Calendar of Events

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

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

July 2020 Jul 2020
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Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Celebrate Pride! Top LGBTQIA+ Owned and Operated Restaurants in America
Jul 8 all-day
Online

Illustration depicting two people celebrating Pride month with food

https://www.opentable.com/lists/pride-2019/usa?ref=9472&cmpid=em_Email2020&utm_campaign=Email%2BAdhoc%2BNA%253A%2BUS_104_20200629_Pride&utm_source=simon&utm_medium=email

Celebrate Pride!
Get in on global Pride by dining in or ordering from these LGBTQIA+ owned and operated restaurants around the U.S.
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Categories: Community Food & Drink
Dogwood Alliance: Woods + Wilds: The Podcast!
Jul 8 all-day
Online

https://www.dogwoodalliance.org/2020/07/woods-wilds-the-podcast-episode-one/?fbclid=IwAR1i8UtIuKNXhpfQPJbkQB4jw5XW4tWGLyXBTqpSz3hWejTTWROWIeYOAa8

For the safety and well-being of our supporters, Dogwood Alliance will not hold our annual Woods & Wilds live storytelling event this year. It’s an event we look forward to every year because it’s an opportunity to celebrate the magic of forests with our community. We still wanted to find a way to bring that same kind of magic to people wherever they are, so we teamed up with SlayTheMic to launch Woods & Wilds: The Podcast! We will be releasing an episode every other Monday.

The podcast will sometimes offer tales of the forest and other times will be an interview with our guests about their unique connection to nature – often touching on the connection between hip hop and nature.

We were overjoyed to welcome our very first guest, Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley aka RaShad Eas, also known as the Hip Hop Forester and the Assistant Dean of Community and Inclusion at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, where he helps strengthen community diversity and develops programming around workplace equity. He’s also the author of the incredible article How Hip Hop Can Bring Green Issues To Communities of Color.

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Categories: Community Education
Free WIFI Hotspots Available Outside Buncombe Libraries
Jul 8 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore. The wifi is available all day every day, whether the library is open or not. Please observe all Buncombe County social distancing and gathering requirements while using the wifi. Questions? Call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected].

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Categories: Community
Help Buncombe Expand Broadband Internet Access
Jul 8 all-day
Online

Are you interested in helping Buncombe County expand reliable, high-speed internet? If so, we need your help. Please consider joining the Buncombe Broadband Working Group. Applications are due by Friday, July 17.

Objective:

This posting is for 3-5 community members to the Buncombe Broadband Working Group which will support the evaluation of proposals submitted to Buncombe County for high-speed internet solutions.

Term:

Members shall serve for approximately 6 months, but the term may be extended or reduced based on responses from high-speed internet providers. Members may be replaced at any time at the sole discretion of the respective institution or organization. Time commitment is an estimated 4-5 hours each month.

Responsibilities:

The workgroup will:

  • Develop a Request for Proposal document for high-speed internet services in Buncombe County,
  • Objectively evaluate the proposals received,
  • Weigh proposals based on cost, and ability to deliver excellent, sustainable service using the scoring matrix provided to bidders through the RFP, and
  • Provide a recommendation to County leadership.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be Buncombe County residents. Ideal candidates have an understanding of the technical requirements of high-speed internet operations, experience leading or supporting community high-speed internet initiatives, or experience/relationships working with high-speed internet providers. Candidates must report any potential conflicts of interest.

To Apply:

Please complete the Boards and Commissions application found here and return to Lamar Joyner at [email protected] by Friday, July 17.

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Categories: Community Volunteers
Introducing Bookfix: Custom Reading Recommendations
Jul 8 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries curbside pickup

Photo of typewriter

 

 

Miss browsing the library’s shelves? Let us help with Bookfix. Call or email your local library to have a librarian put together a bundle of books tailored to your specific interests. You can pick up your personal Bookfix bundle at our curbside hold pickup service. Our Ask a Librarian line is available Monday-Saturday at (828) 250-4700 or you can email [email protected].

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Categories: Bookclubs Community
LEAF Global Arts Open Downtown Asheville
Jul 8 all-day
LEAF Global Arts
Join us for the LEAF Global Arts experience in Downtown Asheville, on The Block. Explore the world through immersive music & art experiences & cultural connections. We are committed to fostering global citizenship and opening pathways of understanding…for kids to elders. During July, Global is open by reservation for small groups, rentals and recording sessions. Contact Marsha [email protected]
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Categories: Community Family Fun Music
Literacy positions available: Literacy Council
Jul 8 all-day
Online

Exciting news! LCBC recently received a Buncombe County Strategic Partnership grant that will allow us to move the part-time Adult Literacy position to full-time. Currently the Youth Literacy and Adult Literacy programs have shared one director, Rebecca Massey. Rebecca will move to full-time in Adult Literacy in August.
This week we will begin the search for a new half-time Youth Literacy Director. The full position description and application instructions are available on our website at the link below. Please take a look if you are interested in applying, or share it with anyone in the community you feel might be a good match for the organization and the work.
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Categories: Community
NC Forest Service’s Annual Tree Seedling Sale
Jul 8 all-day
Online

a dirt path in a forest

The North Carolina Forest Service is accepting tree seedling orders as part of its annual sale.

Each year, the NCFS Nursery Program produces millions of quality seedlings for nearly 50 species of conifers, hardwoods and native understory plants, including eastern and Carolina hemlock seedlings, as well as an expanded selection of genetically improved third cycle loblolly pine seedlings.

How can you order tree seedlings from the NCFS Nursery Program?

  • Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at www.buynctrees.com.
  • Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337).
  • Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form found in our current catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
  • A user-friendly catalog is available at the “Tree Seedlings & Nursery Program” link located at www.ncforestservice.gov. Catalogs are also available at local NCFS offices located in all 100 North Carolina counties. Inside the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and costs to order. Each tree description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore habitats or as marketable timber.

Distribution of tree seedlings will occur December through mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 12 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery, near Crossnore. For information on planting trees, people are encouraged to contact an NCFS county ranger. Contact information for your local NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

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Categories: Community Garden
Research Your Family History Free
Jul 8 all-day
Online

 

For the month of July, genealogists and historians can access the popular Ancestry.com database from home for free. All you need is a library card.

Among the billions of records available, Ancestry.com includes census records and indexes, vital, church, military, public member trees; birth, marriage and death records; tax, criminal, land and wills stories, memories and histories, pictures, city directories, immigration and travel schools, maps and more. There are records from the United States as well as international records, so no matter where your family might be from, you will probably be able locate them in the Ancestry database.

Find a new branch of your family tree with Ancestry. Visit the library website at buncombecounty.org/library and use the Virtual Library tab to access Ancestry. If you don’t have a library card, email us at [email protected] and we can give you a card by email. Call 828-250-4700 with any questions.

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Categories: Community
Kid’s TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park 
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Charles D. Owen Park 

Buncombe County Recreation Services has partnered with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program to install a new TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa. Children and families are invited to hike the new TRACK Trail, which was installed in celebration with National Great Outdoors Month and with support from the Buncombe County Community Recreation Grant award.

The TRACK Trail follows the walking path around the ponds at Charles D. Owen Park and meanders along the Swannanoa River. The new trailhead sign, located between the ponds, provides four brochure-led activity guides that allow young hikers to learn about and connect with the natural features found along the trail. Activity guides are available in English y en español.

TRACK Trails are designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure – and the fun doesn’t stop when the trail ends. After their outing, kids can register their TRACK Trail adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure more meaningful and encourage continued participation in the program. Since the program’s inception in 2009, more than 1.5 million TRACK Trail adventures have been completed.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation
Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

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Categories: Family Fun
Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Jul 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

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Categories: Education Family Fun Parks & Recreation
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Jul 8 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

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Categories: Family Fun Garden Outdoors
Asheville Salt Cave FREE ONLINE : Live Mediation Webinar with Bernie Kozlowski
Jul 8 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
webinar

Learn how to reverse the very real and devastating impact of stress through the SIMPLE practice of instinctive meditation that will profoundly shift your life.

Instinctive meditation means it’s natural and our bodies are wired to do it easily and efficiently. All we need to do is to set up the right conditions and our bodies will eagerly cooperate. Learn the skill set needed to meditate on your own even if you have a racing mind and little spare time.

Dropping into deep relaxation on a regular basis helps you to be calm in the face of overwhelm and urgency, can improve your health, and help you be more responsive and less reactive to challenges.

This will be a live webinar on Zoom. You can attend from anywhere that is comfortable to you. Once you register, you will get instructions on how to log in to the event. You will have the option of having your video on or off. You can also call in using a phone number. Link to zoom class:
https://mailchi.mp/9e1057b0227e/meditation-asheville-salt-cave

We’ll start with the basic principles of this approach. Then you will learn and practice some basic skills. This will be followed by a longer guided meditation where you can incorporate the basic skills. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

A weekly Zoom drop-in class in instinctive meditation will run on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am EST starting April 29 and running for 12 weeks.
Drop in as you can. Each class will cover a different technique.

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Categories: Health & Wellness
Library Computer Appointments Available
Jul 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries
The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Public Libraries will begin offering appointments for computer use on July 1. Forty-five minute appointments are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at all library locations except the Oakley/South Asheville branch.
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Categories: Bookclubs Community
The Appalachian Willow Chair 2-day Class
Jul 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
CURVE Studios & Garden

 

Wednesday/Thursday, October 7/8 OR Friday/Saturday, October 9/10.
The spring session didn’t happen so we have set new dates for October. Justin & Shannon Roberts (@walkthewillow) from Murray, KY will be teaching two traditional Appalachian Willow Chair classes at Silver River:  Sign up HERE. But don’t pay yet, just let us know you’re interested. We will keep looking at COVID numbers….Thanks!

Kentucky Crafted Artist and 2019 Regional Bernheim Artist in Residence, Justin Roberts specializes in the rare folk art of bent-wood willow furniture. Learn about the history, uses and process of the craft through this engaging process. You leave with your own willow chair! Bring a hammer, hand pruners, and work gloves. No experience is necessary.

Justin and his wife, Shannon are creators of epic public art willow sculptures and bird habitats including “Sounds of a Whippoorwill – Bernheim” and “Sounds of a Whippoorwill – Josephine,” and “Choices @ Calloway County Public Library” in Kentucky. Follow them on Instagram @walkthewillow

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Categories: Art & Craft Education
Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 8 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation
A Cause for Big Paws: Celebrating the Big Dogs Through Art and Adoption
Jul 8 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
M.Hammel Studio

The Gallery at Flat Rock is excited to announce a dog-friendly event and exhibition celebrating adoptable canines weighing 50 pounds or more. “A Cause for Big Paws” is the result of a partnership between the Blue Ridge Humane Society, Barkers Anonymous and The Gallery at Flat Rock artist Marsha Hammel; they have joined forces to highlight the loving big dogs at BRHS that are currently seeking forever homes. The exhibition of Hammel’s work in her Hendersonville studio will feature a reserved ticketed opening party with all proceeds going to BRHS.

“We wanted to draw attention to big dogs, in that big dogs are slower to be adopted than small dogs,” said Marsha Hammel. “We’re celebrating the joys of living with big dogs.”

“A Cause for Big Paws” will showcase new paintings inspired by big dogs at M.Hammel Studio. A dog-friendly opening on July 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the studio will include treats for humans and dogs, as well as a chance for attendees to receive an original sketch drawn by Hammel, created on-site at the event.

To maintain proper social distancing, this ticketed event is open only by reservation to individuals and small groups. Barkers Anonymous will provide the goodies and treats for pets. Tickets to this event are $20 each with part of the proceeds to fund the mission of Blue Ridge Humane Society.

The Gallery at Flat Rock represents finely curated art and craft, and is located in Flat Rock Square at 2702-A Greenville Highway in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Gallery hours are currently Thursdays – Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or by appointment. To learn more, please visit the gallery website at galleryflatrock.com or call the gallery at 828-698-7000.

 

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Categories: Pets
Asheville Outlets Announces Majority of Retailers and Eateries Now Open
Jul 8 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets has announced that the majority of retailers and eateries at the center are now open, including American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand, RH Outlet, West Elm Outlet, Pandora, Skechers, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Bradley Factory Outlet Store, Johnston & Murphy Factory Store, Talbot’s Outlet, and Le Creuset, among many more.

 

Asheville Outlets is an open-air shopping center; hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.

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Categories: Other
Asheville Outlets Host Warehouse Sale Pop-Up Shoe Store
Jul 8 @ 11:00 am – 3:29 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets will host the Warehouse Sale, a traveling pop-up shoe store concept, from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 12, 2020. The Warehouse Sale Pop-Up Shoe store will feature men’s, women’s, and children’s brand name shoes at up to 80% off traditional retail prices. Brands include Michael Kors, Timberland, BCBG, Adidas, and hundreds of others.

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Categories: Other
Biltmore Park Town Square + American Red Cross Blood Drive
Jul 8 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Town Square

Roll up your sleeves and help save lives. Biltmore Park Town Square and American Red Cross partner to host a blood drive. Click here to schedule an appointment online or call 1.800.REDCROSS.
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Categories: Community
Incredible Business Networking for WNC on ZOOM
Jul 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
zoom

Until the social restrictions are lifted, and it’s safe to meet in person in large groups, let’s take it to our computers. Well be meeting every Wednesday at 11:00.

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Pisgah Legal: Virtual Justice Matters Tour
Jul 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
zoom
Virtual Justice Matters Tour
Wednesday, July 8th
12 PM- 1 PM
via Zoom
Pisgah Legal’s bi-monthly Justice Matters tours are virtual! We’ll examine the need in our region, discuss how civil legal aid can be an effective anti-poverty tool and share how Pisgah Legal is responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
Please RSVP here if you’d like to join and we will send you instructions on how to join by computer or phone.
Standing for Justice and Dignity since 1978.
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Categories: Community
Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 8 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

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Categories: Music Theatre
Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 8 @ 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation
Live Marbling
Jul 8 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

VIRTUAL: Live Marbling

Virtually enjoy the process of marbling, the antique process of floating paint on a thickened water surface. Watch as Pam Granger Gale drops paint onto the surface and each drop expands. More and more paint drops push others around without mixing. Then combs and rakes are used to create both historical and freeform patterns. Paper is placed on the surface and captures this monoprint forever.

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Categories: Art & Craft
River Arts District Farmers Market
Jul 8 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pleb Urban Winery

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) / COVID-19
  • No token sales at this time. Unfortunately, this means no EBT sales. Please understand that this is in the best interest of safety to our staff.
  • No vendors are allowed to sample at this time.
  • Face masks are not required, however, all staff & vendors of the RAD Farmers Market are required to wear face masks during operating hours.
  • All vendors have hand sanitizer at their booths, & sanitize their hands between customers & transactions.
  • Please allow the vendor to select your produce for you.
  • Pre-orders are appreciated, as always, however, all vendors also bring goods for sale at market.
  • We love your dogs, but also appreciate if you can leave them home for your safety. It’s hard not to pet the pups, but it’s hard to social distance and do that!
  • If you do bring cash, please bring smaller bills so that you will have an easier time with the exact change policy most vendors have at this time.
  • Be understanding! We miss spoiling you so much!
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Categories: Farmers Market
Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 8 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Read more
Categories: Theatre
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Jul 9 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month Days Time Number
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
May 7, 14, 21, 28 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
June 4, 11, 18, 25 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
August 6, 13, 20, 27 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
September 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Kid’s TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park 
Jul 9 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Charles D. Owen Park 

Buncombe County Recreation Services has partnered with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program to install a new TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa. Children and families are invited to hike the new TRACK Trail, which was installed in celebration with National Great Outdoors Month and with support from the Buncombe County Community Recreation Grant award.

The TRACK Trail follows the walking path around the ponds at Charles D. Owen Park and meanders along the Swannanoa River. The new trailhead sign, located between the ponds, provides four brochure-led activity guides that allow young hikers to learn about and connect with the natural features found along the trail. Activity guides are available in English y en español.

TRACK Trails are designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure – and the fun doesn’t stop when the trail ends. After their outing, kids can register their TRACK Trail adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure more meaningful and encourage continued participation in the program. Since the program’s inception in 2009, more than 1.5 million TRACK Trail adventures have been completed.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation