Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
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.
Saturday, September
26, 2020
PATIO SHOW: Dirty Dead
ArborEvenings
Asheville NC’s DIRTY DEAD are literally on fire. With high-energy, modern interpretations of the classic GD/JGB catalog, DIRTY DEAD are calling the music higher and further than in a long time! With an eclectic mix of players from various styles of music — as the Grateful Dead were –something new, fresh and exciting is happening. Psychedelia, reggae, funk and hip-hop in a Grateful Dead song? OK, got to see this!
THE SOUND grew out of guitarist / flautist PAUL DRUM DECIRCE’s feeling the urge for the Dead sound to evolve further — further than trying to imitate or even emulate the great bands accomplishments. GRATEFUL DEAD played at the foot of the pyramids and JERRY GARCIA rocked for thirty years … no need to try and copy that.
The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …
Sunday, September
27, 2020
Black Folks Camp Too Initiative
Buncombe County Parks Playgrounds Open with New Guidance
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
Eliada’s 2020 Annual Corn Maze
Art on Main
Art on Main
Dobra Tea W. Asheville Zen Patio Open
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Highland Brewing Company Reggae Sundays in the Meadow with Chalwa
Lawn Concert: Hannah Kaminer
Ghosted: Comedy Walking Tour w/ LaZoom
PATIO SHOW: The New Rustics
UniHorn (funk)
Ghosted: Comedy Walking Tour w/ LaZoom
Black Folks Camp Too launched as a marketing initiative aimed at connecting Black individuals with camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Founder Earl B. Hunter was inspired by his son, Dillion, during a three month RV road trip in which they met only one other black family.
Playground openings.
Some areas remain closed including restrooms and picnic shelters. Paddle boat, water trike, and Jon boat rentals will not be available until further notice.
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Parks are open spaces to exercise for no or little cost, places for hurried individuals to reconnect with nature, and community areas to connect with neighbors and preserve culture. While these facilities and areas can offer mental and physical health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Guidance for Park Visitors
- Remember that ongoing community spread of COVID-19 continues. Practice the three Ws:
- Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when you go out or are around others.
- Wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with others who do not live in your household.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
- Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
- Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. No restrooms or water fountains are currently open.
- Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons.
- Playgrounds are subject to regular cleaning, but the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when kids touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Picnic shelters remain closed.
- Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
- Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
- Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
- Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
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Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.
With support from Dogwood Health Trust, Sand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports Park, Charles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.
In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.
It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.
Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.
Each day, you can pre-purchase tickets during for a specific time slot, allowing us to maintain safety and limit the number of people at the maze at once.
Time slots to choose from:
- 9-11am
- 11:30am-1:30pm
- 2-4pm
- 4:30-6:30pm
-
General Safety Guidelines
- Masks must be worn at all times, except for children under the age of four years old.
- Maintain social distancing with those outside your family.
- There will be a maximum number of attendees at the event at a time. Attendees will register and pre-purchase tickets. You will be able to select the 2-hour block of time you want to attend with your family. Time slots will automatically close once the max limit is reached.
- Please promptly leave the corn maze when your 2 hour time slot is up, so we can do a cleaning before the next group arrives.
- Minimize time indoors. You may use the indoor restrooms, and check-in indoors. We will give you a map for the maze and offer pumpkins, t-shirts, and other fun merchandise. But we won’t let you linger! Time to get outside, stay safe, and have fun!
- Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event.
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Art on Main features fine art and fine craft by gathering distinctive local artists, as well as highly qualified artists from the southeast region of the U.S. More than 100 juried artists sell fine art paintings, in addition to works in clay, metal, wood, fiber, photography, jewelry, etc. For more information call 828-693-8504.
Art on Main features fine art and fine craft by gathering distinctive local artists, as well as highly qualified artists from the southeast region of the U.S. More than 100 juried artists sell fine art paintings, in addition to works in clay, metal, wood, fiber, photography, jewelry, etc. For more information call 828-693-8504.
Dobra Tea will help you kick back, social distance style, with their new and beautiful outdoor patio at their West AVL location. Enjoy a little break from reality right off Haywood Road.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.
We are open with new rules and safety measures!
Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.
Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.
In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.
We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.
*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.
*Parties of 6 or fewer only.
*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).
*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.
*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.
Let’s have fun and stay safe!
Join us for Reggae Sundays every week in the Meadow for a cold beer and the sounds of the island with our friends from Chalwa.
Reggae Sundays are dependent on weather and will only occur outdoors in the Meadow.
Jam on, friends!
Join Hannah and her band for an evening of wistful, Americana-style songwriting.
Hannah Kaminer is a folk/Americana artist based in Asheville, NC. Raised in small towns in western North Carolina, she fuses echoes of Appalachian traditions with wistful, Americana-style songwriting. Her clear voice and silvery melodies are a haunting pairing with gut-wrenching lyrics about loss, love, and home.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR
COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!
The New Rustics have fused elements of folk, rock, jam, and country to create a high-energy, eclectic, and upbeat sound familiar to many, yet still maintaining authenticity. Bound together by instrumental improvisations and meaningful lyrics, they add a modern-day twist to a classic rock style. The New Rustics have been compared to legendary artists such as The Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, Little Feat, Uncle Tupelo, Tom Petty, Arlo Guthrie, and the Drive-By Truckers just to name a few. Their catchy melodies will have you singing in no time, but don’t think you’ve got them figured out just yet! Known to change gears on you, they’ll keep fans on their toes while moving their hips!
UNIHORN SUNDAY NIGHTS @ ICONIC!!
Comprised of some of Asheville’s funkiest musicians UniHorn features explosive brass, sweeping keyboard runs, and high energy tasty beats! Mixing in both original compositions and covers UniHorn knows how to keep the crowd moving and the party raging!!
GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR
COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!
Monday, September
28, 2020
Black Folks Camp Too Initiative
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Adventure Center of Asheville- Adventure Afterschool
Black Folks Camp Too launched as a marketing initiative aimed at connecting Black individuals with camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Founder Earl B. Hunter was inspired by his son, Dillion, during a three month RV road trip in which they met only one other black family.
NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.
In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.
It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.
Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.
The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Afterschool Fall Fun! Weekly programs designed to supplement an altered school day by providing outdoor, immersive adventures for your 5-8 or 9-15 year-old student. Under the care of our trained adventure staff, participants will explore over 100 acres of beautiful mountain space, conduct experiments while they traverse high ropes and team-building elements, and climb trees combining experimental science with high adventure. Come join us for an unforgettable fall adventure!
- $129/week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Ages 5-8 years old: 12:00 pm-2:45 pm
- Ages 9-15 years old: 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
- Weekly from August 31-October 2 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Limited spaces available! Reservations are required by calling our welcome center at 828.225.2921
Tuesday, September
29, 2020
Grandad’s Orchard Family Fun!
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
Justus Orchard Pick Your Own!
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Sky Top Orchard Fall is Here!
The Princess Bride – Outdoor Movie
Weekend Fun!
Grandad’s has several family fun activities to enjoy on the WEEKENDS, beginning Labor Day weekend, throughout the fall. Including
- Cow Train ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
- Jump Pillow (due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, we will not open jump pillow this year)
- Corn Maze ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
- Apple Cannon ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
- You- Pick Apples varies through the season. Please call us at (828)-685-1685 to updated information. (You will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity Monday – Friday and 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays)
NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.
In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.
It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.
Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.
Looking forward to the first cool weekend of the year!!
Apples available for UPick are Golden’s, Red Jonagolds, Mutsu, Ambrosia and Asian Pears!!
Apples Available already picked are Golden’s, Gala’s, Early Fuji, Red Jonagold, Stayman Winesap,Mutsu, Ambrosia, Granny Smith, Red Romes and a very few Piñatas!
The Bakery will open in full force all day but remember we stop cooking at 5 pm so don’t wait too long to place your order,
The playground is open every day and the jumping pillow is open Friday’s Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The cow train, apple cannons and barn tours are open Saturdays and Sundays weather permitting until 5pm
Hoping to see you soon!!
The Justus Family!
The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Welcome to Sky Top Orchard!
We are asking guests to visit on weekdays whenever possible. We offer the same items you love on those days as we do on weekends plus it helps keep crowds down on weekends. Thank you!
The mountains of western North Carolina are full of pick your own u-pick orchards. We offer more. In addition to a long list of apple varieties, visit Sky Top Orchard and you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks and more, a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees. View our downloadable map to see all that we have to offer and visit our picking schedule to find out what’s available now.
When you purchase a bushel of apples, a wagon load of pumpkins or a cooler full of apple cider you’ll take home more than the makings for delicious fall recipes, you’ll take home a mountain of memories too. And don’t forget our famous apple cider doughnuts. They’re an autumn tradition. We bet you can’t eat just one.
Ready to join us on top of our mountain? Plan Your Visit Today!
To keep guests and our staff safe, we require face masks (covering both nose and mouth) by employees and guests in any area where social distancing is difficult so plan to wear them in the fruit stand, in line for doughnuts, in any areas that are not out in the orchard where you are picking. You must also maintain a distance of 6 feet in all lines and areas where you encounter others.
Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.
Grab your tickets now for our second showing of The Bride movie this Tuesday at Rabbit Rabbit! We will be showing the movie on our giant new outdoor screen. Seating is sold by the table with a $5 ticket cost per person. We have limited availability of the various table sizes. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, this might sell out!
Refreshments available from the AVL Taco Truck and the Rabbit Rabbit bar plus some movie night treats including popcorn, candy bars, and fresh cotton candy! No outside food or beverages permitted.
Please note: You’re purchasing the whole table and can bring up to the max number of guests with you, as listed with the table number. We are unable to adjust table sizes or placement on the night of the event.