Calendar of Events
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.
Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “planted in a container.” Bonsai is the art of growing beautiful small trees that actually mimic full-sized trees, and is a tradition that has been carried out for over a thousand years.
Join Bob Thatcher of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society to learn more about the history, care, and appreciation of Bonsai! Bob will talk about how to get started, covering the basics of the cultivation and maintenance of bonsai trees. Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program.
This free program will be at the Weaverville Library on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and everyone is invited.
This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.
We’ll talk about:
- What is pollination
- The importance of pollination
- Pollinators & their identification
- The importance of pollinator habitat
The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.
Our pollinator programs will be:
Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
These programs are free and everyone is invited.
Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.
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| Winter Clearance Sale It’s been unseasonably warm this month, but don’t let a false spring catch you off guard! Winter is still here, and we have a great deal to keep you warm. All regularly priced winter clothing will be marked 50% off between Thursday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 3. Find clothing for the whole family, including jackets and coats, winter scarves and hats, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, sweats, and gloves, while supplies last. The deal includes adults’ and children’s clothing. To find the store nearest you, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org/locations. |
Healthy plants start with healthy soil! In this workshop, learn the basics of how soil works, how to manage weeds with minimal tilling, and the important role of organic matter and diversity in the health and productivity of your soil. Join us to discover:
- five guiding principles of good soil management
- how to implement these principles for a thriving garden
We will be conducting hands-on soil sample tests and discussing how to read a soil report, along with many other useful soil health tips and tricks!
Workshop participants will receive 10% off on same-day purchases at Fifth Season Gardening Asheville.
This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.
We’ll talk about:
- What is pollination
- The importance of pollination
- Pollinators & their identification
- The importance of pollinator habitat
The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.
Our pollinator programs will be:
Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
These programs are free, and everyone is invited.
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greater Greenville Master Gardener Symposium. Featuring entertaining and informative speakers from near and far, the annual GGMG symposium is held on February 10th. Furthering their mission of educating the public, the symposium provides attendees with an inspiring and engaging day and an introduction to new ideas in the ever-changing world of horticulture.
Parking off of Eisenhower Drive.
Please join us for our next free Community Garden Network Workshop, where we will join Lauren “LB” Bacchus, Executive Director of Kudzu Culture, for a hands-on demonstration teaching how kuzu (kudzu root starch) is made. Kuzu has a long legacy of use in Asia, especially in Japan, as an ingredient in macrobiotic cooking. Kuzu is a strong alkaline, and has been traditionally used to make a soothing gooey drink called kuzuyu, among other foods such as noodles, mochi, breads, and soups. LB is an experimental fiber artist whose sculptural work is made from abundant, often invasive, plant material. LB is passionate about learning from traditional craft, and sharing research and processes with others, and has taught eco-art workshops for children and adults at a variety of schools in WNC. This workshop is presented in collaboration with The City of Asheville. For more info go to https://kudzuculture.net/. Please RSVP via the ticket link, and if you have any questions please contact Ta’rin’ii [email protected] or Isa Whitaker at [email protected].
Do you love growing tomatoes but find the variety choices overwhelming? Do you know what new varieties are recommended for WNC? Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr. Reza Shekasteband from the NCSU Horticultural Research Station will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture, and disease resistance. They will also share new varieties and research from the NCSU Tomato Breeding and Genetics program and give you a glimpse into the future of tomatoes in WNC.
Calling all gardeners crazy about growing tomatoes! Learn best varieties to grow, their culture and disease management.
Gardening tools are key to successful pruning. You need the right tool for the right job, and you need to correctly maintain and care for those tools. Are you sure, for example, when to use your anvil pruners or your bypass pruners instead? This workshop will cover the different kinds of pruning tools, their uses, and their care. Ergonomic pruners and other tools will also be covered.
Bring your pruners, and loopers to learn how to clean and sharpen them.
There are a number of ways to participate in our annual Arts and Crafts celebration at the Grove Park Inn in February:
1. Reserve an Arts and Crafts Weekend Package at the Grove Park Inn
The cost of registration is included in the Grove Park Inn package so you won’t need to worry about purchasing an additional conference events pass with the office if you’ve got the package.
The package includes the following:
- Lodging Friday and Saturday nights at the Omni Grove Park Inn*;
- The Conference Events Pass which covers all of the seminars, discussion groups, demonstrations, Grove Park Inn tours, and special exhibits for all three days;
- Entry to all three exhibitor shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday;
- Continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings;
- Dessert and coffee social hour Friday and Saturday nights;
- Use of the Grove Park Inn Sports Center;
- Conference tote bag, a calendar, and The Conference Catalog.
Call (800) 438-5800 to place a deposit for your room reservation today!
2. Purchase individual Conference Events Passes only
If you’d like to register for the conference and attend the shows, but you won’t be staying at the Grove Park Inn, then you will need to purchase Conference Events Passes from our office. The Conference Events Pass includes admission to the Exhibitor Shows. You can call the office at (828) 628-1915.
The Conference Events Pass will get your entry into all seminars, small group discussions, shows demonstrations, access to the educational exhibits, and free access to the Arts and Crafts Shows. You will also receive two continental breakfasts during the weekend and the pre-seminar dessert socials.
3. Buy general admission the day of if you’re just interested in viewing the Arts & Crafts Shows
If you just want to shop the dealer shows at the Grove Park Inn, you can purchase general admission at the door the day that you want to come to the shows! Included in the shows are access to the educational displays, two demonstrations, the silent auction, and the chance to enter a special drawing!
General admission is $10.00 and covers admittance for all three days.
Here’s what’s included in the shows:
– Discover vintage antiques as well as handcrafted contemporary items in the Arts & Crafts style including new and antique jewelry, rugs, furniture, pottery and tiles, artwork, furniture, and metalware, showcasing hand craftsmanship and simple yet elegant designs.
– View our three educational displays within the shows.
– Demonstrations on the Wooden (electric) Lamps of Charles Limbert AND the Cuerda-Seca method of ceramic motifs in Art Pottery;
– Access to our annual silent auction – bid on gently used items from collections from across the country;
– Authors will be on hand to sign their books in the 8th floor of the Vanderbilt wing;
– and a Free drawing to win a special collector’s item (to be shown at the shows).
4. You can separately register for special fundraiser events happening throughout the weekend – the Pre-Conference Workshops, the Craftsman Reception, the Historic House Tours, and the Asheville Art Museum lecture without registering for the conference!
Pre-Conference Workshops – Learn from Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisans
The Craftsman Reception – hosted by the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
The annual Historic Homes Tour – hosted by the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Go Behind the Scenes with The Asheville Art Museum!
Two days of educational programs, trade show featuring over 40 vendors and the annual meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association
This is the largest commercial vegetable grower event in the region with a high quality educational program put together by vegetable extension specialist/agents at NC State University. We hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about current issues associated with vegetables and take time with the representatives from agricultural companies and other businesses that support our industry during our 2-day trade show.
- New education track for small farms/direct market growers/organic production
- A sponsored lunch and awards program will be included at noon on Thursday.
- Pesticide credits will be available for attendees. (X,O, D, N)
- NC Private Applicator Recertification Class (V)
- Fumigation Recertification Class (Z)
- There will be a trade show again this year with a large number of sponsors and exhibitors setting up their displays for attendees to visit. Interested vendors should register early.
SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS
We welcome sponsors for our event. Sponsorships give you the opportunity to showcase your business and allow us to make this a special conference for attendees. Sponsorships also support scholarships. Details are included on the sponsorship ticket descriptions in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
This year we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support our scholarship fund. Raffle prices are $10/each or 12 for $100. During the conference see the Registration Desk to purchase your raffle tickets or for more information. Drawing will occur at the Tomato Growers Association Luncheon on Thursday. You Must Be Present to Win! If you are not interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding on the silent auction, but would still like to support the scholarship fund, donations are greatly appreciated! Your generosity ensures that NCTGA continues to support future generations of farmers with an endowment fund used to offer merit/need-based scholarships. You can make a donation through this Eventbrite page via the donations ticket button. Details are included in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, or need a receipt for a tax deduction please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].
Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”. Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your VegeGarden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.
Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.
Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522
Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”. Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your Vegetable Garden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.
Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.
Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please dress appropriate for the weather.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Asheville’s BIGGEST + BEST Consignment Event
SATURDAY, February 24th
- 10 AM: Open to Public
- 5 PM: Close
- 6:30 PM: DISCOUNT PRESALE (registered consignors & their family only with wristband)
- 8:30 PM: Close
- 9:00 PM: BUILDING LOCKED
SUNDAY, February 25th:
- 10 AM – Open to the Public (Items marked DISCOUNT are 50% OFF)
- 1PM: POWER HOUR: Items marked “DONATE” will be 75% Off for the FINAL HOUR OF THE SALE
- 2:00 PM: Close
- 8:00 PM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
- 9:00 PM: Building Locked
MONDAY, February 26th
- 10:00 AM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
- 12:00 PM: Close, all items left in the building will be donated
- 2:00 PM: FOSTER FAMILY FREE SHOP (requires pre-registration)
TUESDAY, February 27th
- DONATION DAY
Asheville’s BIGGEST + BEST Consignment Event
SATURDAY, February 24th
- 10 AM: Open to Public
- 5 PM: Close
- 6:30 PM: DISCOUNT PRESALE (registered consignors & their family only with wristband)
- 8:30 PM: Close
- 9:00 PM: BUILDING LOCKED
SUNDAY, February 25th:
- 10 AM – Open to the Public (Items marked DISCOUNT are 50% OFF)
- 1PM: POWER HOUR: Items marked “DONATE” will be 75% Off for the FINAL HOUR OF THE SALE
- 2:00 PM: Close
- 8:00 PM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
- 9:00 PM: Building Locked
MONDAY, February 26th
- 10:00 AM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
- 12:00 PM: Close, all items left in the building will be donated
- 2:00 PM: FOSTER FAMILY FREE SHOP (requires pre-registration)
TUESDAY, February 27th
- DONATION DAY
Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens and what better way to start than with the Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Come prepared to learn about what it takes to start growing your own vegetables in our area. Join experienced teacher and former director, John Murphy, as he guides you through vegetable gardening basics.
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.
Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore: Southern Scotland
Join us for an enchanting online event as we delve into the mystical world of Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore, focusing on the captivating traditions of Southern Scotland. Discover the ancient wisdom and practices that have survived through generations, offering a unique insight into the rich tapestry of Celtic culture that endures in these lands.
Immerse yourself in a virtual journey through time, exploring the hidden realms of Scottish folklore. Our storyteller will share their knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the ancient shamanic practices that have shaped the region’s folkways.
From tales of mythical humans to ancient deities, this event will transport you to a world where magic and reality intertwine. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient wisdom of Southern Scotland. Don’t miss out on this captivating journey into the Shamanic Roots of Celtic Folklore!
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.
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| Winter Clearance Sale It’s been unseasonably warm this month, but don’t let a false spring catch you off guard! Winter is still here, and we have a great deal to keep you warm. All regularly priced winter clothing will be marked 50% off between Thursday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 3. Find clothing for the whole family, including jackets and coats, winter scarves and hats, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, sweats, and gloves, while supplies last. The deal includes adults’ and children’s clothing. To find the store nearest you, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org/locations. |
Agroforestry and food forests are terms describing a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature for a variety of social and environmental benefits. If you don’t know much about agroforestry, we have great news — we are starting our second agroforestry project at the SAHC Community Farm.
Along with Contour Lines Corp we will be leading the planting of a 3-acre diversified food forest which will feature a number of fruit trees and native support trees planted on contour in a system of berms and swales. This is a unique demonstration project on conservation land, which will be managed in perpetuity so that we can all learn about the numerous benefits and beauty of perennial agroforestry and food forest systems.
Folks will receive a solid introduction on how to plan and plant a food forest agroforestry site that includes hundreds of fruit and support trees on a berm and swale contour system. Some species we will be planting include Black Locust, Willow, Cottonwood, Elderberry, Mulberry, Persimmon, Apple, Pear, Blueberry, Fig and Peaches.
Join us, rain or shine, for all or any part of the day to learn, observe, and take part in planting if you choose. Please bring a water bottle, gloves, raincoat/work clothes if you’re planting; tools will be provided.
Lunch will be provided midway between our morning classroom portion, and then the rest of the day will be hands-on work.
Pre-registration is requested. Suggested donation $20; no one turned away for inability to pay.
SAHC received a $6,000 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project, and nonprofit organization Contour Lines Corp. (contourlines.org) is donating plant material, design and expertise for hands-on workshops to help execute the silvopasture project on the SAHC Community Farm. The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University.
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.
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.
9am – 1pm
Set up to sell your own wares, or stop by and support your local vendors!
The sale may feature handmade items, artwork, collectibles, clothing, household goods, plants, furniture, shoes, antiques, tools, cookbooks, novels, children’s books, art books, vinyl records, toys, paintings, photography, and much more by local vendors & artisans.
Set up your own 10’ x 10’ space for $10!
If setting up, please come by 8:30. Call Carlos to confirm 828-273-3332.
In front of Flood Gallery at 850 Blue Ridge Rd. in Black Mountain, next to Veterans Park. We may go longer than 1 pm depending on traffic.
If you miss this one, we’ll be doing one every month through October. Check the FloodGallery.org or Facebook pages for updates.
-Bareroot Trees and Shrubs: $3-5
-Grasses: $2-5
-Berries/apples: $6-10