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, September 13, 2024
DISNEY’S THE LION KING
Sep 13 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Peace Center!

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.  Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

THE LION KING is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Note that strobe lights are also used for this performance.

Scuttlebutt: A Comedy Series of Storytelling and Improvisation
Sep 13 @ 9:30 pm
The LaZoom Room

 Double Dip Productions presents Scuttlebutt, a new monthly improv comedy show at The LaZoom Room!

Inspired by guest storytellers and audience suggestions straight out of the watercooler, the Scuttlebutt players will poke fun at those damn day – and night – jobs of ours. What you hear at the watercooler might not stay there! With April being National Humor Month and Stress Awareness Month, what better way to celebrate than by combining the two with Scuttlebutt’s premiere performance?

The first performance is Friday, April 12th at 9:30pm at The LaZoom Room: 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. April’s Guest Storyteller will be Delina Hensley!

This year’s Scuttlebutt Directors are: Katie Jones, Kim Richardson and Nora Tramm, with performers: Gillian Bellinger, Joe Carroll, Tom Chalmers, Christine Hellman, Zak Hamrick, Erin McCarson, Carin Metzger, Alex Parsons, Jason Phillips, Mickey Poandl, Stevie Ramirez, Aina Rapoza, Sevynn Shaughnessy, Marlene Thompson, Stacey Uria and Matt Wilson.

Future Show Dates are: May 3, June 7, July 12, August 2, September 13, October 4, November 1, December 6, all at 9:30pm at the LaZoom Room.

Saturday, September 14, 2024
Arts Discounts Page
Sep 14 all-day
online w/ ArtsAVL
BREWERY TOURS
Sep 14 all-day
Sierra Nevada Brewing

Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.

Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!

Carolina Celtic Music Festival @ Fae Nectar
Sep 14 all-day
Fae Nectar Meadery & Fantasy Tavern

Join us for Fae Nectar’s biggest and most musical Festival yet, the inaugural CAROLINA CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL this September!

A showcase for the rich and diverse traditions of Celtic Music, the festival will bring nationally renowned musicians to our stage for a full day of live music, Celtic entertainment, Irish sessions, and an incredible evening of lawn dancing at our Scottish Ceilidh! And our festival lawn will also be host to Celtic artisans, vendors, and food trucks, and don’t forget about the fine libations available in our old-world Fantasy Tavern!

Check out our full festival schedule at https://www.carolinacelticmusic.com/ and purchase tickets at our event page

Let us all come together and make our beautiful hills ring with the sounds of Celtic music and hearty cheers! Sláinte!

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Sep 14 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour • Ages 13+ Only
Sep 14 all-day
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

About

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Age Restrictions

13 and up. No exceptions.

Stops

10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery

What’s Included

Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop

What’s Not Included

Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.

Mile High Swinging Bridge
Sep 14 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
Sep 14 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

Sow & Grow Fest
Sep 14 all-day
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

We can’t wait to yet again celebrate Western North Carolina’s vibrant food and farming community with interactive demonstrations, toe-tapping music, tasty craft beverages and a community potluck.  Stay tuned for more information – you won’t want to miss this fun event!

The Event Support Grant
Sep 14 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

The Grassroots Arts Program
Sep 14 all-day
online

The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations across all 100 counties in North Carolina through partnerships with local arts councils. Special consideration is given to multicultural programs and organizations outside of the City of Asheville. Grants range from $2,500-$7,50. Applications open August 15 and close September 16.

Windmill Bicycle Tour raffle
Sep 14 all-day
online

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Celebrates 50 years!

To celebrate their anniversary, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club is encouraging you to invest in AoB’s Youth Cycling Program by hosting the Windmill Bicycle Tour raffle!

You have a chance to win a European bicycle tour for two to any of the destinations hosted by Windmill Bicycle Tours. With only 500 tickets available, your chances of winning are maximized.

100% of proceeds support AoB’s youth cycling program.

Raffle Details

  • Tickets are on sale now and available online and at Blue Ridge Bicycle Club events.
  • The raffle drawing will be at the Pumpkin Pedaller on Saturday, October 26th at 7pm.
  • The winner does not have to be present to win.
  • The winner can select any tour offered by Windmill Bicycle Tours between 2024–2025.
Purchase Tickets!
Henderson County Tailgate Market
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Henderson County Tailgate Market

Every Saturday from 8am-12pm, This is the 44th year for this
weekly tailgate market, where vendors sell fresh-picked seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and
more, The market will be open through October. L

Hendersonville Farmers Market
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Train Depot

Hendersonville Farmers Market in front of the Historic Train Depot, 8am-1pm, Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods, and creates a
vibrant community gathering space. With fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more,
it’s a weekly outing with something for everybody! Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere celebrating food, farm and family with
live music every Saturday! At least 30 vendors from within a 60-mile radius participate in each market, offering produce, meat,
eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, beverages, and more. Special events such as Tomato Day, Wellness Day and
Juneteenth Celebration will occur at the market regularly throughout the season. Food trucks will also be a staple, allowing
visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch on their farmers market adventure

North Asheville Tailgate Market
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Shoppers at the market

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

WNC Run/Walk for Autism
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am
Bill Moore Community Park

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

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

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

Event Schedule:

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

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

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

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

Asheville Botanical Garden Fall Native Plant Sale!
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Botanical Garden

Join us for the Asheville Botanical Garden’s fall native plant sale on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.! In addition to plants grown by ABG staff and volunteers, a wide variety of plants will be offered by Flower Moon Nursery, Wildbud Natives, Carolina Native Nursery, Saturnia Farm, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Mountain Mist Nursery, MR Gardens, Tanager Plants, Red Root Native Nursery, Joe Pye Nursery, and Milkweed Meadows. Buy local and plant local! Free parking onsite or nearby, and plenty of free expert gardening advice. Your purchases support the Garden, an independent non-profit devoted to showcasing and promoting native plants of the Southern Appalachians.

Asheville City Market
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Visit the Market

WHEN: Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., April–Dec. Winter market hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jan.–March. No market the last two weeks of the year.

WHERE: North Market Street between Woodfin and Walnut streets in downtown Asheville. The street is closed to traffic during market times.

GETTING HERE: Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Handicapped parking is available. There is a bus stop on the N1 and N2 routes one block away, on Broadway. Buses stop at both Woodfin and Walnut streets.

Stay up to date on market news via FacebookInstagram, and weekly e-newsletters.

Find Out More About

Vendors

Asheville City Market is a producer-only market, which means that all farm vendors grow or raise the products they are selling themselves. For non-farm vendors (such as prepared food, seafood, coffee), preference is given to products and foods prepared or processed locally or made with locally sourced ingredients.

The list below reflects vendors for the entire season, but not all will attend market each week. Sign up for the Asheville City Market e-newsletter to see the weekly vendor schedule.

Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

COME CELEBRATE!

OPEN FROM MAY – NOVEMBER :: 9AM – NOON

Our market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. A family event every Saturday from May through November.

Visit us on Facebook!

Bullington Gardens Annual Fall Plant Sale
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join us for Bullington Gardens’ annual Fall Plant Sale! Shop for all your favorite perennials, shrubs, trees and so much more! September 12-14, 9am-4pm.

Bullington Gardens Fall Plant Sale
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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

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Compost Demo @ Jesse Israel WNC Farmers Market
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

There are five different composting methods on display at the site. There is a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, and a classic 3-bin system — we also usually bring an example of vermiculture on most demo days. The site is stocked with informational pamphlets on the how-to and why of composting.

Stop by to learn more about composting at home!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Sep 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.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

The Art League of Henderson County announces: “Red, White and Blue”
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am
Henderson County Library

Artists are invited to create artworks with the theme of “Red, White and Blue.“  Apply these patriotic colors at the center of your subjects, however there are no limits to your creativity, your artworks don’t need to be primarily patriotic theme, but viewers should be able to spot the use of recognizable amount of red, white and blue colors.

Composting demonstration site
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers maintain a composting demonstration site at the Western NC Farmers Market, at the Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center. The site will open for public demonstrations, beginning May 11, 2024.

When to Visit?
The site is staffed and provides demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. four times during the growing season. The dates for the demos in 2024 are: May 11, June 15, August 10 and September 14.

What Will You See?
There are five different composting methods on display at the site. There is a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin and a classic 3-bin system — we also usually bring an example of vermiculture on each demo day.  The site is stocked with informational pamphlets on the how-to and why of composting and they complement the information available in the composting video on this website. Click here to view the video: Making and Using Compost at Home.

An additional Composting demonstration area is located at The Learning Garden at the Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Master Gardener volunteers are present in the garden on Wednesday mornings during the growing season.  Stop by the site any Wednesday morning, May – October to observe their work and ask questions.  The Rose, Cottage, and Dye Gardens have workdays on Monday mornings.  Click here for details about The Learning Garden’s in-person programs for 2024.

Exhibition on Display: Class of 2024 – Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Located on the second floor until September 18th, the show continues the historical relationship between the Southern Highland Craft Guild and Haywood, an educational center of the Guild. This new generation of craft is led by instructors Amy Putansu in fiber, Brian Wurst in wood, Emily Reason in clay, and Robert Blanton in metals & jewelry. Students of the Haywood program come from all over, with or without prior experience of craft, and sometimes pursuing it as a second or third career. The course of study is challenging, combining craft concentrations with supplemental classes in design, drawing, craft history, business, marketing and photography.

Haywood Community College and the Southern Highland Craft Guild share a history that documents the role of craft education in preserving traditional culture, creating economic opportunity and fostering professional practice. All of the artists represent the vitality and creativity of craft practice today, which is the ultimate purpose of both institutions. Many Haywood graduates have become individual members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and have served the Guild in various capacities.

Instructor Brian Wurst of the Professional Crafts Wood program says, “Our programs have thrived for nearly five decades, and our relationship with the Craft Guild has been a key part of that. We’re always thrilled to have work showcased at the Folk Art Center, and in turn scores of our alumni have gone on to become active Guild members. The Graduate Show is the capstone of two hard years by these students, and it’s a delight to share it in this beautiful space.”

Haywood Community College is located in Clyde, North Carolina, just west of Asheville. The college’s Professional Crafts Program began in recognition of the region’s strong craft heritage. It was envisioned that students would learn the basics of craft media and how to transform that craft into a business. The clay studio was the first to open in 1974. With the addition of jewelry, wood and fiber studios, a comprehensive curriculum was in place by 1977.

Anyone interested in taking courses at Haywood Community College can contact the success coach, Farrah Rodriguez [email protected] 828.627.4505.

The Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program, Graduate Show, Class of 2024 is a free exhibit at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville. For more information, visit www.craftguild.org or call 828-523-4110. For more information about the Professional Crafts Program, call 828-627-4674 or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.

Guided Trail Walk
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
Li’l Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Explore Asheville with the whole family!

Age Restrictions

All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Duration

60 Minutes

What’s Included

Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes

About

Now’s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, you’ll learn about our city’s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style – complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, it’s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. It’s a show on wheels!

The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun – it’s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Waitlist

If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.