Join us on Saturday, September 14!
The 19th annual WNC Run/Walk for Autism is an amazing and fun-filled community event that helps improve the lives of autistic children and adults by raising funds to support local autism programs.

You must register online by noon on Wednesday, September 11, to participate.

The WNC Run/Walk for Autism will be held at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher.

Event Schedule:

* 8:00 a.m. – Packet pick-up begins
* 9:00 a.m. – 5K competitive and non-competitive runs begin
* 9:15 a.m. – 1 mile Fun Run/Walk begins

Awards ceremony for 5K race and top fundraising teams to follow.

For more event details, including all deadlines, course map, etc., click here.

As many as 1 in 36 children may be diagnosed with autism in the United States. You can make a difference in the lives of people with autism, their families, and communities by supporting this event and asking for donations.

Bullington Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale is happening from September 12-14 from 9 am – 4:00 pm. Bullington has long been well known for growing unique and healthy plants. This year is no exception. The sale will feature an impressive selection of locally grown native plants, fall perennials, shrubs, trees, and cool-season annuals, all carefully chosen to thrive in our local climate. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go directly towards supporting the ongoing operation of Bullington Gardens, a beloved non-profit botanical garden that has been a cornerstone of the Hendersonville community for 35 years. With a focus on horticultural therapy and environmental education, Bullington Gardens plays a vital role in connecting people with nature and promoting well-being through the power of plants.

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CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Leicester Community Center (2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester):

July 18, August 22, September 12, and October 17 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us in the Learning Garden to use the leaves and flowers of the end of summer in a process called Eco-printing. This technique uses the leaves and flowers of plants to print directly onto paper. Time and heat transfer the pigments and tannins from the plant to leave a permanent image. Each print is unique and the results are always a surprise.

The class is free, but we request a $5 donation to cover the costs of materials. Please bring cash.
Wear appropriate attire as most of this presentation will be held outside.

Each year locals look forward to the annual Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 17 and Scouts Troop 17 barbecue dinner benefit, The event set for Saturday, September 21, 2024 offers tender juicy Western North Carolina smoked BBQ dinners with all the fixin’s. Take out dinners will be served behind the Riceville Fire Department and Community Center, 2251 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC, 11:00AM – 4:00PM or while supplies last. Outside Creekside picnic tables are available for dining.

Pitmasters smoke premium North Carolina pork shoulders throughout the night prior to the event. All dinners include a generous portion of BBQ pork, homemade BBQ sauce, home baked beans, North Carolina BBQ slaw and southern roll.

The charge for BBQ dinner plates will be $12.00. Reservations are not required. Creekside Picnic Tables available for all. Donations to benefit the Scouts are always appreciated.

“Local Scouting America Packs and Troops raise funds to provide support for Scouts in their service area,” said Committee Chairman Dan Little. “Funds are used to provide assistance for Scouts from economically challenged communities by sending scouts to summer camp, providing scouting handbooks, uniforms and paying for the national Scouting America annual recharter fee. Raised funds are also used to purchase flags for our veterans graves.”

On Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day Cub Scout and Scouts BSA Troop 17 honor our deceased veterans at Bethel United Methodist Cemetery by placing flags on their graves.

If you have a youth between Kindergarten and 18 years that would be interested in Scouts, there will be a Scouting America representative at the BBQ event to provide information.

Scouts Serving Others: Since 1910, over 4,000 young men in Western North Carolina have earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Through their Eagle Scout service projects, thousands of community service hours have been conducted to benefit our communities. Scouts in Western North Carolina will perform over 40,000 hours of community service in 2024.

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a Candler-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, is excited to announce its 10th Anniversary Celebration, “A Wild Night for Wildlife: Ten Years of Saving Wild Lives and Counting!” The event will take place on Thursday, September 26, from 6:30-9:00 pm at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, located at 131 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville.

For the past decade, Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has provided care for more than 7,000 wild animals while also offering conservation education and promoting a deeper appreciation for local wildlife.

Event Highlights:
Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm (6-6:30 pm early admission for VIPs)
Location: The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: $50 per person
VIP Tickets: $85 per person (benefits listed at ApplachianWild.org)

This special celebration will feature live music, food, drinks, silent auction, and live ambassador animals. Guests will have the opportunity to meet ambassador animals and learn about getting injured and orphaned wildlife into care.

Ticket Information:
Tickets are available for $50 per person. VIP tickets, which offer early entry at 6 pm and additional perks outlined on AppalachianWild.org, can be purchased for $85 per person. All proceeds from the event will directly support the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating this milestone,” said Savannah Trantham, executive director of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. “This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff over the past ten years. We look forward to continuing our mission and making an even greater impact in the years to come.”

Tickets for “A Wild Night for Wildlife” will be available in late August. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit AppalachianWild.org. For information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in Western North Carolina. The organization also focuses on educating the public about conservation and wildlife protection, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. 

On National Public Lands Day, Saturday September 28, 2024, Friends of DuPont Forest will host the 6th annual DuPont Forest Festival, an event celebrating the adventure and beauty of DuPont State Recreational Forest. 

The DuPont Forest Festival is a free, family friendly event open to the public. It is a celebration of  the Forest and the diverse user groups who enjoy it.

We’ll have a mix of drop-in activities, demonstrations, group tours, and hikes, all perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Our number one goal for the Forest Festival is to teach people to love the Forest. Along with having fun, the activities will weave in education about  reducing impacts to the Forest, waterfall safety, trails that serve multiple types of recreationalists  and Forest conservation.

Each event will be led by an expert volunteer and representative from our partner organizations.”

AND MORE!

Most festivals are about the music, the food and the fun… the InterBeing Festival includes all of that, but the focus is on meaning and connection. Individuals from all walks of life are invited to gather, elevate the spirit, relate with others, and explore the power of community.

Through a rich array of interactive workshops, engaging discussions, artistic performances and group ritual, participants will embark on a journey of discovery and connection. Whether singing in a song circle, being part of a cacao ceremony, creating art on the spot or dancing to the rhythm of world music, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and engage with.

The festival will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, activists and artists; performers include musical headliner Alexander Caruso, along with Adama Dembele, Billy Jonas, and One Heart Band, all of whom are known for catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics.

The festival theme this year is Community: Refuge in a Changing World. To that end, our featured session will be the Community Leaders Roundtable, bringing together community support organizations to be in dialog with each other for the first time, sharing their values, their vision, their challenges and solutions.

The festival is a fundraiser for Beloved Asheville, our scrappy local nonprofit that serves those most in need.

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senderos is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and communities in Guatemala through educational initiatives. Since its inception, Senderos has worked to improve the lives of children through partnerships with local changemakers. This 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature a performance by Senderos founder and acclaimed musician David LaMotte, as well as live music from students in the El Tejar Music Program, presented via video feed. Attendees will also enjoy one complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), authentic Guatemalan finger foods, and a big dose of inspiration.

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. 

TOUCH-A-TRUCK is an annual community-wide event where both kids and kids at heart have the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about vehicles of all types, including public service, emergency, utility, construction, delivery, and public transportation — all in one place! Guests will meet the drivers and operators of these vehicles. Children will be able to “Truck-or-Treat” during the festival, and family-friendly costumes are encouraged (but not required). There will be a quiet hour from 11AM-noon for individuals sensitive to loud noises. Tickets are $5 per person ages 3 and up and can be purchased online or at the gate. Food and additional activities will be available at Tanger Asheville.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is hosting “Strings of Hope”, a concert to support local builders, suppliers, and industry professionals impacted by Hurricane Helene. The event, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, will feature live performances from Cuberow, The Asheville Mountain Boys, Red Clay Revival, and Fireside Collective. Suggested ticket donation: $10.

Mark your calendar for an immersive Smokies experience like none other! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. Discover Life in America and partner A Walk in the Woods bring you a 3-day, 2-night adventure, with expert-led nature hikes, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting, mouth-watering, local food and drink, and much more. All proceeds from this fundraising event will help DLiA discover and conserve the rich biodiversity of the Smokies.

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Lace up your running shoes and join us at 10:00am for our 3rd annual Blackhawk Bolt 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Run this unique road-to-trail course to benefit North Buncombe High School PTSO and Blackhawks Marching Band

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.