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.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
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.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Spring Volunteer Events
We are thrilled to be partnering with Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department to host litter cleanups in the Southside Community, once per month in April and May. Last month’s cleanup along Oakland Road resulted in a huge collection of trash! Please join us as we continue to tidy up the streets of the Southside Community.
Work days are scheduled for April 23 and May 28. For each, we will meet at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801) at 10:00 AM, working until around 12:00 PM.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
- May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.
The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”
Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”
Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.
Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!
– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca
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
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.
Are you ready to get your camp on? Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a Campout at Lake Julian Park on Saturday, June 25. This annual event is part of the Great American Campout and is a great way for families, friends, and youth groups to come together and connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars. “There is no better way to inspire a lifelong appreciation of and relationship with nature than to spend a night outdoors beneath the stars,” says Recreation Services’ Mac Stanley. “Camping is traditionally part of the summertime experience for many families but can get overlooked in these days of indoor childhood. We’re thrilled to provide an experience for all generations to connect with the natural world and one another.”
Campout details
While Lake Julian Park does not usually allow overnight camping, for one night the park will serve as an inspiring location for this nocturnal event. No prior camping experience is required as the event is designed as a low-frill backyard campout. Attendees should bring their own tents and sleeping bags. Campers can participate in a handful of planned activities including demonstrations by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and REI Outdoor & Sporting Goods, a birding excursion (Sunday morning), a traditional campfire with some singalongs, and – of course – s’mores. Also, participants may try out some products provided by our friends over at ENO. Recreation Services will provide dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning for participants. Campsites will be available at 1 p.m. on Saturday with on-site check-in at 1:30 p.m. Campers should be packed up by 1 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $20 per person, please see the link below for tickets and reservations:
All Ages Welcome
Suitable for Beginners and Advanced Birders
To sign up or for more information email [email protected] or call 828-684-0376
Church of St. John in the Wilderness celebrates its patron saint with the Feast of St. John
the Baptist. In 2021, the historic church extended the festivities outside the parish to the
broader community and will do so again this year.
All are welcome to join the festivities at the family-friendly celebration featuring food,
fellowship and live music. “Since our earliest days in the 1800s, we have gathered with
friends and neighbors to fellowship and find renewal with God and one another,” Rector
Josh Stephens said. “The Feast of St. John is a time for our broader community to gather
and to reconnect.”
Local bluegrass band Pretty Little Goat will set the mood beginning at 6 p.m. and yard
games will be offered for children. Barbecue and other family-favorite foods and
beverages will be available for purchase at Hubba Hubba. Seating at the picturesque
outdoor courtyard is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring portable chairs.
"St. John in the Wilderness as a parish has deep roots in Flat Rock and this corner of
Western North Carolina,” Stephens said. “We are incredibly grateful to live in a place with
such natural beauty and with so many wonderful friends, parishioners, and neighbors.
The rain date is set for Wednesday, June 29 at 5:00pm at Hubba Hubba.
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
Join us for another Parish Breakfast hosted by the Chefs of St. John, this one in celebration of the arrival of our new Curate, his family, and our visiting summer scholar. The Chefs will serve up bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, gravy, fruit salad, potatoes, biscuits, French toast and juice/coffee/tea. There is no cost for this breakfast, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Please sign up by Wednesday, June 29 to aid in planning.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
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
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
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
Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!
– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca
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
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
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
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
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
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.
Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!
– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca
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