Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
Calendar of Events
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.
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Tuesday 7pm eSports League
|
07/21/2020 –08/25/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Tu
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Rocket League champion?
|
Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
F
|
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Rocket League. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Fortnite champion?
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Fortnite. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
|
Fortnite: Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Recommended Age: 12+
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Thursday 7pm eSports League
|
07/23/2020 –08/27/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Th
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Tuesday 7pm eSports League
|
07/21/2020 –08/25/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Tu
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Rocket League champion?
|
Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
F
|
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Rocket League. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Fortnite champion?
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Fortnite. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
|
Fortnite: Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Recommended Age: 12+
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Thursday 7pm eSports League
|
07/23/2020 –08/27/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Th
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Tuesday 7pm eSports League
|
07/21/2020 –08/25/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Tu
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Rocket League champion?
|
Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
F
|
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Rocket League. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Fortnite champion?
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Fortnite. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
|
Fortnite: Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Recommended Age: 12+
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Thursday 7pm eSports League
|
07/23/2020 –08/27/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Th
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?
|
Madden 20: Tuesday 7pm eSports League
|
07/21/2020 –08/25/2020
|
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
Tu
|
Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]
Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Rocket League champion?
|
Friday 8pm eSports League
|
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
F
|
Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Rocket League. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.
Registration Now Open
Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]

Our second Hemp Hangout is here, and we’re excited to get together! Outdoor Event, Rain or Shine This free, family friendly, monthly event is a great opportunity to learn and sample our products, enjoy live music, and play fun games to win sweet prizes! Stay tuned to this page for band and vendor announcements! As the world slowly begins to open back up, we are continuing to practice conscious sanitary and safety measures; this outdoor event is the perfect opportunity to safely gather, within social distancing guidelines, and bring some fun back into our lives
Teen – (grades 6-12)
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina

North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
LEAVE IT BETTER SWEEPSTAKES
Enter to win an ENO Leave No Trace Double Nest hammock and suspension system today! ENO and Explore Brevard are excited to partner in the effort to promote our new Leave It Better campaign. Entering is easy. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be automatically entered into the sweepstakes:
STEP 1
Follow ENO Hammocks and Explore Brevard on Instagram or Facebook.
Step 2
Post an example of how you Leave No Trace and go the extra step to Leave It Better on your own social media account with the hashtag #ILeaveItBetter
Step 3
Watch our social media accounts for winner announcements at the end of August, September and October!
Each month will have multiple winners so stay tuned.
See below for official contest rules and alternate form of entry.

| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina

North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
LEAVE IT BETTER SWEEPSTAKES
Enter to win an ENO Leave No Trace Double Nest hammock and suspension system today! ENO and Explore Brevard are excited to partner in the effort to promote our new Leave It Better campaign. Entering is easy. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be automatically entered into the sweepstakes:
STEP 1
Follow ENO Hammocks and Explore Brevard on Instagram or Facebook.
Step 2
Post an example of how you Leave No Trace and go the extra step to Leave It Better on your own social media account with the hashtag #ILeaveItBetter
Step 3
Watch our social media accounts for winner announcements at the end of August, September and October!
Each month will have multiple winners so stay tuned.
See below for official contest rules and alternate form of entry.

| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina

North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
LEAVE IT BETTER SWEEPSTAKES
Enter to win an ENO Leave No Trace Double Nest hammock and suspension system today! ENO and Explore Brevard are excited to partner in the effort to promote our new Leave It Better campaign. Entering is easy. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be automatically entered into the sweepstakes:
STEP 1
Follow ENO Hammocks and Explore Brevard on Instagram or Facebook.
Step 2
Post an example of how you Leave No Trace and go the extra step to Leave It Better on your own social media account with the hashtag #ILeaveItBetter
Step 3
Watch our social media accounts for winner announcements at the end of August, September and October!
Each month will have multiple winners so stay tuned.
See below for official contest rules and alternate form of entry.

| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina

North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
LEAVE IT BETTER SWEEPSTAKES
Enter to win an ENO Leave No Trace Double Nest hammock and suspension system today! ENO and Explore Brevard are excited to partner in the effort to promote our new Leave It Better campaign. Entering is easy. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be automatically entered into the sweepstakes:
STEP 1
Follow ENO Hammocks and Explore Brevard on Instagram or Facebook.
Step 2
Post an example of how you Leave No Trace and go the extra step to Leave It Better on your own social media account with the hashtag #ILeaveItBetter
Step 3
Watch our social media accounts for winner announcements at the end of August, September and October!
Each month will have multiple winners so stay tuned.
See below for official contest rules and alternate form of entry.



