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.

Monday, June 29, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jun 29 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jun 29 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jun 30 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jun 30 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jul 1 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jul 1 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Asheville Salt Cave FREE ONLINE : Live Mediation Webinar with Bernie Kozlowski
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
webinar

Learn how to reverse the very real and devastating impact of stress through the SIMPLE practice of instinctive meditation that will profoundly shift your life.

Instinctive meditation means it’s natural and our bodies are wired to do it easily and efficiently. All we need to do is to set up the right conditions and our bodies will eagerly cooperate. Learn the skill set needed to meditate on your own even if you have a racing mind and little spare time.

Dropping into deep relaxation on a regular basis helps you to be calm in the face of overwhelm and urgency, can improve your health, and help you be more responsive and less reactive to challenges.

This will be a live webinar on Zoom. You can attend from anywhere that is comfortable to you. Once you register, you will get instructions on how to log in to the event. You will have the option of having your video on or off. You can also call in using a phone number. Link to zoom class:
https://mailchi.mp/9e1057b0227e/meditation-asheville-salt-cave

We’ll start with the basic principles of this approach. Then you will learn and practice some basic skills. This will be followed by a longer guided meditation where you can incorporate the basic skills. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

A weekly Zoom drop-in class in instinctive meditation will run on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am EST starting April 29 and running for 12 weeks.
Drop in as you can. Each class will cover a different technique.

Thursday, July 2, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jul 2 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jul 2 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jul 3 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jul 3 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Freedom Days at the Farm
Jul 3 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Fresh Orchards

Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.

Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available.  The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.

The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.

If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience.  Curbside pickup is available for local folks.

Saturday, July 4, 2020
Firecracker 5k – Is a go – Virtual and in Person POSTPONED TO Sept.5
Jul 4 all-day
Brevard

 

On June 10th, 2020, the County Health department advised the Brevard Rotary  that “given the upward direction of the infection numbers, they cannot sign-off on the event on July 4, 2020″.

This event will be postponed until September 5, 2020 when we will run a combined race with the White Squirrel 5K. 

So here we go …. Covid-19 and all

Dear Participant:

Thank you for your continuing support of the, three, Rotary Club of Brevard 5K and Fun runs in 2020.

We are fortunate to have three great sponsors, in the Pisgah Health Foundation, Pardee and Mountain Outdoor Products.

Gordon has laid out a great new course starting and finishing at the new Depot. The City have helped us immensely.

As you know all of the race net proceeds are used in the community, by Rotary, in one way or another. See details below. None of the volunteers are paid.

Our Conundrum for the Firecracker on July 4:

Our goal is to keep everyone safe (runners/walkers and volunteers) while at the same time bringing back some community and competitive exercise opportunities. Yes, we are “open”, but in a controlled way.

Presently we have to keep groups to a maximum of 25 people, and we cannot wait until June 26th , for details of the next phase, to make a change for July 4. So we run under the rules we have in front of us today.

We are offering you three choices to run the Firecracker in 2020

Everyone will sign-up at Runsignup https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Brevard/Firecracker5kandFunRun

It is first come first served

Through June 14, 2020 the price to participate will be $30; $35 after that date or up to a maximum of 200 runners – we currently have 40 slots allocated, so 160 more participants can register. You will be able to register online up until July 2, 2020 or until we reach 200 runners. Note -this is far short of the 600 we ran last year, but is about all we can ‘safely’ handle.

There are no sign-ups on Saturday (as we cannot handle/ touch the paperwork involved; there is no fun run for the Children (sorry we do not have the volunteers to keep them physically distanced at this run) and no early indoor registration and shirt pick-up on Friday.

1/ Run our course on your own or in a small group and record your own time.

From Monday to Friday, June 29 to July 3, 2020, we will place signs at 7.00AM and remove them at 7.00PM. Once you have registered you can record your time manually. You can collect a shirt on Saturday at the Depot or opt to have it mailed to you for an extra $10.

You run the course on your own and at your own risk. Please be considerate to our neighbors.

2/ Run your own 5K course.

From Monday to Friday, June 29 to July 3, 2020, you can run in the Brevard 5K Firecracker, anywhere in the Country, indeed anywhere in the world (there is a prize for the furthest away), if you wish. Once you have registered you can record your time manually. You can collect a shirt on Saturday at the Depot in Brevard or opt to have it mailed to you for an extra $10.

You run the course on your own and at your own risk. Please be considerate to our neighbors.

3/ Saturday July 4, 2020 – Running with others

We will limit runners/walkers to 150 on Saturday.

Please do not come to the Depot if you are feeling unwell.

The staging area at the DEPOT will have one entrance, on Railroad on the entrance to the depot (the pull in area) – please use that one entrance and physically distance yourself, while you wait.

The staging area will open at 7.00AM – we ask for your patience; our volunteers and the organizers have never done this before.

No one, other than registered runners, walkers, volunteers and public safety officers, will be allowed in the staging area.

At this stage, we require that everyone wear a mask in the staging area (not essential on the run, but preferred.) We will have spare masks for those registered runners/walkers only, who forget their mask.

We will then make sure you are registered and give you a bib.  The Bib, will not have an RFID chip on it – you will be timing yourselves for this run/walk.

You will also be asked for an approximate speed and given a chip with a number on it. Low numbers will be faster runners – walkers’ will be given higher

numbers.

Teams will receive their own number.

You will be directed to your numbered zone, where we ask you to stay until called to the start line.

Each Zone will be called up to the start as soon as another zone has been cleared – the starter controls the time between each group.

AT worst this should have everyone away by 8.40AM

Water will be available on this day only – our thanks to Telco

We hope to celebrate the opening of the depot.

Upon your return; you will be asked your time, or you can enter it yourself at home after the race.

Results will be posted the next week.

Prizes:

Will be given for:

The fastest runners

The One running the race in the most remote virtual location.

The best dressed Covid-19 virus look a like

Everyone will get a shirt and a medal

Funner stuff:

On Saturday, July 4, we will have a starter, the big clock and the all-important finish gate with a professional photographer ready to immortalize your finish.

Once you have finished, you can collect the ‘more-important’ classic race shirt. It will be a collector’s item.

We may have other fun stuff, as well.

Safety:

We will do all we can to keep everyone safe, including our neighbors. Please run in a mask, if that is comfortable – by blowing and puffing you are going to express water droplets a lot further than 6 feet.

There will be no support, marshals or water on the course at any time during Monday to Friday -by signing up you agree you run at your own risk. Please respect our Neighbors ‘health’ and property and do not litter.

Social distancing of 6′ is encouraged at all times.

Fish for Free on July 4
Jul 4 all-day
Buncombe County Parks--various

Young Man Fishing

On July 4, anyone in North Carolina can enjoy one of state’s best outdoor activities for free. Residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to fish without having to purchase a license or pay a daily permit fee including in public fishing spots such as Charles D. Owen and Lake Julian Parks. All other fishing regulations apply, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions.

“Free Fishing Day allows families and individuals to enjoy quality time outdoors,” says Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “Fishing crosses all gender, cultural, and economic lines. For our younger residents, it builds confidence, improves coordination, teaches patience, and encourages an appreciation of nature.”

To give anglers a better chance of catching fish, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks a variety of fish in waters across the state including trout and channel catfish.

Many fishing areas will be crowded on July 4, so park visitors are urged to be patient and courteous. Also, because of COVID-19, physical distance of at least six feet must be maintained between anglers and others who do not live in the same household. All park visitors are reminded to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

While anyone can fish for free on July 4, a fishing license is required for people age 16 and older on all other days of the year in order to fish in any public water in North Carolina. Purchasing a license online is quick and easy.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jul 4 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Jul 4 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

No Fireworks at Lake Julian July 4th
Jul 4 all-day
Lake Julian

Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.

Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.

Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.

Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jul 4 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Asheville Independence Day 5k
Jul 4 @ 9:00 am
Salvage Station
Freedom Days at the Farm
Jul 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Fresh Orchards

Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.

Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available.  The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.

The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.

If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience.  Curbside pickup is available for local folks.

Red, White, and Blue Celebration!
Jul 4 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards
Virtual 4th of July Concert
Jul 4 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.

Due to the need for physical distancing posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidance from Buncombe County and State health officials, there will be no public fireworks display. While we would love to produce a downtown festival for our neighbors, we understand that the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance.

The event will feature eight local Asheville area bands performing at host venues (times are approximate):
Featured artists include:
• BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk from Asheville Music Hall at 4pm
• Jane Kramer and Friends – singer/songwriter from The Grey Eagle at 4:30pm
• Lyric – soul, R&B from The Orange Peel at 5pm
• Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs – blues, jazz from Isis Music Hall at 5:30pm
• Joe Lasher – country from The Orange Peel at 6pm
• Funk Jam House Band – funk, rock from Asheville Music Hall at 6:30pm
• Fireside Collective – bluegrass from Isis Music Hall at 7pm
• Empire Strikes Brass – New Orleans-style brass band from The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm

Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages.

virtual Fourth of July Celebration
Jul 4 @ 4:00 pm
Online

patriotic stars illustration

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.

Due to the need for physical distancing posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including  guidance from Buncombe County and State health officials, there will be no public fireworks display.

“While we would love to produce a downtown festival for our neighbors, we understand that the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance,” said Meghan Rogers, Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association. “But we also understand how important it is to stay connected especially now, so we’re excited to bring this virtual concert to our community.”

The event will feature eight local Asheville area bands performing at host venues Asheville Music Hall, The Grey Eagle, Isis Music Hall and The Orange Peel. The list of participating musicians will be announced soon. Check the Asheville Downtown Association website and Facebook page for updates.

“Ingles is excited to bring this opportunity along with our friends at the Asheville Downtown Association,” said Melissa Leavell, Director of Advertising for Ingles Markets. “How Asheville has come together to help those in need during the pandemic is extraordinary. Now it’s time to celebrate together and what better way than featuring some of Asheville’s local musicians.”

The City of Asheville has worked in partnership with the Asheville Downtown Association for many years to host a Fourth of July celebration for our community. “The collaboration between our two organizations continues and we are proud to be able to showcase and support local musicians and Asheville music venues with this creative virtual celebration,” said Jon Fillman, City of Asheville Community Event Manager.

Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.

“We’d like to thank in advance all of the collaborating venues and musicians, who will be paid for their service during this hard economic time,” said Rogers. “The virtual celebration will showcase the flavor of our culture and community.”

4th of July Fireworks
Jul 4 @ 9:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Hendersonville

 A spectacular Independence Day fireworks display will take place at sundown at 9:30pm. The Independence Day Fireworks Display may be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176 and along Spartanburg Highway. A large red balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify visibility of the fireworks show, if you can see the “Big Red Balloon”, you can see the fireworks from your location. The fireworks launch site is off of South Grove Street, which is not accessible to the public.

In keeping with social distancing guidelines there will not be a Music on Main concert held this year on July 4th.  Tune into WTZQ AM-1600 & The Q – 95.3 FM for a patriotic soundtrack that will be synchronized to the fireworks display.

Sponsored by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, City of Hendersonville, Carolina Ace Hardware & Andy Oxy Hendersonville

The Independence Day Fireworks Display
Jul 4 @ 9:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Hendersonville

 A festive Independence Day fireworks display will take place at sundown at 9:30pm. The Independence Day Fireworks Display may be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176, a large red balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify visibility of the fireworks show, if you can see the “Big Red Balloon”, you can see the fireworks from your location. The fireworks launch site is off of South Grove Street.

The Fireworks Display is an event of Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Lake Julian 4th of July CANCELLED
Jul 4 @ 10:27 pm – 11:27 pm

Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.

Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.

Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.

Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Sunday, July 5, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jul 5 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jul 5 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Freedom Days at the Farm
Jul 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Fresh Orchards

Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.

Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available.  The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.

The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.

If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience.  Curbside pickup is available for local folks.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Well Walkers
Jul 7 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Well Walkers is back! Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

Walk your way to wellness on the 1/4 mile concourse at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Parking and admission are free to the public. Whether you’re on your lunch break, a senior, or exercising with a toddler in tow, stop in at your convenience to walk your way to wellness!

Times are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm except when noted otherwise. Dates are subject to change.