Calendar of Events

We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Would you like to learn more about how literacy changes our students’ lives?

Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.

All tours take place on a Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
31 College Place, Suite B221
Asheville, NC

Space is limited. Please RSVP here. 

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment,Family
Contact: Concierge Desk
Contact Phone: (828) 252-2711
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/tours

Our guided history tour covers the history of E.W. Grove, the construction and early years of the Inn, our Arts and Crafts style furniture, and some of our most notable guests. 

Sign-up at the Concierge Desk.

Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Laurie Caffery Harris

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Daydreaming about magical creatures can be fun, but what if you could make your own? From floating fairies to tiny trolls, and unicorns to gnarly gnomes, we will first create and name our characters, then create a home for them to live and play. You will take home a miniature world where anything can happen.

Chihuly at Biltmore represents the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens, and the first garden exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. The world-renowned American artist’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, and now, for a limited time only, they can be seen at Biltmore.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this unique visual experience, an absolute must-see presentation of unparalleled artistic expression.

Dazzling in daylight, the exhibition takes on an entirely new dimension when viewed after nightfall; experience the brilliance and beauty of these awe-inspiring marvels of color, form, and light.

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: Golf Pro Shop ext. 1034
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/golf

Let our golf professionals open the world of golf to you. This introduction to the game of golf is a clinic that covers the basic rules, etiquette, and the PGA’s of golf (posture, grip, and alignment). Clubs will be provided. Proper golf attire is required. Please sign-up at least one (1) day in advance by calling (800) 438-5800 ext. 1034.

Visitors to Grovewood Village will have the opportunity to learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November. The tour includes a visit to Biltmore Industries’ production facility (aka Dye House), where guests can peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun.

The tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. There is no charge to take the tour, but donations are appreciated. Tours begin at the Homespun Museum in Grovewood Village, where a docent will give a detailed overview of Biltmore Industries’ historic importance before leading guests into the 100-year-old Dye House (usually closed to the public).

Private group tours are also offered for a fee and should be scheduled at least one week in advance.

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Family
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: 828.253.7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Grovewood Village is housed in the historic weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Industries, a noteworthy enterprise in the history of American Craft and textiles, founded by Edith Vanderbilt and two inspired teachers, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. At the height of its success in the late 1920s, Biltmore Industries had a total of 40 looms in steady operation, producing bolts of some of the finest handwoven wool fabric in the country. Orders were shipped as far as China and Uruguay, and customers included the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Helen Keller, and several U.S. presidents and first ladies.

Learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November.  The tour includes a visit to our historic Dye House (usually closed to the public), where you’ll peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. Meet your guide at the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum next door to Grovewood Gallery.

TOURS ARE FREE, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Private Group Tours
We gladly offer private group tours for a fee. These tours offer the exact same experience as the public tours, only in a private setting. Contact us for rates, and please schedule your group tour at least one week in advance.

Please Note: Our historic Dye House (Biltmore Industries’ production facility) is not handicap accessible or heated. Warm attire on cold days and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment

Step back in time and relax in our Great Hall while our pianist plays vintage melodies for your enjoyment.

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Culinary,Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: http://notastelikehome.org/
Contact Phone: (828) 209-8599
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/resort-activities/wild-food-adventures

Learn how to safely gather, prepare, and serve wild mushrooms, plants, and other extreme cuisine with No Taste Like Home. Discover the bounty nature provides on the beautiful Sunset Mountain Trail, located adjacent to the Historic Main Inn. Deliver your found ingredients to our Guest Services desk upon returning to The Inn and our chef will create a personalized, complimentary appetizer just for you.

Be a part of the Summer of Glass celebration by designing a glass of your own. Join the North Carolina Glass Center for an evening of craft and design. Take home a small wine glass or candle holder with your own unique design sandblasted into the surface.

Each kit includes tape and stickers, used to mask off a pattern.

Etched Glasses and Candle Holders
with NC Glass Center

Craft kits are just $12 each and include all the materials needed to complete one craft AND a voucher for a fully loaded hotdog (or tempe-dog) from Foothills Local Meats hotdog cart. No pre-registration required. $5 admission (12 & up) without the purchase of a craft kit (includes one hotdog voucher). Free admission for children under 12. Collaborative community projects will be on-site, free and suitable for all ages!

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Romantic Asheville
Link: http://www.romanticasheville.com/Art_Guide.htm

First Friday of Every Month, April-December. Visit 25 galleries, museums and jewelry studios within a walkable half-mile radius of downtown, 5-8 PM

The opening reception for Pioneer Women Painters of the River District will be August 3, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  Sara Ledonne will give a curator’s talk at 6:30.
Pioneer Women Painters of the River District, curated by Sara Ledonne, is a group exhibit which will highlight five Warehouse Studio artists from the mid 90s. These adventurous, creative, inspirational women found themselves under one roof, painting energetic, extraordinary, thought provoking abstracts.
In the 80’s, Marie Hudson opened her studio in the RAD. She was one of the first artists to plant roots in what has become one of the most popular locations for artists in Asheville. Hudson’s art resonates in the community. Hundreds of locals have collected her art over the years.
Mary Charles Griffin, an abstract expressionist artist that goes by the name of Charlie, is a 91-year-old dynamo who graduated from Western Carolina University with her master’s in studio painting when she was 77. “I started painting professionally after my children left home in 1980. I can’t hear, see or speak, but otherwise I am in pretty good shape for my age.” -Charlie Griffin
“I moved again to a studio in the Riverlink building in 1991. With the leadership of Karen Cragnolian ( Riverlink) and Gayle McCarthy (Highwater Clay) I helped organize the first, soon to be River Arts District, Open Studios. There were five participating artists at that time.” – Betty Clark
“This building, these studios, these women were my first introduction to the artists of Asheville and the River District. It was not yet called the River ARTS District…there were no coffee shops, breweries, or restaurants  like today…It was still pretty sketchy after dark if you ventured further down toward what is now Pink Dog… I moved into Warehouse Studios in the fall of 1998, right after I moved to Asheville from Seattle.   At that time, there were only about 20 artists in the RAD, scattered in the old buildings.  Marie Hudson, Betty Clark , Charlie Griffin and I had been working studios at Warehouse long before there was anything else down there. We became friends as well as critics for each other’s work.”- Barbara Fisher
This exhibit aims to recreate the experience of discovering this artistic hot bed, and pay homage to those early Asheville pioneer women painters.
Participating artists: Betty Clark, Marie Hudson, Mary Charles “Charlie” Griffin, Barbara Fisher, Dawn Rentz

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Culinary
Contact: Blue Ridge
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/blue-ridge

The Blue Ridge is a farm-to-table artisanal buffet overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t miss the award winning Friday night Seafood Buffet. 

Adult Pricing:
Friday Night Seafood Buffet                  $44 plus tax

Child Pricing (6-12):
Friday Night Seafood Buffet                  $20 plus tax

Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.

Gratuity is included on parties of eight or more.

Attire: Resort Casual
Location: Vanderbilt Wing (Lobby Level)
Reservations: Recommended

2017 Parking Rates
Outdoor Self-Parking and Garage:
0-3 hours: Complimentary│4-6 hours: $10│6-24 hours: $15

Valet:
Day Guests: $15│Overnight Guests: $22

The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994.

Asheville teams have played under the Tourists moniker in different leagues and classifications for decades, with the earliest dating to 1897. The current team has played continuously in what is now known as the South Atlantic League since 1976. They have won three league championships, first in 1984 and most recently in 2014. Previous Tourists teams won a total of four additional championships.

The Tourists play home games at McCormick Field. The park opened in 1924, renovated in 1959, and renovated again for the 1992 season. McCormick Field seats 4,000 fans, and is notable for the scoreboard which reads “Visitors” in the guest slot and “Tourists” in the home slot

Gather your herd for Brew at the Zoo — Columbia’s coolest suds sippin’ safari!

Proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Select Evenings, May 17–October 7, 2018

Biltmore House & Gardens opens to the public on Thursday–Sunday evenings for a special reservations-only viewing of Chihuly’s stunning large-scale glass sculptures. Chihuly Nights at Biltmore is an enchanting opportunity to witness the effects of dramatic nighttime lighting upon the luminous colors and graceful forms of these spectacular pieces. Sunset over the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, live music in the gardens, and a wine bar make the evening experience all the more enticing. Chihuly’s towering works of art illuminated against a night sky surrounded by the timeless beauty and magnificence of Biltmore House & Gardens: a truly moving, memorable experience

Over the last 5 years, Nahko And Medicine For The People have continued to gather dedicated members of their global tribe of like minded fans as they spread their powerful musical message.They incorporate a variety of sounds, ranging from alternative roots to acoustic rock while promoting social change.Their album HOKA debuted at #10 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart and #6 on the Alternative Album Chart.
Nahko’s solo album,My Name is Bear, debuted on a number of Billboard charts including Independent Albums (#11), Tastemakers (#14), Emerging Artists (#19), Top Album Sales (#43), and Top 200 Albums (#170). The album also premiered at #1 on iTunes and the headline tour in support of it boasted multiple sold-out dates both stateside and in Europe.My Name is Bear is a 16-track collection that reflects the soul, authenticity, and spirit that Nahko’s fans have come to know. It predates Nahko’s rise to mythos among die hard fans of Medicine For The People.As he puts it, the album serves as a “prequel,” that artfully merges rustic acoustic guitars, upbeat energy, tribal flavors, fiery percussion, and ponderous lyrics. At the end of the day,My Name is Bear,sets the stage for a whole lot more from Nahko.
nahko.com
RAIN OR SHINE
Remember, all outdoor shows at The Meadow are RAIN OR SHINE. Please plan according. Follow the forecast here! In the event of rain, umbrellas are allowed and a limited number of ponchos will be available for purchase.
PARKING
All on-site parking is first come, first served, unless you have purchased a Preferred Parking Package (see info below). Overflow parking is available at River Ridge Shopping Center.
In an effort to encourage carpooling, parking at the Highland Brewing facility is $10 per car with 3 or less people – CASH ONLY. Parking is FREE for cars with 4 or more people. Parking is also FREE for cars with any number of passengers at the overflow parking lots at River Ridge Shopping Center (more info below).
PLEASE CARPOOL / UBER / LYFT / TAXI if possible. The drop-off / pick-up area is located to the far left of the Highland Brewing facility.
Parking is available at Highland Brewery and River Ridge Shopping Center on Fairview Rd. Buses will begin running from River Ridge at 5:45pm – 9:00pm, and again from 9:40pm through 11:30pmto accommodate After Party attendees.
We ask in advance for your patience regarding parking and shuttles – as those who attend large sporting events or festivals know, some wait time and lines are to be expected when the show is over. We will do our best to get you to and from the show as quickly and efficiently as possible.
REMOTE PARKING & SHUTTLES
The lots at River Ridge Shopping Center will be open for FREE remote parking with FREE shuttle buses running beginning at 5:45pm. Please try not to park in front businesses that are still open. You can enter River Ridge at the traffic light at McDonald’s/CVS and then park on the left or right side of the shopping center – both sides of the lot will be pick up stops all evening from 5:45 until 9pm. Shuttles will pick up and drop off on the AC Moore side of the lot, and in the Hamrick’s / Gabe’s side of the lot, the pick-up location will be in the small circle, behind CVS.
PREFERRED PARKING PASS HOLDERS
Click here to learn more! If you have purchased a Preferred Parking Package, please have your “print-at-home” ticket or eTicket ready to show a parking attendant. If you have Will Call parking tickets, please have your confirmation email with you. The parking attendant will give you a parking pass to display in your car and direct you to your preferred parking spot!
IDs & TICKETS
Remember to bring a VALID ID if you’re over 21. Accepted ID’s include NC Driver’s License or ID, Passport, Military ID, and Out of State Driver’s License (Out of State ID cards will NOT be accepted)
Please have your print at home or digital tickets ready when you arrive. Will Call tickets can be picked up at The Meadow the day of the show or at the Orange Peel Box Office any day leading up to the show during normal business hours.
If tickets are still available on the night of the show, the box office will be open for sales at the Highland Brewing Tasting Room.
ATMs
Most of the bars are cash only. Only a few beverage stations may accept cards. ATMs will be available inside the event space.
FOOD TRUCKS
We’ll have a variety of delicious food from local food trucks on site to take care of those hunger pains! Yum!
RULES
No chairs or other camping furniture.
No professional photography, cameras, or flash.
No outside food of beverages.
No pets or animals (except legal service animals).
All bags subject to search.
No fireworks, weapons, or other dangerous items.
No illegal substances.
No re-entry.
Smoking is discouraged. If you must smoke, be respectful to the people around you.
AFTER PARTY
Come to our AFTER PARTY in the Highland Brewing Tasting Room! The party will start right after the show ends. Shuttles will continue to run to the remote parking lot until the set ends. There will be limited capacity, so hurry over to the Tasting Room to keep the party going!