Calendar of Events

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

The Asheville Truffle Experience will kick off at 5:00pm on Friday February 7^th, at the Benjamin Walls Gallery at 38 Broadway, with a welcome tasting featuring multiple truffled appetizers by Chef Anthony Cerrato, truffled ice cream by Ultimate, music by Aoife Clancy and Bill Elliott of Celtic ConFusion, wines by Benjamin Walls, and a chance to mingle and share stories with other true truffle aficionados.

Saturday morning, February 8th will begin with a Truffle Panel Seminar, and will feature several experts in the field of truffle history, cultivation, and usage. Saturday afternoon will continue with a culinary demo & tasting, followed by a Truffle Market at the Haywood Park Hotel Atrium, featuring truffle products, services, and seedlings, and lots of other cool trivia.

On Saturday evening, Chef Peter Crockett of Isa’s Bistro will provide guests with a selection of provocative dishes including Truffle-studded bone marrow parfait, Savory truffle honey-glazed bear claw, Truffle agnolotti with pork trotter consommé, Passion fruit granité, and a Black truffle trio of macaroon, mini chocolate éclair, and ice cream.

On Sunday, February 9^th, we will head out to the truffle orchard at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, overseen by Dr. Jeanine Davis and Leonora Stefanile. There, we will witness a Lagotto romagnolo in action (Monza, accompanied by her trainer Lois Martin of the Truffle Dog Company), observe the brulée that has formed around host trees which have recently achieved their first production, and—with luck—unearth a few fresh specimens of Tuber melanosporum.

Pricing for the entire weekend is available in several packages. You may also register for individual sessions à la carte.

The Asheville Truffle Experience will kick off at 5:00pm on Friday February 7^th, at the Benjamin Walls Gallery at 38 Broadway, with a welcome tasting featuring multiple truffled appetizers by Chef Anthony Cerrato, truffled ice cream by Ultimate, music by Aoife Clancy and Bill Elliott of Celtic ConFusion, wines by Benjamin Walls, and a chance to mingle and share stories with other true truffle aficionados.

Saturday morning, February 8th will begin with a Truffle Panel Seminar, and will feature several experts in the field of truffle history, cultivation, and usage. Saturday afternoon will continue with a culinary demo & tasting, followed by a Truffle Market at the Haywood Park Hotel Atrium, featuring truffle products, services, and seedlings, and lots of other cool trivia.

On Saturday evening, Chef Peter Crockett of Isa’s Bistro will provide guests with a selection of provocative dishes including Truffle-studded bone marrow parfait, Savory truffle honey-glazed bear claw, Truffle agnolotti with pork trotter consommé, Passion fruit granité, and a Black truffle trio of macaroon, mini chocolate éclair, and ice cream.

On Sunday, February 9^th, we will head out to the truffle orchard at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, overseen by Dr. Jeanine Davis and Leonora Stefanile. There, we will witness a Lagotto romagnolo in action (Monza, accompanied by her trainer Lois Martin of the Truffle Dog Company), observe the brulée that has formed around host trees which have recently achieved their first production, and—with luck—unearth a few fresh specimens of Tuber melanosporum.

Pricing for the entire weekend is available in several packages. You may also register for individual sessions à la carte.

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.

The Asheville Truffle Experience will kick off at 5:00pm on Friday February 7^th, at the Benjamin Walls Gallery at 38 Broadway, with a welcome tasting featuring multiple truffled appetizers by Chef Anthony Cerrato, truffled ice cream by Ultimate, music by Aoife Clancy and Bill Elliott of Celtic ConFusion, wines by Benjamin Walls, and a chance to mingle and share stories with other true truffle aficionados.

Saturday morning, February 8th will begin with a Truffle Panel Seminar, and will feature several experts in the field of truffle history, cultivation, and usage. Saturday afternoon will continue with a culinary demo & tasting, followed by a Truffle Market at the Haywood Park Hotel Atrium, featuring truffle products, services, and seedlings, and lots of other cool trivia.

On Saturday evening, Chef Peter Crockett of Isa’s Bistro will provide guests with a selection of provocative dishes including Truffle-studded bone marrow parfait, Savory truffle honey-glazed bear claw, Truffle agnolotti with pork trotter consommé, Passion fruit granité, and a Black truffle trio of macaroon, mini chocolate éclair, and ice cream.

On Sunday, February 9^th, we will head out to the truffle orchard at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, overseen by Dr. Jeanine Davis and Leonora Stefanile. There, we will witness a Lagotto romagnolo in action (Monza, accompanied by her trainer Lois Martin of the Truffle Dog Company), observe the brulée that has formed around host trees which have recently achieved their first production, and—with luck—unearth a few fresh specimens of Tuber melanosporum.

Pricing for the entire weekend is available in several packages. You may also register for individual sessions à la carte.

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.