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, February 12, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Monthly Game Night
Feb 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Community Chapel of Hendersonville

Everyone is invited to our monthly game night. I bring a group of games each month but feel free to bring your own as well. No specific games are set up for the night, we just bring a bunch of stuff from our collections and play some pick-up games. We have the tables and chairs. Bring your own food if you’d like (there is a microwave and fridge). There is also a Chinese place across the street, a convenience store for drinks and snacks, and we’re in walking distance to Hot Dog World. If you have any questions about the types of games we play and basic info about our group, Read our FAQ (https://www.meetup.com/HendoHometownGameGeeks/about/)

NOTE: This event is held at a church but it is not a church event, it is a community event. Everyone is welcome, everyone should feel comfortable attending, and while I’m always happy to privately answer questions about my faith or the church if asked, proselytizing is not the purpose of these gatherings. I hope the location does not make anyone feel uncomfortable and if you have any questions you can message me directly.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 13 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Saluda Library Speaker Series: Native Pollinators and the Habitats They Require
Feb 13 @ 2:00 pm
Saluda Branch, Polk County Libaries

Explore the beneficial creatures in your backyard through an exploration of the habitat needed to help pollinators survive and thrive. Take a deep dive into the life cycles of native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, birds, and more. Learn how to care for your space throughout the year to support the widest diversity of creatures.
Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs are owners of Spriggly’s Beescaping, a nature education and habitat restoration business with a special focus on native plants and native pollinators.
For more information, contact Pam Torlina, [email protected].

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 14 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

ecoEXPLORE Family Birding Day
Feb 14 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Charles D. Owen Park
Looking to get your kids outside this winter? Join us as we walk you through the web-based program, ecoEXPLORE. In this free event, you’ll learn how to submit photos and complete nature-themed challenges to earn badges and prizes! This initiative by the NC Arboretum includes a different challenge each season that will keep children engaged in learning about nature year-round while also contributing to citizen science. The theme this winter is ornithology. We’ll explore Owen Park’s shores and woods for a variety of feathered friends! Stick around after the program to continue your exploration of the nature trails and playground.
Visit ecoexplore.net to learn more about ecoEXPLORE.
Ages: 5-10 years; families welcome.
Where: Owen Park Picnic Shelter, next to the dock and ball fields.
Downtown Asheville Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt – Walking Scavenger Hunt!
Feb 14 @ 6:00 pm
Dssolvr
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Vertebrate Zoology of the Blue Ridge Part I
Feb 15 all-day
online
  • ONLINE | Asynchronous Class Open February 15 through April 30, 2024; With course materials and online discussion session. 

    Instructor: Carlton Burke

    $125 Non-member Adult** 

    (**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)

    BRN – Core (Part 1 of 2; Vertebrate Zoology Parts I and II must be completed to fulfill the core requirement for the certificate program.) 

    Limit: 50

    Asynchronous Series Open February 15 through April 30. Part I consists of six pre-recorded lectures with course materials; Supplemented with an Online Interactive Discussion Session on Tuesday, February 27, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with Instructor Carlton Burke. 

    Videos and assignments for Part I will focus on different groups of vertebrate animals – fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

    The Southern Appalachian Mountain region is quite diverse in the many different species of vertebrate animals that make their home here. In this series of classes, students will learn the basic identification and natural history of many of our mountain wildlife species. All six lectures of Part I will be released asynchronously – or on demand – on February 15th and will be available through April 30th in 2024. On-demand delivery allows participants to view the lectures at times most convenient for them, to pause and absorb the knowledge from the videos in ways best suited to different learning styles! Then take advantage of interactive opportunities to meet the instructor for an in-person Lunch & Learn discussion or an online Q & A. Continue in March with Vertebrate Zoology of the Blue Ridge II to learn about the region’s birds and mammals.

    Carlton Burke is a naturalist and educator who operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, an educational service which offers wildlife and nature educational programs throughout western North Carolina. He also was on the staff of the western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville for over 25 years as the Curator of Exhibits. Carlton co-hosts a weekly radio program NATURE NEWS and is also a NC state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 15 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Friday, February 16, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 16 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

“Connection” Winter Outdoor Sculpture Installation
Feb 16 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Marked Tree Vineyard

February 16-19
David McVough’s “Connection” Winter Outdoor Sculpture Installation at Marked Tree, 11-6pm, The work, titled “Connection”, is a
325lb. sculpture honed from blocks of Chinese Chestnut. Stop by the vineyard between February 16th and April 19th to see this
beautiful sculpture before it is sent off to the Art Fields Exhibit! Free

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 17 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Swannanoa Anime Club
Feb 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Swannanoa Library
  Come join the Swannanoa Library Anime Club! We’ll meet the 3rd Saturday of every month to watch anime, discuss manga, create crafts, and even try some fun snacks!

For ages 13 to 18.

Questions? Please contact Olivia at [email protected]

Dungeons + Dragons at the Weaverville Library
Feb 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Calling adventurous tweens/teens! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons at the Weaverville Library! This program is open to tweens and teens ages 12+.

All skill levels are welcome.

Space for this program is limited. Registration is required. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482 to reserve your space!

Sunday, February 18, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 18 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Frostbite 5k, 10k + 1 Mile
Feb 18 @ 1:45 pm
Lelia Patterson Center

Want to avoid the winter blues? Get motivated with the 32nd Annual Frostbite Races presented by Hunter Subaru!

Join the largest winter footrace in Henderson County for a fun-filled afternoon of running and family-friendly activities. Choose from a 10K, 5K run/walk, or a flat and fast 1-mile un-timed Fun Run – perfect for runners of all ages and abilities. Join us at the Lelia Patterson Center in Fletcher, NC for a day of fitness, fun, and frosty festivities. Register now and gear up for the coolest race of the year!

FROSTBITE RACES – 10K, 5K + 1-Mile Fun Run
Feb 18 @ 1:45 pm
Lelia Patterson Center

Presented by Hunter Subaru


An Exhilarating Winter Tradition that Elevates Personal Wellness


February 18, 2024

For over 31 years, the Frostbite Races have motivated runners and walkers to stay active throughout the colder winter months. Participants brave the chilly temperatures to compete in a series of races, including a challenging 10K, a scenic 5K, or 1-mile fun run. Flurry the Penguin is always encouraging runners and walkers with high fives. The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo add to the excitement with local vendors, wellness services, live music, and kid’s activities. The Frostbite Races have become a beloved tradition in Fletcher, NC, bringing the community together for a day of fitness and fun.
Monday, February 19, 2024
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 19 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Build Your Own Bluebird Box
Feb 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Instructor: Joe Sanders

$120 Non-member Adult** 

(**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes.)

BRN – Elective, 2 hours | BREG – Elective, 2 hours 

Limit: 12

Help bluebirds thrive in your area by learning how to construct and place a bluebird nest box on your property. Bluebirds actually need human intervention in order to compensate for their natural habitats being overtaken by non-native species. This three-hour class will give a history of the bluebird and its lifecycle. Each participant will build their own cedar nest box of the type that has proven popular with bluebirds. No carpentry experience is required. You will go home with a completed bluebird nest box, mounting pole, and written information on attracting bluebirds to your property.

Joe Sanders has been working with bluebird restoration for over 30 years and is currently a County Representative for the North Carolina Bluebird Society. He has taught classes to numerous community garden groups and currently monitors nest boxes during the nesting season, including those on the Arboretum grounds.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Hybrid-Living in the mountains: wildlife control for your landscape
Feb 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Rogow Community Room, Transylvania County Library

Sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension and the Transylvania County Library, Living in the Mountains is a five-part educational series exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Part Five: Wildlife Control for Your Landscape

Living in harmony with nature means a lot more than just putting out bird feeders. In fact, sometimes that’s a bad idea! In this presentation, we’ll discuss how to get along with the moles, voles, deer, birds, bats, bears, and other varmints that might come to visit your home here in the mountains. This will include deer-resistant plants and strategies to keep critters out of your garden.

This event will take place in person, in the Library’s Rogow Room.  Can’t make it in person?  Join the program via Zoom.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.