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.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 16 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 16 @ 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 16 @ 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 16 @ 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.

 

Thursday, March 17, 2022
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 17 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 17 @ 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 17 @ 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 17 @ 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.

 

Friday, March 18, 2022
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 18 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 18 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

Movement + Mobility Workout
Mar 18 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Carrier Park
Join the tribe for some movement and mobility work. Trainer Preston will give you a good workout and then open up your muscles.

		Movement & Mobility Workout image

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Family for a 30 minute MIX workout & 30 min Mobility. You will get amazing personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready for a full body workout for all fitness levels, so you can go at your own pace. No matter where you are currently at with your fitness level Trainer Preston will make sure you get a wonderful workout. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 18 @ 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 18 @ 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 18 @ 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.

 

The Vagina Monologues – Benefit Performance for Helpmate
Mar 18 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

One night only, local actors and advocates will be on stage sharing real stories from real women. You will laugh and maybe cry, always entertaining. This show is for everyone who has a women in their life they care about. All proceeds benefit Helpmate, Buncombe Counties Domestic Violence Support Agency.

Asheville for Peace, Asheville for Ukraine Benefit Concert
Mar 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Asheville for Peace, Asheville for Ukraine Benefit Concert

The Grey Eagle and Andrew Scotchie present a benefit show to raise funds for those in need in the war-torn Ukraine. All ages, 8pm show.

Perhaps one of Asheville’s greatest gifts to the world is its eclectic music community and the compassion of its members. Local artist Andrew Scotchie and The Grey Eagle have teamed up to create a night of music that advocates for peace and relief for those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Proceeds from the show will help the Ukraine Red Cross, UNICEF, and International Medical Corps as they actively support people within Ukraine and refugees fleeing the war-torn nation.

Featuring performances from: Andrew Scotchie & Logan Fritz, Travers Brothers, Lo Wolk, Hunter Begley, Ashley Heath, Rhoda Weaver, Los Gatos Acoustic, Dave Desmelik, Ian Harrod, Alex Bradley, JP Furnas, and many more!

What organization(s) the door donations will benefit: Ukraine Red Cross, Unicef, and International Medical Corps

CLICK HERE for 22 ways to help Ukraine (via Global Citizen)

 

Saturday, March 19, 2022
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 19 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 19 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
Mar 19 @ 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 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
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 20 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 20 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

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
Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 21 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

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.