Calendar of Events

AN AFTERNOON OF STORYTELLING WITH DONALD DAVIS Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 4:00-6:00 PM

Join us On Sunday, May 25, as we welcome Donald Davis to Wells Events Center for an afternoon of storytelling. Donald Davis grew up in Waynesville and will bring much joy and laughter to your heart as you hear him tell of happenings back-in-the-day. You will recognize familiar family names and area locations as he brings his stories to life and adds warm-hearted feelings of days-gone-by in this small mountain town.

Doors open at 4:00 with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and storytelling begins at 5:00.

This annual run/walk timed event raises funds to support Open Arms Pregnancy Center. Open Arms supports women facing unplanned pregnancies by providing free, confidential ultrasounds and maternity supplies. Mothers receive monthly diapers, clothing and other items once their babies are born up to the child’s 18th month.
The 5k and Fun Run will be held at Bill Moore Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Road in Fletcher, NC at 8:30AM.
Runners should register now (by May 9) at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fletcher/Run4for5k for early bird pricing and to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
Businesses/Individuals interested in being a race sponsor can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 828.676.4510.

Let’s dive deep into lavender!  Participants will learn about the history of this plant, discover how it’s used to promote relaxation and wellness, and make their own DIY lavender products to take home.  We will make bath salts, pillow sprays, and tea blends to bring relaxation home!

Tuesday May 27, 2025, 2:00-4:00. $25.00/$21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

Calling all young storytellers ages 8-13!
Gallery Tales is a 6-week program where kids explore various art pieces in the gallery to spark their imaginations and create incredible stories. Each week, participants will engage in interactive writing lessons, write unique tales, and gain the skills and confidence to become published authors. At the end of the program, every young writer will leave with their very own professionally published book and the opportunity to share their work and accomplishments with an audience of family and friends at a special Kids Open Mic Showcase!

Pricing Tiers:
Standard Tier: $397 (Includes all program materials, publishing, and showcase support)
Supporter Tier: $500 (Covers program materials, publishing, showcase support, and helps provide scholarships for other young writers)
Scholarship Option: Available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.

Limited spots are available for this unique program that celebrates art, and creativity, and inspires young writers to shine. Sign up today!

About the Gallery Tales Instructor:
Kate Wargo is a passionate educator with a decade of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she brings her expertise in child development and creative learning to every program she designs. Kate is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, blending art, writing, and community to create meaningful and transformative experiences. As an advocate for bringing the soul and love back into writing and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, she strives to create safe and inspiring spaces where they can discover their voices and shine as confident, creative storytellers.

As spring transitions to summer, we see changes in the plants around us.  Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of late spring wildflowers in bloom and discussing seasonal differences in the landscape. Learn some basics of wildflower and tree ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of the season.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Spring Bloom Gala: Gather & Grow
A Benefit for Asheville Waldorf School
May 29, 2025 | 5–9 PM
Treska’s on Highland Lake, Flat Rock, NC

Join us for Asheville Waldorf School’s Annual Spring Bloom Gala—an evening devoted to connection, nourishment, and collective flourishing.

In collaboration with Mother Earth Food and Heidi Zellie of Appalachian Watershed Alliance, this year’s gala celebrates the sacred work of raising children, feeding communities, and healing the land. Together, we honor the sanctity of childhood and cultivate a future rooted in food sovereignty, resilience, and hope.

Offerings:
Farm-to-table dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients
Musical performances
Curated silent auction with local art, experiences, and handmade goods
Inspiring keynote speakers: Andrea DuVall, CEO & Founder of Mother Earth Food, Ines Kinchen, Founder, Emerald Ark School & Sanctuary, Grandmaster Tony Morris, Founder, Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts

All proceeds support Asheville Waldorf School, furthering our mission to nurture head, heart, and hands through holistic education.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Come learn about the biology and natural history of fungi in the Southeast and beyond. This talk will highlight the interconnections between fungi, animals, and plants. Todd will also discuss some of the region’s best edible species along with where and how to find and identify them.

Pan Harmonia, Asheville’s award winning chamber music company presents Dances in Nature for flute and harp with Kate Steinbeck and Jessica Schaeffer Sunday, June 1st at 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church Asheville and Friday, June 6th at 7 pm at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Enjoy mystical dances and haunting melodies by Alan Hovhaness, Joseph Jongen and Carl Nielsen along with tunes inspired by ocean creatures, waltzes, boleros and salsa.

Celebrating its 25th season, Pan Harmonia offers pay-as-you-can, donation-based performances; no one is turned away for lack of funds. “Music is for everyone!,” says Steinbeck. Those that can, help by donating funds for the musicians and Pan Harmonia operations.

Reserve in advance and receive parking information.

For more information visit: https://panharmonia.org/events/

Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendations for purchasing your own binoculars, and popular field guides to use. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

It’s time to daub, dance, and donate with a hilarious drag queen at Blue Ridge Bingo – Asheville’s most whimsical way to give back! The first ball drops at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6th at the Hilltop Events Center. Tickets start at $20, include bingo cards, and are available at https://BeardedLadyProductions.org. This event is for ages 21 and up. This month, the drag queen host guides guests over the rainbow for a night of heart, courage, and fabulous fun! Expect six rounds of spellbinding bingo, prizes, and upbeat tunes for clicking your ruby heels with joy. General Admission: USD 20.00

Pan Harmonia, Asheville’s award winning chamber music company presents Dances in Nature for flute and harp with Kate Steinbeck and Jessica Schaeffer Sunday, June 1st at 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville and Friday, June 6th at 7 pm at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Enjoy mystical dances and haunting melodies by Alan Hovhaness, Joseph Jongen and Carl Nielsen along with tunes inspired by ocean creatures, waltzes, boleros and salsa.

Now, celebrating its 25th season, Pan Harmonia offers pay-as-you-can, donation-based performances; no one is turned away for lack of funds. “Music is for everyone!,” says Steinbeck. Those that can, help by donating funds for the musicians and Pan Harmonia operations.

Reserve in advance and receive parking information.

For more information visit: https://panharmonia.org/events/

The Henderson County Curb Market, located at 221 N. Church Street in downtown Hendersonville, extends an invitation for its June Jamboree on Saturday, June 7th, from 8:00am – 2:00pm. The Market will offer live Bluegrass music by Liberty Road, a hot dog plate lunch available for purchase, a craft for Father’s Day at the children’s activity table, and a local authors’ signing. Visitors will enjoy chatting with Market vendors and shopping for produce and the many unique items created by local crafters. Fresh baked goods (including gluten free selections), free range eggs, preserves and honey will also be offered. With each purchase, a raffle ticket will be given for a chance to win a basket filled with Curb Market items donated by vendors. This is sure to be an enjoyable, relaxing day for all.

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center.

This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us for a special Father’s Day Mug Painting event! Create a unique gift for Dad while having fun. All ages welcome. Supplies provided. Don’t miss out!

Merging art, nature and wellness! 🌺🌸🪻🌸🌺

Come join us for a creative, healing, and inspiring morning in the beautiful gardens of Asheville Salt Cave. Learn the art of flower pounding and pressed flower design from Alicia, of Passiflora Creative. Each participant will create their own set of botanical notecards. Enjoy a guided meditation and session in the healing salt cave and herbal tea sampling. Leave feeling restored and more connected to yourself and the beauty of nature.

Space is almost full register now
https://ashevillesaltcave.com/…/flower-pounding…/

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center.

This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show.

School’s In for Somm-er: WSET Classes Start in June + Exclusive Discount for AVLToday readers!

Summer school just got a whole lot tastier. Whether you’re running a top-tier restaurant, managing a hospitality team, curating the perfect wine bar experience, or just interested in all things wine — knowledge matters.

MWWine School is excited to offer you the opportunity to achieve globally-recognized wine certifications in Asheville this summer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, curious beginner, just looking for a fun way to level up your wine knowledge with friends, or interested in taking your seasoned staff to the next level these classes are for you! Sip, learn, and enjoy — and save up to 10% when you register today. Courses are hosted at Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village, in partnership with Metro Wines.

You will learn the principles of wine tasting, as well as food and wine pairing and service protocols, the key grape varieties and wine regions of the world, and more. Each class includes a diverse selection of wines of the world (12 wines for Level 1 and 40 wines for Level 2). Successful candidates receive the WSET credential, including a certificate and pin.

MWWS Asheville Course Schedule and Details:

[REGISTER BY MAY 19th FOR LEVEL 2 and MAY 23rd FOR LEVEL 1]

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines – Monday, June 9

One day class with exam

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette.

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a suggested prerequisite for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course. The WSET L1 Award is a 6-hour, one day course and includes an exam with 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes, printed study guide, tasting of over 10 wines, food pairing exercises, and exam fee. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

Registration closes May 23rd. Register here: https://www.melaniewebberwine.com/product-page/wset-level-1-award-in-wines-in-asheville-june-9

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – Sun/Mon/Sun, June 1, 2, & 8

Three day class with exam

For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and the regions in which they are grown. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines.

It is intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry. The qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who want a serious education in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. L2 is a pre-requisite for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Registration closes May 19th.

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Three different dates to choose from!

June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.