Calendar of Events

The YWCA Racial Justice Workshop is open to our entire YWCA Asheville community – including our staff, volunteers, board, donors, program participants, Fitness Center and community members. This 90-minute workshop will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am and will be facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist and Lexus Walker, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow.

You Are Here: Understanding Maps with Anton DuMars

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 15  |  1 – 3:30 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit

With GPS built into our phones and cars, we are increasingly in danger of losing our ways of navigating. Expand your understanding of topographic and geologic maps with this course taught by Geologist Anton DuMars. An in-class portion will focus on an investigation of map symbols, scales, dates, color-coding, water features, and other attributes that are used to interpret data on topographic and geologic maps into. Then the class will move outside for a skills session to interpret real-world features within a map, stepping off on some exploration at the Arboretum. If you have one, please bring a handheld compass with you to the class but we will have some for students to borrow if needed.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil and folk artist Samara Jade honor the feast day of St. Patrick with an evening of Celtic music, story, lore and handcraft. In addition to the concert, guests can enjoy beverages, good company and a buffet — and try their hands at weaving St. Brigid’s cross for protection and well-being in the year to come. Tickets to the event are $30 for the concert and buffet or $15 for the concert.

If you’re looking to grow your network and boost your business, join us on Tuesday, March 18, from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Biltmore West for Mega Networking, a fast-paced, structured event designed to maximize your connections in just one morning.

Held only twice a year, Mega Networking’s round-robin format allows you to meet professionals from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your business, and leave with valuable leads – all in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

Registration is required. $50 for Chamber members, $85 for non-members. Space is limited to one attendee per organization and five per business category!

Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil is an ordained interfaith/inter-spiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion. As a sacred musician, spiritual mentor, and worship leader, he incorporates chant, ritual, poetry, storytelling, and mindful practice to create a space for profound connection and sacred witness. Simon provides music for worship, ceremony, and prayer in a wide variety of churches and non-religious spiritual communities. He particularly loves to create music for meditation, healing services, and rites of passage.

Simon is also an experienced workshop and retreat leader, drawing on 15 years of study, training, and practice that grew from his time living and working in Iona Abbey. Although influenced by many traditions, Simon’s spiritual path and teaching are deeply rooted in Celtic Christianity, the wisdom of the earth, and the Scottish land where he’s spent most of his life. simondevoil.com

Join Simon for his spring residency at Kanuga for this special retreat. With Kanuga’s beautiful forested landscape as our sanctuary, each day will include a blend of wisdom teachings in the Celtic tradition, contemplative practices including song, chanting, and silence, and personal time for reflection.

Other retreat highlights include:
*Daily Birdsong Vespers, an inclusive outdoor worship that welcomes the evening with song and prayer, online and in person
*Tools and practices to support finding our place in the web of creation
*Spring Equinox Concert in celebration of spring equinox: Thursday, March 20, 7:15 p.m.

As evening falls and birdsong gives way to starlight and the frog chorus, welcome the return of spring with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. Rain location: Chapel of The Transfiguration.

TICKETS & LODGING INFORMATION

Rev. Simon Ruth deVoil at Kanuga

Birdsong Vespers offers an inclusive, informal and earth-based evening service with Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil. Guests are invited to sing, share poetry and prayer and experience the gifts of birdsong and the sounds of nature as spring returns to the mountains. Experience this free event in person or online. Learn more at kanuga.org/celtic.

The Spring Equinox Concert, held on Kanuga’s labyrinth, ushers in the season of renewal with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. As dusk falls to starlight and birdsong gives way to the frog chorus, Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil invites guests to honor the balance and energy of spring while immersed in nature under the open sky. The buffet-style dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the concert follows at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the concert and buffet or $10 for the concert only.

Leading a Nature Hike 101 with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Friday, March 21  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Capstone Credit

Leading a group on a hike in nature comes naturally to some people but for others it is a skill developed over time. In this class we will talk about best practices for how to safely and efficiently lead a group on a hike in nature as well as what planning is necessary before the day of the hike. We will discuss possible hazards to keep an eye on and what to do in case of an emergency in “front country” hiking areas such as many trails in the Asheville area.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

The WNC Build and Remodel Expo is the one-stop destination for inspiration, advice, and practical tools to rebuild, remodel, or refresh your home. The Expo is set for Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 at the WNC Agricultural Center.  Learn practical tips and innovative ideas from building & remodeling professionals, discover the latest offerings from vendors and visit the Makers Market featuring local artisans. There’s fun for the whole family with interactive kids’ activities.  To learn more about the Expo and purchase a ticket, please visit https://www.buildandremodelasheville.com/.

Saturday, March 22 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 23 – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WNC Ag Center – Davis Arena
Gate 5
765 Boylston Hwy
Fletcher, NC 28732

General admission $10. Free for kids 12 & under. Seniors 65+, Military, First Responders, Educators Ticket $5.

Purchasing a ticket gives you access to both days of the Expo. Tickets are non-refundable. Single day tickets will also be available at the event: https://checkout.map-dynamics.com/tickets/?Show_ID=8703

The WNC Build and Remodel Expo is the one-stop destination for inspiration, advice, and practical tools to rebuild, remodel, or refresh your home. The Expo is set for Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 at the WNC Agricultural Center.  Learn practical tips and innovative ideas from building & remodeling professionals, discover the latest offerings from vendors and visit the Makers Market featuring local artisans. There’s fun for the whole family with interactive kids’ activities.  To learn more about the Expo and purchase a ticket, please visit https://www.buildandremodelasheville.com/.

Saturday, March 22 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 23 – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WNC Ag Center – Davis Arena
Gate 5
765 Boylston Hwy
Fletcher, NC 28732

General admission $10. Free for kids 12 & under. Seniors 65+, Military, First Responders, Educators Ticket $5.

Purchasing a ticket gives you access to both days of the Expo. Tickets are non-refundable. Single day tickets will also be available at the event: https://checkout.map-dynamics.com/tickets/?Show_ID=8703

Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Now in its fourth year, The Prom Dress Exchange is continuing to help anyone feel fancy and fabulous for free! 1,600 formal and semi formal dresses size 00-4XL, as well as women’s suits and separates, shoes, jewelry and all the accessories are available at no charge. I also have a limited number of tuxedos, as well as men’s suits, slacks, shirts, vests and accessories to offer. Whether you are going to the prom or another spring dance, wedding, or anywhere you need special attire, “The Prom Dress Exchange” has got what you need to make the occasion magical!

The event is March 28-30 at Groce United Methodist Church 954 Tunnel Rd Asheville NC, 28805, Friday 2-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 1-5.

Donations accepted – volunteers welcome – sewist needed
Contact Marsha van Rijssen (828)545-3133 [email protected]

After months of dedicated service providing over 1 million meals to Asheville and surrounding areas in partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ is gearing up for an exciting grand reopening on Saturday, March 29. As WCK operations wind down on their property, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ has fired up its own kitchen once again, welcoming guests back with its signature flavors and community-driven spirit.

To commemorate this milestone and bid farewell to the post-hurricane relief efforts, Bear’s Smokehouse is throwing an unforgettable event: “To Hell with Helene.” This free community celebration will feature an evening of live music, comedy, food, and fun as a way to reflect, release, and rebuild.

Event Highlights:

 Live Performance by LYRIC – Kicking off at 5:00 PM
 Special Guest: Comedian Cayla Clark
 Pie Eating Contest
 Axe Throwing
 Mechanical Bull Rides
 Burning of Negativity – Guests can write down what they want to release from the hurricane’s aftermath and “burn” it on-site.
 DJ Set & Dance Party – Instructor-led dance party starts at 8:30 PM

Join me in honoring the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath! The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. (Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion with MountainTrue

Thursday, April 3  |  5 – 8pm

Join MountainTrue and a panel of experts to discuss recovery in our area after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Panelists will address the impacts of natural disasters, what recovery means for our region, and how the community can support these efforts.

This event is free of charge, but if you feel moved to make a donation to support critical work in our area, we invite you to do so when you register. The North Carolina Arboretum is generously donating use of the Education Auditorium for this event. All donations associated with the registration of this event will be split 50/50 with the NC Arboretum.

The event will kick-off with social time from 5:30 to 6 pm with snacks and beverages provided for attendees. The panel will run from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Co-Existing with Black Bears with Tanya Poole

Wednesday, April 9  |  5 – 6 pm

It’s spring and you know what that means. Warmer temperatures, beautiful flowers and trees blooming, people venturing out to enjoy it all. And it turns out black bears are coming out in large numbers to enjoy the same things that humans enjoy. Learn about the conditions that contribute to the black bear population continuing to thrive in Western North Carolina in proximity to so many people. Tanya Poole, Conservation Initiatives Engagement Coordinator with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, discusses BearWise strategies recommended by wildlife experts that will help people better coexist with these amazing animals.

The YWCA Racial Justice Workshop is open to our entire YWCA Asheville community – including our staff, volunteers, board, donors, program participants, Fitness Center and community members. This 90-minute workshop will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am and will be facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist and Lexus Walker, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow.

Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Cayla Clark
Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!
Wednesday April 16, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Headliner Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer. While she is still new to the world of stand-up comedy, she has enjoyed exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out her hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavl
Also on the show is Ryan Gordon, Roman Fraden, Sarah Love & other great comics showing it all!
tix: https://theorangepeel.net/…/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/