptions and preserve history for future generations.

Phase II of the project will include enhancement and placemaking through public art.

Artist Eligibility

Explore Asheville invites applications from professional artists or designers aged 18 or older who are eligible to work in the United States. Qualified artists should have experience working within communities in or around Buncombe County and/or a proven record of accomplishment using materials and methods appropriate for large format outdoor art installations. Explore Asheville encourages artists who only have one qualification to partner with an artist or maker who can fulfill the other qualifications. New artists and/or collaboration are encouraged. This call for qualifications is open to all, regardless of experience or size of portfolio.

Catalyst for Change: Volunteer for a Buncombe County Committee
May 9 all-day
online w /Buncombe County

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

  • one (1) business community or economic development professional
  • one (1) funder or community investment professional
  • one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
  • one (1) professor or higher education professional
  • one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

Future Organic Growing + Living Programs Survey
May 9 all-day
online w/ Organic Grower School

We want to hear from you about what classes & workshops

you’d be interested in!

We would greatly appreciate if you took a minute out of your day to fill out this quick survey so we can best serve our community through our educational programming.

Goodwill Golf Tournament 2024
May 9 all-day
Tanglewood Park

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina … teeing up success since 1926. Goodwill’s 24th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Goodwill’s Outreach Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance and other resources to program participants. Fees include sales tax. Contributions are deductible for federal income taxes in the amount over the market value of $65.00 per golfer. Questions? Please email [email protected].

GrindFest seeks volunteers
May 9 all-day
online
  • We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

    This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

     

    To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
    VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

     

    https://grindfestavl.com/

    Home

    Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

  • FESTIVAL INFORMATION

    EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
    WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
    WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

    EVENT SCHEDULE

    • Friday (May 24th)
      • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
      • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
      • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
      • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
    • Saturday (May 25th)
      • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
      • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
    • Sunday (May 26th)
      • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
      • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

    *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

    We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

    FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

    Asheville on Bikes
    Carnival Rides
    Casino Nights
    Gospel Music Showcase
    Latin Bands
    Hiphop Aerobics

    FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

    Annual Meeting
    Casino Night
    Harlem Night
    Carnival Ride
    Gospel Showcase

     

     

  •  

     

    Email any questions to [email protected].

Haunted History + Murder MYstery Tour
May 9 all-day
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

  The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
  The GHOST of Church Street
  The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
  The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
  The architect walled into his own church!
  The KILLING SPREE of 1906
  NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
  ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Mile High Swinging Bridge
May 9 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Park Pavilion Reservations Open
May 9 all-day
online

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software

We have launched a new park pavilion reservation software system where park users can seamlessly book park shelters and fields from the comfort of their home. In order to book a park pavilion or field, go to www.buncombecounty.org/parks and click the “Reserve & Register” button. Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGOrpvY75Xk

Registration Open: Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
May 9 all-day
Asheville Junior Theater

Get ready to dance into the spotlight because Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) –
School of Dance is excited to announce the grand opening its dance school. Registration
for the upcoming Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season is now open! With a commitment to igniting
artistic passion and fostering unparalleled talent, AJT School of Dance is your ticket to an
electrifying dance experience like no other.

AJT School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a gateway to a transformative dance
experience. With a focus on fostering self-confidence, promoting integrity, and nurturing a
genuine passion for dance, our dedicated instructors are committed to guiding each student on
a path of artistic discovery and self-expression.

Registration for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season at Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Classes are offered
for ages 4-adult.
For more information on class offerings and registration, visit
www.ashevillejuniortheater.com/dance or contact [email protected].
Unique classes offered: Aerial Arts, Tricks and Stunts, Musical Theater, Performance Crew–
in addition to all the various technique classes of Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more!

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant
May 9 all-day
online

Apply Now through June 30, 2024!

APPLY NOW

Keeping the future of agriculture bright 

Each year, AgSouth Farm Credit supports non-profit organizations and farmers markets with grants of up to $5,000 to help in their endeavors and to further the future of agriculture in our region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Grant Mission & Objectives

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant’s mission is to build strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging the resources within our grant program to preserve and promote the farmer, the family, and our communities. The grant has three main objectives:

  • Invest in the future of agriculture.
  • Enhance and impact the quality of life in the AgSouth territory.
  • Be recognized as a leading corporate citizen in the AgSouth territory.

Applications

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant operates on an application-based grant system. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per organization per year. To be considered for funding, organizations’ values and purpose must align with the grant program’s mission. Applications must be submitted online. You will be asked to attach a copy of your organization’s W9 to the application prior to submission. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Please make sure you complete all fields prior to submission.

Project Guidance
As part of the application, organizations must submit a project the grant will help fund. Examples of previously funded projects include but are not limited to:

•    Providing farmers market programming for children
•    Purchasing fans for a livestock arena to help cool the animals
•    Developing a comprehensive chick hatching program to give tools and resources to those wanting to raise backyard flocks
•    Opening a demonstration farm in conjunction with a local school district
•    Purchasing grain bin rescue equipment for fire and rescue teams
•    Funding a bee-keeping education program for vulnerable youths
•    Purchasing an irrigation system at a local Farmers Market
•    Expanding a local church garden space and adding fencing
•    Hosting an annual agricultural event
•    Purchasing a cargo trailer to transport livestock equipment
•    Building a school greenhouse

Eligibility Considerations

Grants will be considered for programs only in the 147 counties and geographic areas where AgSouth Farm Credit conducts business. Grants will only be awarded to non-profit organizations and farmers markets and will not be awarded to individuals or private farms.

Funding Cycle

Grant applications will be accepted from April 1 to June 30th, 2024. Proposals will be reviewed and grants will be awarded in Nov-Dec of 2024. Funds awarded maybe utilized by recipients during the 2025 calendar year.

Application Deadline

The 2025 Grant Application period is now open. Applications can be received from April 1 to June 30th, 2024.

The Campfireball: Failure
May 9 all-day
Story Parlor

A storytelling show about you—the audience—The Campfireball is created spontaneously out of whatever stories and lives happen to be gathered together inside Story Parlor at that moment in time. There’s nothing to prepare and nothing to fear—participation is never required, and the show is just as much fun to sit back and watch unfold as it is to play along. Come on out for a night of storytelling you will literally never be able to experience again. Never possible to know what’s coming next, each Campfireball slowly begins to reveal surprises, connections, and communitas as the space transforms from a room of strangers to a room of neighbors.

Workshopped and developed over two years in the master’s program for storytelling at East Tennessee State University and showcased at the 2023 Asheville Fringe Festival, host/storyteller Cory Howard (National Storytelling Festival, Moth Grand Slam winner) blends intimacy and absurdity in an effort to shepherd the audience through ridiculous yet reverent ways of drawing out their life experiences.

This month you and The Campfireball will take a journey through everyone’s favorite feeling: FAILURE. Mistakes! Totally Blowing it! Disasters! Errors in judgement, coming up short, missing the mark, embarassments, actually trying and…NOT succeeding. What is life but a steady stumbling forward, and on May 9th let’s try (and possibly fail) to find a way to rejoice in the biffing of it all.

Featuring special guests:

Mud Flap Monday

This improv duo of Gillian Bellinger and Matt Peikin will interview an audience member about failure using that as a springboard for a completely improvised performance. Along with several television screen credits, Gillian Bellinger has been an improviser for 20+ years at The Second City, The Annoyance, IO West, The Groundlings, and Westside Comedy Theater. In Asheville, she is the founder and Artistic Director of Misfit Improv & Acting School. Matt Peiken peformed improv for more than 20 years in Minneapolis and Cincinnati before moving to Asheville in 2017 and joining the first resident troupe of the Asheville Improv Collective.

Tools to Support Liberation
May 9 all-day
online w/Bountiful Cities

Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/o/tickets/forms/edit?ticketingId=d65860b2-f8dc-4438-bef5-191cf74bb9dc&#advanced-parameters

Volunteer Opportunities for Anne of Green Gables
May 9 all-day
Hendersonville Theatre

Volunteers help Hendersonville Theatre bring art to life! We still need a few volunteers for our upcoming performance of Anne of Green Gables.

Volunteer Opportunities

Usher: (ages 13+) must be able to stand, follow a seating chart, and help patrons find their seats. Can train 30 minutes before showtime.

Concession/Bar: (ages 18+) must complete the NC Seller/Server training program online and be able to lift 25 lbs. Must train on a non-show day.

Check-in: (ages 16+) must be comfortable standing, greeting patrons, and using an iPad to scan tickets. Can train 30 minutes before showtime.

Box Office: (ages 16+) Must know how to use Ludus Ticketing Software. Must train on a non-show day.

YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
May 9 all-day
online
The Racial Justice Challenge

The action component of UJJI, the YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, is also returning this April. The Racial Justice Challenge will begin this year on April 1 and conclude on April 29, and will focus on Bodily Autonomy, Women’s Financial Empowerment, Gun Violence, and Transportation. The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. The Challenge works to foster personal reflection, encourage social responsibility, and motivate participants to identify and act on ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

For four weeks, daily challenge activities (reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience, etc.) are posted in the Challenge app and on the website, allowing participants to connect with one another, discover how racial and social injustice impact our communities, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Each week covers one of the four featured topics related to equity and social justice. Sign up now, and don’t miss a day of the Challenge.

Friday, May 10, 2024
A “Killer” Opportunity: Volunteer for the Murder Mystery Experience
May 10 all-day
Hendersonville Theatre

Luciano and Carmella Pasquale cordially request the honor of your presence at the wedding reception for their daughter Angelica to Francesco Giovanni!

Award-winning Broadway Actor and Director Jimmy Ferraro produces one of the longest-running Musical Comedy Murder Mystery dinner shows in the country!

We are currently seeking servers for this “killer” show, where we will be serving a four-course dinner. Volunteers must have prior serving experience and be able to lift up to 25 lbs as there will be a lot of standing and walking involved.

As a non-profit organization, we heavily rely on the support of volunteers to make Hendersonville Theatre a thriving place for theatre enthusiasts. We understand and value the importance of your time and for this opportunity, we will be compensating each server with a wage of $7.25/hr. We want you to know that we deeply appreciate your efforts!

This event is going to be an unforgettable experience and we would love to have you onboard. If you are interested in serving for us, please reach out to me directly via email at [email protected] for more information.

Arts Discounts Page
May 10 all-day
online w/ ArtsAVL
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
May 10 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

BREWERY TOURS
May 10 all-day
Sierra Nevada Brewing

Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.

Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!

BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Call to artists: public art enhancements of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
May 10 all-day
online

Artist Qualification Application

Explore Asheville, River Front Development Group, and the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail (BCHT) Advisory Committee seek artists to submit qualifications for consideration for public art enhancements of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Public art is art utilizing any media such as murals or sculptures in public spaces that are free and open to the public.

Project Background

In 2018 Explore Asheville, powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, supported the creation of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage trail in partnership with River Front Development Group through a Tourism Product Development Fund Grant. The process included community engagement, the creation of an advisory committee, research, design, installation, and the creation of a digital version of the trail.

Twenty-one signs at 14 sites throughout downtown, Southside, and the River Area in Asheville were installed December 2023. The content of the trail informs the physical path that the trail takes through the historically Black neighborhoods that surround and include downtown Asheville. The four interpretive goals for this project are:

  • Share the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community in Asheville.
  • Celebrate individuals and groups that supported the community.
  • Highlight Black people’s agency and the capacity to express individual power.
  • Combat or correct misconceptions and preserve history for future generations.

Phase II of the project will include enhancement and placemaking through public art.

Artist Eligibility

Explore Asheville invites applications from professional artists or designers aged 18 or older who are eligible to work in the United States. Qualified artists should have experience working within communities in or around Buncombe County and/or a proven record of accomplishment using materials and methods appropriate for large format outdoor art installations. Explore Asheville encourages artists who only have one qualification to partner with an artist or maker who can fulfill the other qualifications. New artists and/or collaboration are encouraged. This call for qualifications is open to all, regardless of experience or size of portfolio.

Claim 2020 COVID-19 Stimulus Payments
May 10 all-day
Pisgah Legal various locations

 Let’s face it, 2020 and 2021 were difficult years as the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives and economies around the world. During the confusion, if you didn’t file taxes for 2020, or if you missed out on receiving a stimulus payment, time is running out to claim your money. The IRS’ deadline is May 17, 2024.

“Whether you are a non-filer or you missed a stimulus payment due to other circumstances, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services may be able to help you access these funds,” said Mike McDonald, Managing Director of Pisgah Legal’s Health and Economic Opportunity Program. “If you live in Western North Carolina (WNC) and make less than $60,000/year, you may qualify for free help. Our certified tax preparers can guide you through the process, but you have to act quickly because the May 17 deadline is coming up fast.”

To learn more or make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/taxes or call 828-210-3404.

Pisgah Legal Services offer free in-person and virtual appointments. Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages. Appointments must be made by May 10. Last year, Pisgah Legal Services helped people in WNC access more than $1.2 million in tax refunds at no cost to them.

Nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services provides a broad a broad array of free, civil legal aid, anti-poverty advocacy and access to health care in 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in WNC. Pisgah Legal has offices in Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Cashiers, Franklin, Hendersonville, Highlands, Marshall, Morganton, Newland, Rutherfordton, Spruce Pine and Waynesville. Last year Pisgah Legal assisted more than 23,500 people throughout the mountain region.

# # #

DIY River + Road Cleanups
May 10 all-day
Asheville Area

Whenever you want!

 

Supplies available at

2 Sulphur Springs Road

If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).

Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.

Need to know

Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.

Future Organic Growing + Living Programs Survey
May 10 all-day
online w/ Organic Grower School

We want to hear from you about what classes & workshops

you’d be interested in!

We would greatly appreciate if you took a minute out of your day to fill out this quick survey so we can best serve our community through our educational programming.

GrindFest seeks volunteers
May 10 all-day
online
  • We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

    This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

     

    To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
    VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

     

    https://grindfestavl.com/

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    Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

  • FESTIVAL INFORMATION

    EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
    WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
    WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

    EVENT SCHEDULE

    • Friday (May 24th)
      • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
      • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
      • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
      • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
    • Saturday (May 25th)
      • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
      • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
    • Sunday (May 26th)
      • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
      • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

    *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

    We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

    FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

    Asheville on Bikes
    Carnival Rides
    Casino Nights
    Gospel Music Showcase
    Latin Bands
    Hiphop Aerobics

    FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

    Annual Meeting
    Casino Night
    Harlem Night
    Carnival Ride
    Gospel Showcase

     

     

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    Email any questions to [email protected].

Haunted History + Murder MYstery Tour
May 10 all-day
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

  The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
  The GHOST of Church Street
  The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
  The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
  The architect walled into his own church!
  The KILLING SPREE of 1906
  NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
  ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour • Ages 13+ Only
May 10 all-day
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

About

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Age Restrictions

13 and up. No exceptions.

Stops

10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery

What’s Included

Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop

What’s Not Included

Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.

Hop-on/Hop-off SIGHTSEEING TOUR
May 10 all-day
Asheville Area

There is no better way to DISCOVER and EXPLORE Asheville!  Hop-on board one of Gray Line’s nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated day tour, highlighting the history, homes, hang-outs and hot spots of this “city of surprises.”

Tour Highlights include  .  .  .  Downtown Asheville  |  Montford Historic District  |  The Grove Park Inn and Grove Park Historic District  |  Thomas Wolfe District  |  Pack Square and Asheville Art Museum  |  Grove Arcade  |  River Arts District  |  Biltmore Village

Hop-On and hear the story of a city rich in architecture, history and the arts  . . .

Hop-Off and experience its eclectic shops and galleries; its world class culinary and craft brew scenes.

Tour Duration:  The complete tour (one loop) lasts approximately 90 to 100 minutes.  There is an additional 15 minute stop at the Asheville Visitor Center.  The Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour ticket is valid for TWO consecutive days.

Departure Points: Join the Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour at any of the 10 stops.  If you’re driving in to join the tour, Stop 1, the Asheville Visitor Center may be your best option.  The Visitor Center, located at 36 Montford Ave. just off I-240 at Exit 4C, offers free parking (on a first come-first served basis) and restrooms. The Asheville Visitor Center is the ONLY place to join the Overview Tour.