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.

Saturday, September 18, 2021
UNCA Greenfest: Garden Work Day at Peace Gardens
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Burton Street Peace Gardens

Greenfest is a semi-annual series held on the campus of UNC Asheville in March and September that celebrates sustainability, students and community. If you are interested in helping with the planning and development of Greenfest projects and events, please contact us! We are always excited to meet old and new friends happy to lend a hand.

All events are free unless otherwise noted.  Greenfest is brought to you by the Office of Sustainability, the Student Environmental Center, and the many co-sponsors listed below.

Greenfest events will be following the most up to date COVID guidelines for UNC Asheville which can be found at coronavirus.unca.edu.

Fall Greenfest 2021 Events

Check back as we continue to update the full list of events.

Greenfest – Sustainability (unca.edu)

Key Center and SGA Garden Work Day at Peace Gardens: Burton Street Peace Gardens (47 Bryant St Asheville 28806) 10am-12pm

Join the Key Center & SGA for a garden workday at the Burton Street Peace Gardens from 10-12 pm! Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring water. Email [email protected] if you need help finding a ride to the event. Register here.

ASAP’s Farm Tour
Sep 18 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
local farms

ASAP’s Farm Tour, image of tractor on a farm

Connect with our region’s farmers and get a behind-the-scenes tour of local food in the mountains. ASAP’s Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tastings. The tour is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. A Farm Tour pass is good for all passengers in the vehicle at any farm on both days.

Barnardsville Cluster

*Burley Stick Farm, Barnardsville

*Barn Blossom, Barnardsville

Good Fibrations Angora Goats, Barnardsville

 

Fairview/Fletcher Cluster

Flying Cloud Farm, Fairview

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairvew

*Cane Creek Valley Farm, Fletcher

*Raspberry Fields, Fletcher

 

West Cluster

Smoking J’s Fiery Foods, Candler

Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm, Canton

The Ten Acre Garden, Canton

*Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa, Waynesville

 

Leicester Cluster

*Mount Gilead Farm, Leicester

Long Branch Environmental Education Ctr., Leicester

Addison Farms Vineyard, Leicester

Farm Retreat/Farmhouse Beef, Marshall

*SAHC Community Farm: Blazing Star Flowers and Lunar Whale Herbs, Alexander

 

Henderson/Transylvania Cluster

North River Farms, Mills River

Holly Spring Farm, Mills River

*Pope Farms/Packa’s Place, Horse Shoe

Sideways Farm & Brewery, Etowah

*Clem’s Organic Gardens, Pisgah Forest

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Join a Greenworks Volunteer Task Force!
Sep 19 all-day
online

Join a Volunteer Task Force!

Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!

 

Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm

Join the PRTF

Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Nominate a Treasured Tree
Sep 19 all-day
online
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Sep 19 all-day
Organic Growers School

Mentor Services

Our Mentor Services help support beginning and intermediate farmers by pairing them with experienced, regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills.
These skills include systems management, marketing and business development, farm design and production, and connecting to the regional farming community
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Sep 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Sep 19 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Sep 19 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

ASAP’s Farm Tour
Sep 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
local farms

ASAP’s Farm Tour, image of tractor on a farm

Connect with our region’s farmers and get a behind-the-scenes tour of local food in the mountains. ASAP’s Farm Tour is a chance to experience how food is grown and raised through guided tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tastings. The tour is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. A Farm Tour pass is good for all passengers in the vehicle at any farm on both days.

Barnardsville Cluster

*Burley Stick Farm, Barnardsville

*Barn Blossom, Barnardsville

Good Fibrations Angora Goats, Barnardsville

 

Fairview/Fletcher Cluster

Flying Cloud Farm, Fairview

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairvew

*Cane Creek Valley Farm, Fletcher

*Raspberry Fields, Fletcher

 

West Cluster

Smoking J’s Fiery Foods, Candler

Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm, Canton

The Ten Acre Garden, Canton

*Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa, Waynesville

 

Leicester Cluster

*Mount Gilead Farm, Leicester

Long Branch Environmental Education Ctr., Leicester

Addison Farms Vineyard, Leicester

Farm Retreat/Farmhouse Beef, Marshall

*SAHC Community Farm: Blazing Star Flowers and Lunar Whale Herbs, Alexander

 

Henderson/Transylvania Cluster

North River Farms, Mills River

Holly Spring Farm, Mills River

*Pope Farms/Packa’s Place, Horse Shoe

Sideways Farm & Brewery, Etowah

*Clem’s Organic Gardens, Pisgah Forest

Monday, September 20, 2021
Join a Greenworks Volunteer Task Force!
Sep 20 all-day
online

Join a Volunteer Task Force!

Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!

 

Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm

Join the PRTF

Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Nominate a Treasured Tree
Sep 20 all-day
online
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Sep 20 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Sep 20 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Sep 20 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Demo at The Learning Garden: Harvesting Dye Plants
Sep 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center

Naturally dyed cotton_by Lucia Garcia Gonzalez_CC 1.0_Flickr

Presenters: Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers

Join us in the dye garden for harvest day. You’ll learn how to pick the plants, dry and store them for future use, and collect seeds. We will set up a few dye pots to show the beautiful colors the fresh plants produce. And we’ll have a selection of seeds for you to take home for your own dye garden next year.

We encourage all participants at this in-person demonstration to follow CDC guidance for COVID safety.

Registration:  The program is free but space is limited to 20 participants. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Join a Greenworks Volunteer Task Force!
Sep 21 all-day
online

Join a Volunteer Task Force!

Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!

 

Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm

Join the PRTF

Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Nominate a Treasured Tree
Sep 21 all-day
online
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Sep 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Sep 21 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Sep 21 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 21 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

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

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Gardening Video: Cottage Gardening
Sep 22 all-day
online

Cottage Gardening

Judy Deutsch, EMGV

Cottage gardens are small, floriferous gardens popular for centuries. This program will describe the characteristics of cottage gardens. It draws on our experiences and learnings with designing, planting, and maintaining our own Cottage Garden at the Extension Office. You will receive some practical advice and tips on how to plan your own special cottage garden.

 

Join a Greenworks Volunteer Task Force!
Sep 22 all-day
online

Join a Volunteer Task Force!

Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!

 

Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm

Join the PRTF

Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Nominate a Treasured Tree
Sep 22 all-day
online
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Sep 22 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Sep 22 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Sep 22 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Sandhill Nursery Workdays
Sep 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Come enjoy the beautiful Fall weather by joining our weekly nursery workdays. We will meet in the Sand Hill native tree nursery from 10am-12pm. We will do a variety of activities from potting trees and weeding nursery plants. Please dress to get dirty and have a good time! Bring water, sun protection, and any other personal items.

* Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult on all workdays. Minors 14-17 can volunteer unaccompanied but must have a parent or guardian submit a minor waiver (contact [email protected]). *

Please register for the workday(s) you will be attending.

Review our Communicable Disease Guidelines for Volunteers

 

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Thursday, September 23, 2021
Gardening Video: Cottage Gardening
Sep 23 all-day
online

Cottage Gardening

Judy Deutsch, EMGV

Cottage gardens are small, floriferous gardens popular for centuries. This program will describe the characteristics of cottage gardens. It draws on our experiences and learnings with designing, planting, and maintaining our own Cottage Garden at the Extension Office. You will receive some practical advice and tips on how to plan your own special cottage garden.