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 24, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 24 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

City Dance
Sep 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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

ArborEvenings
Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Friday, September 25, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 25 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Grandfather Mountain
Sep 25 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

ArborEvenings
Sep 25 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Saturday, September 26, 2020
Buncombe County Parks Playgrounds Open with New Guidance
Sep 26 all-day
Buncombe County Parks

Hiker with camera on a log

Playground openings.

Some areas remain closed including restrooms and picnic shelters. Paddle boat, water trike, and Jon boat rentals will not be available until further notice.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Parks are open spaces to exercise for no or little cost, places for hurried individuals to reconnect with nature, and community areas to connect with neighbors and preserve culture. While these facilities and areas can offer mental and physical health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Guidance for Park Visitors

  • Remember that ongoing community spread of COVID-19 continues. Practice the three Ws:
    • Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when you go out or are around others.
    • Wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with others who do not live in your household.
    • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. No restrooms or water fountains are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons.
  • Playgrounds are subject to regular cleaning, but the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when kids touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Picnic shelters remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.
Flat Rock Playhouse: Dave Hart Scholarship Fund
Sep 26 all-day
Online

Dave’s family is proud and honored to create the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund in honor of his dedication to, and passion for the students and families he served and adored. The funds will be used to support full and partial scholarships for Studio 52 students beginning this fall. You can click below to donate or you can mail your donation to PO Box 310, Flat Rock, NC. 28731. Please include Dave Hart Scholarship in memo-line / letter.

Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 26 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Grandfather Mountain
Sep 26 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

12th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join us for one of Western North Carolina’s most popular annual events, Flock to the Rock.  This event will have fun, family-friendly birding activities. Check back for more details to come!

50th Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 26 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

September 26 brings scouts, sashes and badges to Grandfather Mountain, as Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities, presentations and a closing ceremony. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.

For more information, email [email protected], or call 828-733-4326. This event will be held rain or shine.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Sep 26 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

ArborEvenings
Sep 26 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Sunday, September 27, 2020
Buncombe County Parks Playgrounds Open with New Guidance
Sep 27 all-day
Buncombe County Parks

Hiker with camera on a log

Playground openings.

Some areas remain closed including restrooms and picnic shelters. Paddle boat, water trike, and Jon boat rentals will not be available until further notice.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Parks are open spaces to exercise for no or little cost, places for hurried individuals to reconnect with nature, and community areas to connect with neighbors and preserve culture. While these facilities and areas can offer mental and physical health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Guidance for Park Visitors

  • Remember that ongoing community spread of COVID-19 continues. Practice the three Ws:
    • Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when you go out or are around others.
    • Wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with others who do not live in your household.
    • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. No restrooms or water fountains are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons.
  • Playgrounds are subject to regular cleaning, but the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when kids touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Picnic shelters remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.
Flat Rock Playhouse: Dave Hart Scholarship Fund
Sep 27 all-day
Online

Dave’s family is proud and honored to create the Dave Hart Scholarship Fund in honor of his dedication to, and passion for the students and families he served and adored. The funds will be used to support full and partial scholarships for Studio 52 students beginning this fall. You can click below to donate or you can mail your donation to PO Box 310, Flat Rock, NC. 28731. Please include Dave Hart Scholarship in memo-line / letter.

Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 27 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Sep 27 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

“Empty Bowls” Flat Rock Backpack Program RESCHEDEULED
Sep 27 @ 12:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness
Due to current public health concerns with COVID-19, the fourth annual “Empty
Bowls” fundraiser has once again been postponed and with a different format. The fundraiser
was originally set for March 29, and then pushed back to September 27, 2020. Now organizers
have decided to honor only current ticket holders to an event on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
There will be no food or beverages served or any further ticket sales. Original ticket purchasers
will be contacted to pick up a hand-crafted bowl made by a local pottery artist at The Episcopal
Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
The traditional Empty Bowls event plans to return in the future.
For more information please call 828-693-9783.
For the fourth year, local pottery artists are firing their kilns to help hungry
children in the greater Flat Rock area.
EMPTY BOWLS, a community meal benefitting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish
Hall at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
There are three seatings with suggested reservations, 12:30pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Tickets are $25 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12 years old.
Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal
(a variety of soups, breads and desserts).
Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 2 at St. John in the Wilderness Parish House Office, from Backpack team members or at the door on the day of the event.
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the
year.
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 1 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Friday, October 2, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 2 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Saturday, October 3, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 3 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Naturalist Niche: Fall Birding Walk
Oct 3 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock Park
Advance registration required. Includes Park admission.

Fall bird migration is an active time in the North Carolina mountains. It is here that migratory birds are preparing to journey south to their wintering grounds in the Southeastern U.S., Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This makes Chimney Rock a great hotspot to catch a glimpse of a lot of northern birds before their mass, seasonal exodus. Join a local birding expert during this two-hour excursion to locate and identify some of these “snowbirds”.

Stream Monitoring Information Exchange (SMIE) Training
Oct 3 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Environmental Quality Institute (Virtually)

Virtual Zoom lab session in the morning and socially distanced stream side demonstration at the Big Ivy River in the afternoon!

Have fun sampling local streams for water quality! This regional effort trains adults (17+) in water quality monitoring methods. Topics covered include: basic stream ecology, how to report water quality problems, aquatic insect identification, and field sampling skills. No experience necessary. Donations accepted to defray materials cost (not required for participation).
After training, volunteers work in small groups with a Group Leader to sample sites in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, and Mitchell counties in the spring and fall each year. Fall Sampling Start Date TBA!

RSVP required: [email protected] or 828-333-0392
EQI website: eqilab.org

Community Garden Workday
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 3 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

“Empty Bowls” Flat Rock Backpack Program RESCHEDEULED
Oct 3 @ 12:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness
Due to current public health concerns with COVID-19, the fourth annual “Empty
Bowls” fundraiser has once again been postponed and with a different format. The fundraiser
was originally set for March 29, and then pushed back to September 27, 2020. Now organizers
have decided to honor only current ticket holders to an event on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
There will be no food or beverages served or any further ticket sales. Original ticket purchasers
will be contacted to pick up a hand-crafted bowl made by a local pottery artist at The Episcopal
Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
The traditional Empty Bowls event plans to return in the future.
For more information please call 828-693-9783.
For the fourth year, local pottery artists are firing their kilns to help hungry
children in the greater Flat Rock area.
EMPTY BOWLS, a community meal benefitting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish
Hall at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
There are three seatings with suggested reservations, 12:30pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Tickets are $25 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12 years old.
Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal
(a variety of soups, breads and desserts).
Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 2 at St. John in the Wilderness Parish House Office, from Backpack team members or at the door on the day of the event.
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the
year.
The Fall Color Ramble
Oct 3 @ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 3-11, guests can enjoy 20-minute guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors.

Sunday, October 4, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 4 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 4 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.