Tours and Events
Food, Fun & Fellowship
Discover Asheville’s rich cultural scene with delicious cuisine, inspiring sites, and immersive experiences.
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Remaining tours and events can be purchased on-site at Aspire, subject to availability and additional fees.
Sunday, September 15
For times, refer to the full schedule.
Footsteps Through Time: The Catawba Falls Heritage Trail
Discover the rich history of the captivating natural wonder located near Old Fort in western NC. As we traverse the well-maintained Catawba Falls Trail, we’ll uncover centuries of history and learn how the National Forest Service recently redesigned a path to improve safety and access to the upper falls.
Tour $20
Cultural Exploration: Historic Burton Street African American District Tour
Explore Asheville’s African American District with Hood Huggers International. The tour includes the historic Burton Street community founded in 1912. Sites include the Burton Street Community Peace Garden and the former Burton Street Community Center.
Tour $45
Grove Arcade Walking Tour
Marvel at the history and beauty of Asheville’s Grove Arcade on a guided walking tour. Discover its elegant architecture, storied past, and vibrant present as you stroll through its corridors and learn about the artisans and visionaries behind this iconic landmark.
Tour $40
Aspire Gives Back
Join the Aspire Early Leaders community for an opportunity to give back to the local Asheville community. Aspire is partnering with Homeward Bound of WNC, a 501-(c)(3) dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through permanent housing and support.
Event Free
LGBTQ+ Happy Hour
Join us for this year’s LGBTQ+ Happy Hour to engage in purposeful dialogue and forge meaningful connections guided by a shared commitment to fostering equity and representation. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of your identity! Registration includes a complimentary beverage.
Event $10
Dining by Design: Cúrate
Sold out. Join us for a three-course menu experience! Cúrate is a guided journey into the culinary treasure troves of Spain. Katie Button, Felix Meana, and family built Cúrate on its Spanish meaning, “heal yourself.” They believe discovering new flavors can unite people in a delicious moment of wonder and joy that cures the soul.
Event $85
Aspire Design Awards
Celebrate the winners of the 2024 Aspire Design Awards! The regional program highlights the diversity of projects by architects registered in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Attendees will watch the awards while enjoying dinner and drinks.
Event $95-110
Aspire Launch Event and Erin Brockovich Keynote
Witness an unforgettable keynote and Q&A with environmental activist Erin Brockovich. All Aspire attendees are invited to enjoy a happy hour before the keynote. Upgrade your experience for a VIP meet-and-greet (additional cost applies).
Event Free
Monday, September 16
Urban Sketching in Downtown Asheville
Grab your sketchbook, and get inspired during this interactive Urban Sketching Workshop, as we walk, observe, sketch, and discuss the daily life in Downtown Asheville.
Tour $10
Meet on the Move
Get to know some of our amazing partners at Aspire’s speed networking event! Connect with industry-leading product and service providers and discover new ways to enhance the quality and efficiency of your projects. Arrive on time and stay until the end to earn up to $40 in cash!
Event Free
Early Leaders Luncheon
Gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our rising stars from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Young award winners will share their remarkable achievements and the journeys that led them to success.
Event $30
Historic YMI Cultural Center Relaunch Tour & Lunch
Discover the rich heritage of the newly renovated Asheville YMI Cultural Center during an open-house-style tour led by the project team, followed by a delicious lunch.
Tour $50
Citizen Vinyl (Tour + Lunch)
Enjoy an immersive architectural tour of Citizen Vinyl, a unique and vibrant space in the heart of Asheville. This historic building, originally constructed in 1939 as the Asheville Citizen-Times building, has been meticulously transformed into a modern-day cultural hub while preserving its rich heritage.
Tour $45
Sierra Nevada Brewery Experience
Join us for a brewery tour and tasting. Explore Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a LEED Platinum Certified total precast concrete project, and enjoy small bites and beer tastings during mini-presentations on precast concrete’s versatility in design and construction.
Tour $65
The Art of Small Business/CRAN Networking Reception & Gallery Tour
Connect with small firm practitioners and industry peers from across the Southeast while discovering local artists and essential small-business resources.
Event Free
Dining By Design: The Blackbird
The Blackbird’s goal is to delight guests with cooking grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas, creating an affordable and vibrant menu. The menu features the seasonal best from local farmers, fresh catches from the Carolinas coasts, local micro-brews, specialty cocktails, and wines from around the world.
Event $85
Bites, Brews and CEUs
Drink refreshing local beer tastings paired with eight courses of delicious small plates as you listen to short Nano CE presentations by some of our Aspire partners!
Event $50
Progressive Dinner
Embark on a culinary journey through Asheville’s vibrant food scene with our Progressive Dinner! Indulge in exquisite flavors with paired cocktails at each stop. It’s a walking adventure, so you can savor every moment while exploring the charming streets of Asheville.
Event $85
Early Leaders x AIA Fellows Exchange
This collaborative event fosters knowledge exchange, mentorship, and crossgenerational dialogue. This exchange promises inspiration, connections, and a shared commitment to advancing architectural excellence.
Event $10-15
Tuesday, September 17
Walking Tour of Montford
This walking tour of Asheville’s oldest organized neighborhood, Montford, is a stunning collection of Victorian-era homes, including Queen Anne, English Cottage, Castlegate, Craftsman, and Neoclassical styles. Montford is a National Register Historic District with residences primarily built between 1890 and 1920.
Tour $40