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.
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 schedule for the Gardening in the Mountains, online seminars.
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.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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.
A Mid-Summer Night White Party
Featuring HOPE 4 the Future students, Freeflow, Virtuous and the John R. Hayes High-Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps
You’re Invited!
Event Theme: “We Are All One”
Dress Code: All White- Semi Formal
$25 General Admission
Free for youth participating in any summer program- as long as they are wearing white.
Raffle: Includes 1 ticket with admission. More tickets available at the door. 3 prizes will be drawn!
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.
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.
The 7th Annual Light Up the Night 5K is set for Friday, August 8 th , 2025, and there’s still time
to register for this fun and meaningful event supporting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM).
This glow-in-the-dark evening fundraiser brings the community together to walk or run to support life transformation for
the homeless, poor, and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. WCRM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
meeting people in crisis, helping them at their point of need, investing in their future, and walking alongside them until
they can move forward.
The Light Up the Night 5K will take place at Asheville’s Carrier Park, starting at 7:00 p.m., with packet pickup
beginning at 5:30 p.m. Timed by Finish Well Timing, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, regardless
of race, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All proceeds will directly benefit WCRM’s programs and services, which provide
shelter, recovery programs, meals, and long-term support to those in need.
Tanger Outlets Asheville invites shoppers to kick-off the start of the school season in style with its Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 9 from noon – 3 p.m. Families can celebrate their scholars with an array of fun-filled activities, including appearances by Ted. E Tourist and Rocky the UNC Asheville Bulldog, free drink samples provided by Pepsi Cola and free photos by TapSnap Phototainment.
As part of the celebration, Tanger Asheville is teaming up with Mountain Hope for the Kicks for Class New Shoe Collection Drive, benefiting students at Owen Middle School who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. A school bus will be parked near Sportsman’s Warehouse during the event to collect 450 pairs of new shoes. Guests are encouraged to donate new shoes in the following sizes: 3.5-7 youth for girls; 6-9 for women; 4-7 youth for boys; and 6-8 for men.
Tanger Asheville delivers even more value with its Summer of Savings program. Through August, the center will offer the community weekly deals on back-to-school essentials and wardrobe refreshes. Shoppers can expect to find some of the deepest discounts of the year at top brands like Nike, Coach, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and more.
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.
Join us at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) for our annual Field Day. Since 1949, our station has been a hub of agricultural innovation, with the added addition of Field Day being a long-standing tradition. This year’s event promises an engaging, informative, and hands-on look at the latest in horticultural research and extension activities.
Field Day 2025 will feature a comprehensive showcase of ongoing research programs across a variety of crops such as apples, tomatoes, nursery plants, and other specialty crops. In addition to the featured research, the event will highlight various other projects and initiatives that reflect the breadth of work being done here at MHCREC.
Come for the whole day or drop in for part of it — your choice! Admission is free.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch on us! And of course, don’t miss the chance to make your own fresh tomato sandwich right in the field!
We look forward to welcoming growers, researchers, students, and community members alike for a day of learning, networking, and celebration of agricultural innovation.
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.
Join us for an enchanting evening at the
Flat Rock Playhouse Annual Gala,
“Vagabonds In The Vineyard!”
This year, we’re bringing the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean to the beautiful
Monday, August 18th
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Marked Tree Vineyards,
623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock, NC
Call the DEVO office at 828-693-0403 ext. 205
Premier Table Seating
$250 per person
– Guaranteed seat at one of our limited reserved tables
– perfect for sitting with friends.
– Two complimentary drink tickets.
– Prime location close to the evening’s entertainment
– featuring various artists and performers from the Flat Rock Playhouse.
General Admission
$125 per person
– Seating on the scenic terrace of Marked Tree Vineyards
– One complimentary drink ticket.
– Enjoy the entertainment and ambiance of the evening.
Reserved seating is limited for the Premier Table option, so book early!
Dinner:
Indulge in a delectable array of dishes from
the curated food stations provided by
Evening Schedule:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Check-in and Happy Hour
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner served from food stations
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Silent Auction open for bidding
7:30 PM: Entertainment featuring Flat Rock Playhouse artists and performers
8:30 PM: Final Encore
Dress Code:
Embrace the spirit of the Mediterranean!
We encourage you to wear light, flowing attire suitable for strolling
the charming streets of Mykonos or Santorini. Think chic and comfortable.
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.
Presenters: Drake Fowler, Executive Director, North Carolina Arboretum
Program Description: We often see Asheville, North Carolina, as a “climate haven,” and we were all shaken by the impacts of Hurricane Helene last September.
In this thought-provoking talk, Drake Fowler, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Arboretum, discusses our first-hand experience living through this major geological event and what it reveals about the vulnerability—and potential—of our landscapes.
Learn how local professionals and other specialists are charting a path toward long-term recovery, and explore strategies for building more resilient gardens and communities in a changing climate.
The presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.
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.
Support your local pollinators in The Learning Garden and participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Join us and learn how to identify and count common pollinators and what plants they favor. After a brief presentation we will go out into the garden and count pollinators.
Two (15 minute) counting sessions will be held back to back. Come for the first one or stay for both. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide instruction and assist. Your count matters!
Please bring a hat, water bottle and a chair if needed.
The program is free, but participation is limited and registration is required. Details of the program, along with registration instructions are found on the Buncombe County Extension website.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Photo by Donna Sapp, Extension Master Gardener volunteer
Join us for our monthly market, where you’ll discover local vendors offering a variety of houseplants, garden plants, and planty-related items, including crafts and jewelry. Show your support by visiting our social table, where we will have branded merchandise for sale to help fund the event, as well as tags for social media pages to follow your favorite vendors. Enjoy live music and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🅿️Free parking is available! Please park at the front of the building and enter through the hydroponics shop. Vendors will be set up inside the shop as well as outside the back of the shop.
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.
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.
Gather a team and get ready to spend the day playing 18 holes for our annual, end-of-season Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Hosted at Sprindale Resort in Canton, NC on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, and **NEW THIS YEAR** included in your price of registration is a delicious BBQ Lunch to be served during the Awards Ceremony! Want to play, or interested in becoming a sponsor?
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.
Garden and Adventure Photography Basics
with Cami Calnan
Friday, August 29 | 10 am – 1 pm
Elevate your photography from the level you are currently working from. In this immersive workshop, we will explore the technical aspects of the camera you photograph with. Bring your phone, your slr or point and shoot digital or film camera, and we will explore the concepts behind taking the kinds of photos you are hoping to capture.
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 on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.
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.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a Western North Carolina nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, is thrilled to announce its Pawprints & Plates fundraising event. This special “Dine Out for National Wildlife Day” will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with six local establishments supporting the organization’s vital mission.
Community members are invited to dine and drink at any of the participating locations to directly contribute to the care of thousands of wild animals rescued each year.
For the most up-to-date information on participating Pawprints & Plates locations please check Appalachian Wild’s website appalachianwild.org. A list of committed locations are:
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Thai Pearl – 747 Haywood Road
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Ivory Road – 1854 Brevard Rd
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RendezVous – 184 New Haw Creek Rd
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Bebop Bottle Shop – 723 Haywood Rd #101
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Copper Crown – 1011 Tunnel Rd #100
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Burning Blush Brewery – 4891 Boylston Hwy