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.

Saturday, September 15, 2018
Naturalist Niche: Fall Migration Bird Walk
Sep 15 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock Park

The early bird gets…to see and hear early birds! This special bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of birds. Taking place during fall migration also enhances the number of species expected to be in our area. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 10th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might see during your hike. This hike is considered easy to moderate.
We  love our visitors’ furry friends, but we do understand that some hike participants may consider animals a distraction on the trail. Pets are not allowed on Naturalist Niche hikes because of this.
Advance registration required. Cost includes Park admission for the day.

Kids Fishing Tournament – Lake Julian Park
Sep 15 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: Lake Julian Park – 406 Overlook Extension Arden, NC

Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

48th Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 15 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain
COST: Free for Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders
Calling all Girl Scouts! Join your fellow scouts for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Enjoy special scout activities, presentations and a closing ceremony.

Celebrate Migration on Grandfather Mountain
Sep 15 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Join Jesse Pope, executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, for this six-hour course on raptor migration. In 2015,  more than 11,000 raptors were observed in September as they soared over Grandfather Mountain on their annual migration south. Learn why they do this – and become an official “watcher” yourself.

This Adult Field Course is limited to 12 participants and costs $40 for general admission, $20 for Bridge Club members. To register, or for more information, email [email protected], or call (828) 733-2013.

Grandfather Mountain’s Adult Field Courses invite participants to examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through just the right combination of fun field excursions and classroom presentations. Our course leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists and scientists, as well as acclaimed photographers, writers, historians and artists. Most courses run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lunch will be eaten in the field. Please bring your own lunch. Rates do not include taxes.

10th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 15 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

Join us to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of one of Western North Carolina’s most popular Annual events, Flock to the Rock. Originally created to help folks understand why Hickory Nut Gorge is such a premier birding location, this event has grown in size and popularity every year. You don’t have to be an avid birder to find something of interest at this event, but it may just be the reason you become one. Guided bird walks, raptor flight shows, live bird demos and workshops are a few of the ways you’ll discover that Chimney Rock isn’t just for the birds!

Camp Out – Sports Park
Sep 15 @ 5:00 pm – Sep 16 @ 9:00 am
BC Sports Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: BC Sports Park – 58 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 15 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Nature Across the Carolinas: Fiber Art with Quilts
Sep 16 all-day
NC Arboretum

This exhibit showcases the work of three leading fiber artists who explore Western North Carolina’s mountains, meadows and marshes using fabrics and fibers. Their quilted wall art offers a link to familiar images of this region, echoing the Arboretum’s role of connecting people with plants. Through their diverse styles, construction methods and subject matter, artists Mary Stori, Judy Simmons and Kate Weston add a contemporary twist to the area’s rich and storied quilt-making tradition. Their exhibit features  pieces of varying sizes, from large focal-point wall hangings to medium-sized wall art to small work suitable for tabletop display. All pieces are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Mary Stori

From her home in Clyde, N.C., Mary creates botanical and organic themed art quilts using artisian-made, hand-dyed cotton, linen, silk and rayon fabrics. She also utilizes hand-felted and hand-dyed wool as rich backdrops, offering texture and depth to her work. Bead embellishment is another one of her trademarks. Learn more on her website.

Judy Simmons

Judy creates her own fabric in her Fletcher, N.C. studio using surface design techniques, including fabric marbling, dyeing, color lifting and silk screening. Much of the imagery in her work utilizes her own photography printed on fabric. To learn more about Judy, please click here.

Kate Weston

From her home in Statesville, N.C., Kate focuses on the creation of complex cloth through the application of dye, paint and embellishment, such as fabric overlay or manipulation and the application of non-fiber materials.  Coupled with skillful machine quilting, Kate’s works create and stunning interplay of color and texture. Please visit Kate’s website to learn more.

Asheville Off Road Series at Biltmore Estate
Sep 16 @ 7:45 am
Biltmore Estate
Asheville Off Road Series at Biltmore Estate @ Biltmore Estate | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

For the French aristocrat in all of us, this rough-cut, crown-emerald of a race sweeps participants through a mystical journey, back to a time, when the estate might have resembled an 15th century countryside plantation, complete with a game-stocked forest, working vineyards, and a cold mountain river rushing by. Racers on this day will be lords of the land they claim under fast plowing feet & spokes.

The Asheville off-road series of multi-sport events at Biltmore Estate consists of 3 main events, each come with various privileges for participation. All three of the off-road events in September are entirely on the historic grounds of the Biltmore Estate property. The Asheville Duathlon and Gravel Grinder events both get to explore the west side of Biltmore Estate, which is typically off-limits to guests. Join endurance athletes of all abilities and step to the start line, hearts booming in anticipation, to challenge mind and body while competing in the Annual Multi-Sport event series held at Biltmore Estate.

The Asheville Duathlon
The Asheville Duathlon is a 5k road run, 13.25 mile off-road bike, and a final 5k packed dirt off-road run. The off-road bike is non-technical riding on the west side of the estate, which is typically off-limits to regular guests at the estate. Individual participants or 2 or 3 person relay teams available. Kids can join in on the fun also! We recommend a relay team option. The bike rider must be at least 10 years old for any relay team.

The Gravel Grinders
The Asheville Gravel Grinder Bike Events come packed with something for every type of rider, a 20, 40 or 60 mile option. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or scenery seeking rider, these events are for you! The Gravel Grinder Bike races are the only bike events at the estate that allows the participant to access the front of Biltmore House on their bike.

10k Off-Road Run
The Asheville 10k Run at Biltmore features a newly designed, off-road 10k, featuring some paved, packed dirt and trail that takes the runner to a marvelous adventure with new views of the Biltmore House.

Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 16 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 16 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 16 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 17 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Ask the Gardener
Sep 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Do you have a gardening question? Looking to get that mystery plant identified? Need pruning advice? The North Carolina Arboretum is proud to introduce its newest educational series, “Ask the Gardener.” Every Monday from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, April through October, gardening experts will be on-site in the Arboretum’s Library, located upstairs in the Education Center, to help members and visitors address both common and unique gardening and landscape questions. The Arboretum’s extensive resource book collection will also be available for use by participants. The program is free, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are welcomed.

Don’t get stumped! Let the Arboretum’s gardening experts help.

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 17 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 18 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

Adult League Kickball
Sep 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: BC Sports Park – 58 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 18 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Fall Homeschool Day
Sep 19 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

Homeschool families and associations have been coming to the Park for experiential education opportunities for years. Hands-on programs with naturalists, guided hikes on a variety of trails and the chance to meet new families from around the region are just some of the reasons our annual homeschool events have become so popular. In 2018 we’re teaming up with some of our partners to bring you opportunities for more than one day. So, make a trip of it and take advantage of the many lessons we have planned for you.
Advance registration required.  Cost includes Park admission for the day.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Sep 19 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 19 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
There’s a bear in my driveway!
Sep 20 – Sep 21 all-day
Defenders of Wildlife

How would you handle a bear in your own front yard? Join us at our fall Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout to learn best practices for coexisting with bears and other carnivores.

At the workshop, you’ll find out about carnivore behaviors, why we’re seeing more of them in human communities, and practical tips for safely living with them.

Then, you’ll get to see the animals for yourself on our Saturday, September 22nd walkabout at the Western North Carolina Nature Center! We will introduce you to bears and other carnivores, face-to-face, to learn more about the animals, their habitats and the essential roles they play in our ecological network.

Workshop: Thursday, September 20th, 2018, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Defenders of Wildlife
1 Rankin Ave., 2nd Floor, Asheville, NC 28801

-AND-

Walkabout: Saturday, September 22nd, 2018, 9:00am-12:00pm
Western North Carolina Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28805

The workshop is free, but space is limited, so please sign up soon to reserve your spot. The walkabout at the Nature Center is free for the first 20 people without a Nature Center membership who sign up for both events.

For questions and to sign up, please email Tracy at [email protected]

Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 20 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Leicester Comm. Ctr. History Gathering
Sep 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Leicester History Gathering, meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm.  Different local history topic discussed each month.

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 20 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 21 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
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 and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
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.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].