Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Friday, April 9, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 9 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Hike with Llamas
Apr 9 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 9 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Saturday, April 10, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 10 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 10 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Beginner “Photos by Phone” Photography Class
Apr 10 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join professional photographer Buddy Morrison for an interactive session on the basics of smartphone photography. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, you’re sure to take away some great skills from this three-hour class. This photographic odyssey will take you to various spots in the Park, so be prepared to do some moderate hiking.

Nature Hike+Art
Apr 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Earthshine Lodge is located on 76 acres of mountaintop property with some of the best views in Transylvania County. Take a guided hike on Earthshine’s trails and learn all sorts of wild and wacky nature facts. When we’re done with hiking, we’ll head to a “secret spot” to create fun art projects out of natural objects, like fairy and gnome houses and rhododendron crowns! This is a family program; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 10 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 10 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Sunday, April 11, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 11 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 11 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Monday, April 12, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 12 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 13 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Porters Creek
Apr 13 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Porters Creek 7.4 miles | Moderate Wildflowers, Cascades

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

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 14 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Thursday, April 15, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 15 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Friday, April 16, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 16 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 16 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Saturday, April 17, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 17 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 17 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflowers Walk
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

What’s better than wildflowers to mark the beginning of spring?  Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive as wildflowers emerge.  Grab your camera and join a Park naturalist on this moderate hike. The journey will take you along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and down the Four Seasons Trail, but you won’t have to hike back to the top lot.  Transportation will be provided.

LitCafe Experiences: History Hike w the RAIL Project
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ridgecrest Trailhead

This is one special hike you do not want to miss!

After reading and discussing John Ehle’s work of historical fiction The Road, join WNCHA for a special hike exploring the real history of the incarcerated laborers who toiled and often died constructing the Western NC Railroad. We are joined by a special guest presenter, member of the RAIL Project committee and mayor of Marion, Steve Little.

  • We will add a second hike Sunday, April 18 at 1pm should there be enough demand.

Where: We will meet at the Ridgecrest Trailhead (Mill Creek Road, Old Fort, NC 28762) near the Ridgecrest Conference Center. Our hike takes place on the Point Lookout Greenway, a paved trail following the route of former U.S Hwy 70.

Length: 2.5 Hours

Distance: 2 Miles

Details: We will hike just over one mile downhill to Point Lookout, and to the High Ridge and Lick Lock tunnels below. We will stop briefly at various points, and discuss along the way the history of the railroad and road construction and the incarcerated laborers who completed the project. We will walk back uphill to the trailhead afterward.

Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing for changing conditions, plenty of water (24+ ounces), a cell phone, sunscreen, snacks as desired

Sunday, April 18, 2021
Conserving Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society: Tails and Trails
Apr 18 all-day
online w/ Conserving Carolina

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!

During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.

There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.

Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!

To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/

Hiking for Hunger
Apr 18 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
No Budget Camping Class
Apr 18 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.

About For The People Academy:

For The People Academy offers classes in gun safety, first-aid, primitive skills, and more. Their goal is to empower regular people to be heroes in their own communities. Classes are designed to be accessible for people of all backgrounds and identities. More information, updates and new classes can be found on their website FTPAcademy.org and on Facebook, Twitter @Ftpacademy1 and Instagram @for_the_people_academy.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 18 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Monday, April 19, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 19 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Sam’s Knob Watercolor Backpacking Trip
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Heidi Nisbett, an accomplished backpacker and talented artist, will not only guide you on a 3-day backpacking trip near Sam’s Knob, she’ll teach you the basics of watercolor painting and painting outdoors along the way. We’ve kept the mileage pretty low – around 14 miles total – to leave a couple hours each day for painting. Highlights of this trip include the Sam’s Knob, Black Balsam Knob, Tennant Mountain, and Laurel Creek. You’ll leave the trip with at least 2-3 finished paintings (and the materials you’ll need to keep painting on your future hikes!), drawing inspiration from subjects including rolling mountain views, rivers and creeks, and early spring flora. This is a beginner-friendly trip, or a chance for more experienced backpackers to try something new! No prior painting experience is necessary.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 20 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 21 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. 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 WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES