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
Transformational Forest Bathing
May 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Forest Farmacy

Forest bathing is a ancient Japanese practice for de-stressing and relating to the more-than-human world. It has gained much popularity in Asia, and now in the US, as a growing bank of scientific research is demonstrating it’s healing benefits.

Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger while strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health and increasing overall wellbeing.

It’s a delicious way to be in the world!

Transformational Forest Bathing weaves in techniques from eco-therapy, depth psychology, wilderness rites of passage and mythic storytelling to form a powerfully transformative experience. We will work with whatever is holding you back right now and show you how to work with the land to gain insight on your next steps forward. As you shift through this current block you’ll learn how navigate this way in the future.

You will:
– Unwind the knots you formed by keeping it all together
– Learn how to let the forest hold you
– Connect deeply to the more-than-human world
– Shift into a state of consciousness that allows you to receive information and nourishment, one where you don’t need to figure it out
– Learn how to work with the natural world to move through whatever is blocking you right now
– Open the door to reclaiming your ancestral heritage

Is this for you?
Honestly, if you are simply looking for some stress reduction and a lovely walk in the forest this isn’t the program for you. If you are ready to dig deep and do some soul-tending then come on over!

It doesn’t matter if you already have a strong nature connection practice or you have never heard of it, the program is designed to work for any level of previous nature connection experience.

What is key is your desire and willingness to work with whatever part of you is holding you back from living the life you want right now.

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.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale
May 16 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ GreenWorks

Native trees, grasses and bushes are a wonderful gift for mom or Mother Earth! If you don’t have room to plant a tree in your own space, you may still purchase one to donate to one of our various restoration projects. When it’s planted, we’ll send you a picture of it and where you can find it!

 

At Asheville GreenWorks, we dream of more trees, less trash, and a better quality of life for all — we work together with communities across WNC to address local environmental challenges in and around our urban spaces. All proceeds for this sale go directly towards supporting local projects in waste reduction, litter prevention, and urban forestry. Thank you for your generous support!

 

All plants must be picked up between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, May 16th at our Sand Hill Nursery located in Buncombe County Sports Park (24 Apac Cir, Asheville).

Saturday, May 22, 2021
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

Uncommon Market is Back
May 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Uncommon Market @ Foundy

Friday, May 28, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
May 28 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
May 29 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Sunday, May 30, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
May 30 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Monday, May 31, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
May 31 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 1 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 2 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Show + Tell Spring Pop Up Shop + Market
Jun 2 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Show & Tell Spring Pop Up Shop & Market
This Sunday, May 2nd, we are so stoked that the return of spring and warm weather means we get to use our space to do all kinds of local, creative events like pop-up markets. On May 2nd, we welcome Show & Tell Pop Up Shop which is bringing a bevy of fun, locally owned craft, vintage and design vendors to put on a socially distanced market. This outdoor pop up market is free to the public and is a covid safe way to experience local vendors and have a fun afternoon of shopping vintage or locally-made design and craft items. The taco truck will be open, and of course we’ll have the bar going with all your favorite Asheville Brewing Co beers on draft plus our delicious spring cocktail list and more!  No tickets needed; just come on out! It starts at 12pm. Read the full vendor list here: https://www.showandtellpopupshop.com
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 3 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Friday, June 4, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 4 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Saturday, June 5, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 5 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Henderson County Curb Market 97th Anniversary Celebration
Jun 5 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Henderson County Curb Market

The Henderson County Curb Market extends an invitation for its 97th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 from 8-2. The Curb Market is located at 221 N. Church Street in downtown Hendersonville. This is sure to be a fun filled event for the whole family. There will be grilled hot dogs with all the fixins’, live music by David Emmons, and balloons and treats for the children.

 

Sunday, June 6, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 6 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Art In The Lot: Pop-Up Art Fair
Jun 6 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Agudas Israel Congregation,

This supports local artists selling a wide variety of items, including arts, crafts, wooden
toys, fashion, jewelry, hand turned wood objects, handmade soaps & creams, aromatherapy, food products, garden & outdoor items, baked goods, special treats for kids, hot dogs and much more! Masks required

Monday, June 7, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 7 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 8 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

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

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 9 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Thursday, June 10, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 10 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Hike Catawba Falls
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Catawba Falls

This is an easy 1.5 mile gravel trail hike to the first water fall. For those with the adventurous side and can handle the challenge, we will trek to the upper falls from there, this portion IS NOT EASY. For those who cant make the second part you can stay at lower falls and admire nature. We will grab you on the way back down. The hike to the upper falls is about a mile and requires some climbing, but the pay off is amazing. It literally is my favorite of all the falls. The photo above is the Upper falls.

Plan to meet @ 10am at the Asheville Mall Parking lot (Sears). Once we have the group we can follow each other to the trail head (@ 20 minutes away). Be sure and bring water and something to snack on.

Friday, June 11, 2021
Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 11 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

Saturday, June 12, 2021
Local Cloth Open House
Jun 12 all-day
Local Cloth Community Space

It has been a decade-long dream for our local fiber advocacy group to independently steward our own space and now it’s happening! Join us on Saturday, June 12th from 10 am – 5pm for a day of celebration. There will have make and takes, demos, music and snacks. We invite you to stop in and reintroduce yourself.

Our new community-centered space will feature products from throughout our Blue Ridge Mountains fibershed (100 mile radius around Asheville) and bring attention to the rich offerings of our region’s designers, farmers, artists and makers. The new Local Cloth space will feature a classroom, studios, dye lab, and exhibit and retail space showcasing locally sourced items, to serve fiber artists, students, enthusiasts and the general public.

In addition to the new space, we recently launched an online marketplace, Shop Local Cloth, to support our mission to bring climate-benefitting fiber to our regions closets, gardens, and studios. We plan to expand our marketplace, with a dynamic store front in our new space, where members and passers by alike can see what our regional fiber community has to offer.

FREE EVENT! We can’t wait to see you there!

Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction
Jun 12 all-day
Online

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

“Super Shed Sale” at St. John in the Wilderness
Jun 12 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
St. John in the Wilderness

Together in Love Staying Connected Durin

A “Super Shed Sale” will be held Saturday, June 12 from 8am until
4pm at the shed behind the church office and Parish Hall of The Episcopal Church of St.
John in the Wilderness located at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.
The fundraiser features home and garden décor, kitchenware, sets of china, office
supplies, sports items, jewelry and art work.
The one day event is sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of St. John. Due to
COVID-19, The Bazaar of 2020 was an on-line multi-week event with great success,
however not all items were sold.  The “Super Shed Sale” prices are set to clear the shed
for spring cleaning.
All proceeds will support local charities.
"The women of St. John have provided different functions to raise money through the
years to assist those in need. The Super Shed Sale will definitely help in our endeavors.
Thank you so much for helping us help others," said co-organizer Linda Giltner.
Updated COVID-19 restrictions will be in place. Social distancing and mask wearing
are strongly recommended inside the shed.* Plenty of parking is available below the
shed.

Hendersonville 30th Annual Antique + Vintage Show
Jun 12 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Hendersonville