Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Ages 13-18
Mar 23-May 11 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

In this class designed for beginners to intermediate performers, students will develop and hone their acting techniques. They’ll work on short scenes, monologues and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class gives students the confidence to shine on stage and off – even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a  showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Register Now!

Ages 12+
Mar 23-May 11 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

Tech Week: May 15-18 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, May 20 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 PM

What goes on behind the curtain? In our Tech Youth Production Classes, students learn and experience technical theatre and backstage work, including: safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by running all technical and backstage roles during the Youth performances of Bright Star Young Performers Edition, a musical tale of love and redemption inspired by real events and set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Register Now!

Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.

“A glorious celebration of everything you love about the show.” – The Guardian

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

No need to shake off your jammies! Take the morning off and join friends for games, prizes, and breakfast at this pajama party.

Little Shredders

In May the Asheville Symphony will once again present their annual Mozart festival, Asheville Amadeus. The Library will host three kindermusik events at Pack Library, West Asheville and Skyland Libraries in conjunction with the Asheville Amadeus Festival.

Kindermusik educator, Yvette Odell, will present Circle ‘Round the Music for kids, a music and movement program for preschool age children. “Ms. Yvette” — as she is known to many young children in the Asheville area — will introduce a live string quartet at each informal event, a special opportunity for very young children to get an up-close experience with music-making. Ms. Yvette will lead families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers in singing and dancing along with the string quartet.

These events are free and no sign up is required. This program is presented by Weetunes, an education program of the Asheville Symphony, and Buncombe County Public Libraries. Recommended for ages birth to five.

Chloe Kemp is an award-winning, best-selling author and intuitive shamanic energy healer. Her inspirational teaching memoir, Wisdom Keeper: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, has won multiple awards, including GOLD WINNER: Memoir by a Female—2022 Living Now Book Awards—Books for Better Living.

Chloe’s intuitive shamanic energy healing sessions last approximately 1-1/2 hours. Available appointments begin at 11 am. She prefers to only do one session per day. Chloe lives in Mexico and will only be offering in-person healing sessions in Asheville on May 6 – May 12.

Once you book your session, Chloe will give you information on how to prepare for it. https://www.chloekempwisdomkeeper.com/healing

HEALING TESTIMONIES

“I can honestly say my life has changed for the better in a blink of an eye. I can not begin to express how grateful I am to you for giving me the tools I’ve been looking for my whole life. My session with you was amazing!”—P.S., San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

You are a true healer. I always feel blessed to be in your presence; you continually remind me of the Divine. I definitely felt a shift during and after our session and there’s no doubt it had something to do with the positive results I received at my doctor’s appointment. Every little touch — from the music, crystals, rattle, feather, and even the cards for affirmations afterwards — created such a safe and sacred place for me. You are a beacon of light and love.”—K.M., USA

“The intense healing I received from Chloe helped to open me up to past life traumas and grief and to clear karma so that my current life can progress without continuing to carry burdens from the past. I feel lighter and free to better continue this life’s journey as a Lightworker. I felt surrounded by a healing golden light. In the days and nights after, I experienced vivid dreams and visions that helped to process past grief and prepare me for the work that is to come. I highly recommend this healing experience for anyone — especially all Lightworkers, Star Seeds and Indigos.”—C.P., Registered Nurse, USA

“Wow! Your ability to tap into my past life and clear the stabbing wound literally feels like you removed a knife from my stomach! I feel like I just had an amazing, empowering energy transformation. Thank you for providing a relaxing and safe environment for my energy soul healing. I am amazed that you could channel such powerful energy. I feel like I can now understand and move past my karmic struggle in that lifetime.” —A.J. USA

In May the Asheville Symphony will once again present their annual Mozart festival, Asheville Amadeus. The Library will host three kindermusik events at Pack Library, West Asheville and Skyland Libraries in conjunction with the Asheville Amadeus Festival.

Kindermusik educator, Yvette Odell, will present Circle ‘Round the Music for kids, a music and movement program for preschool age children. “Ms. Yvette” — as she is known to many young children in the Asheville area — will introduce a live string quartet at each informal event, a special opportunity for very young children to get an up-close experience with music-making. Ms. Yvette will lead families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers in singing and dancing along with the string quartet.

These events are free and no sign up is required. This program is presented by Weetunes, an education program of the Asheville Symphony, and Buncombe County Public Libraries. Recommended for ages birth to five.

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

We are delighted to announce that we have received numerous outstanding submissions for our Voices of the River contest this year. We are excited to showcase these submissions at a Gallery Event on May 12 from 4-7pm at Black Wall Street AVL. Winners of the contest will be contacted before the event and invited to join us at the gallery to collect their prizes. We have partnered with some fantastic local businesses this year, who have generously donated prizes to support the contest. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following businesses for their contributions: Friends of the WNC Nature Center, ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters), NC Arboretum, No Taste Like Home, Sparky’s Toys, The Hop Ice Cream, and Zen Tubing.

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

This production is done by our Elementary School Community students in 1st-5th Grade. For more information on the Youth Community Theatre program, please visit our website.

A summer tradition returns to Pack Square Park, the popular FREE Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation.

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️ May 12 – DC League of Super-Pets, begins around 8:10pm
📽️ June 9 – Cruella, begins around 8:30pm
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.