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 1, 2022
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Apr 1 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

The Asheville Mall Walking Club
Apr 1 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Saturday, April 2, 2022
Myofascial Release Monthly Course
Apr 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
YWCA
Friday, April 8, 2022
The Asheville Mall Walking Club
Apr 8 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Sunday, April 10, 2022
10th Annual Head and Neck Cancer 5K Run / 2-Mile Walk
Apr 10 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Carrier Park

A Hard Thing To Swallow 5K/2 mile walk Asheville
All money raised at the event will be used locally by Partners in Care to provide financial assistance to Head & Neck cancer patients in need and to provide Head & Neck cancer screenings.
2:30 pm Check-In
4:00 pm 5k timed run and 2-mile walk starts
Pre-registration via mail postmarked by April 3 and online through April 3:
Adult: $30
Youth (17 & under): $20
Children under 5 no fee
Late registration (after April 3 and day of the event):
Adult: $35
Youth (17 & under): $25
Children under 5 no fee
Entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are not tax-deductible.
More information: [email protected]

Thursday, April 14, 2022
Exhibition Match Showcasing Tennis for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Apr 14 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC) invites the Asheville metro community join us for a tennis exhibition featuring players with intellectual disabilities. These athletes are traveling from across the state to attend the Billie Jean King Cup as guests of the North Carolina Tennis Foundation. Wayne Forester, head pro at The Omni Grove Park Inn and an ATANC coach, will lead a clinic at 5:00 PM, followed by the headline event at 6:00 PM, a one-hour double match. The event hopes to raise awareness of the sport as an excellent recreational option for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Friday, April 15, 2022
The Asheville Mall Walking Club
Apr 15 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Saturday, April 16, 2022
Grand Opening for Asheville’s Newest Gym
Apr 16 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
NC Open Gym

We are hosting our grand opening for Asheville’s newest and most accessible gym: NC Open Gym. It’s an open space model where members (and drop-ins) can work out anytime 4-10pm, 24/7, 365 days a year. Come work out, check it out and hang out!

WNCHA Hidden History Hikes: Ellicott’s Rock
Apr 16 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cashiers, NC

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, April 16 at 9AM as we hike to Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

*This is a backcountry hike. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability*

*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. We will need a few volunteers to shuttle others in their vehicles. Please let us know if you are willing to do this when you sign the waiver form*

*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Ingles in Cashiers, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*

Details:

Meet:  We will depart at 9AM from the Ingles in Cashiers (US Hwy 64E, Cashiers, NC, 28717). We will carpool 10 miles to the trailhead (Bull Pen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717). More information regarding parking and the trailhead will be sent to registrants the day prior to the outing.
Return to Ingles: Approximately 3PM
Hike Length: 6.5 miles total, out and back.
Elevation Gain: 1,220 Feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (using National Park Service metric)

What to Bring:

  • Backpack
  • Plenty of water (2+ liters)
  • Bagged lunch and snacks
  • Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking poles (recommended)
  • Hat (recommended)
  • Any needed medications.

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled. The alternate rain date will be Saturday, April 30.

Tickets: $20 for WNCHA members/$30 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Bill Popper Memorial Hike at SAHC’s Prices Creek Preserve
Apr 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price’s Creek Preserve near Burnsville, NC

Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED.

We invite you to join us for a memorial hike to honor and remember our friend Bill Popper and his dedication to preserving the 573-acre property in Yancey County that he loved so much. This hike is a perennial favorite, taking participants through our Price’s Creek Preserve with numerous wildflowers this time of year, including May Apples, Blood Root, Lark Spur, and much more. We will hike through mature northern hardwood forest and make our way to a lovely spot on Price’s Creek for lunch, then loop back to the beginning, all the while enjoying the flowery splendor of Mother Nature!

We will be carpooling to the Price’s Creek Preserve. If you are willing to be a driver, please let me know in the comments section of your registration.

If you would like to learn more about Bill Popper and his passion for this land that he loved, please read our recent memorial here. 

NOTE: Due to limited parking availability, we will be hard capping this hike at 11 participants. Please register each party member individually to ensure we do not go over this number.  

Masks will be required while carpooling. 

Baby Goat Yoga
Apr 16 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Round Mountain Creamery

Yoga with baby goats…it is just as ridiculous and amazing as it sounds. You can expect to grin, giggle, move, and flow alongside the sweetest little snuggly socialites. The goats may pull your attention away from your movement practice from time to time but they are the most adorable anchors to the present moment and can spark pure joy.

Upcoming public classes:
April 16
April 30
May 14
May 28

Private classes available daily with advanced notice!

Disconnect with stress and connect with loving, social baby goats! This is a unique opportunity to spend time outdoors and let the busyness of the world melt away for a moment. You can expect a beginner-friendly yoga class that is easy to follow…and rejoin if you find yourself distracted throughout.

Wear loose fitting clothing, long pants, shirts with sleeves, and clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Please plan on bringing your own yoga mat or you may rent a mat in advance for $5. These events will be held rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, we’ll move under the cover of the open air milking barn. Don’t forget to bring an open mind and adventurous spirit! It is sure to be an experience to remember!

Friday, April 22, 2022
The Asheville Mall Walking Club
Apr 22 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Saturday, April 23, 2022
Adaptive Climbing
Apr 23 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Riveter

Monthly Adaptive Climbing Program for anyone with a physical disability and/or visual impairment. Our team of trained volunteers will support you on the wall and help you reach new heights!

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Gaps Retreat with Plant Medicine
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Little Pine Road Marshall, NC 28753

Gaps Retreat with Plant Medicine

This is a 7-day Healing Retreat focused on gut healing, plant medicine and environmental stewardship.

This healing retreat is set within an idyllic 52 acre private forest near Asheville, Western North Carolina. All meals are included and contain a revolutionary gut-healing protocol for psychological health known as GAPS. Exquisite meals are prepared daily by a private chef. Guests enjoy qi gong, down regulation massages, nature bathing, plant medicine, wilderness therapy , gut focused cooking classes and campfires with live music. Celebrations of Easter, 420 and Earth Day will be included as well.

“Sylvie’s counseling style is cooperative rather than authoritative. The group always bought into the objective because they were manifesting the path with her, rather than plodding behind her resentfully. Sylvie has a very kinesthetic and warm sense of place with clients. She is there authentically. In turn, her clients are there for real, authentically with her. They trust her. They grow into their best selves. She shares with them the secret of trail blazing and encourages them to seek their own challenges, to improve the world around them, and to leave a legacy of sustainable practices that will protect and nourish the generations to come. She illuminates the spark that is their inner light that will guide them on their path.” – Brianna, Retreat Participant

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Mid-Week Wildflower Hike
Apr 26 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center
This spring, head outside and learn to identify both common and rare Appalachian wildflowers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail with Joe and Mary Standaert, local historians and members of the Western Carolina Botanical Club.

Location: Sign in will take place at the Swannanoa Valley Museum
Tickets: $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Some fees apply.

Friday, April 29, 2022
SAHC Community Farm Hike
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

View of Roan
                                                    with forested
                                                    mountains and open
                                                    balds in distance
                                                    and rhododendron in
                                                    foreground

SAHC Community Farm Hike – Friday, April 29 at 10 am

Visit our beautiful Community Farm to hike along the Discovery Trail and see all the terrific projects in the works! SAHC’s Community Farm is a 140-acre educational and working farm just outside Asheville. The farm is a continually evolving home for conservation projects and agricultural production. It features a stream restoration project, shortleaf pine reforestation project, farm incubator program, education center,  and more — there is always something new to see!

Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, allowing us to view all of the amazing farm projects before returning to the education center for an outdoor lunch overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains. Cost $10.

The Asheville Mall Walking Club
Apr 29 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Saturday, April 30, 2022
WNCHA Hidden History Hikes – Ellicott’s Rock
Apr 30 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

 

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, April 30 at 9AM as we hike to Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

*This is a backcountry hike. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability*

*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. We will need a few volunteers to shuttle others in their vehicles. Please let us know if you are willing to do this when you sign the waiver form*

*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Ingles in Cashiers, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*

Details:

Meet:  We will depart at 9AM from the Ingles in Cashiers (US Hwy 64E, Cashiers, NC, 28717). We will carpool 10 miles to the trailhead (Bull Pen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717). More information regarding parking and the trailhead will be sent to registrants the day prior to the outing.
Return to Ingles: Approximately 3PM
Hike Length: 6.5 miles total, out and back.
Elevation Gain: 1,220 Feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (using National Park Service metric)

What to Bring:

  • Backpack
  • Plenty of water (2+ liters)
  • Bagged lunch and snacks
  • Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking poles (recommended)
  • Hat (recommended)
  • Any needed medications.

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled.

Tickets: $20 for WNCHA members/$30 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Baby Goat Yoga
Apr 30 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Round Mountain Creamery

Yoga with baby goats…it is just as ridiculous and amazing as it sounds. You can expect to grin, giggle, move, and flow alongside the sweetest little snuggly socialites. The goats may pull your attention away from your movement practice from time to time but they are the most adorable anchors to the present moment and can spark pure joy.

Upcoming public classes:
April 30
May 14
May 28
June & July dates TBD

Private classes available daily with advanced notice.

Disconnect with stress and connect with loving, social baby goats! This is a unique opportunity to spend time outdoors and let the busyness of the world melt away for a moment. You can expect a beginner-friendly yoga class that is easy to follow…and rejoin if you find yourself distracted throughout.

Wear loose fitting clothing, long pants, shirts with sleeves, and clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Please plan on bringing your own yoga mat or you may rent a mat in advance for $5. These events will be held rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, we’ll move under the cover of the open air milking barn. Don’t forget to bring an open mind and adventurous spirit! It is sure to be an experience to remember!

Flow by the River
Apr 30 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

This All Levels Flow Yoga class will be light and fun!

Join Tara for a 60 minute vinyasa flow, alongside the sounds of the flowing French Broad River.

All BSY classes are ayurvedic based so flow & style varies depending on time of day, weather, and time of the year.

Friday, May 6, 2022
May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 6 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa
The Asheville Mall Walking Club
May 6 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall Walking Club walks, talks, and window shops on Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just meet outside Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Saturday, May 7, 2022
May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 7 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa
Upper Catawba Falls
May 7 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Catawba Falls

Join us for this moderate 4.3 mile round trip hike on a section of one of the oldest wagon roads into the Valley from Old Fort.  The hike starts at Arthur Joe and Mary Hemphill’s pavilion at Fortune Fields and follows the Catawba River down to the upper Falls, passing Davis Falls on the way and following the old wagon road.  Arthur Joe’s ancestor, Capt. Thomas Hemphill (1746-1826) was an original Revolutionary War patriot who owned part of this popular stage road up from Old Fort. Arthur Joe and Mary donated this large tract to conservation.  The hike will be led by Rick and Melinda Halford, who are the caretakers of the tract.

Cost: $50 for members/$65 for non-members. Some fees apply.

Difficulty:  Moderate, 4.3 miles round-trip. Moderate 500ft elevation change, but numerous rocky stream crossings. Learn more here. 

Please e-mail [email protected] with any inquiries

Coronavirus Protocol:

  • Please bring a mask to the event to use in the event of carpooling.
  • No one who is sick, running a fever or potentially exposed to COVID should attend
  • If not vaccinated, masks should be worn in all group settings like sign-in and congregation
    times.
  • Social distancing while on the trails is recommended

9:00am-2:00pm: Hike. Tickets: $50 for members/$65 for non-members. Some fees apply. Register Here.

Myofascial Release Monthly Course
May 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
YWCA
WNCHA Hidden History Hikes and Tours: Rumbling Bald Hike
May 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, May 7 at 10AM as we hike below “Rumbling Bald” Mountain in the Hickory Nut Gorge.

In February, 1874, the mountains at the eastern edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge began to tremble, shake, and emit plumes of dust, the day after a local preacher delivered a fire and brimstone sermon. Many local residents feared a volcano was set to erupt and a geologist was called in to investigate as tremors continued into May. His investigation and newspaper coverage of the events reveal surprising insights into the environmental and cultural history of the area. Join us as we loop along the southern side of “Rumbling Bald” Mountain and sort fact from fiction while enjoying the natural environment along the way.

*During the hike, participants also have the option of exploring a fissure cave with the guidance of a Chimney Rock State Park ranger. The trail is a moderate 0.5-mile hike will lead visitors to the base of Rumbling Bald Mountain.  From there visitors will have a strenuous scramble approximately 200 yards up and across a boulder field consisting of various sizes boulders.  Then visitors will squeeze through a 2-foot opening and into a large room. Once in the room a ranger will be available to talk about the ecology/geology of the cave.  All participants must follow white nose bat syndrome protocol which call for decontamination once exiting the cave.*

 

Details:

Meet:  10am at Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access (827 Boys Camp Rd, Lake Lure, NC 28746) by the restrooms. Please arrive prior to the starting time.

Depart: 12:30PM

Hike Length: 1.6-mile loop. See map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/rumbling-bald-loop-trail?ref=result-card

Elevation Gain: 341 feet

Hike Difficulty: Easiest (using National Park Service metric)

What to Bring:

  • Backpack
  • Water (1 liter)
  • Bagged lunch or snacks (restaurants in nearby Chimney Rock will be open as well)
  • Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Any needed medications.

 

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled. The alternate rain date will be the following Friday, May 13.

 

Tickets: $10 for WNCHA members/$20 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance: https://forms.gle/VUbqBJAfgvZqjDmJ9

Sunday, May 8, 2022
May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 8 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa
Goat Yoga
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Highland Brewery

Join us at Highland Brewery for Goat Yoga! You will play with Nigerian Dwarf goats while participating in a beginner friendly yoga flow class. Afterwards, take your token and wander into an Asheville local brewery for a beer of your choice!

Monday, May 9, 2022
May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 9 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 10 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa