Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
A Mid-Summer Night White Party
Featuring HOPE 4 the Future students, Freeflow, Virtuous and the John R. Hayes High-Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps
You’re Invited!
Event Theme: “We Are All One”
Dress Code: All White- Semi Formal
$25 General Admission
Free for youth participating in any summer program- as long as they are wearing white.
Raffle: Includes 1 ticket with admission. More tickets available at the door. 3 prizes will be drawn!
Food Truck Opens at 7pm (food available for purchase)
Movie Starts At Dusk (appox 8pm)
Questions? Call us at 828-697-4884 or email us at [email protected]
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, creativity, and inspiration at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market — where young minds turn big ideas into real-life businesses!
We are partnering with the Wee Trade Children’s Consignment Sale. Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their handmade products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand. Then check out the Wee Trade Children’s Consignment Sale, the region’s largest selection of quality consigned goods at amazing prices!
📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.
Be reminded that there’s no place like home as this multi-generational production takes you on a journey somewhere over the rainbow.
Playground Stage summer family musical presents The Wizard of Oz. See the magic come to life when Buncombe County kids and the adults in their lives spend three intensive weeks to learn a full musical. In its 4th summer season, this family-friendly production will deliver classic songs and dances that promise to be a fun show for all ages! Playground Stage nurtures and empowers children to learn 21st Century skills through hands on theatre education and professional theatrical performances.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
The 7th Annual Light Up the Night 5K is set for Friday, August 8 th , 2025, and there’s still time
to register for this fun and meaningful event supporting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM).
This glow-in-the-dark evening fundraiser brings the community together to walk or run to support life transformation for
the homeless, poor, and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. WCRM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
meeting people in crisis, helping them at their point of need, investing in their future, and walking alongside them until
they can move forward.
The Light Up the Night 5K will take place at Asheville’s Carrier Park, starting at 7:00 p.m., with packet pickup
beginning at 5:30 p.m. Timed by Finish Well Timing, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, regardless
of race, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All proceeds will directly benefit WCRM’s programs and services, which provide
shelter, recovery programs, meals, and long-term support to those in need.
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Tanger Outlets Asheville invites shoppers to kick-off the start of the school season in style with its Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 9 from noon – 3 p.m. Families can celebrate their scholars with an array of fun-filled activities, including appearances by Ted. E Tourist and Rocky the UNC Asheville Bulldog, free drink samples provided by Pepsi Cola and free photos by TapSnap Phototainment.
As part of the celebration, Tanger Asheville is teaming up with Mountain Hope for the Kicks for Class New Shoe Collection Drive, benefiting students at Owen Middle School who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. A school bus will be parked near Sportsman’s Warehouse during the event to collect 450 pairs of new shoes. Guests are encouraged to donate new shoes in the following sizes: 3.5-7 youth for girls; 6-9 for women; 4-7 youth for boys; and 6-8 for men.
Tanger Asheville delivers even more value with its Summer of Savings program. Through August, the center will offer the community weekly deals on back-to-school essentials and wardrobe refreshes. Shoppers can expect to find some of the deepest discounts of the year at top brands like Nike, Coach, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and more.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Join us at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) for our annual Field Day. Since 1949, our station has been a hub of agricultural innovation, with the added addition of Field Day being a long-standing tradition. This year’s event promises an engaging, informative, and hands-on look at the latest in horticultural research and extension activities.
Field Day 2025 will feature a comprehensive showcase of ongoing research programs across a variety of crops such as apples, tomatoes, nursery plants, and other specialty crops. In addition to the featured research, the event will highlight various other projects and initiatives that reflect the breadth of work being done here at MHCREC.
Come for the whole day or drop in for part of it — your choice! Admission is free.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch on us! And of course, don’t miss the chance to make your own fresh tomato sandwich right in the field!
We look forward to welcoming growers, researchers, students, and community members alike for a day of learning, networking, and celebration of agricultural innovation.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings 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). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Welcome to our Special Needs Adult Camp, where laughter, creativity, and friendship are always on the agenda!
Get ready to dive into a world of fun as we embark on a journey filled with cooking delights, dance parties, bingo showdowns, and arts and crafts galore. Whether you’re a culinary wizard, a dancing sensation, a bingo aficionado, or an aspiring artist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our camp.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! In the afternoons, we’ll set out on exciting field trips to explore the wonders of our community. From strolls through Charles Owen Park to discovering the beauty of the Arboretum, creating magnificent sculptures in an artist’s studio, and spreading kindness during our random act of kindness outing, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and discovery.
But the true magic of our camp lies in the bonds we form and the memories we create. With our caring staff by your side, you’ll laugh, learn, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s discovering new talents, forming new friendships, or simply enjoying the sweetness of life, our camp is a place where everyone belongs and every moment is cherished.
Join us for a mini-camp of laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures. Your special journey awaits at our camp in East Asheville!
