Calendar of Events
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.
Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and about our equine therapy program.
Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.
We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and water. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.
Grove Street is back at it again. Come join us for our ART PARK Afternoon at Carrier Park from 2:00-4:00. Participants will enjoy “A Twist of Painting” in the Park. If you are feeling creative and like meeting new people, this program is for you!! If you have any questions please contact Grove Street Community Center at 828-350-2062, hope to see you there!!
ARP’s art instructors provide supplies and nature provides inspiration for painting in the park.
- June 16: Victoria Victoria featuring Charlie Hunter with Josh Phillips
- July 21: The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux with Funk’N Around
- August 18: Asheville All-Stars with Asheville Rock Academy
- September 15: The Sensational Barnes Brothers with Alex Krug Combo
Special Sale: Prices will increase until Race Day (Ranging from $25 to $75)
Traverse the treacherous terrain located in and around the Rocky Mount Sports Complex and throughout Battle Park.
This 5K race is packed with more than 20 obstacles!
For full details, visit us online at www.tacklethetar.com.
Competitive Heats and Fun Runs
2023 Heat Schedule
- 8:45am Kids Run Heat
- 9:00am – Competitive Heat
- 9:10am – Competitive Heat
- 9:20am – Competitive Heat
- 9:30am – Fun Run Heat
- 9:40am – Fun Run Heat
- 9:50am – Fun Run Heat
- 10:00am – Fun Run Heat
- 10:10am – First Responders Run Heat
- 10:20am – College Run
*Note – All Heats Will Be Timed, with the exception of the 1 mile kids run.
How old do you need to be to run?
A: You must be at least 14 years old on the day of the race to run Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Race. However, kids ages 8-13 are encouraged to race at 11:15 a.m. in our 1 Mile Kids Obstacle Race.
Participants ages 14-15 must run with a parent or guardian over 18, and are excluded from the competitive heats.
Participants 16-17 may run in the fun run only, but must have completed a Parental Consent Form (DOWNLOAD HERE).
All other participants 18+ are free to run in any race with the completion of the Participant Waiver Form (DOWNLOAD HERE)
If you or your child do not have a photo ID, you must still provide proof of your identity and verification of your age. (We need to know you’re old enough to run and that you are who you claim to be). You may consider bringing a combination of the options listed below:
For identification, we will accept photocopies of your:
- Passport
- Membership Card
- Student ID
- License
For more information about rules, regulations, and what to expect, visit us online at TTT RUNNER CENTRAL.
T-shirt, medal, and goodie bags are not guaranteed for anyone that registers after 5/1/23.
1-Mile Kids Obstacle Race
Kids 8-13 years of age will be racing through a 1 mile obstacle course designed with them in mind. Cost is $25.00.
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by ARA Health Specialists
Gov’t Mule will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Friday, May 19th with Neal Francis and Saturday, May 20th with Maggie Rose! Doors open at 5:30PM and the music starts at 6:30PM. This is a General Admission, 12+ show (no exceptions). This is a LARGE EVENT, so please read our FAQs to learn more about parking options and our shuttle service.
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food and we’ll have a few rotating food trucks on-site as well! There will also be MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
Written and Directed by Skyler Goff
This World Premiere was penned by local playwright Skyler Goff and tells of the continuing adventures of our favorite Lost Boy. A fantastical way to kick off our season!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!
(adjacent to Swannanoa Library). Movie at dark. Arrive about 7:30 p.m. to secure your spot and enjoy pre-movie festivities. Popcorn and light refreshments available for purchase. Rated PG. Free.
Come and enjoy an evening under the stars while you watch one of the highest earning and rated animated films in 2014. “Big Hero Six” is an adventure story for the whole family. Refreshments will be available for sale. Please bring a blanket or camp chair if you like.
This public star gaze will be held at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County, with a weather backup night of Saturday, 20 May. This event is free and open to everyone — registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided here on the day of the star gaze by 5:00 p.m. Directions to Grassland Mountain Observatory can be found here. Sunset occurs at 8:31 p.m.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a very unique creature that some say resembles a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest.
The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a very short amount of time in early summer, they inhabit our surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County.
You’ll experience an educational presentation at our outdoor amphitheater starting at 9:00pm and then use the cover of darkness and special flashlights to go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest. Cradle of Forestry team members will be stationed at key locations around the trail to provide further information about this amazing natural phenomenon. Please feel free to congregate near these areas with your fellow firefly enthusiasts or go explore on your own! We require everyone to stay on the trail to prevent habitat damage, and team members will clear the trail and require everyone to depart by 10:30pm.
Ticket Purchase/Pre-registration is required. This is a light rain or shine, family-friendly event!
In order to maximize our participant experience while minimizing our impact on the resource, we limit each night to 125 participants.
The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.
To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.
Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.
The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.
A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.
More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website. Click here: Buncombe County Extension website
Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement
Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.
- Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
- 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
- 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
- Antler Hill Village & Winery
- Complimentary Wine Tasting
- Complimentary Parking
Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.
We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15
Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.
Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:
June 12-15, 19-22,
July 10-13, 17-20,
August 7-10, 14-17.
Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:
June 19-22,
July 17-20,
August 14-17.
NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!
GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
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Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will host “The Bazaar at St. John in the Wilderness” on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 8:30am to 1pm inside the Parish Hall and grounds on the church campus. Fine items, artwork, jewelry, glassware, furniture, linens, silver, plants and more will highlight the fundraiser with proceeds assisting local charities involving women, children and families. Early bird shoppers are welcome at 7:30am with a $10 entry fee. There is no fee to shop inside the Parish Hall from 8:30 until 1pm. The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.
Join us this April and May as members of the Blue Ridge Audubon Society guide us on a bird-watching excursion around the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary! Binoculars are available for checkout at the North Asheville Library, but folks are welcome to bring their own! This event will be held rain or shine.
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Looking for a weekend of exploration and excitement for your troop? Look no further than our biggest scout event of the year! Enjoy a day of hands-on programming and hikes in the Park. Then, head home or keep the fun going by camping out under the stars.
Registration closes May 10 and is limited to 150 scouts.
Debunk some common misconceptions about native snakes you could meet at home or in the schoolyard. Meet one of our ambassador animals and explore outside, looking for evidence of snakes in the wild. Access to The North Carolina Arboretum is free for event participants and family members. Event spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. Each registered ecoEXPLORER will receive 5 points for attending. Questions? Reach out to [email protected]!
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.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Presenters: Judy Deutsche, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer and Certified Consulting Rosarian
Roses are a fragrant, beautiful, long-blooming addition to a sunny garden. Modern roses have greatly improved disease resistance and come in all sizes and colors. This program will cover the basics of rose selection and care so you can successfully grow these beautiful flowers.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately as part of this presentation will be held outside, weather permitting.
Registration: The talk is free, but attendance is limited and registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522
Join us in Azalea Park at NOC Roswell for Family River Day!
Address:
203 Azalea Dr
Roswell, GA 30075
Hosted by our partners Color My Outdoors and Together Outdoors, Family River Day invites BIPOC and families from all backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors, meet local organizations, try a new activity, and learn about river safety and protection.
Event Schedule & Activities:
- 11am River craft rentals: Try out a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, sit on top kayak on land or on water! NOC Guides will show you techniques and teach you about river paddling.
- 11am Lawn Games, Community Partners, Raffles, and More!
- 12pm Live Music by BEMI
- 12pm Food Truck opens
- 1pm Stand Up Paddleboard Guided Tour with ACA Certified Instructor & Together Outdoors Coalition Lead Gerry Seavo James
- 2pm Sit on Top Kayak Guided Tour with ACA Certified Instructor & Together Outdoors lead Gerry Seavo James
Meet and chat with community groups like Visit Roswell, Bike Roswell, Chattahoochee River Keeper, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Paddle for Tomorrow, Together Outdoors, and Color My Outdoors. The National Parks Service will even be stopping in by boat!
Special thanks to our vendors and sponsors!
Join us for the 47th annual Clean Streams Day, to celebrate the birthday of local author and environmental advocate Wilma Dykeman and to honor her legacy and contributions to the French Broad watershed.
We will paddle an in-town section of the French Broad from Amboy Rd to 704 Riverside Drive, removing litter and enjoying the river. All gear including kayaks, canoes, life vests, and cleanup supplies will be provided.
A shuttle will be provided by French Broad Outfitters from the takeout to the afterparty at Wrong Way Campground for food and beverages.
Volunteers must be 13 or older for river cleanups.
Learn more about Wilma Dykeman here: https://www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org/
Need to know
Park: Please do not park at Wrong Way Campground or Cultivate Climbing. There are small lots along Amboy Road and parking at Carrier Park that can easily be walked to and from. Look for GreenWorks near the Amboy Road River Park put-in across from Cultivate.
Wear: lightweight clothing – bathing suits, shirts, tshirts/ tank tops, quickdry materials – no heavy materials like jeans. No heavy footwear or flip flops – old sneakers or water shoes are best. Sun protection and other personal items as needed. We’ll have some dry bags for keys and valuables, but most of those items should be left in vehicles or at home.
Eat a good lunch or snack before you arrive – we will have food and drinks to celebrate with after the cleanup. You may also want to bring a towel and change of clothes/shoes for afterwards.