Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is announcing the launch of its new online reservation system for park pavilions.

ACTIVENet, the new online reservation system, allows for a hassle-free user experience for Buncombe County park visitors. With just a few clicks, visitors can make and cancel reservations from the comfort of their home, in addition to checking real-time availability of the pavilions. Park pavilions are located at Lake Jullian, Charles D. Owen, and the Buncombe County Sports Park. Field rental is also available through this new portal.

Key takeaways of the new reservation system include: 

Seamless Interface: The user-friendly layout of the reservation system allows for hassle-free bookings and cancelations.

Real-time Park Pavilion Availability: Users are able to check the availability of the park pavilions at their favorite park, and on their preferred date and time.

Secure Payment: ACTIVENet’s secure payment portal ensures data protection and encryption with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant technology.

Email confirmations: Once a reservation is made or canceled, users will receive a confirmation email with the details of their booking.

Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion. 

To access the new park pavilion reservation system, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/parks. There is a “Reserve & Register” button that will take users directly to the reservation portal. Please note that users must create an account prior to booking a park pavilion. For any inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 250-4260.

Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. 

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Mountain Science Expo 2024

Join us for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity!

The Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival, a state-wide and month-long event dedicated to celebrating the impact of science educationally, culturally, and economically on our state. The NC Science Festival and the Mountain Science Expo hope to inspire children to pursue—and adults to support—the sciences, such that North Carolina can lead the country and the world as a place of innovation and learning. This year’s theme, in fact, is “State of Innovation,” highlighting how science is being driven forward within North Carolina.

Exhibitors

Through the Mountain Science Expo, we aim to support STEM education by providing an opportunity for all ages to interact with scientists and science educators in a hands-on and wonder-filled environment. Participating exhibitors include:

• ecoEXPLORE
• Project Explore
• The National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)
• The North Carolina Department of Air Quality (NCDAQ)
• The WNC Nature Center
• UNCA STEAM Labs
• The Highlands Biological Foundation
• The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
• The Cradle of Forestry
• And more!

Native Azalea Day

Participants in the 2024 Mountain Science Expo will also have the opportunity to visit the North Carolina Arboretum’s Azalea Collections for a special Native Azalea Day event. This event will feature additional exhibitors, including local horticultural organizations, artists, and ecoEXPLORE educators. The Azalea Collections are remote and normally only accessible by trail. Access to them for the event will be eased via ADA accessible vans.

Golden Tickets

Kids can get special Golden Tickets! Simply check out a science book from your local library, and you’ll receive a Golden Ticket good for free parking the day of the event.

There is no additional cost to attend Mountain Science Expo beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry).

Explore Asheville with the whole family!

Age Restrictions

All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Duration

60 Minutes

What’s Included

Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes

About

Now’s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, you’ll learn about our city’s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style – complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, it’s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. It’s a show on wheels!

The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun – it’s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Waitlist

If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our First Class dining menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

Why do giraffes have such long necks? What is the purpose of their spots? Where do they live and what do they eat? Do they make sounds?
Dr Monica Bond has been studying giraffes in Tanzania (East Africa) for more than 12 years and has written numerous scientific articles as well as a children’s book about giraffes. She will share her knowledge about the world’s tallest animal in this multi-media presentation.
The Wild Nature Institute and the Weaverville Community Center for Creative and Healthy Living welcome Dr. Monica Bond to the Community Center at 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville on Saturday April 27, 11:00 AM to 12 Noon.
The event is FREE and all ages are welcome.

47 Bryant St, Asheville, NC, United States, North Carolina 28806
See Facebook Event HERE
Join us in our yearly celebration of spring, the arts, the environment, sustainability, community & so much more.
 Event Highlights:
 Dozens of local vendors offering unique hand-crafted goods
 Local Food Trucks & The Hop Ice Cream to keep you fueled for the fun
 Live Music performed in the gardens
 Take home seedlings that are chemical-free and naturally grown
 Date: Saturday, April 27th
 Time: 11 AM till dusk
 Location: Peace Gardens & Market
We’ll kick the day off with a puppet performance from Asheville Creative Arts for the kiddos of all ages!

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

The goal of this event is to build bridges and celebrate the common ground we all share in our beautiful county and community.
Live music and poetry performances.

Appearances by state party chair Anderson Clayton and several North Carolina candidates.

Fun for the whole family!

$20 admission.

$10 for students.

Kids 16 and under free.

All funds raised will help get voters to the polls in November 2024!

Students will live a day in the life of our solar system through interactive play and inquiry-based exploration with our inflatable planetarium.  They will take ownership over research and practice science communication through group sharing.
Ages 8-15

During his days in middle school, Roger’s favorite pastime is to daydream about life as a pirate. One day during history class, Roger notices outside that his crush, Lila, has gotten caught in a nasty storm that came out of nowhere. Roger’s knowledge of the confidence and bravery it takes to be a pirate leads him to run out and save her. The storm gets the best of him though, and he collapses on the ground. When he wakes up, he finds himself on a beach. Confused as to why he is here, he begins to investigate. He notices he is surrounded by people who an evil ruler seemingly leads.

Interestingly enough, this ruler looks a lot like his middle school principal. Still trying to grasp what is happening around him, he notices Lila has become a princess and has been captured by the evil ruler. He decides to try and rescue her and everyone under his rule. Suddenly, another storm breaks, and Roger finds himself once again back in his classroom. Confused by all that has happened, he wonders if it was all just a dream or if he really was a pirate saving his princess.

Spring Out Event Schedule

1:30pm – 5pm: Pop-Up Bike Park

2:30pm – 3pm: Ride gathers

3pm: Ride departs

4pm – 5pm: Staggered return to Wedge

5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic

Ride Routes

See and Download all Spring Out 2024 Routes

1. Ride More – 15 miles that includes the Cruiser and Main Ride plus a climb up Beaucater and a roll along the old logging road.
2. Main Ride – 9 miles that include the Cruiser plus a climb into downtown Asheville and around Pritchard Park before heading back to the River Arts District.
3. Cruiser – 4 mile ride featuring the Wilma Dykeman Greenway and highlighting the best in flatness that Asheville has to offer.

Download and enjoy past Spring Out and Bike of the Irish routes. These routes are great ways to enjoy Asheville, NC on a bike.

• Spring Out 2023 RWGPS
• Spring Out 2022 RWGPS

Support & Sponsor

Are you interested in joining AoB as a sponsor in 2024? If so, lets talk. Fill out the form and we’ll connect with you.

Calling Volunteers

There are many ways to support the Spring Out ride. If you’d like to show your support by volunteering at the event fill out the form. We’d love to have you!

We can’t wait to see you at Spring Out!

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Peter Pan‘s run time is 2 hours including intermission.

Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Matilda: The Musical will be held following the performances on April 14th and 21st.

Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this 6-week series workshop gives space for young folks’ imaginations to run wild, turning anything and everything into an opportunity for storytelling! Students ages 11-14 will dive into their own worlds, build their own imaginations, and creating their own stories through a smorgasbord of storytelling forms. In this class, we’re putting creative power back in the hands of the budding creative both individually and as a group. What kind of wildernesses can we construct and discover?

At the end of the day, we’re exploring various forms of writing, infusing imagination into our stories, and we’re building trust and confidence in young creatives. No homework necessary!

Make a new craft each month using your Cricut!
$20 per session, pay instructor at each class
For more information, call 828-350-2058 or email [email protected]

Cricut Kickstart Workshop
Session A: January 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 3
Session B: April 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by April 3
Get your feet wet in the world of all things Cricut as we chat about different machines and their best uses, and tackle the basics of the software, with lots of time for questions. You’ll create your own vinyl design to transfer on to a provided coffee mug.

Valentine’s Day Cards
February 7, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 31
Learn how to use your Cricut to make personalized cards. Even if you’re new, you’ll leave with an awesome card in hand.

Easter Banners
March 6, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by February 28
Dive into crafting a cute seasonal banner using the trusty Cricut, twine, and good ol’ clothing pins. We’ll cut out sweet egg shapes and string them up with twine, giving you the perfect excuse to showcase your handmade charm.

Crafting in Progress Sign
May 8, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by May 1
Craft a personalized sign proudly declaring that you’re “Crafting in Progress!” A cute loading bar adds a touch of whimsy as a fun nod to the crafting journey.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Peter Pan‘s run time is 2 hours including intermission.

During his days in middle school, Roger’s favorite pastime is to daydream about life as a pirate. One day during history class, Roger notices outside that his crush, Lila, has gotten caught in a nasty storm that came out of nowhere. Roger’s knowledge of the confidence and bravery it takes to be a pirate leads him to run out and save her. The storm gets the best of him though, and he collapses on the ground. When he wakes up, he finds himself on a beach. Confused as to why he is here, he begins to investigate. He notices he is surrounded by people who an evil ruler seemingly leads.

Interestingly enough, this ruler looks a lot like his middle school principal. Still trying to grasp what is happening around him, he notices Lila has become a princess and has been captured by the evil ruler. He decides to try and rescue her and everyone under his rule. Suddenly, another storm breaks, and Roger finds himself once again back in his classroom. Confused by all that has happened, he wonders if it was all just a dream or if he really was a pirate saving his princess.