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, July 11, 2020
Parsons Dance: ‘Caught’ at Home
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Enjoy this select program featuring archival gems, glimpses of the dancers at home, and sneak peeks of the world premieres that were scheduled for The Joyce this spring.

Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Parsons Dance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Parsons Dance: https://www.parsonsdance.org/

Available exclusively via YouTube, appsummer.org

Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
Jul 11 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. The Twilight session start time is 7:30 each Saturday night and runs until 9:30. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 877.247.5539 or adventureavl.com.

  • EVERY SATURDAY EVENING June 13-Aug 29
  • Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 28 at 4:30
  • Holidays in the Treetops Dec 27 at 4:30
Sunday, July 12, 2020
ACT Online Youth Summer Classes
Jul 12 all-day
Online

This Week’s Online Youth Classes

All classes are FREE! Please register for whichever class you’d like to take, and we’ll send you a unique link to the class! If you have any questions about these classes, email Amanda Klinikowski, Education Director!

 

Contact Amanda for specifics on the coming week’s classes.

Experience WNC History From Home
Jul 12 all-day
online
Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at his iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
Hillbilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
LEAF Global Arts Open Downtown Asheville
Jul 12 all-day
LEAF Global Arts
Join us for the LEAF Global Arts experience in Downtown Asheville, on The Block. Explore the world through immersive music & art experiences & cultural connections. We are committed to fostering global citizenship and opening pathways of understanding…for kids to elders. During July, Global is open by reservation for small groups, rentals and recording sessions. Contact Marsha [email protected]
Plastic Free July
Jul 12 all-day
Online

Image

Join us as we celebrate the global movement of going plastic-free this July! Our Plastic Reduction Task Force will be celebrating all month with community shoutouts, games, reading lists, resources, and more! Follow our Facebook page @goingplasticfreeAVL and Instagram @going_plasticfree for updates so that you won’t miss a thing.

Save these dates:
Saturday, July 11th – Going Plastic Free Scavenger Hunt
Thursday July 23rd – Plastic Free July Trivia

Kid’s TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park 
Jul 12 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Charles D. Owen Park 

Buncombe County Recreation Services has partnered with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program to install a new TRACK Trail at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa. Children and families are invited to hike the new TRACK Trail, which was installed in celebration with National Great Outdoors Month and with support from the Buncombe County Community Recreation Grant award.

The TRACK Trail follows the walking path around the ponds at Charles D. Owen Park and meanders along the Swannanoa River. The new trailhead sign, located between the ponds, provides four brochure-led activity guides that allow young hikers to learn about and connect with the natural features found along the trail. Activity guides are available in English y en español.

TRACK Trails are designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure – and the fun doesn’t stop when the trail ends. After their outing, kids can register their TRACK Trail adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure more meaningful and encourage continued participation in the program. Since the program’s inception in 2009, more than 1.5 million TRACK Trail adventures have been completed.

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jul 12 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Jul 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Jul 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

The Big Crafty
Jul 12 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting, drink and outdoor

Voted WNC’s favorite art event for more than a decade, The Big Crafty returns for a heart-swelling day of art & craft on Sunday, July 12 from 12-6pm at Pack Square Park.

Join us for a free-and-fun-for-all trip through the creative landscape, with 150 creative venturers and total art stars, craft-infused good times, hugs and high fives.

The Big Crafty is so grateful to the City of Asheville and the Asheville Area Arts Council for their support.

Monday, July 13, 2020
Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jul 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Jul 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Jul 13 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Hendersonville Racquet Club: High Performance Tennis Camp Youth
Jul 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club

HRC is proud to announce a series of one-week tennis youth camps this summer. Half day and full day camps are available. Campers get tennis training and get to use many of the amenities of HRC such as the racquetball courts, hammock/picnic area, rec room and pool. All camps are led by High Performance Tennis Pro Cre Still.

“We are very excited to be able to offer the camps this summer.  We can handle all abilities on our tennis courts and have fun off and on the court with all the things available to us at HRC,” stated Still.  “Our camps are already popular and this year we are adding a few more surprises that will add to the fun of the camps!”

HRC’s High Performance Tennis Camp is offered June 22-26, July 13-17 and July 27-31.  This camp is available for tournament players ages 10-18 and is 9am-5pm every day.  HRC Pros lead campers through tennis training, match play, off-court fitness, pool time, cross training through other sports and more with snacks provided.  Price is $495/week or $125/day.

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Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 13 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required 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.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 13 @ 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required 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.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
LEAF Global Arts: Spread the Joy Collaborative Audio and Video Music Project
Jul 13 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts Facebook

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting, child and indoor

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with Melissa McKinney and others via the Zoom App for an inspired music collaboration project. The group will spend time getting to know a little bit about one another and then they will pick a song that inspires them and that they feel will lift others. Through a combination of group and one on one instruction, participants will learn to use the Soundtrap recording App to record their parts. Participants will also receive guidance on how to creatively video their part of the music video that will accompany the audio project. The audio and video will be edited into a music video that will be released on social media with the desired outcome to Spread Joy to others during this difficult period of time. Participants will need to have access to Computer, iPad or tablet or smartphone.

Zoom Link: TBD

Rec N Roll: Carrier Park
Jul 13 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Carrier Park

No photo description available.

The Rec n Roll mobile recreation unit is headed to your neighborhood! This free program offers all sorts of games and activities the whole family can enjoy. Come out and Play! *Weather Permitting

Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Fortnite: eSports Summer League: Register by July 18th
Jul 14 all-day
Online


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]

Girl Power: Virtual Dance Camp for Girls
Jul 14 all-day
Online

Image may contain: 1 person, text

Welcome to Zahiya Online’s LIVE dance classes! We are so excited to have you and big hugs and high fives for taking time for you and your wellbeing.
Our classes are for everyone and every body. All are welcome and all are celebrated, you belong in class.
Once you register for class, we will email you the Zoom link, get yourself set up and meet us online!
Here ‘s a little bit more about how it works:
Register July 18th 5pm: AVL’s newest eSports league Madden 20–Thursdays
Jul 14 all-day
Online

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]

Register by July 18th 5pm: AVL’s newest eSports league Madden 20–Tuesdays
Jul 14 all-day
Online

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]

Rocket League: eSports Summer League: Register by July 18th
Jul 14 all-day
Online

 

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]

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jul 14 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Jul 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Jul 14 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Rec N Roll: West Asheville Park
Jul 14 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
West Asheville Park

No photo description available.

The Rec n Roll mobile recreation unit is headed to your neighborhood! This free program offers all sorts of games and activities the whole family can enjoy. Come out and Play! *Weather Permitting

Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 14 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required 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.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Get Started on Ukulele or Guitar! (Virtual group class for KIDS)
Jul 14 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Online

Image may contain: 6 people

During this 5-week online group class, Ben Brill will cover the fundamentals of ukulele and guitar and teach kids several cool-sounding songs they can play on the instrument right away. The group will even co-create an original song by the end of the class.

*For students interested in guitar, they’ll need to have a simple $10 device called a Capo to play along with the class.

This is a FUN, low-pressure way to have some enjoy music this summer. It’s great if students can attend all 5 classes, but they still can drop in any day and learn.

The event will happen weekly on Tuesday’s at 11 AM, starting July 7th, 2020. If you don’t yet own an instrument, Ben can make some suggestions. The cost of the sessions is $20 per class and can be paid upfront (all classes), OR per session.

If you’re interested in the group, send Ben a message so that you can receive the secure Zoom links to the meetings and farther instructions.