Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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.

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Catch Styx & Kevin Cronin (former lead singer/songwriter of REO Speedwagon) + Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena 5/28! Tickets for The Brotherhood of Rock Tour go on sale this Friday 12/13 @ 10AM
Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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.

The highly anticipated Community Concert is returning to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver another unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and community spirit. The event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music, along with the incredible opening act, Sam Burchfield and the Scoundrels. The Community Concert is presented by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale’s, and Fred Anderson Subaru.

This celebration of community is FREE to attend, with General Admission available to all. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Preferred Access Tickets powered by Skyla Credit Union are on sale now, providing attendees with a premium concert experience in the heart of Asheville’s iconic Downtown.

In addition to the music, the Community Concert will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace with unique handmade goods, and a gear swap presented by Second Gear, giving attendees the chance to exchange gently used outdoor gear. The event is designed to bring together people of all ages for an evening of celebration, while supporting local businesses and artists.

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Admission: General Admission is FREE; Preferred Access Tickets available for purchase.

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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.

MAYDAY IV at Sly Grog Lounge. 2 nights (May 30 8p & May 31 5p), 2 stages, 20 bands (listed below), $15 wristband good for both nights. Food truck service by Bigfoot Longs (hotdogs, May 30) & Mehfil (Indian, May 31). Bands schedule is:
MAY 30
8P Yawni
8:30P We Have Ignition
9P My Gal Monday
9:30P Ton Of A Bitch
10P Tiny TV’s
10:30P Basement Healer
11P Fantomex
MAY 31
5P Separate Incidents
5:30P Pinkeye
6P The Discs
6:30P Slow Poison
7P Dark City Kings
7:30P Tiny City (Charlotte)
8P The Big Sky
8:30P Colossal Human Failure
9P Saddle Breaker (Winston-Salem)
9:30P Busy Weather
10P Suburban Detour
10:30P Paprika
11P The Jesus Casino
Hear the bands playing MAYDAY IV at https://sinkholetexas.bandcamp.com/album/mayday-iv

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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.

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show 2025 is coming to Bon Secours Wellness Arena on 6/4 with special guest Nikki Lane! Tickets on sale Friday, Jan 17th @ 10AM.

Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.

We would love to welcome you to Wells on Friday, June 6 for a night of live music with the Two Armadillos, Simon Wallace & Harry Lewis!  Gather at Wells with your friends for a great time of reminiscing and dancing to live music.  Doors open at 6:00 at Wells Events Center in downtown Waynesville, music and dancing start at 7:00