TEDxAsheville is back. After a year-long pause, Asheville’s premier TEDx event returns to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on March 20, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM. The all-day gathering will showcase dynamic local voices through TED talks, performances, and demonstrations around the theme “Embrace the Mess.”

Life is beautifully chaotic, and growth often emerges from disorder. This year’s theme invites audiences to celebrate imperfection, lean into vulnerability, and discover creativity and strength in life’s unpredictability.

Western North Carolina knows this spirit well. In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, communities found resilience, compassion, and connection. That same spirit of unity in the face of chaos will resonate on the TEDxAsheville stage.

Expect thought leaders, visionaries, and storytellers who have turned turbulence into transformation. Through powerful talks and shared experiences, they’ll reveal how navigating life’s complexities can spark breakthroughs—personal and collective. Come ready to challenge assumptions, spark fresh ideas, and uncover beauty in the chaos. Let’s embrace the mess—together.

In addition to the March event, TEDxAsheville will host two fall salons, known as Red Rug Roundtables, designed for intimate dialogue and connection. The next gatherings are scheduled for Tues., September 9 and Tues., December 9, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 309 College Street, Asheville.

“Life rarely unfolds neatly—and that’s where the most powerful ideas are born. We invite our community to lean into life’s mess, discover new perspectives, and celebrate the creativity and resilience that emerge when we embrace uncertainty together.” — Barrie Barton, Lead Coordinator

Call for Speakers

Do you have an idea that challenges the status quo, a story born from struggle, or a perspective that can shift the way we see the world? TEDxAsheville is looking for speakers who embody the spirit of Embrace the Mess.

Apply to be part of the March 2026 stage at www.tedxasheville.com/speak. The speaker portal opens September 8, 2025, and closes September 21, 2025. Final speaker selections will be announced in December at the last salon of the year.

TEDxAsheville is proudly supported by Western Carolina University, Asheville/Buncombe Chamber of Commerce, Mountain BizWorks, Focal Point Co-Working, Amy Climer, If you’re interested in sponsoring TEDxAsheville 2025, please reach out to [email protected].

To sign up for event and ticketing updates, sign up for the TEDxAsheville newsletter at www.TEDxAsheville.com.