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.

Friday, April 16, 2021
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 16 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

Saturday, April 17, 2021
American nonstop flights in JUNE from AVL to Boston, Chicago and Washington DC
Apr 17 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
merican Airlines and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are growing together again!  In anticipation of increasing interest in travel to the Asheville area, American is launching new daily nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as well as new Saturday service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in time for summer.
Service to DCA begins June 3 and will operate through Sept. 7. Flights to BOS and ORD both begin June 5, and will operate through Nov. 6 and Sept. 4, respectively. All flights will be operated on regional aircraft equipped with 76 seats in a two-cabin configuration.
With the addition of these new routes, American will operate a record of 12 peak day flights at AVL.
“American continues to show significant commitment to the western North Carolina market,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “It is exciting to welcome these new routes this summer, which are great new options for travelers. The connectivity American offers is very important to the quality air service available at AVL, and I thank them for their amazing partnership.”
“As more customers look for opportunities to get away and explore the great outdoors, American is eager to expand travel options to the Asheville region,” said Brian Znotins, Vice President of Network Schedule and Planning for American. “In-airport and on board, our team has taken every effort to ensure the well-being of customers throughout their travels while offering more flexibility and choice than ever before.”
NEW ROUTE SCHEDULES
ROUTE
DCA > AVL
AVL > DCA
ORD > AVL
AVL > ORD
BOS > AVL
AVL > BOS
DATES OF OPERATION
June 3 – September 7, 2021
(Daily)
June 5 – September 4, 2021
(Saturdays)
June 5 – November 6, 2021
(Saturdays)
FLIGHT TIMES
Dep DCA: 2:45pm | Arr AVL: 4:20pm
Dep AVL: 5:00pm | Arr DCA: 6:35pm
Dep ORD: 1:20pm | Arr AVL: 4:14pm
Dep AVL: 6:00pm | Arr ORD: 7:12pm
Dep BOS: 10:05am | Arr AVL: 1:00pm
Dep AVL: 1:40pm | Arr BOS: 4:30pm
American offers nonstop flights from AVL to:  Charlotte, N.C. (5-7 daily departures), Chicago, Ill. (Saturdays, summer seasonal), Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx. (twice daily), and Washington, D.C. (daily, summer-early fall).  Flights can be booked at www.aa.com.
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 17 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 17 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflowers Walk
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

What’s better than wildflowers to mark the beginning of spring?  Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive as wildflowers emerge.  Grab your camera and join a Park naturalist on this moderate hike. The journey will take you along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and down the Four Seasons Trail, but you won’t have to hike back to the top lot.  Transportation will be provided.

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

LitCafe Experiences: History Hike w the RAIL Project
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ridgecrest Trailhead

This is one special hike you do not want to miss!

After reading and discussing John Ehle’s work of historical fiction The Road, join WNCHA for a special hike exploring the real history of the incarcerated laborers who toiled and often died constructing the Western NC Railroad. We are joined by a special guest presenter, member of the RAIL Project committee and mayor of Marion, Steve Little.

  • We will add a second hike Sunday, April 18 at 1pm should there be enough demand.

Where: We will meet at the Ridgecrest Trailhead (Mill Creek Road, Old Fort, NC 28762) near the Ridgecrest Conference Center. Our hike takes place on the Point Lookout Greenway, a paved trail following the route of former U.S Hwy 70.

Length: 2.5 Hours

Distance: 2 Miles

Details: We will hike just over one mile downhill to Point Lookout, and to the High Ridge and Lick Lock tunnels below. We will stop briefly at various points, and discuss along the way the history of the railroad and road construction and the incarcerated laborers who completed the project. We will walk back uphill to the trailhead afterward.

Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing for changing conditions, plenty of water (24+ ounces), a cell phone, sunscreen, snacks as desired

Sunday, April 18, 2021
American nonstop flights in JUNE from AVL to Boston, Chicago and Washington DC
Apr 18 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
merican Airlines and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are growing together again!  In anticipation of increasing interest in travel to the Asheville area, American is launching new daily nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as well as new Saturday service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in time for summer.
Service to DCA begins June 3 and will operate through Sept. 7. Flights to BOS and ORD both begin June 5, and will operate through Nov. 6 and Sept. 4, respectively. All flights will be operated on regional aircraft equipped with 76 seats in a two-cabin configuration.
With the addition of these new routes, American will operate a record of 12 peak day flights at AVL.
“American continues to show significant commitment to the western North Carolina market,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “It is exciting to welcome these new routes this summer, which are great new options for travelers. The connectivity American offers is very important to the quality air service available at AVL, and I thank them for their amazing partnership.”
“As more customers look for opportunities to get away and explore the great outdoors, American is eager to expand travel options to the Asheville region,” said Brian Znotins, Vice President of Network Schedule and Planning for American. “In-airport and on board, our team has taken every effort to ensure the well-being of customers throughout their travels while offering more flexibility and choice than ever before.”
NEW ROUTE SCHEDULES
ROUTE
DCA > AVL
AVL > DCA
ORD > AVL
AVL > ORD
BOS > AVL
AVL > BOS
DATES OF OPERATION
June 3 – September 7, 2021
(Daily)
June 5 – September 4, 2021
(Saturdays)
June 5 – November 6, 2021
(Saturdays)
FLIGHT TIMES
Dep DCA: 2:45pm | Arr AVL: 4:20pm
Dep AVL: 5:00pm | Arr DCA: 6:35pm
Dep ORD: 1:20pm | Arr AVL: 4:14pm
Dep AVL: 6:00pm | Arr ORD: 7:12pm
Dep BOS: 10:05am | Arr AVL: 1:00pm
Dep AVL: 1:40pm | Arr BOS: 4:30pm
American offers nonstop flights from AVL to:  Charlotte, N.C. (5-7 daily departures), Chicago, Ill. (Saturdays, summer seasonal), Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx. (twice daily), and Washington, D.C. (daily, summer-early fall).  Flights can be booked at www.aa.com.
Conserving Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society: Tails and Trails
Apr 18 all-day
online w/ Conserving Carolina

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!

During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.

There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.

Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!

To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/

Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 18 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 18 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 18 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

Monday, April 19, 2021
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 19 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

Sam’s Knob Watercolor Backpacking Trip
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Heidi Nisbett, an accomplished backpacker and talented artist, will not only guide you on a 3-day backpacking trip near Sam’s Knob, she’ll teach you the basics of watercolor painting and painting outdoors along the way. We’ve kept the mileage pretty low – around 14 miles total – to leave a couple hours each day for painting. Highlights of this trip include the Sam’s Knob, Black Balsam Knob, Tennant Mountain, and Laurel Creek. You’ll leave the trip with at least 2-3 finished paintings (and the materials you’ll need to keep painting on your future hikes!), drawing inspiration from subjects including rolling mountain views, rivers and creeks, and early spring flora. This is a beginner-friendly trip, or a chance for more experienced backpackers to try something new! No prior painting experience is necessary.

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 20 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 21 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 21 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day
Apr 21 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day is the perfect time to explore the Park and get to know other homeschool families. The morning engages students through hands-on programs designed to help foster their appreciation of the natural world around us. Stay for a fun-filled afternoon with your choice of options.  Morning Programs are from 9:30am – 12:30pm; some afternoon times will also be available and may vary based on demand. Program details can be found online. Advance registration required, reserve your spot below. Registration closes April 13.

Thursday, April 22, 2021
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 22 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.
Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ RiverLink

RiverLink is partnering with the City of Asheville and local volunteers to protect water quality through an Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. Pollution from stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to clean water in our urban streams. Stormwater is rain that flows across the landscape—rather than soaking into the ground—where it picks up pollutants before flowing into a storm drain and emptying into the nearest stream.

With funding from the Pigeon River Fund, a grant administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, this pilot program will pair volunteers with a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed.

The goal is to get 100 storm drains adopted in 2021. Volunteers will be awarded with fun prizes for their commitment and enthusiasm, and  if successful, the Adopt A Storm Drain program will expand to include other areas in the City of Asheville.

How does it work?

Select a storm drain in a convenient location of the Central Asheville Watershed. It could be in front of your home, business, or where you exercise regularly. By adopting a storm drain, you commit to checking the drain in between rain events and keeping it clear of litter and debris. All it takes are gloves and a trash bag. Then with a smartphone or computer, you can report debris cleaned/cleared, and conditions such as illegal dumping or flooding. In a matter of minutes, you help protect water quality and prevent street flooding from clogged drains!

UScellular Recycle Cell Phones for Earth Day
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
US Cellular Locations

Buncombe county residents can bring their old wireless devices to any UScellular location to recycle responsibly and some of those devices could be worth up to $500. Area residents do not have to be a UScellular customer to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, regardless of the phones age or value, we can ensure the phones and their parts will be recycled in a way that does not impact our local environment here in Western North Carolina.

While recycling or trading in old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce,
reuse, and recycle with the help of your smartphone. For Earth Day, and any day, UScellular
offers tips to help take care of the environment.
 Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
o Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice. Plus, users get rewarded with
points to get discounts at local businesses and exclusive deals on sustainable goods.
o The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about how to make changes to
your everyday habits at home, work, and play to be more environmentally friendly. You
can compete with friends in eco-challenges and even join local community and national
challenges virtually in 2021.
 Recycle more easily. RecycleNation is a location-based app that provides users directions
to local recycling centers, hours of operation, as well as a list of materials accepted for
recycling. The app also allows users to track their recycling progress and quantify their effect
on the environment.
 Share your treasures. The Freecycle app allows people to give away their unwanted but
reusable stuff to people in their local community. Users post items to give away or make
requests for items on this convenient app. Keep in mind COVID-19 guidelines for no contact
porch pick-up or other contactless transfers.
 Shop local: Want to be able to find locally grown and fresh foods year-round? Look for
apps such as Farmer’s Market U.S. that locates farmer’s markets closest to you and
provides listings for products sold and hours of operation. Or try the SimplyLocal-Farmers
Market app that helps locate produce, local beef and poultry farms that sell directly to
consumers in the Asheville area.

Friday, April 23, 2021
American nonstop flights in JUNE from AVL to Boston, Chicago and Washington DC
Apr 23 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
merican Airlines and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are growing together again!  In anticipation of increasing interest in travel to the Asheville area, American is launching new daily nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as well as new Saturday service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in time for summer.
Service to DCA begins June 3 and will operate through Sept. 7. Flights to BOS and ORD both begin June 5, and will operate through Nov. 6 and Sept. 4, respectively. All flights will be operated on regional aircraft equipped with 76 seats in a two-cabin configuration.
With the addition of these new routes, American will operate a record of 12 peak day flights at AVL.
“American continues to show significant commitment to the western North Carolina market,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “It is exciting to welcome these new routes this summer, which are great new options for travelers. The connectivity American offers is very important to the quality air service available at AVL, and I thank them for their amazing partnership.”
“As more customers look for opportunities to get away and explore the great outdoors, American is eager to expand travel options to the Asheville region,” said Brian Znotins, Vice President of Network Schedule and Planning for American. “In-airport and on board, our team has taken every effort to ensure the well-being of customers throughout their travels while offering more flexibility and choice than ever before.”
NEW ROUTE SCHEDULES
ROUTE
DCA > AVL
AVL > DCA
ORD > AVL
AVL > ORD
BOS > AVL
AVL > BOS
DATES OF OPERATION
June 3 – September 7, 2021
(Daily)
June 5 – September 4, 2021
(Saturdays)
June 5 – November 6, 2021
(Saturdays)
FLIGHT TIMES
Dep DCA: 2:45pm | Arr AVL: 4:20pm
Dep AVL: 5:00pm | Arr DCA: 6:35pm
Dep ORD: 1:20pm | Arr AVL: 4:14pm
Dep AVL: 6:00pm | Arr ORD: 7:12pm
Dep BOS: 10:05am | Arr AVL: 1:00pm
Dep AVL: 1:40pm | Arr BOS: 4:30pm
American offers nonstop flights from AVL to:  Charlotte, N.C. (5-7 daily departures), Chicago, Ill. (Saturdays, summer seasonal), Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx. (twice daily), and Washington, D.C. (daily, summer-early fall).  Flights can be booked at www.aa.com.
Earth Month Bingo: Show Your Planet Some Love
Apr 23 all-day
Online w/ WNC for the Planet

WNC for the Planet Logo

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

  1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
  2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
  3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
  4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.