Calendar of Events

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library

Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents.  This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s annual firework display is returning to Lake Julian Park, and will be taking place on June 29, 2024. Buncombe County residents, families, friends, and neighbors are invited to experience the dazzling firework show on lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks are scheduled to begin just after dark. It is recommended to arrive earlier to allow ample time to park and board the shuttle. Lake Julian Park is located at 37 Lake Julian Road in Arden.?

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to delight in the delicious food-truck lineup. Food trucks will be at the park from 2 to 9 p.m. There will also be an activity station where cornhole bags and horseshoes can be checked out. Disc golf and fishing will be open on the backside of the park closest to Hendersonville Road (56 Fisherman’s Trail). Please note that boat launching is not available on the backside of Lake Julian Park.

Parking on June 29 is restricted to Estes Elementary School (275 Overlook Road, Asheville). Those with a valid handicap placard can park at Lake Julian Park. There will be a shuttle transporting guests from the Estes Elementary School parking lot to Lake Julian Park from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.??

There will be one accessible boat launch at Lake Julian on June 29. Guests are allowed to bring their own boats to launch on this day. We will also be renting paddle boats. All boats must be off the water by 8 p.m. All picnic shelters will be available on a first come, first served basis.??

Before You Go:? 

• Parking will be located at Estes Elementary. There will be a shuttle transporting guests to Lake Julian from this parking lot only. Only vehicles with a valid handicap placard, or those who are boat launching may park at Lake Julian Park. Limited parking is also available in the gravel lot next to Wild Wing Cafe.
• Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited on the grounds at Lake Julian Park.?Pets are not recommended.
• Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax around the lake.

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

Come join us for a night of laughter with the hilarious Zo Myers at The Bier Garden! Get ready to be entertained by Zo’s unique brand of humor and witty jokes. This in person event promises to be a night full of fun and laughter that you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends and head over to The Bier Garden for a memorable evening of standup comedy! Featuring Cayla Clarke & Jordan Julius. Get food, drinks and laughs! Largest beer selection in Asheville! Doors open at 7p so come get your spot early! Tickets $12/$15 at door

Come join Slice of Life Comedy for a night of laughter with the hilarious Zo Myers at The Bier Garden! Get ready to be entertained by Zo’s unique brand of humor and witty jokes. This in person event promises to be a night full of fun and laughter that you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends and head over to The Bier Garden for a memorable evening of standup comedy! Featuring Cayla Clarke & Jordan Julius. Get food, drinks and laughs! Largest beer selection in Asheville! Doors open at 7p so come get your spot early! Tickets $12/$15 at door

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

Celebrate Independence Day with us at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where grandeur meets festivity. Witness the night sky come alive with two breathtaking fireworks displays, enjoy live music in our iconic Great Hall and by the outdoor pool, and dive into family-friendly activities like movie screenings, bingo, and glitter tattoos. Our beloved mascot, Major Bear, will make a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating magical moments. From morning till night, there’s always something happening, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Experience double the thrill this Independence Day with our Stars & Stripes Package. Relish in viewing two mesmerizing firework shows, with exclusive viewing, and indulge in an Evening Picnic on July 4th with live music and activities for all ages. Join us for a patriotic weekend filled with fun, music, and memories. We look forward to celebrating with you!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Family Movie Screening │Laurel │1 PM – 3 PM
Live Music │Great Hall │3 PM -6 PM
Balloon Twister │Great Hall │4 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Family Bingo │Skyline │1 PM -3 PM
Live Music with Alex Taub │ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Glitter Tattoos │ Great Hall │3 PM -5 PM
Stars & Stripes Evening Picnic │TBD │7 PM – 10 PM
City of Asheville Fireworks │9:30 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Craft │Outdoor Pool│2 PM – 3 PM
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │3 PM -5 PM
Live Music with Jamar Woods│ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Live Music with Jeff Thompson │Outdoor Pool │1 PM -3 PM
Family Bingo │Skyline │3 PM -4 PM

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Wednesdays: Asheville Museum of Science

Dive into a world of discovery with interactive science activities, including bubbles and noise machines. This family-friendly event promises to engage and entertain all ages with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.

Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.

Independence Day Fireworks

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.