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, May 15, 2021
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
May 15 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
No Budget Camping Class
May 16 all-day
Exact Location Given Upon Registration

This primitive survival skills class provides mental health benefits and builds confidence in a covid-safe environment. For The People Academy, a high-end skills training company, is offering an all day No Budget Camping class. Students will learn how to survive in the wild without expensive gear. Skills taught will be:
How to build a shelter
How to find and purify water
How to start a fire with one match
How to make your own cookware
Basic knife skills
Basic first-aid

April 18th and May 16th from 11am-6pm. Classes will be held in the Asheville area and are open to all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. To ensure participant safety, students will be given the exact class location after registering.

Registration starts at $85 at FTPAcademy.org, but readers can get a 10% discount at checkout by entering promo code ‘CAMPING2021’.

Classes will be led by For The People Academy’s senior instructor Ami Le. Ami is a Primitive Skills instructor at Florida Earthskills gathering as well as a certified NC Concealed Carry and Red Cross First-aid/CPR/AED instructor.

LEAF ReTreat: May 13-16th
May 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lake Eden

LEAF Retreat is created to Rejuvenate the soul and Replenish our inspiration in this beautiful secluded place, Lake Eden, in which you can relax and get away.
It’s less than 1/5 the attendee size of Festival while maintaining the same footprint which gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself. Connecting with the outdoors is an essential part of the experience. Stages are smaller, more intimate with meet and greets and a focus on local and regional artists.
Great music in open air settings, special featured performances with LatinX artists, along with workshops, panel discussions and activities to recharge your spirits. Prepare for a time of reflection, reconnection, healing, friendship and fun in a safe healthy beautiful setting.
*Please note: This is a private event for LEAF members only.*
Not a member? Don’t worry! You can easily become a member for as little as $50 a year. Simply visit this link to join: https://theleaf.org/give-to-leaf/

iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt Challenge All month long!
May 16 @ 8:07 pm – 9:07 pm
Online w/ Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Gray's lily

Participating in citizen-science is a great way to get engaged with conservation. This month, we challenge all our members, volunteers, and your friends to participate in SAHC’s iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt and record as many observations as you can!

Ever wondered about what plants or animals fill your yard? Populate your nearby favorite trail? Or what that vibrant mushroom you found is? Join SAHC’s ongoing scavenger hunt to learn about and discover with your friends, family, and your community all the wonderful creatures that inhabit our mountains. Interact with SAHC staff and other hunters to help identify plants and animals, learn new fun facts, and explore beautiful photos.

If you have never used iNaturalist before, iNaturalist is a great place to identify plants and animals with the help of the internet and the surrounding community. You can learn about what the names of plants and animals are in your area and much more. Explore the great outdoors and find plants, animals, fungi, insects, etc. and take pictures of them. Once you have your pictures, you can upload them to the mobile iNaturalist app, or from your computer on the iNaturalist website.

Thursday, May 20, 2021
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
May 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.

Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Outdoor Yoga with Tara
May 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
tba

Hello Sweet Yogis, join me for Yoga in the Park! I’ll be teaching for West Asheville Yoga Studio and would absolutely love to have you there. We’ll link movement and breath in the (spatially-distant) company of others, as we practice an all-levels flow.

Please bring a mat or towel to practice on, if you like. Breathe, move, and find your center under the sun.

*This practice will take in North Asheville. The exact location and address will be sent after registration.

To register visit: https://westashevilleyoga.com/event/outdoor-yoga-with-tara/

**In the case of rain, you may use the class pass purchased for future Outdoor Yoga class or any live stream yoga class.

What we’re about

Common Blue Ridge Mountain activities with old and new friends through public and private events. Giving to and celebrating life in positive ways…Share what nourishes us socially, spiritually, physically or emotionally. You will find a variety of activities…
Volunteering, Hiking, Camping, Mtn Bike Rides, Motorcycle Riders, Fishing, Game Nights, Campfires, Karaoke, Visits to Local Establishment of all types (Food, Activities, Concerts, and much more).

Saturday, May 22, 2021
May Is Wellness Month: ASAP Farmers Market Yoga
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ASAP Farmers Market

Community workout for all fitness levels with Asheville Fit Tribe at 11 a.m. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Visit the Asheville Fit Tribe booth at the market and receive a $5 market coupon!

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

  • Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

  • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

  • Hendersonville Farmers Market, May 22, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

  • Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
May 22 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Hickory Nut Gap Hike
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap

 

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.

Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)

Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)

Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)

Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start

Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.

  • Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
  • We are limited to 25 participants total.
  • Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
  • Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
  • Social distancing is required while we hike.

Rain Date:

Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.

Hike Leader

This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

Sunday, May 23, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Spring Yoga Series: Yoga under the Full “Flower” Moon
May 26 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Bask in lunar energy during this full moon yoga session with Namaste in Nature. The mountains are said to be a natural vortex of spiritual energy, which makes Chimney Rock an ideal setting for connecting your spirit with nature. Lightweight yoga mats will be provided by your certified yoga teacher. This class is open to all levels of expertise. Advance registration is required.

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Group Yoga: Primal Freedom Vinyasa Flow
May 27 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

Join me on Thursdays at 2:30pm EST for a 60-minute vinyasa flow. Each week we gather and practice together as a group in real-time through Zoom, bringing the yoga studio straight to the comfort of your own cozy hOMe.

Consider this to be a sacred hour of YOU time, where you can get out of the mind and back into the soil of the body. May we align our breath to sync the beat of our hearts…healing ourselves and this planet from the inside out.

Reserve your spot on the mat today!
–> https://bit.ly/PrimalFreedomFlow
–> www.greatabidingyoga.com/classes

All levels are always welcome, I look forward to seeing you! ♥️

Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
May 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.

Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Bold Souls Morning Yoga
May 29 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
May 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Thursday, June 3, 2021
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jun 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.

Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Friday, June 4, 2021
DIY Terrarium Workshop: 6in Globe with AIr Plants
Jun 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Saturday, June 5, 2021
Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jun 5 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jun 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Tuesday, June 8, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Smokemont Loop
Jun 8 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Loop 6 miles | Moderate Forest Walk

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Thursday, June 10, 2021
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jun 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.

Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Friday, June 11, 2021
Virtual Hike Video Premiere
Jun 11 all-day
YouTube
Sarge pauses on the hiking trail to identify plants

Join us AmeriCorps member Shaylyn “Sarge” Sargent for an informative virtual hike to learn more about biodiversity in our region and appreciate how SAHC’s conservation efforts help protect the mountains you love. More details TBA.

Link to join virtual hike premiere via YouTube – TBA

Saturday, June 12, 2021
Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jun 12 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jun 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Sunday, June 13, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Thursday, June 17, 2021
Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jun 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.

Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Friday, June 18, 2021
DIY Terrarium Workshop: 6in Globe with Air Plants
Jun 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Saturday, June 19, 2021
Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jun 19 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Early Bird Yoga at Asheville Art Museum
Jun 19 @ 9:45 am – 10:30 am
Asheville Art Museum

Small-group/in-person program
Join us inside the Museum for family-friendly yoga and mindfulness. Today’s program takes place in our Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall, visiting our special exhibition Beauford Delaney’s Metamorphosis into Freedom. The artist’s pursuit of depicting light as bold abstractions inspires us to find our inner lights, our bold colorful chakras, and let them shine. Our sequence explores the seven chakras and discover our own metamorphosis into freedom. Bring your own mat (required) and props (optional). Face coverings and social distancing are required. All ages and abilities are welcome; recommended for visitors aged 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited; more info and register at ashevilleart.org/events.