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, March 19, 2022
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 19 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 19 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Sunday, March 20, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 20 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 20 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 20 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Monday, March 21, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 21 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 21 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 21 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 22 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 22 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 22 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

TICKETED: A Virtual Night for Book Lovers with Amy Ryan and John Searles
Mar 22 @ 6:30 pm
online
Image shows a blue and yellow background with the text: You’re Invited: A Night for Book Lovers with Amy Ryan and John Searles. With the text are photos of the front cover of Searles’s book HER LAST AFFAIR and of Amy Ryan and John Searles.

Order your copy of HER LAST AFFAIR below and you’ll receive a special code to virtually attend this live event at New York City’s Symphony Space!

You’ll also receive a signed bookplate and, if you’re in Asheville, you can pick up some popcorn (while supplies last).

A NIGHT FOR BOOKLOVERS! AMY RYAN, JOHN SEARLES & HER LAST AFFAIR

Academy Award-nominated actress, Amy Ryan, joins in what promises to be a fun and insightful conversation with New York Times bestselling author, John Searles. The evening is a celebration of the release of his much anticipated, genre-bending, new novel Her Last Affair, published by Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishersHer Last Affair has been praised by critics as “a tense, intricately woven tale of heartbreak, retribution and redemption” (Publishers Weekly) and “a twisted thriller that explores despair and loneliness with cinematic flair.” (Kirkus). Amy Ryan starred in the film adaptation of Searles’s critically-acclaimed novel, Strange But True, currently streaming on HBO Max. The evening’s ticket price includes a signed copy of Her Last Affair.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, John Searles, is the author of HER LAST AFFAIR, to be published by Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers on March 22, 2022. Praised as “a twisted thriller that explores loneliness and despair with cinematic flair…” (Kirkus) and “a tense, intricately woven tale of heartbreak, retribution and redemption,” (Publishers Weekly) HER LAST AFFAIR is a genre-bending read that tells the story of three seemingly separate, desperate characters, each of whom “makes a date” with a significant person from their past…to deadly effect. John’s previous novels— HELP FOR THE HAUNTED, STRANGE BUT TRUE, BOY STILL MISSING—have been voted best of the year or top picks by Boston GlobeEntertainment WeeklySalon and the American Library Association. He has written for written for the New York Times and Washington Post as well as appearing frequently on NBC’s Today show and CBS This Morning to discuss his favorite book selections.

Academy Award-nominated actress, Amy Ryan, is well-known for her work on the big and small screen alike, as well as her Tony-nominated work on stage. Ryan recently wrapped a starring role opposite Joaquin Phoenix in writer/director Ari Aster’s DISAPPOINTMENT BLVD for A24. She was last seen starring opposite Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in Hulu’s ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Some notable film credits include: WORTH, BIRDMAN, CLEAR HISTORY (all with Michael Keaton), LOST GIRLS, LATE NIGHT, STRANGE BUT TRUE, GONE BABY GONE, BRIDGE OF SPIES, WIN WIN, JACK GOES BOATING, CAPOTE, GREEN ZONE, BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, and KEANE Television credits include: THE WIRE, THE OFFICE, IN TREATMENT. BROAD CITY and HIGH MAINTENANCE. Her work onstage earned two Tony nominations for A Streetcar Named Desire and Uncle Vanya and an OBIE award for her performance in LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 – 6:30pm
Event address:
Virtual Event
Her Last Affair: A Novel Cover Image
$27.99
ISBN: 9780060779658
Availability: Coming Soon – Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Mariner Books – March 22nd, 2022
Common Word Community Read: Documentary Screening of America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experiment
Mar 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
OLLI Reuter Center Rm. 102

The Common Word Community Read, curated by New York Times bestselling author and fellow UNC Asheville alumnus, Wiley Cash ’00, brings the UNC Asheville community together to engage in a collective educational experience. Each semester, one book will serve as the focus of numerous virtual and in-person lectures and discussions that will allow participants to delve deeper into the text. Over the course of the academic year, participants will read one book each semester, gaining insights and sharing ideas in a welcoming and respectful environment. Learn more and pick up your copy of the spring 2022 community read selection: “The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home” by Denise Kiernan.

The Emmy Award-winning film America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experiment tells the story of how Carl Schenck, a German forester, came to America in 1895 to manage the forests at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Schenck not only helped restore the land there, but he also established the country’s first forestry school and helped launch the American conservation movement.

For more information, visit: giving.unca.edu/alumni/the-common-word-community-read/

This event is the second of three events for the Spring 2022 Common Word Community Read series. Additional events include a talk with Dan Pierce, professor of history, “What George Vanderbilt Saw: Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains in 1887 – 88” (February 8), and a visit from Denise Kiernan, author of “The Last Castle”, in conversation with Wiley Cash (April 26).

Community Expectations
As members of this community, we care about everyone. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors have a shared commitment to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 while following all recommended health guidelines. Please see UNC Asheville’s Community Expectations. Masks are required of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.


Accessibility

Find accessibility information for campus buildings at maps.unca.edu. For accessibility questions or to request event accommodations, please contact [email protected] or 828.250.3832.

Visitor Parking

Visitors must have a permit to park on campus — please visit the Transportation website to register.

First Baptist Church of Asheville presents Jeff Chu with Wholehearted Faith
Mar 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

First Baptist Church of Asheville logo

CFL Speaker Event: Wholehearted Faith with Jeff Chu

Register for this free event HERE by Tuesday, March 1.

 

Books will be available for purchase from Malaprop’s at the event.

Rachel Held Evans is widely recognized for her theologically astute, profoundly honest, and beautifully personal books, which have guided, instructed, edified, and shaped Christians as they seek to live out a just and loving faith. At the time of her tragic death in 2019, Rachel was working on a new book about wholeheartedness.

With the help of her close friend and author Jeff Chu, that work-in-progress has been woven together with some of her other unpublished writings into a rich collection of essays that ask candid questions about the stories we’ve been told—and the stories we tell—about our faith, our selves, and our world. Several groups within the church will be reading and reflecting on this book. We will have a Wednesday evening group to discuss God’s grace and love and explore our questions about beauty, becoming, and belonging.

First Baptist Church’s Center for Faith and Life is also hosting a Wholehearted Faith Book Study on Wednesdays, February 9 through 23 at 6:00 p.m.
More information here or contact First Baptist Church at (828) 252-4781.

Event date:
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 – 7:00pm
Event address:
First Baptist Church of Asheville
5 Oak Street
AshevilleNC 28801
Wholehearted Faith Cover Image
$26.99
ISBN: 9780062894472
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperOne – November 2nd, 2021
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 23 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 23 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 23 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Live Stream: Luke Manget presents Ginseng Diggers in conversation with Daniel S. Pierce
Mar 23 @ 6:00 pm
online
Image shows a lime green border around a lighter green box containing the text: Luke Manget presents Ginseng Diggers in conversation with Daniel S. Pierce. Next to the text are photos of the authors and the front cover of the book.Virtual. Wednesday, March 23, 2022. 6 PM ET.

This event is a free event, but registration is required.  Click here to register. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

If you decide to attend and purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


The harvesting of wild American ginseng ( panax quinquefolium), the gnarled, aromatic herb known for its therapeutic and healing properties, is deeply rooted in North America, but nowhere has it played a more important role than in the southern and central Appalachian Mountains. Made possible by a trans-Pacific trade network that connected the region to East Asian markets, ginseng was but one of several medicinal Appalachian plants that entered international webs of exchange. As the production of patent medicines and botanical pharmaceutical products escalated in the mid- to late-nineteenth century, southern Appalachia emerged as the United States’ most prolific supplier of many species of medicinal plants. The region achieved this distinction due to both its biodiversity and the persistence of certain common rights that guaranteed widespread access to the forested mountainsides, regardless of who owned the land.

Following the Civil War, root digging and herb gathering became one of the most important ways landless and smallholding families earned income from the forest commons. This boom influenced class relations, gender roles, forest use, and outside perceptions of Appalachia, and it began a widespread renegotiation of common rights that eventually curtailed access to some plants such as ginseng.

Based on extensive research into the business records of mountain entrepreneurs, country stores, and pharmaceutical companies, Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia is the first book to unearth the unique relationship between the Appalachian region and the global trade in medicinal plants. Historian Luke Manget expands our understanding of the gathering commons by exploring how and why Appalachia became the nation’s premier purveyor of botanical drugs in the late nineteenth century and how the trade influenced the way human residents of the region interacted with each other and with the forests around them.

 

Luke Manget is an assistant professor of history at Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia. He is a contributor in Southern Communities: Identity, Conflict, and Memory in the Nineteenth-Century American South, edited by Steven E. Nash and Bruce E. Stewart.

Daniel S. Pierce is professor of history at the University of North Carolina Asheville. His books includeTar Heel Lightnin’: How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World, Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay, and Big Bill France, and Corn from a Jar: Moonshining in the Great Smoky Mountains.

virtual event
Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia Cover Image
$27.95
ISBN: 9780813183817
Availability: Coming Soon – Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: University Press of Kentucky – March 8th, 2022
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 24 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 24 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 24 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Live Stream: Neal Thompson presents The First Kennedys in conversation with Denise Kiernan
Mar 24 @ 6:30 pm
online
Image shows an orange border around a box containing the text: Neal Thompson presents The First Kennedys in conversation with Denise Kiernan. Next to the text are photos of  the authors and the front cover of the book. Virtual. Thursday, March. 24, 2022. 6 PM ET.

This event is a free event, but registration is required.  Click here to register. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

If you decide to attend and purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


The inspiring, little-known story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America. Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first‑ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story.

Neal Thompson is a journalist and the author of five highly acclaimed books, including A Curious ManDriving with the Devil, and the memoir Kickflip Boys. A former newspaper reporter, he has written for the New York Times, the Washington PostEsquireOutsideMen’s HealthVanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal and more. Neal has appeared on NPR, PBS, The Daily Show, CNN, Fox, TNT, The History Channel, and ESPN. He lives in Seattle with his family.

Denise Kiernan is an author, journalist, producer, and host of “CRAFT: Authors in Conversation.” Her latest book, We Gather Together, arrived winter 2020. Her last book, The Last Castle (Sept., 2017), was an instant New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback and was also a Wall Street Journal bestseller. She is also the author of The Girls of Atomic City, which is a New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and NPR bestseller and has been published in multiple languages. She lives in North Carolina.

City Dance
Mar 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, March 25, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 25 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 25 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 25 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Saturday, March 26, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 26 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Mar 26 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

A fleet of new paddle boats are ready to hit the water.

Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”

Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Mar 26 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new  exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).

The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.

Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and  illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.

The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.

 

 

 

Thanks FLO:  Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.

 

Sunday, March 27, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 27 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger