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, November 7, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Nov 7 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed – West
Nov 7 @ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Black Mountain Savings Bank

Join us on this exclusive historic driving tour of the west side of the Burnett Reservoir to explore part of the once thriving North Fork Valley community. The caravan will stop for participants to view the impressive chimney that was once part of a large boarding house where travelers on their way to Mt. Mitchell would stay before they began the ascent to the highest peak in eastern North America. The tour will also stop at the former entrance to Governor Zebulon Vance’s estate, Gombroon, as well as the Gombroon wall. Following that, we will pass the Left Hand Fork Intake and head to the Dan Burnett Place. The tour will end with the ruins of Gombroon – to include the foundation, heart-shaped pool, the spring house, and the McGinnis Cabin.

Difficulty: Moderate; There will be some walking on rough terrain. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Pricing: $200 per vehicle. The vehicle may carry as few or as many passengers as the registrant wishes to bring. Only family members or people who are in the same “social pod” should travel in a vehicle together. Drivers who cannot bring a family member or someone in their social pod must drive themselves.

Drivers – Your vehicle must get clearance from our trip leader prior to registering as a driver. Please contact us at [email protected] to get clearance.

COVID Policy

  • Only family members or people who are in the same “social pod” may travel in a vehicle together. Drivers who cannot bring a family member or someone in their social pod must drive themselves.
  • All attendees, volunteers and hike leaders are required to bring masks and social distancing must be observed. Attendees and hike leaders must wear masks during talks outside the vehicles.
  • The sign-in for the event will be conducted outdoors, at the parking lot of the Black Mountain Savings Bank.
Chimney Rock State Park Naturalist Niche: Fall Ridge Hike
Nov 7 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

The trails of Chimney Rock in the fall are amazing, but a guided hike off-the-beaten-path can lead you to places you never knew existed. Join us for this autumn adventure on one of our most popular excursions. You’ll discover seasonal changes along your trek that will introduce you to a whole new perspective of the Park. This hike is considered moderately strenuous. Space is limited for this, so book now.

Chimney Rock State Park Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a Naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Saturday, November 14, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Nov 14 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Seven Sisters Peaks Hike
Nov 14 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

The Seven Sisters peaks are a familiar sight from Lake Tomahawk. While the Seven Sisters span an expanse of only 3.5 miles, hiking up to and across the range is a strenuous, 9.5-mile distance.  Along the way, hike leaders will share historical anecdotes about the peak’s nomenclature, social history, geography, and ecology. The hike has several panoramic views. This hike is recommended only for experienced hikers.

Difficulty: Strenuous, 9.5 miles; This will be a daylong hike across all seven peaks.

Before registering, please contact the Museum at 828-669-9566 or [email protected]. All participants must pass pre-screening by hike leader because of the difficulty of this hike.

Saturday, November 21, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Nov 21 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Chimney Rock State Park Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 21 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a Naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Saturday, November 28, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Nov 28 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Chimney Rock State Park Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 28 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a Naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Saturday, December 5, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Dec 5 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Saturday, December 12, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Dec 12 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Saturday, December 19, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Dec 19 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Saturday, December 26, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Dec 26 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Saturday, January 9, 2021
Exploratory hike Pump Gap
Jan 9 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles Weaverville · Weaverville, NC

I’ve done part of this hike and it’s nice but I haven’t done the Pump Gap section. So I don’t know what this part of the trail is like other than it will be downhill and probably rocky. It should be about 3.5 miles one way but could be more.

This is a car shuttle hike meaning we leave cars at each end of the trail head. The hike is located in the Hot Springs so we could possibly have a meal after (but would be based upon COVID restrictions).

Let’s meet at the Ingles in Weaverville (the one across the street from Publix) at 9:45 with a departure at 10 a.m. Park near the gas station, road side. I have a white Hyundai. Suggested car pool donation is $5 each. If you carpool please wear a mask in the car and bring hand sanitizer.

We will drive out to the trailhead in Hot Springs, leave a car and then drive back up to the other trailhead. This part will involve carpooling so please make sure you are ok with that.

Once hiking, we immediately start uphill and this is one of the hardest parts of the hike but it’s short. We will travel along the AT with a gentle uphill most of the way, but it is scenic.

Eventually we will come to the intersection with the Pump Gap trail and take it back down to the trail head. Who knows what the trail holds? It’s about 1 mile down this section.

Please wear proper hiking shoes, hiking poles are recommended. We won’t be stopping for lunch so bring a snack if you want. Don’t forget the water.

I don’t put attendee limits on my hikes so you don’t have to worry about having a spot. Therefore, you can sign up a day before the hike.

Sunday, January 24, 2021
So You Want to Hike a Long Distance Trail?
Jan 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Has it always been your dream to hike a long distance trail, but you’re not quite sure where to start, or how to start, or which trail to hike, or which direction to go, or what to bring, and 100 other questions? This will be a great opportunity to ask your questions to a thru-hike veteran – and also hear what other participants want to know. The call will kick-off with tips and practical advice for planning a thru-hike, followed by a Q&A and group discussion.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
A stroll through Warren Wilson
Feb 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles on Tunnel Road

We will meet at the Ingles on Tunnel Road. I’m not that familiar with this Ingles, but if there is a gas station at this Ingles please park over by it. I have a white Hyundai and will stand outside the car. Suggested car pool donation will be $2-$3 each as this is not a far drive to the trailhead.
Meeting time is 9:45 with a departure of 10 a.m.
We will then drive out to Warren Wilson to the trailhead which is in a parking area for one of the living areas. Parking is at a minimum so car pool if you can. If carpooling, please wear a mask in your driver’s car and sanitize your hands.

Once we arrive at the trailhead we will meander through the woods. I haven’t done this trail for probably 4 years so I hope it will all come back. But you might want to plan on a few mishaps and a retracing of steps.

We start out gradually uphill, will past through a dark forest with trees planted in rows, find the trail that goes down hill for a least half a mile, turn left and head towards Swannanoa River, walk up to a man made lake, retrace our steps, head towards the agricultural area of WW, turn right, crawl through the fence and pick the trail back up, now going uphill and re-intersect the trail we started out on.

This trail isn’t hard but it does have it’s ups and downs.
Bring a snack if you like but we won’t be stopping for a meal.
As usual wear shoes with a good tread, bring water, and a hiking pole if needed. There are no creek crossings.

What we’re about

For those who love to hike with a destination and photography in mind. Hikes will be categorized by slow (turtle hikes), moderate, and adventurous.
This group is intended for those whom like photography combined with hiking in nature.

Monday, March 1, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Monday, March 8, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Mingus Creek
Mar 9 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 Mingus Creek

4 miles | easy

Historic cemeteries and mill, wildflowers

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

Saturday, March 13, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Early Spring Birding Walk
Mar 13 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock Park
Cost: Includes Park admission. Advance registration required.

Chimney Rock is an amazing spot to see spring migrants as they make their way back from the warmer, sunnier regions.  Make sure you bring your binoculars to get a peek at numerous species traveling north.  Just how many will you add to your list?  A Park bird list can be found here. This hike is considered easy-to-moderate and does require advance registration.

Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Sunday, March 14, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Monday, March 15, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 15 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Thursday, March 18, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Friday, March 19, 2021
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Saturday, March 20, 2021
LitCafe Experiences: DuPont Forest History Hike w/ Danny Bernstein
Mar 20 @ 8:20 am – 2:30 pm
Transylvania County Library 

What is an airstrip doing in the middle of DuPont State Recreational Forest? Why the formal entrance into a state forest? And how did the lakes come to be?

Come on a moderate all-day hike through historic DuPont Forest where we will walk, talk, take photos and even speculate. DuPont Forest is in Cedar Mountain, located between Hendersonville and Brevard. We will visit Bridal Veil Falls and four lakes. Although the hike focuses on DuPont Forest history, we might see some early spring flowers and buds.

Here are the details:

  • The hike is 7.5 miles and about 800 feet of altitude gain over the day. The trails are well-maintained but will be muddy and rocky.
  • Meet at the Transylvania County Library (212 S Gaston St, Brevard, NCby 8:20am. We will depart from there in a caravan and arrive at the Fawn Lake Access Area of DuPont just before 9am.
  • Wear light boots or good sneakers with hiking sock, a rain jacket (no matter the weather forecast) and a couple of layers of warm clothing – a long sleeve shirt and a fleece.
  • Bring lunch and snacks and at least one quart of water – two pints. Water will not be available  on the hike.
  • There are no toilets in the forest. We will stop several times for trail breaks in the woods. There is also no cell service in the area including the forest.
  • Note: For liability reasons, no dogs are allowed on this hike.

Questions, concerns? Email me at [email protected]