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.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
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.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
|
Are you an adult interested in learning the basics of soccer, disc golf, or lacrosse? Or have you been feeling like playing a few games of (friendly) dodgeball? Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is hosting its first free Adult Field Day on June 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Buncombe County Sports Park in fields 1 and 2! Adult Field Day will feature various beginner-friendly sports workshops from ABASA Asheville Buncombe Adult Soccer Association (Asheville Buncombe Adult Soccer Association), WNC Disc Golf Association, and Asheville Lacrosse Club. Additionally, there will be ongoing dodgeball games! Admission is free and pre-registration is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and snacks. No athletic equipment is needed! For additional information, email [email protected]. |
|
|
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Saturdays from June 15-August 10, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool
10-10:50am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59
B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporate effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Mondays: Pickin’ in the Park
Enjoy performances by local singer-songwriters in an intimate and relaxed setting. Experience the rich musical heritage of Asheville as talented musicians share their stories and songs.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Do you love fishing? Are you new to it or curious about learning how? Come fishing with Chimney Rock Park Rangers on Lake Lure at Morse Park and learn how to tie knots, cast, and start fishing. Please note that we are limited to loaner 20 poles. Feel free to bring your own tackle and poles as long as it is in good working order.
Meet at Morse Park in Lake Lure. Parking available at the Lake Lure Marina and public parking in Lake Lure. Admission to the Chimney Rock State Park is not required for this event.
Register by emailing Ranger Shelton at [email protected] or call the park office at 828-625-1823
Come celebrate World Ranger Day and meet a Chimney Rock State Park Ranger and learn about what a day on the job looks like at this touch-a-truck style station in the top parking lot. World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
CORE Programming
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Did you know that data shows having active male role models in the life of children can breakdown stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment? With that in mind, Buncombe County public libraries is excited to introduce our new Saturday morning story time series, Reading MENtors. This reading initiative encourages men from our local community to celebrate that men love to read. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of early childhood educators, including preschool teachers and librarians, are men,” says Enka-Candler Library Branch Manager Erin Parcels. “That means that we have entire generations of children who grew up without a clear idea of what positive male educators are. To see strong literacy practices in children, adults need to model such behavior, which is why we are inviting men with different professions from the local community to share good reading habits to children.”
To help bolster the number of male reading role models, the Enka-Candler Library is inviting men with different professions from all over Buncombe County to share their joy of reading with young patrons. Data shows that having active male role models in children’s lives can break down stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, teaching and modeling reading at an early age vitally important for brain development. “In the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second. Ninety percent of the brain develops by the age of five,” exclaims Librarian Kate Sprate, “Reading plays a pivotal role in setting children up for future social, emotional, and educational success because literacy helps build language, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills.”
This program is open to children of all ages and gender identities. We believe that positive literacy role models are for everyone! Story time will be every other Saturday beginning May 4 at 10:30 a.m., please join us for a story time followed by fun activities! See below for more MENtor story times.
Interested in being a MENtor?
If you know of someone in our community who would be a great Reading MENtor, let us know! Volunteers will read a book and be accompanied by Youth Services Librarian Kate Spratt, who will host a follow-up activity in line with the theme of the story or the person’s career. We love to collaborate, so ideas from volunteers and full participation are welcome. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy reading and sharing the love of reading, are patient, positive, and joyful. To submit a reading MENtor nomination, email [email protected].
Upcoming MENtor story time and acitivity schedule – all story times are at 10:30 a.m.
May 4: Read & Play!
- Jason Hyatt, Director of Buncombe County Public Libraries
- Play-Doh Club preview
- Free book prize
May 18: Music & Movement
- Mike Martinez, LEAF Global Arts #SparktheArtsNC Artist-in-residence, Announcer at Blue Ridge Public Radio, Artist Mentor for StoryCraft
- Musical instrument petting zoo, Build your own instrument, songwriting station
June 1: GOAL!
- Gregg Munn, Director and Head Coach of Mars Hill University Men’s Soccer Team & players
- Soccer obstacle course/warm-up stations
June 15: TBD
June 29: TBD
July 20: Building communities
- David McNair, Rector at St. James Episcopal Church
- LEGO free-build and giant foam block building
Aug. 3: Fun and games
- Mac Stanley and Matt Dixon, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
- Giant yard game stations and crafts
Aug. 17: Pizza party
- Jack Kirakossian, personal chef and food educator
- Create your own min pizza
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Saturdays from June 15-August 10, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool
10-10:50am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59
B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporate effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804