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.

Friday, February 11, 2022
Valentines: Heart Filled Skies at PARI
Feb 11 @ 4:00 pm – Feb 12 @ 10:00 am
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

What’s more romantic than gazing at the stars deep in the night?? Grab your sweetheart and join PARI for a romantic Valentines evening getaway and leave with stars in your eyes. PARI astronomers will share our dark skies and point out objects such as the Heart Cluster and love story constellations like Princess Andromeda and the Warrior Perseus. This package includes an overnight cabin stay, evening viewing with PARI astronomers at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally Certified Dark Sky Park, a pre-packaged dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday, a bottle of wine and a Valentine rose in your room.

This is a Special event limited to 8 couples.

Preregistration is required for this event.

CLASSIC ROCK-N-ROLL WEEKEND
Feb 11 @ 7:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Friday, February 11th kicks off with the driving sounds of On The Border- The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band, while Saturday, February 12th really rocks with the music and nonstop energy of the Chicago Rewired- The Premier Chicago Tribute Band.

Both events will be held in the Grand Ballroom of The Omni Grove Park Inn. Will Call begins at 7pm and all Eventbrite ticket holders must show tickets to get your seating assignment. Doors open at 7:30pm; performance begins at 8:00pm.

Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets purchased on Eventbrite include entry to the concert only. Parking, accommodations and other amenities not included with tickets purchased on Eventbrite.

*All seating in evening concerts is assigned. Please email requests to [email protected].

However, if you’re looking for overnight accommodations to rock-it-out the whole weekend, click here for more information on how to book the complete Classic Rock ‘N Roll Weekend Package at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Turn up the heat this winter at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Jam out during our Classic Rock & Roll Weekend with legendary headliners. Friday night kicks off with the driving sounds of On The Border, The Ultimate Eagles Experience while Saturday evening really rocks with the music and nonstop energy of the Chicago Rewired, Premier Chicago Tribute Band.

On The Border | The Ultimate Eagles Experience | February 11

Chicago Rewired | Premier Chicago Tribute Band | February 12

COSMIC CHARLIE 50th Anniversary of Europe ’72
Feb 11 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

“Cosmic Charlie really is a great band – these guys do this music the way it should be done: having the conversation in their own voices.”

-David Gans, Grateful Dead archivist

Cosmic Charlie was born in the musical Mecca of Athens, Georgia. From its summer 1999 inception, the band swiftly cemented its reputation as a band that puts a unique and personal twist on the Grateful Dead catalogue, a Dead cover band for folks that are ambivalent about Dead cover bands. Rather than mimicking the Dead exactly, Cosmic Charlie chooses to tap into the Dead’s energy and style as a foundation on which to build. The result is healthy balance of creativity and tradition, and both the band and its audience are taken to that familiar edge with the sense that, music is actually being MADE here tonight.

Moving and shaking even the most skeptical of Deadheads, Cosmic Charlie storms into a town and plays with an energy that eludes other bands, an energy that sometimes eluded the Dead themselves. Those precious moments during Dead jams when the synchronicity is there and all is right with the world, these are moments that Cosmic Charlie relishes and feverishly welcomes with open arms. Clearly, Cosmic Charlie’s audiences are also eager to arrive at those moments, and together with the band, they have indulged in many memorable evenings.

cosmiccharlie.net

Dogs In A Pile
Feb 11 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Dogs in a Pile is the culmination of a love of music born from the deepest American roots of psychedelia, jazz, fusion, funk, traditional, and rock & roll. Sprung from the rich Asbury Park music scene in New Jersey, their serendipitous convergence has made for the kind of kindred intuition its members had only once dreamed of. Described as “listening to a single moving organism,” the sum of its five parts represents an original journey into the peaks and valleys of psychedelic improvisation, all while remaining reminiscent of so much we love of life and music.

The final iteration of “the Dogs” began with University of the Arts Philadelphia student and Asbury Park veteran Jimmy Law along with his long-time friend Joe Babick, a 4 year veteran of the gifted young musician’s program at the nationally renowned Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ. Lightning struck when they were introduced to Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who immediately suggested fellow Berklee student and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Kaplan. The addition of fellow Berklee student and collaborator Brian Murray in 2019 made for the quintessential final piece in the Dogs’ puzzle. Their commonality and love for improvisation by way of bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish, as well as a fervent inclination for the study of jazz, fusion and classical music has helped shape the free-flowing style that is the Dogs. Their unique synergy and joy in creating “music as an atmosphere” equates simply to, as the band would say, “spreading good music and good energy to good people.”

The Fritz HOMETOWN SHOW w/ Electro Lust
Feb 11 @ 10:00 pm – Feb 12 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall

The Fritz is a soul-driven dance rock band hailing from Asheville, NC.
The group’s aggressive approach to funk, soul, and rock creates a sound that is uniquely their own. Their high-energy, danceable songs provide a platform for each member to shine. With powerful vocals, climactic solos, and tight grooves, The Fritz has built a devoted following and is captivating audiences everywhere.
The newest lineup features Datrian Johnson on lead vocals, who has propelled the group to new heights. Many may know Datrian from his work with legendary organist John Medeski’s Saint Disruption. Datrian is a force, and the immediate chemistry with songwriter/music director/guitarist Jamie Hendrickson and drummer Michael Tillis is clear. The group also welcomes funk machine Thomson Knowles, as well as long-time Fritz collaborator, Matt Schueler.
The band is currently in the process of recording their 3rd full length album. Check them out on tour in 2022!”
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Asheville Outlets’ Virtual Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Feb 12 all-day
online

Thanks for Supporting Asheville Outlets’ Virtual Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank

Asheville: We need your help! at the future Karen Cragnolin Park
Feb 12 all-day
future Karen Cragnolin Park

We’re looking for a team of dedicated volunteers to commit to monthly service days at the site of the future Karen Cragnolin Park. Volunteers will work outside at a safe social distance to remove invasive species. We will be working in groups of 15 or less and wearing masks to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

If you are interested in helping please fill out this survey (link below) so we can determine the best day and time to offer this monthly day of service.

Karen Cragnolin Park Update: We are delighted to report that the remediation of Karen Cragnolin Park (KCP) – named in honor of our visionary founder – is complete, and that we are initiating the first phase of the project by constructing the park’s greenway and an accompanying landscaped corridor. This will activate and connect the park (to the two adjacent greenways) and continue the journey of bringing the park fully online. Our goal with this phase is to create a beautiful aesthetic corridor with carefully selected plantings and design elements accompanied by educational, cultural and historical signage for people to experience as they move through the park. This phase is projected to cost approximately $1 million and will be achieved through individual donors and institutional and grant funding. Construction will begin when funding commitments are secured. To learn more about supporting our efforts please contact me at [email protected].

KC Park Greenway
Current plans for phase one with the installation of the new greenway.

As background, the 5.3 acre site was formerly home to the EDACO junkyard for over 50 years. Located adjacent to the French Broad River and bounded by Amboy Road, the car crushing operation contaminated the land and water with oil, gas, grease and antifreeze. RiverLink worked with experts to implement an extensive soil remediation process to restore the land.

Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architecture’s vision for KCP is bold and transformative. Upon full completion, KCP will serve as one of the missing links in the larger open space and greenway system, connecting Carrier Park to French Broad River Park. KCP will offer a contemplative and rejuvenating space that honors the natural and cultural history of the site while providing access to the water’s edge. The park will also stabilize riparian edges, collect and slow stormwater, and promote a wide range of habitats. The completed project will embrace the concept of a “living laboratory” – an outdoor classroom that makes the dynamic riparian and ecological processes visible. An educational, stimulating, and enjoyable park experience will cultivate a community invested in the long-term stewardship of the river and the park system for generations to come. Please see our website for the Master Plan and complete vision.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 12 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2022 Adventures are open to book
Feb 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Raft splashing into 2022

We are excited to announce that all of our 2022 adventures are open to book! Grab your calendar, find the perfect whitewater, zip line, or biking adventure, and book the trip before the perfect day slips by you.

Plan your next adventure with Nantahala Outdoor Center! NOC offers more than 100 itineraries that you can sort by Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Mountain Biking, and more! Filter by location, experience level, or activity type. Mix and match your favorites or book one of our packages for a full-day of fun! Planning your next adventure has never been easier.

BOOK EARLY & WIN!

We love when you plan ahead!

Book by December 31st, 2021 and

be entered to win a sweet limited edition 50th MERCH PRIZE PACK including a t-shirt, insulated mugs, Nalgene, magnets, sticker pack and a $50 Gift Card to use at our stores, on a meal or on an adventure! A $120 Value!

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO: Battle of the Blue Ridge 2022
Feb 12 all-day
WNC Ag Center
WNC Nature Center Running of the Goats 5K Race Volunteer
Feb 12 @ 6:00 am – 10:00 am
WNC Nature Center

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


The Friends of the WNC Nature Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Asheville, North Carolina.  The Friends of the WNC Nature Center create awareness and provide financial resources in support of the Nature Center- Asheville’s Wildlife Park. The Friends are dedicated to providing the resources to support high quality growth of the WNC Nature Center and its efforts to educate the public about the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachians Mountains.

We are looking for volunteers to support the Nature Center’s first in person fundraiser event of the year, Running of the Goats 5K and Nature Walk! 

Volunteer Responsibilities:
  • Assist with guiding runners
  • Checking in runners
  • Passing out snacks

Health & Safety

  • Strict COVID guidelines are in place to protect volunteers and runners.
Why does this matter? We have to limit the number of people attending each project. This helps everyone stay safe by following COVID-19 specific safety measures. Please understand that if you show up on-site without registering first, you may be turned away so that the agency can maintain safety procedures.  Safety is our top priority and we want to be sure needs are met while also being safe. Click HERE for current NC safety guidelines.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don’t feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.

Additional Details

16 and older
Register by Apr 23, 2022
Is Outdoors
Inclement Weather Plan: Be prepared for all types of weather conditions
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Snacks provided
covid19 safety precautions in place
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Uncorked
Feb 12 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot

Passengers will enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride in our First Class cars with a private attendant and plush, well-appointed dining seating. A narrator will accompany the ride to present each pour to guests and share knowledge and history of the wines selected. Passengers on this specialty car will enjoy an exclusive sampling of cheeses and a surf and turf meal prepared fresh.

We have carefully selected our wine samples to accompany the meal. All passengers will receive a GSMR souvenir stemless wine glass, four samples of selected wine, and a dessert that’s perfect
for the season!

Uncorked is offered on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing on April 17, May 8, July 31, Aug 7, Sept 4 & Dec 31.

Tickets for this specialty experience is $139 per person (Adults 21+ only). Due to the exclusivity of this specialty car, tickets will be selling fast so make sure to reserve your seat today!

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES
Feb 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Girl Scout Cookie Sales

Every bite counts!

The Girl Scouts will set up on Saturdays to sell Girl Scout Cookies near the entrance of Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Hours of Operation – Please note dates and times are subject to change subject to troop availability and weather conditions.

January 22 – March 19, 2022
Saturdays: 11am-5pm

Mindfulness Series: Love and Warmth
Feb 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

Join Namaste in Nature for a reflective meditation walk in the Park. De-stress during this peaceful hike focused on reconnecting with nature and yourself. Bring your partner or a friend and enjoy this mindfulness experience focused on the season of love and warmth.

Winter Photo Contest – “Winter Trees”
Feb 12 @ 12:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

  1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
    The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
  2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
    • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
    • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
  3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
  4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
  5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
  6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
  7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
  8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

Beauty Parlor Comedy: Jen O’Neill Smith
Feb 12 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Beauty Parlor Comedy: Jen O'Neill Smith

Named by Paste Magazine as one of the top 8 comics to watch in Atlanta, Jen O’Neill can be seen on stages all over the country. Jen has been featured on the television show Live From Zanies on the Circle Network, has been a repeat guest on the hit Adult Swim series, William Street Swap Shop, and was recently on Tastemade’s new travel show, “The Un-Adventurers”, available on Amazon. She has also been featured on Amazon’s Audible Comedy show, “Punchlines”.

Jen has had the pleasure of performing on many festivals including the Limestone Comedy Festival, Laughing Skull Festival, Accidental Comedy Festival, Women in Comedy Festival, Laugh your Asheville Off, Memphis Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Devil Cup and Hell Yes Fest.

You can also hear Jen on the hit podcast Dumb Love, a comedy podcast about the dumb things people will do for love, co-hosted by fellow comedian, Sally Brooks.

CLASSIC ROCK-N-ROLL WEEKEND
Feb 12 @ 7:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Friday, February 11th kicks off with the driving sounds of On The Border- The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band, while Saturday, February 12th really rocks with the music and nonstop energy of the Chicago Rewired- The Premier Chicago Tribute Band.

Both events will be held in the Grand Ballroom of The Omni Grove Park Inn. Will Call begins at 7pm and all Eventbrite ticket holders must show tickets to get your seating assignment. Doors open at 7:30pm; performance begins at 8:00pm.

Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets purchased on Eventbrite include entry to the concert only. Parking, accommodations and other amenities not included with tickets purchased on Eventbrite.

*All seating in evening concerts is assigned. Please email requests to [email protected].

However, if you’re looking for overnight accommodations to rock-it-out the whole weekend, click here for more information on how to book the complete Classic Rock ‘N Roll Weekend Package at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Turn up the heat this winter at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Jam out during our Classic Rock & Roll Weekend with legendary headliners. Friday night kicks off with the driving sounds of On The Border, The Ultimate Eagles Experience while Saturday evening really rocks with the music and nonstop energy of the Chicago Rewired, Premier Chicago Tribute Band.

On The Border | The Ultimate Eagles Experience | February 11

Chicago Rewired | Premier Chicago Tribute Band | February 12

DMVU + Juju Beats, Zeplinn, + Soul Candy
Feb 12 @ 8:00 pm – Feb 13 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall

Join us Saturday Feburary 12th for DMVU + JuJu Beats, Zeplinn, Soul Candy, & Special Guests!!
Full Visual & Audio Experience Provided by Your Allure
Doors: 8:00 PM | Show: 9:00 PM
Powered by BASSBOSS
Bluegrass with the Carley Arrowood Band
Feb 12 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall--The Main Stage

Award-winning fiddler, singer and songwriter Carley Arrowood has quickly become a recognized name among young bluegrass artists. With the release of her very first singles with Mountain Home Music Company, Carley has begun to make her mark as a musician. Her cutting-edge fiddling and vocals are forceful and bright, rooted in the traditions of the Western North Carolina mountains, while creating a twist of refreshing contemporary bluegrass, country and gospel sounds. Carley has teamed up with some of her closest friends (and family) to create such a performance that will leave listeners amply exhilarated and encouraged.

Reserved Seat Tickets are available with Dinner reservations – You must call the venue at 828-575-2737 to make dinner reservations and secure those tickets.

General Admission Tickets are available for the main stage balcony only. Seating in the balcony is first come, first serve. Dinner service is NOT currently being offered for general admission tickets.; drink service is available at the downstairs bar on the main floor.

You must call the venue at 828-575-2737 for Reserve Seat Tickets and to make dinner reservations.

Masks are Required

SAUXE on Saturdays – DJs and Dancing, Presented by AMG Late Nights
Feb 12 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Polanco Restaurant

Music By DJ AUDIO & guest DJ’s
SPINNING THROWBACK, Dancehall, LATIN, HIP HOP/R&B
Doors at 9pm
• NO COVER till FEB ’22!
• 6 HOOKAH flavors Available
• DRINK SPECIALS
• VIP COMING SOON!
Follow AMG Late Nights for All Event Updates!
10 North Market Street | Downtown Asheville
Lighting Powered by Raydio

The Brook + The Bluff
Feb 12 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Brook & The Bluff is a four-piece band with four-part harmonies based in Nashville, TN. Originally from Birmingham, AL, their name is derived from the pockets of Birmingham where they grew up — Bluff Park for frontman Joseph Settine, and Mountain Brook for bassist Fred Lankford, drummer John Canada and guitarist Alec Bolton.

The band built a successful foundation touring, growing from bars in the southeast to headlining sold out rooms in major markets across the country.

The Brook & The Bluff recently celebrated the release of their new full length album Yard Sale on October 8th, 2021. The album features singles “Misnomer” and “Doobie Bronson” and was produced by Micah Tawlks (Liza Anne, Coin) and released through Mick Music.

 

GATLIN

Gatlin combines instinctual humanity with daring vulnerability to craft musical moments of meaning and melody. Consistent through her range, Gatlin’s music brims with confessional lyricism and raw storytelling. Her songs blend a vast internal world of feelings and thoughts with a rich external world of people and places – bringing listeners to the woman who stands at the intersection, Gatlin.

 

 

 

Gatlin released her debut EP Sugarcoated [open.spotify.com] in 2020 featuring the single “Talking to Myself,” which has garnered over 4.7 million Spotify streams to date. Spanning 260k+ monthly listeners, her first releases quickly earned placements on Spotify’s “Indie Pop”, “Chill Pop”, “Fresh Finds”, “Soft Pop”, “soda”, and “undercurrents” playlists, as well as Apple’s “Acoustic Chill” and “Breaking: Singer/Songwriter” playlists. Her sophomore EP To Remind Me of Home [tonetree.ffm.to] released in 2021. It’s a collection of songs associated with heartache, feelings of disconnection, and the beauty found in both leaving and returning to the place you call home.

 

Sunday, February 13, 2022
Asheville Outlets’ Virtual Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Feb 13 all-day
online

Thanks for Supporting Asheville Outlets’ Virtual Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank

Asheville: We need your help! at the future Karen Cragnolin Park
Feb 13 all-day
future Karen Cragnolin Park

We’re looking for a team of dedicated volunteers to commit to monthly service days at the site of the future Karen Cragnolin Park. Volunteers will work outside at a safe social distance to remove invasive species. We will be working in groups of 15 or less and wearing masks to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

If you are interested in helping please fill out this survey (link below) so we can determine the best day and time to offer this monthly day of service.

Karen Cragnolin Park Update: We are delighted to report that the remediation of Karen Cragnolin Park (KCP) – named in honor of our visionary founder – is complete, and that we are initiating the first phase of the project by constructing the park’s greenway and an accompanying landscaped corridor. This will activate and connect the park (to the two adjacent greenways) and continue the journey of bringing the park fully online. Our goal with this phase is to create a beautiful aesthetic corridor with carefully selected plantings and design elements accompanied by educational, cultural and historical signage for people to experience as they move through the park. This phase is projected to cost approximately $1 million and will be achieved through individual donors and institutional and grant funding. Construction will begin when funding commitments are secured. To learn more about supporting our efforts please contact me at [email protected].

KC Park Greenway
Current plans for phase one with the installation of the new greenway.

As background, the 5.3 acre site was formerly home to the EDACO junkyard for over 50 years. Located adjacent to the French Broad River and bounded by Amboy Road, the car crushing operation contaminated the land and water with oil, gas, grease and antifreeze. RiverLink worked with experts to implement an extensive soil remediation process to restore the land.

Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architecture’s vision for KCP is bold and transformative. Upon full completion, KCP will serve as one of the missing links in the larger open space and greenway system, connecting Carrier Park to French Broad River Park. KCP will offer a contemplative and rejuvenating space that honors the natural and cultural history of the site while providing access to the water’s edge. The park will also stabilize riparian edges, collect and slow stormwater, and promote a wide range of habitats. The completed project will embrace the concept of a “living laboratory” – an outdoor classroom that makes the dynamic riparian and ecological processes visible. An educational, stimulating, and enjoyable park experience will cultivate a community invested in the long-term stewardship of the river and the park system for generations to come. Please see our website for the Master Plan and complete vision.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 13 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2022 Adventures are open to book
Feb 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Raft splashing into 2022

We are excited to announce that all of our 2022 adventures are open to book! Grab your calendar, find the perfect whitewater, zip line, or biking adventure, and book the trip before the perfect day slips by you.

Plan your next adventure with Nantahala Outdoor Center! NOC offers more than 100 itineraries that you can sort by Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Mountain Biking, and more! Filter by location, experience level, or activity type. Mix and match your favorites or book one of our packages for a full-day of fun! Planning your next adventure has never been easier.

BOOK EARLY & WIN!

We love when you plan ahead!

Book by December 31st, 2021 and

be entered to win a sweet limited edition 50th MERCH PRIZE PACK including a t-shirt, insulated mugs, Nalgene, magnets, sticker pack and a $50 Gift Card to use at our stores, on a meal or on an adventure! A $120 Value!

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO: Battle of the Blue Ridge 2022
Feb 13 all-day
WNC Ag Center
Shades of Rosé Gin Cocktail Kit: Dozen Roses
Feb 13 all-day
online w/ Cultivated Cocktails
WNC Nature Center Running of the Goats 5K Race Volunteer
Feb 13 @ 6:00 am – 10:00 am
WNC Nature Center

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


The Friends of the WNC Nature Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Asheville, North Carolina.  The Friends of the WNC Nature Center create awareness and provide financial resources in support of the Nature Center- Asheville’s Wildlife Park. The Friends are dedicated to providing the resources to support high quality growth of the WNC Nature Center and its efforts to educate the public about the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachians Mountains.

We are looking for volunteers to support the Nature Center’s first in person fundraiser event of the year, Running of the Goats 5K and Nature Walk! 

Volunteer Responsibilities:
  • Assist with guiding runners
  • Checking in runners
  • Passing out snacks

Health & Safety

  • Strict COVID guidelines are in place to protect volunteers and runners.
Why does this matter? We have to limit the number of people attending each project. This helps everyone stay safe by following COVID-19 specific safety measures. Please understand that if you show up on-site without registering first, you may be turned away so that the agency can maintain safety procedures.  Safety is our top priority and we want to be sure needs are met while also being safe. Click HERE for current NC safety guidelines.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don’t feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.

Additional Details

16 and older
Register by Apr 23, 2022
Is Outdoors
Inclement Weather Plan: Be prepared for all types of weather conditions
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Snacks provided
covid19 safety precautions in place
Join us for an Ice Hike on Roan Mountain this Sunday!
Feb 13 @ 11:00 am
Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain

Where: Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain
Distance: 2.6 miles total. ~600 ft elevation gain.
Difficulty: Moderate (5). Trail conditions will be icy.
Cost: FREE for all participants
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on February 13 for a hike from Carver’s Gap to Jane Bald in the Highlands of Roan. Participants will travel 2.6 miles atop the highest elevation balds in the Highlands of Roan, widely considered the most spectacular scenery along the Appalachian Trail. At the peak of Jane Bald, we will enjoy a natural, unobstructed 360-degree view.
We hope to come across hoar frost and rime ice on our hike. Hoar frost and rime ice are beautiful ice formations that appear after a cold night. However, they form in different ways. Rime ice forms on nights when a cold fog or cloud cover is present. When supercooled water droplets in the fog come in contact with a surface below freezing, the water droplets freeze on contact. On the other hand, hoar frost forms on clear nights when gaseous water vapor freezes onto a below-freezing surface, bypassing the liquid phase. While hiking, our goal will be to find these ice formations.
Note: There are many stretches of the trail covered with thick ice. Trekking poles are highly recommended. The weather for Sunday has highs in the mid-20s with a slight chance of snow. Please plan and dress accordingly.
Puppy Bowl – Mountain Pet Rescue Fundraiser
Feb 13 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Puppy Bowl - Mountain Pet Rescue Fundraiser

Touch down at Down Dog to experience Asheville’s very own Puppy Bowl! Much like the real thing on Animal Planet, adoptable puppies will take the field to not only score touchdowns, but also score the hearts of their forever families.

We are suggesting a $5 donation to attend and hope you will join us for lots of fun and fumbles to benefit Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville.