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.

Monday, March 29, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 29 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Friday, April 2, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

Hike with Llamas
Apr 2 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Hike with a llama on our private trails and enjoy mountaintop views at Earthshine Lodge! All ages.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 2 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

French Broad/Arboretum MTS hike
Apr 2 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Bent Creek

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River. We leave for the hike no later than 9:10 a.m. and hike 2.5 miles on the MTS trail and back for a total 5 miles hike. We walk at a pretty swift pace (2.7 to 3 mph). Hike is designed for fitness and conversation. We don’t take a break until we reach the turn around point, then we stop for brief water break. We repeat this hike on Friday. Then move on with our regular rotation of hikes.

Hikers who are new to hiking will likely be more comfortable on another meet up hike designed for people who are just beginning hiking or trying to get into shape for hiking. You might consider “WNC Easy Hikers Group,” for instance.

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River off of Brevard Road. Coming from Asheville, go through the light at the arboretum intersection and you will see the parking area almost immediately on your left. We leave no later than 9:10 a.m. I think this is called the Brent Creek River Park.

Saturday, April 3, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 3 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 3 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

Hike with Llamas
Apr 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 3 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Paint Rock Conservation Forest Bath
Apr 3 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Paint Rock Farm

Are ready to connect to the healing energy of the forest??

Cera from Harmonize Your Health will guide you on a forest bathing meditation experience near Pisgah National Forest to dive deep into the heart of nature healing. As humans we evolved with the forest but a lot of us have lost a deep understanding of and connection to how it guides us on our healing journey.

Shinrin Yoku or translated Forest Bath is an ancient Japanese practice involving completely immersing yourself in the healing powers of nature.

Get your tickets today!

Sunday, April 4, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 4 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Apr 4 all-day
Online w/ LEAF

Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.

LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!

Monday, April 5, 2021
Nature Ninjas
Apr 5 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Love looking for critters and playing in the woods? Learn all sorts of wild and wacky nature facts as you explore the Earthshine trails with our nature expert, Mo. Be stealthy and you never know what you’ll find!
This is a family program and an adult is required to accompany children.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Wilderness Survival Family Program
Apr 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wonder what to do if you’re lost in the wild? Join one of our experienced instructors for a fun and adventurous jaunt through the wilderness where you’ll learn to build a debris shelter, collect and treat water, build a fire, and discuss the essentials to make sure you’re prepared any time you are headed out on a hike in the woods. This is a family program; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday, April 9, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 9 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Hike with Llamas
Apr 9 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 9 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Saturday, April 10, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 10 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Beginner “Photos by Phone” Photography Class
Apr 10 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join professional photographer Buddy Morrison for an interactive session on the basics of smartphone photography. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, you’re sure to take away some great skills from this three-hour class. This photographic odyssey will take you to various spots in the Park, so be prepared to do some moderate hiking.

Nature Hike+Art
Apr 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Earthshine Lodge is located on 76 acres of mountaintop property with some of the best views in Transylvania County. Take a guided hike on Earthshine’s trails and learn all sorts of wild and wacky nature facts. When we’re done with hiking, we’ll head to a “secret spot” to create fun art projects out of natural objects, like fairy and gnome houses and rhododendron crowns! This is a family program; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 10 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Hike with Llamas
Apr 10 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Sunday, April 11, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 11 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Porters Creek
Apr 13 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Porters Creek 7.4 miles | Moderate Wildflowers, Cascades

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Friday, April 16, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 16 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
NC Science Festival’s Star Party!
Apr 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Cane Creek Pool

The Perfect Turkey

Join Buncombe County Public Libraries, Buncombe County Recreation Services, and the Asheville Museum of Science for the NC Science Festival’s main event, the Star Party! We’ll be hosting a socially distanced, outdoor event for all ages at Cane Creek Pool on Friday, April 16. The program starts with a very special space-themed story time with songs, dance, and puppets at 6 PM. Story time will be followed by a short intermission, and then families are invited to join AMOS astronomer Hary Lazich for a presentation about the night sky.
This program will be held outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, our rain date is the following evening, Saturday, April 17.

Capacity is limited for this free event, and registration is required.

For the safety of staff, presenters, and attendees, we will be enforcing safety precautions for the duration of the program. As part of the registration process, attendees will sign a waiver indicating they understand that all members of their party will wear a mask and stay in their designated circles in the grass. You are welcome to bring blankets or chairs to make your circle extra comfortable!

Saturday, April 17, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 17 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflowers Walk
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

What’s better than wildflowers to mark the beginning of spring?  Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive as wildflowers emerge.  Grab your camera and join a Park naturalist on this moderate hike. The journey will take you along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and down the Four Seasons Trail, but you won’t have to hike back to the top lot.  Transportation will be provided.

LitCafe Experiences: History Hike w the RAIL Project
Apr 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ridgecrest Trailhead

This is one special hike you do not want to miss!

After reading and discussing John Ehle’s work of historical fiction The Road, join WNCHA for a special hike exploring the real history of the incarcerated laborers who toiled and often died constructing the Western NC Railroad. We are joined by a special guest presenter, member of the RAIL Project committee and mayor of Marion, Steve Little.

  • We will add a second hike Sunday, April 18 at 1pm should there be enough demand.

Where: We will meet at the Ridgecrest Trailhead (Mill Creek Road, Old Fort, NC 28762) near the Ridgecrest Conference Center. Our hike takes place on the Point Lookout Greenway, a paved trail following the route of former U.S Hwy 70.

Length: 2.5 Hours

Distance: 2 Miles

Details: We will hike just over one mile downhill to Point Lookout, and to the High Ridge and Lick Lock tunnels below. We will stop briefly at various points, and discuss along the way the history of the railroad and road construction and the incarcerated laborers who completed the project. We will walk back uphill to the trailhead afterward.

Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing for changing conditions, plenty of water (24+ ounces), a cell phone, sunscreen, snacks as desired