Calendar of Events
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.
Have you ever wanted to put your inner-survivalist to the test? This workshop will engage participants by showing them how to handle the “what-ifs” in the outdoors.
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Find adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains! Try one of our two whitewater rafting trips on the Pigeon River, conveniently located near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, and Maggie Valley.
Raft the Upper Pigeon for a full dose of excitement with a dozen Class III and IV rapids, or if gentle rapids and swimming holes are more your speed, float the Lower Pigeon – ideal for families and groups with young children.
Save $10 per person on the Upper or Lower Pigeon! Use code: PIGEON10 at checkout. |
During this Adult Field Course, receive an overview of salamander diversity in the southern Appalachians with a particular focus of species at Grandfather Mountain. Due to the unique ecological zones at Grandfather Mountain, there is an amazing diversity of salamanders and is home to the type locality of two endemic species (Plethodon welleri and Desmognathus marmoratus). Participants are encouraged to bring questions regarding amphibians to discuss. Participants also take part in a salamander survey on Grandfather to understand how diversity is assessed in the field. Participants will also gain experience in field identification of the local salamander communities.
The southern Appalachians are a biodiversity hotspot for many organisms (e.g., lichens, wildflowers, land snails, salamanders, etc.). One such diverse group is lungless salamanders of the family Plethodontidae with over 67 species found in the southern Appalachians. Recent research suggests that many Plethodon salamanders are limited to higher elevations due to climatic factors and cannot disperse across unhospitable lowland habitats. Therefore, baseline data on salamander populations is needed to assess conservation status and deployment of management strategies.
Instructor Jon Davenport is an assistant professor of Biology at Appalachian State University in Boone. Jon grew up in Sevierville, TN, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where he developed his passion for the outdoors. Jon’s research focuses on the ecology and management of amphibians and reptiles. He has published peer-reviewed papers on those topics and works closely with state agencies and non-profits to promote conservation.
Program Itinerary | Salamanders: Why Grandfather Mountain is a Hotspot for Biodiversity
10:00 a.m.: Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Lecture in the classroom
12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch Break (bring your own or can be purchased at Mildred’s Grill
12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Outdoor discover and salamander survey
3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: Questions and wrap up
What to Bring?
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. We recommend bringing a daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc. Plus, a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen and hiking boots.
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Registration opens here June 24. Purchase tickets below. Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program. It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. Limited to 15 participants.
Refunds/Cancelations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff. Refunds will be granted to these individuals.
About Adult Field Courses
Grandfather Mountain’s Adult Field Courses offer participants the chance to explore the mountain like never before. Students examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through fun, hands-on field excursions. Course leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians and artists.
Since 2008, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain.
Join Asheville GreenWorks for a cleanup of the Swannanoa River. Come to this fun and challenging section ready to remove large items, tires, and other trash from this waterway. Volunteers must be 13+ years old for this cleanup.
Please be prepared by dressing appropriately: bathing suits, shorts, quick dry clothing, river shoes or old sneakers. NO flip flops, slides, or heavy clothing like jeans. Bring sun protection and water. All other supplies and gear including boats, life vests, gloves, and trash bags will be provided.
Need to know
Meet in the grassy field past John B Lewis soccer complex (see attachment). Look for a GreenWorks representative to direct you for parking. We will shuttle from here to the put in, and work downstream to finish back at parked vehicles.
New changes are on the horizon, as we usher in a new era of LEAF awesomeness. This summer, we’re relocating LEAF Downtown to an inspiring NEW outdoor venue, The Grey Eagle’s newest venue “The Outpost” at 521 Amboy Road. This new riverside venue will come alive with entertainment on Saturday, August 20th, with an entire day dedicated to our youth, family and community in an event dubbed: LEAF Down By The River!
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
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
Just west of Asheville, you’ll find some hidden gems buried in the small mountain towns of WNC. From local breweries with unique and tasty pours, to creative artisans and quality craftspeople, these folks help make Western North Carolina as unique as the rivers that flow here.
Join us for a celebration of local breweries, music, and food! You’ll taste beers from over six local breweries, shop artisans and craftspeople, and enjoy sweet sounds from local bands and musicians, all in one magical place we call the Nantahala Gorge.
Come for the views and stay for the brews! Purchase a beer tasting ticket for only $25 or combine it with a morning rafting trip for only $79, for a savings of 15%!
- Rafting Package Trips- 9-11:30 (select ticket & time)
- 1-5 PM Beer Tastings
- 1-5 PM Artisan Vendor Village
- 1-4 PM Live Music – to be announced
- 5-8 PM Live Music – Beer & Loathing
All attendees will receive a souvenir taster cup and lanyard.
You must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, but families are welcome to attend! Kid’s activities like treetop nets, Z-lap adventure park, and all our other adventures, restaurants, and lodging are open for business!
Live music returns to the Old Rock Cafe with our new music series: Playing for our Partners. Come enjoy an evening of good food and good music on the deck overlooking the Rocky Broad River and support a good cause, too. A percentage of proceeds from each event in the series will benefit one of our local non-profit partners. The August event will feature musician Mike Pauer and support Conserving Carolina.
*This event is at the Old Rock Cafe, not inside the Park*
Super 60s performs a free concert at Firehouse Subs in Hendersonville. Classic cars will be on display from the Carolina Mountain Car Club. Free line-dance classes from Betty Busch from 5:30-6:30pm. Concert to follow from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note: no smoking, coolers or pets.
Summer 2022 Concert Schedule:
May 14 | Super 60s
May 28 | 3 Cool Cats
June 11 | Super 60s
June 25 | Fine Line
July 9 | Deano & The Dreamers
July 23 | Fine Line
August 6 | Sound Investment
August 20 | Fine Line
August 27 | 3 Cool Cats
September 10 | Deano & The Dreamers
September 24 | 3 Cool Cats
October 8 | Sound Investment
October 15 | Super 60s (Halloween event)
Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Presented by Béla Fleck, who is likely the most influential banjo player ever, the Third Annual Blue Ridge Banjo Camp is lead by Béla and teamed with accomplished instructors Tony Trischka, Kristen Scott Benson, Ryan Cavanaugh and Adam Larrabee all virtuosos in their respective styles. All the instructors will join Béla along with other special guests that include other virtuosos for this unique concert displaying the wondrous diversity of the Banjo. Presented in partnership with Brevard Music Center and Mountain Song Productions.
A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.
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.
Top photographers gather at Grandfather Mountain to present on the nuts and bolts of making good photographs. This event is free to working members of the press, with an additional cost for non-press professionals and amateurs. Online registration begins July 20.
Acorns’ Annual Season of Trunk Shows highlights the talented creators of fine art, designer jewelry, and home goods.
Using lace and quality porcelain clay, Michael Hofman studios craft pieces with a defined elegance and lightness, with profound structural integrity. The glazes made in-house, dress each piece in a cornucopia of colors. Each piece is crafted to become a distinctive object without equal. The studio is based in Asheville, NC.
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.
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.
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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!
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?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
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Find adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains! Try one of our two whitewater rafting trips on the Pigeon River, conveniently located near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, and Maggie Valley.
Raft the Upper Pigeon for a full dose of excitement with a dozen Class III and IV rapids, or if gentle rapids and swimming holes are more your speed, float the Lower Pigeon – ideal for families and groups with young children.
Save $10 per person on the Upper or Lower Pigeon! Use code: PIGEON10 at checkout. |
Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.
Every other Sunday we will enjoy biking together on designated paths around the Asheville area. Our journeys will end with a visit to a local hostelry where we will imbibe and converse with kindness and goodwill. Bring water and an open heart. Diversity is encouraged.
A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.
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.
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!
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?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.