Community Calendar

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

Live Bluegrass with The Sons of Ralph band at Jack of the Wood in Asheville NC, Fridays at 7:00

The Jazz Showcase is curated by esteemed pianist, scholar, and UNC Asheville music professor Dr. Bill Bares; this showcase series is dedicated to bringing the region’s finest jazz musicians and most compelling sounds to our stage in a true listening room experience.

This 7-piece outfit of Knoxville musicians came together in the Summer of 2004 out of their mutual love and respect for the music of the Talking Heads.. Over the years the band has performed extensively, and now nearly have the entire Talking Heads catalog at their fingertips; They bring the excitement and energy of everything from ’77 to Naked, and all the B-sides in between. SAIEW aims to maintain the integrity of the Talking Heads’ groundbreaking music, while also bringing their own panache and energy to the game, allowing space to stretch and bend these arrangements in the moment. Whether the music of the Talking Heads moves your mind, your body, or both simultaneously, it’s going to be a party any way you slice it.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. Advance registration required.

Pour a drink and duck for cover — domestic bliss is about to get messy.

Meet Felix: impeccably pressed, emotionally distressed, and suddenly single. Meet Oscar: charmingly rumpled, habitually late, and blissfully allergic to coasters. When Felix moves in with his old pal Oscar after a marital meltdown, neatness meets nonsense, and the sparks fly.

Ashtrays overflow, tempers flare, and laughter fills the living room in Neil Simon’s effervescent comedy of friendship, forgiveness, and the fine art of driving each other crazy.

The Odd Couple is a classic cocktail of chaos and charm. Proof that opposites attract… so long as they don’t share a kitchen.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Athens, GA, Gimme Hendrix stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the greatest band of the psychedelic era, The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Our band is not just a tribute; it’s a journey back in time to when music underwent a revolution, led by the unparalleled artistry of Jimi Hendrix. As a multi-award-winning tribute band, Gimme Hendrix has been honored with seven nominations and four wins for the Best Tribute/Cover at the prestigious Athens Flagpole Music Awards. Our passion for authenticity has taken us across the United States and beyond, with tours reaching as far as Bucharest, Romania. The Jimi Hendrix Experience reshaped the ’60s and left an indelible mark on music history. Their sound—a mesmerizing fusion of blues, soul, R&B, jazz, rock, and more—was nothing short of revolutionary. Jimi Hendrix’s contribution was not just music; it was a cultural phenomenon. In our quest to recreate the Jimi Hendrix Experience, we pay meticulous attention to detail. From our attire to our stage presence, we embody the spirit and style of the era. But above all, our focus is on recapturing that iconic sound. As a three-piece ensemble, just like the original, we deliver electrifying live performances that resonate with the power and passion of the past.

Calling all radio enthusiasts — join us for our 2026 annual Hamfest!

Whether you're into ham radio, GMRS, CB, or just love a good swap meet, there's something for everyone!

Sweepstakes on the hour beginning at 9am
Boneyard/Swap meet
Indoor & Outdoor Vendors
Kids Programs/ STEM Activities
VE Testing – Free (Donations welcome!)
Food & Drinks with Local Food Trucks onsite!
Handicapped parking available

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

BEETLES Professional Learning Sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at different specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. This session will cover the “Making Observations and Promoting Discussion Sessions” where we will learn how we can help learners make careful observations while encouraging wonder and curiosity and how productive talk leads to deep learning. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Tickets for this event go online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 29 at 10 a.m.