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.

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Sep 8 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Hawk Watch
Sep 8 all-day
Grandfather Mountain
A red-tailed hawk soaring over Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
Sep 8 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Zip line lights on the Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.

Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.

NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highlights

  • NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
  • Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
  • Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
  • The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.

What to Expect

Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.

Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
Sep 8 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Verner Experiential Garden Helpers
Sep 8 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Verner Center for Early Learning

Verner Center for Early Learning is a nonprofit agency providing high quality, affordable early care and education to children birth to five years of age throughout Buncombe County. The mission of Verner Center is to foster holistic learning environments where young children and families thrive. The organization embraces a philosophy that includes excellence in early childhood practices, diversity among children and families, and partnerships and collaboration with families and communities. This philosophy is demonstrated through provision of high quality education, family services, health and nutrition services, and professional development for teachers.

We are currently looking for compassionate volunteers to support our experiential garden.

Volunteer Opportunity Includes:

  • Pulling weeds
  • Cleaning out garden beds
  • Prepping new garden beds
  • Building small projects
  • Mowing
  • Weed eating
  • Laying mulch
  • Watering

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Respond to the shift
  • Comfortable working in various weather conditions
  • Comfortable bending, stooping, twisting
  • Ability to stand for 1-2 hours at a time
ArborEvenings
Sep 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Sep 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Friday, September 9, 2022
Asheville Youth Inline Hockey Registration
Sep 9 all-day
Carrier Park

Fall registration is open for Youth Inline Hockey played at Carrier Park. Learn to skate and play or jump in with the kids who can. Registration for new players ends 9/12. Goto website for details on our organization www.ashevilehockey.org

Free rental gear for first year players. (See website for details) $120 fee. 10-week session 1 practice – 1 game per week

Evaluations for players with experience is 9/7 at 6pm Carrier Park Hockey Rink. (Next to Basketball Courts)

A great community of hockey families at Carrier Park, come join the fun!

Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Sep 9 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Hawk Watch
Sep 9 all-day
Grandfather Mountain
A red-tailed hawk soaring over Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
Sep 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Zip line lights on the Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.

Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.

NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highlights

  • NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
  • Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
  • Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
  • The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.

What to Expect

Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2023 Adventure travel trips
Sep 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Adventure is what we do.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.

If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.

We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.

 

We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning.

Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
Sep 9 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Autumn of Oz
Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Land Of Oz

The Autumn at Oz Festival is the largest Oz festival in the world! A combination of your standard festival with arts & craft, handmade trinkets, memorabilia, & food vendors, it also includes a completely immersive theatrical experience where guests are engulfed into the classic story as you travel into the Gale Kansas Farm, through the tornado experience, and down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way, meet all of your favorite characters for photo opportunities, see many live performances, and shop for your favorite Wizard of Oz Memorabilia.

The park will be debuting several new components to its immersive walkthrough theatre experience at this year’s Autumn at Oz event including:
Brand new costumes for all main cast members curated by Project Runway Season 1 runner-up, Austin Scarlett.
A restoration of the original 1970s psychedelic artwork inside the interactive “Kansas Twister” scene.
8 enchanting performances along the Yellow Brick Road
The recently-developed Over The Rainbow overlook, showcasing a breathtaking 5-state view.
The refurbishing of one of the park’s original metal balloon set pieces which serves as the park’s only ride.

Guests can also anticipate:
Photos & autographs with characters
Extraordinary sets, including a hand-implemented poppy field, adorned with over 4,000 fake poppies
Live performances by veteran actors
Face painting
Food vendors
Merchandise

Friday Night Drum Circle
Sep 9 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Prichard Park

Visiting Asheville soon and looking for a fun way to fill your Friday night? The Asheville Drum Circle is a tradition unique to the area. While locals usually begin the beating of drums, tourists are welcome to join, dance, or simply take in the incredible atmosphere at any point.

If you’re looking for things to do in the area during your stay, this is a must! Here’s everything you should know about the Drum Circle.

The Asheville Drum Circle is a free event that’s open to all.

ArborEvenings
Sep 9 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

PATIO SHOW: Daydream Creatures
Sep 9 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

After their spaceship crash landed in Asheville, NC, the 5 members of the Daydream Creatures have been carving out multi-dimensional spaces from classic rock/prog sounds to highlight their vocal harmonies and effects since 2013. With a unique blend of alluring melodies and innovative song-crafting, Daydream Creatures often cross into the realm of murder ballads and mystery, dissonance and distruction, only to swoop back around, carrying listeners into sweet, sonic bliss.

To get a taste of the Daydream Creatures’ euphonious odyssey, you are cordially invited to follow the link below to their debut album, Qalupalik.

The Asheville Ballet presents Fall into Dance
Sep 9 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

“Fall Into Dance: An Artistic Harvest” is a gift to our community – a professional production of all original choreography by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company and North Carolina’s oldest ballet company, The Asheville Ballet, directed by Ann Dunn. Resident choreographers, including Ann Dunn, Fleming Lomax, Tricia Renshaw, Stephanie Wolfe, and Jaimon Caceres, present their exciting new work in a variety of styles, from classical to contemporary, on September 9 at 7:30pm at the Roger McGuire Green stage, Pack Square Park. Tickets are $15 and are available through Eventbrite. Bring a lawn chair and join us for an evening of dance in our beautiful city, under the stars! Image by Rose Pillmore.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asheville-ballet-presents-fall-into-dance-friday-september-9-tickets-400873903637

Join and share our Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/25fOz6Rzm

For more information, please visit www.ashevilleballet.com

Ann Dunn’s “Seen/Unseen” is a four movement contemporary duet based on sculptures by Black Mountain College artist, Leo Amino. The work is set to music by Washington D.C. composer, Erin Snedecor (cello, voice, and electronic), and is a collaboration with textile artist, Kristin Pondy.

Dunn’s “Betty” is a solo based on the movement images of Elizabeth Schmitt Jennerjahn taken at Black Mountain College, and on two pieces of her textile art. Again, the music and costume collaborations are with Snedecor and Pondy.

“Jet Lag” explores the rushed and quick paced nature of air travel. Destination – Paris, France. Stephanie Wolfe, in collaboration with dancers, plays with the quirky side of a stressful endeavor by using props and music from Frank Sinatra and Louie Armstrong. A happy ending awaits with a series of love stories set under the romantic lights of the Eiffel Tower.

“The Hats We Wear” is a new work by Fleming Lomax set to music of the ragtime era. This upbeat ballet is a four-part depiction of the many proverbial hats we wear in life and culminates with a rousing ensemble celebration of how we navigate and integrate these roles.

Tricia Renshaw’s “In Other Ways” is a non-narrative piece that explores how energy and relationships shift and change, but don’t necessarily end or dissolve.

Renshaw’s “Stay Young, Go Dancing” is an upbeat depiction of youthful joy and exuberance expressed in movement.

Jaimon Caceres has created a contemporary pointe work, titled “The Nature of Change”, set to Maurice Ravel’s beautiful “Une Barque sur L’Ocean”, that tells a story of three different people learning to surrender to the inevitable necessity of changes in life.

The Three Musketeers
Sep 9 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022

Saturday, September 10, 2022
Asheville Youth Inline Hockey Registration
Sep 10 all-day
Carrier Park

Fall registration is open for Youth Inline Hockey played at Carrier Park. Learn to skate and play or jump in with the kids who can. Registration for new players ends 9/12. Goto website for details on our organization www.ashevilehockey.org

Free rental gear for first year players. (See website for details) $120 fee. 10-week session 1 practice – 1 game per week

Evaluations for players with experience is 9/7 at 6pm Carrier Park Hockey Rink. (Next to Basketball Courts)

A great community of hockey families at Carrier Park, come join the fun!

Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Sep 10 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Hawk Watch
Sep 10 all-day
Grandfather Mountain
A red-tailed hawk soaring over Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.

LEAF Solid Gold 50th Festival: Legends of Africa
Sep 10 all-day
online w/ LEAF

 

Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.

“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.

Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.

In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design.  A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.

  • Sale!

    Festival Weekend PLUS Pass

    $175.00 – $203.00

    October 20-23, 2022 *Must be purchased by LEAF Member* Thursday 4:30pm to Sunday 7pm including overnight tent camping.

  • Sale!

    Festival Weekend Pass

    $135.00 – $159.00

    October 21-23, 2022 Fri 9am – Sun 7pm. Includes overnight camping

  • Sale!

    Festival Community Pass

    $95.00 – $105.00

    Fri 4:30pm – 2am, Sat 9am – 2am, Sun 9am – 7pm. No overnights / camping. No Thu. access. Must have alternate overnight accommodations nearby

  • Sale!

    Festival Saturday Pass

    $53.00 – $59.00

    Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. No overnight camping.

Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour
Sep 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Zip line lights on the Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.

Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.

NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highlights

  • NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
  • Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
  • Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
  • The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.

What to Expect

Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2023 Adventure travel trips
Sep 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Adventure is what we do.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.

If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.

We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.

 

We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning.

Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
Sep 10 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Jackson Park bird outing
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Jackson Park
Join EMAS and friends for a bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned Hendersonville birding location. We’ll meet in the Administration Building parking lot on Glover Street.
Jackson Park Bird Outing
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Jackson Park

Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street, and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park.

Ride On: Pedal Over to Parks + Recreation’s Bike Rodeo + Safety Day
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Training Facility

child's feet on pedals with graphics on screen

Buckle up your helmets and get ready to ride bikes! Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce our first annual Bike Rodeo & Safety Day on Saturday, Sept. 10. This fun, free family event is open to all ages and tailored to children and youth with lots of fun activities designed to set young riders up for safety. We’ll be serving up free hotdogs, and the first 100 children and youth ages 5–15 yrs. will receive a FREE bicycle helmet.

“We are so excited to host this event,” says Parks & Recreation’s Lynn Pegg. “Thanks to our community partners, we’ve got a super fun day lined up with activities and safety and maintenance tips that will help young riders pedal with confidence. Kids can bring their own bike or we will have a select few to borrow to ride the skills course.”

Marshall from Paw Patrol will be assisting the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators with Kid ID Kits and Fingerprints, and K9 Deputy Kora will stop by for a visit. Thanks to the Weaverville Fire Department there will be a huge Ladder Truck on site demonstrating a water feature, and you might even get wet. WNC Safe Kids will be there to share bike safety information, and kids will have the opportunity to learn bicycle maintenance tips with Daily Cycle AVL. We hope to see you there.

Junior Naturalist Day
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain
A child examining a puddle on top of Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for our new Conservation Campus! Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer. Included with admission.