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.

Monday, May 13, 2024
Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 13 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 13 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 14 all-day
Recreation Park

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

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 2nd

    Pools 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-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Summer Adult Kickball League—–registration open
May 14 all-day
online

Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings.

This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.”

Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here

Email [email protected] for additional information.

Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 14 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 14 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

Teen Book + Craft Club: PLANTS
May 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
Weaverville Public Library
  This group meets monthly to discuss books on a specific topic and make & take a related craft.  The theme this month is PLANTS.  Teens who wish to participate should read anything even remotely related to plants of any kind..fiction, non-fiction..graphic novel…magazine…memoir…you name it
TBR Tuesdays Book Club at Black Mountain Public Library
May 14 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

The book that will be discussed in May is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 15 all-day
Recreation Park

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

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 2nd

    Pools 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-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Summer Adult Kickball League—–registration open
May 15 all-day
online

Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings.

This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.”

Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here

Email [email protected] for additional information.

Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 15 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 15 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Park Pavilion Reservations Open
May 16 all-day
online

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software

We have launched a new park pavilion reservation software system where park users can seamlessly book park shelters and fields from the comfort of their home. In order to book a park pavilion or field, go to www.buncombecounty.org/parks and click the “Reserve & Register” button. Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGOrpvY75Xk

Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 16 all-day
Recreation Park

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

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 2nd

    Pools 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-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Summer Adult Kickball League—–registration open
May 16 all-day
online

Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings.

This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.”

Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here

Email [email protected] for additional information.

Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 16 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 16 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

Friday, May 17, 2024
Park Pavilion Reservations Open
May 17 all-day
online

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software

We have launched a new park pavilion reservation software system where park users can seamlessly book park shelters and fields from the comfort of their home. In order to book a park pavilion or field, go to www.buncombecounty.org/parks and click the “Reserve & Register” button. Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGOrpvY75Xk

Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 17 all-day
Recreation Park

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

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 2nd

    Pools 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-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Summer Adult Kickball League—–registration open
May 17 all-day
online

Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings.

This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.”

Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here

Email [email protected] for additional information.

Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 17 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 17 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
May 18 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

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.  

Park Pavilion Reservations Open
May 18 all-day
online

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software

We have launched a new park pavilion reservation software system where park users can seamlessly book park shelters and fields from the comfort of their home. In order to book a park pavilion or field, go to www.buncombecounty.org/parks and click the “Reserve & Register” button. Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGOrpvY75Xk

Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 18 all-day
Recreation Park

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

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 2nd

    Pools 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-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Summer Adult Kickball League—–registration open
May 18 all-day
online

Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings.

This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.”

Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here

Email [email protected] for additional information.

Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 18 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
May 18 @ 8:00 am
online

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.

COMIC CON
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

COMIC CON

 

New Story Time Series: MENtors Reading Program
May 18 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

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