Calendar of Events

Join Jessa in her new Holistic Skincare and Sound Bath Studio for twice monthly Thursday Evening Sound Baths. ***Space is Limited-Tickets Required*** These sessions focus on nervous sytem regulation, energertic balance, and seasonal, solar, and lunar alignmnet.

Forest Bathing: A Harvest Season Retreat

with Asheville Wellness Tours

Saturday, September 13  |  10 – 1pm

Celebrate abundance, balance and equilibrium during this immersive morning nature connection retreat. During this seasonal transition, we’ll mark the threshold between summer and fall, honoring the Earth’s bountiful harvest while slowing our pace, awakening our senses, and practicing embodied acts of gratitude. Honoring this liminal fifth season, connecting with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human-world, nourishing the relationships that sustain and connect us.

Your guide, Christa Hebal, will lead you on a gentle journey through the forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience with a community Earth offering, followed by a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

The 16th West Asheville Garden Stroll is Saturday, September 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM. It features 13 diverse gardens in the Falconhurst neighborhood, north of Haywood Road between Mitchell Avenue and Louisiana. Stroll Guides with a map and garden descriptions will be available from 11:00 until 3:30 at the parking lot across from West Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Road. (Note to regular attendees: there’s no kickoff program this year.)

The Garden Stroll is free, and all are welcome to join in this community event, rain or shine. However, leave your four-footed friends at home — dogs are not allowed in the gardens.
In keeping with our “stroll” concept, we encourage you to park at one of the WAGS-designated lots on Haywood Road and walk or bike the 2.5 mile route.
This year’s gardens include a permaculture “grass to food” yard with all kinds of edibles; formal designs and eclectic ones that have evolved over time; a “photographer’s paradise;” a large Bountiful Cities community garden hidden among residential streets; whimsical yard art; and of course, chickens. You’ll see new and mature gardens as well as works-in-progress, all offering the chance to chat with friendly and enthusiastic gardeners.
Our theme, Entwined, was inspired by the amazing interconnectedness of nature. In a healthy garden the plants, insects, birds, fungi and soil bacteria form an interdependent community that allows them all to thrive. The same is true in a healthy neighborhood. After Helene, the Falconhurst community — like many neighborhoods in WNC — grew even more entwined, as neighbors gathered around the well at the small farm to collect water and share necessities, information, and good vibes. Let’s all work to make our communities and our gardens more “entwined!”

Want to learn to make jewelry? This beginner friendly introductory metalsmithing course teaches the basics skills involved in making your own jewelry. Learn to use a variety of tools and equipment common in a jewelry studio.

This Intensive 16 hour 2 day workshop will teach many techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, soldering, bezel setting, textures, and more! $499 plus a $55 materials fee (paid separate at class)

Class Times: Saturday Sept 13th 9-5 and Sunday Sept 14th 9-5

Students will also have access to 4 Open Studio sessions through the following 4 weeks to practice their skills. A knowledgeable instructor is present during these sessions for questions and safety. Wednesdays 10-4pm (These are only valid the 4 weeks following the class and do not carry over)

Please know this will be a substantial amount of information over the two days and the intensity may not be ideal for everyone. Some jewelry making knowledge may be beneficial, but is not required. The course is designed to teach the skills through a series of jewelry pieces.

The course is designed to teach techniques and skills rather than completing actual aesthetically pleasing pieces, but the goal is that everyone can complete 2-3 pieces of finished jewelry or more. Attending some or all Open Studios will absolutely ensure this and likely many more pieces.

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a FREE WORKSHOP designed to help seniors and their families navigate the often-complex process of downsizing, relocating, and preparing for what’s next.

This event, held at the East Asheville Public Library, will provide guidance from professionals on a variety of topics to help make your next transition smooth and stress-free.

Refreshments will be provided!

Workshop Highlights
Financial Guidance from a Lender: Learn how lenders utilize a combination of your retirement income and assets to qualify you for a mortgage.

Legal Planning with an Estate Attorney: Get expert advice on key legal issues, including how to organize assets, taxes, and your beneficiary structure, as well as ensure the instructions for your death or medical circumstance are followed.

Practical Moving Tips from a Realtor: You are not alone! See how a Realtor can act as your personal “project manager” to make the transition stress-free.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered by experts in the field. There will be a time for Q & A at the end! If you have questions that you would like addressed, include them in the appropriate area as your register.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Register to secure your spot.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Retreat leader, educator and Jungian psychotherapist Diana McKendree leads a discussion exploring the world of dreamwork and how we might better understand our dreams. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the Thursday, September 18 event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. McKendree’s “What Did You Dream Last Night?” discussion begins at 11 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall. Bring a recent dream, notebook and pen. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Retreat leader, educator and Jungian psychotherapist Diana McKendree leads a discussion exploring the world of dreamwork and how we might better understand our dreams. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series. The Thursday, September 18 event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. McKendree’s “What Did You Dream Last Night?” discussion begins at 11 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall. Bring a recent dream, notebook and pen. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Asheville, NC — September 19, 2025 — The Western North Carolina Recovery Community Collaborative (WNCRCC) will host the First Annual WNC Recovery Rally: “Pathways to Recovery – One Rally, Many Journeys” on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates National Recovery Month, honoring individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders. The rally aims to break stigma, inspire hope, and connect the community with multiple pathways to recovery.

Event Highlights

Inspirational speakers & personal recovery stories

Live music & entertainment

Food trucks & family-friendly activities

Resource fair featuring 40+ community organizations

“This rally is about showing WNC that we are surrounded by recovery, the hope that’s available, and the many resources ready to walk alongside anyone throughout their journey,” said Jessica Shepherd Joudry, Chair of the Planning Committee.

ASAP’s 2025 Farm Tour will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, noon to 5 p.m. Participating farms will be announced in late June or early July. One pass is good for all passengers in a single vehicle at all farms, both days. Passes are $35 before Sept. 20 and $45 on Sept 20-21.

ASAP’s annual Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, and tastings. The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more! This is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. All are welcome.

ASAP’s 2025 Farm Tour is a critical prices of hurricane recovery as it helps the local food economy rebound, strengthens the relationships between farmers and consumers, and encourages tourism from outside of Asheville. Join ASAP in sustaining our farming community.

ASAP’s 2025 Farm Tour will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, noon to 5 p.m. Participating farms will be announced in late June or early July. One pass is good for all passengers in a single vehicle at all farms, both days. Passes are $35 before Sept. 20 and $45 on Sept 20-21.

ASAP’s annual Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, and tastings. The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of working farms in Western North Carolina, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more! This is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. All are welcome.

ASAP’s 2025 Farm Tour is a critical prices of hurricane recovery as it helps the local food economy rebound, strengthens the relationships between farmers and consumers, and encourages tourism from outside of Asheville. Join ASAP in sustaining our farming community.

Celebrate the autumnal equinox in an evening of yoga, spirituality and healing, Thursday, Sept. 22 at Kanuga. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with check-in at the Labyrinth and nature crafting, followed by slow-flow yoga at 6:30 p.m., and concludes with a healing sound bath at 7:45 p.m. To close the evening, attendees are invited to linger over a cup of tea and reflect on the coming fall season. Bring your own mat, blanket and camp chair. Cost: $18 (plus tax and fees). 130 Kanuga Chapel Dr in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Tours on the last Wednesday of the month, May through October: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, October 29
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden. Visit and Learn!

Visit informally Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no docents or tours)

Docents and Presenters: Extension Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden.
Program Description: On the last Wednesday of the month from May to October you can join a more formal tour and be led through the gardens by a master gardener docent as you watch the other gardeners caring for the plants. See beautiful and interesting plants, delicious vegetables, native plants for beauty and pollinator interest.
The tours start at 10:00 a.m. and should last approximately an hour. The tours will begin outside the front door of the Buncombe County Extension Office.

Wear appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses and sturdy shoes and bring some water) as this event will be held outside. In the event of steady rain in West Asheville, the workday and the tour will be canceled.

The tour is free and registration is not necessary.
If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

NOTE: The Learning Garden is open for informal visits Monday through Friday throughout the year, but if you visit on a Wednesday, during the growing season, you can meet the Master Gardeners working in the gardens and ask questions about the plants and their care. We invite you to visit often, observe the gardens, and ask questions as the Master Gardeners tend the gardens through the growing season. If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden

Program: Worm Composting in Buckets
Presenter: John Bowen, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Program Description: Want worms to eat your garbage without the mess?
Interested in getting rich compost for your garden but don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional worm bins? Master Gardener John Bowen will show you an easy, low-maintenance way to compost with worms using 5-gallon buckets buried outside—no mess, no fuss, and it works all year long. Simple, clean, and surprisingly effective!
Wear appropriate attire as some of this presentation may be held outside.

The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. Please click on the link to register on Eventbrite.

If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Friday, September 26 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, Sept 27 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

At each Plant Clinic, Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution. You can pick-up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains online seminars. Please stop by and learn more!

For more information on the plant sale, please refer to the WNC Arboretum website at ncarboretum.org

NOTE: The Arboretum’s standard $20 parking fee applies to all non-members.

Join us at Ignite Jewelry Studio’s on select Friday night’s from 5-8 for our new Ignite Maker Nights. October 3rd is Hammer a Circle Pendant. You’ll choose from a variety of hammer textures and complete your silver pendant.

Each Ignite Maker Night will feature a different drop in workshop to make something fun for yourself or a friend and costs $25 for 25 minutes of less. Before or after this fun experience you can also wander downtown’s galleries for Asheville’s First Fridays. This makes for a great date night or girls night out experience as well!

Age appropriate for ages 10+.

Cost is $25/person and includes materials.

*You don’t need to sign up, as this is a “drop-in”. Our gallery will be open to shop locally handmade jewelry as well.

Lecture Demonstration Series for the Curious, the New, and the Devotee

Sun Oct 5 • 3 pm | 60 minutes

Louis and Duke were there at the beginning—and their influence echoes through every note that comes after. Louis taught the world to swing with joyful individuality. Duke, America’s greatest composer, gave us music that is sophisticated, soulful, and gloriously open. Between them, they laid the foundation—unshakably cool and warmly welcoming.

Jazz Is for Everyone is a series of five one-hour sessions exploring jazz music. Come to one or join them all—each session stands on its own and welcomes listeners at any level.

What You’ll Experience:
Guided listening
Live music demonstrations
Stories that connect the music to people, places, and intent
A space for questions, curiosity, and shared discovery

Jeremy Walker launched Jazz Is for Everyone in 2004 at his Brilliant Corners Jazz Club, with Wynton Marsalis serving as Artistic Advisor. The program was developed as an Educational Affiliate with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, Walker’s been writing, composing, performing, producing, and speaking about why this music still matters.

Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711

Saturday, November 8

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!

Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.

Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing research—whether historical, personal, or primary sources—to elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative efforts—from writers’ groups to small presses—are reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.

Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.

Run beside an active runway!  The AVL Runway 5K is exciting and unique!

Ready to run the FLATTEST 5K in the mountains?  How about a morning with music, local food trucks (think coffee and pastries) and better-than-ever plane spotting?

Asheville Regional Airport looks forward to welcoming you to the airfield!  

Our race is the most unique 5K in the mountains – it’s completely FLAT, and hey – it’s on the airfield of the airport. Racers will run on Taxiway Bravo, beside our active Runway 17-35.  Once again, the event is located on the north side of the airfield, so all attendees will be much closer to the taxiway and runway in the festival area. Be sure to wave to the passengers in the planes that will be taking off and landing while you run! What are you waiting for?

The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k presented by Hunter Subaru is an exhilarating fall event that beckons both seasoned athletes and recreational runners alike. Nestled within the charm and beauty of Hendersonville, North Carolina, this race offers participants a unique opportunity to challenge their limits while immersing themselves in the splendor of the autumn season. Whether conquering the half marathon’s 13.1-mile stretch or embracing the spirited atmosphere of the 8k, participants love supportive community vibe, scenic course, and post-race festivities, including the Black Bear Fall Market!

If you’ve ever collected small, perfectly smooth pebbles and wondered what to do with them, this two-day workshop is the perfect solution! Using diamond encrusted drill bits, students will drill through these materials and then fabricate sterling silver wire and sheet to create stunning jewelry which may include pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. Students will also learn about the soldering process, bezel and prong setting and a small amount of forging.

No experience is necessary but good eyesight or magnification is a must.

Students are asked to bring:
Small pebbles, ceramic shards, shells and sea glass if they have any (the instructor will bring some for their use as well)
Notebook and pen/pencil
Ultra fine tipped Sharpie pen
$399 plus materials
A materials list for students to purchase will be provided upon registration.

Carolina Memorial Sanctuary leads a conversation about death preparation, home funerals, and the cathartic act of participating in a loved one’s burial, Thurs. October 16 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary presentation at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees). 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

We’re back in the heart of Hendersonville and we’re bringing some spirited fun—with an awesome new race shirt and shiny finisher medal for every participant. Costumes? Highly encouraged. FOMO? Guaranteed if you skip it. Run or walk through the Historic 7th Avenue District with a crowd of costumed runners, then keep the party going at the Fall Festival just steps from the finish line!

Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.

Event Schedule:
1:30pm – 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic

2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike