2021 Park Admission
(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)
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.
Friday, March
12, 2021
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Kids Vote for the North Carolina Children’s Book Awards
Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for private, pre-booked tours
WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
It’s time for kids to vote for their favorite books!
Throughout the month of March, kids can vote for the NC Children’s Book Award by visiting any Buncombe County Public Library location. The North Carolina Children’s Book Award is a children’s choice program sponsored by school and public librarians in North Carolina. The awards are designed to introduce kids to books and to instill a lifelong love of reading.
The Library has partnered with the Board of Elections to provide official voting booths for kids to vote.
Kids can vote in person at any of these libraries between March 2 and March 31:
- Enka-Candler
- Fairview
- North Asheville
- Pack Memorial
- South Buncombe
- Swannanoa
- Weaverville
- West Asheville
Kids can also vote “absentee” by asking for a ballot at any library, or they can drop their completed ballot in our book drop before the end of March to “mail in” their vote.
You are eligible to vote if 1) You’re a kid and 2) You’ve read or listened to at least 5 of the picture book nominees and/or 3) You’ve read or listened to at least 3 of the junior book nominees. Kids may vote for each category if they have read or listened to the required number of titles.
For more information on the NC Children’s Book Award and a list of the nominees, please visit the North Carolina Children’s Book Award.
If you’d like to have the picture books read to you, just click the “Read Aloud” link under any book.
Any questions? Contact your friendly neighborhood librarian.
We are OPEN Fridays and Saturdays
for private, pre-booked tours at:
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita! The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.
Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home. They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.
“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”
Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*
Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.
Saturday, March
13, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps Registration Open
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Asheville Catholic School’s 14th Annual Shamrock 5K/10K
Naturalist Niche: Early Spring Birding Walk
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Kids Vote for the North Carolina Children’s Book Awards
Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for private, pre-booked tours
WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
MakerSpace: Photography
Registration: March 1 – May 30, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps offer fun, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities for middle and high school students. Your budding car enthusiast, future welder, entrepreneur, hair designer, or engineer can explore and develop their skills in one-, three- and four-day camps.
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
The Asheville Catholic School Shamrock 5K/10K returns on Saturday, March 13 with a format designed to keep us all safe.
Registration
Everyone who is entered and those that cancelled in 2020 for the 5K and 10K have been automatically entered into the 2021 races. There is no need for further action.
Cost: Includes Park admission. Advance registration required.
Chimney Rock is an amazing spot to see spring migrants as they make their way back from the warmer, sunnier regions. Make sure you bring your binoculars to get a peek at numerous species traveling north. Just how many will you add to your list? A Park bird list can be found here. This hike is considered easy-to-moderate and does require advance registration.
It’s time for kids to vote for their favorite books!
Throughout the month of March, kids can vote for the NC Children’s Book Award by visiting any Buncombe County Public Library location. The North Carolina Children’s Book Award is a children’s choice program sponsored by school and public librarians in North Carolina. The awards are designed to introduce kids to books and to instill a lifelong love of reading.
The Library has partnered with the Board of Elections to provide official voting booths for kids to vote.
Kids can vote in person at any of these libraries between March 2 and March 31:
- Enka-Candler
- Fairview
- North Asheville
- Pack Memorial
- South Buncombe
- Swannanoa
- Weaverville
- West Asheville
Kids can also vote “absentee” by asking for a ballot at any library, or they can drop their completed ballot in our book drop before the end of March to “mail in” their vote.
You are eligible to vote if 1) You’re a kid and 2) You’ve read or listened to at least 5 of the picture book nominees and/or 3) You’ve read or listened to at least 3 of the junior book nominees. Kids may vote for each category if they have read or listened to the required number of titles.
For more information on the NC Children’s Book Award and a list of the nominees, please visit the North Carolina Children’s Book Award.
If you’d like to have the picture books read to you, just click the “Read Aloud” link under any book.
Any questions? Contact your friendly neighborhood librarian.
We are OPEN Fridays and Saturdays
for private, pre-booked tours at:
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita! The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.
Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home. They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.
“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”
Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*
Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.
MakerSpace is back! Visit our special exhibition Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art on a scavenger hunt for inspiration, then drop in to explore different photographic techniques in the studio. This program is perfect for connecting with the whole family, an afternoon date, me time, or catching up with bestie. Space is limited to small groups of up to nine participants; face coverings and social distancing are required. More info at ashevilleart.org/events.
Sunday, March
14, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps Registration Open
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Seeds and Sprouts Kids Consignment Spring/Summer Sale
Kids Vote for the North Carolina Children’s Book Awards
Sunday Fun Day at Kolo
Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
The Drive-in Laser Show
Registration: March 1 – May 30, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps offer fun, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities for middle and high school students. Your budding car enthusiast, future welder, entrepreneur, hair designer, or engineer can explore and develop their skills in one-, three- and four-day camps.
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
2021 Park Admission
(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)
Seeds and Sprouts Kids is a 3-day pop-up consignment event where you can shop over 35,000 items from more than 350 local families at up to 50-90% off retail! From clothing, shoes, and toys to games, books, furniture, outdoor toys, and more, you’re bound to find everything you need for the kids in your life!
It’s time for kids to vote for their favorite books!
Throughout the month of March, kids can vote for the NC Children’s Book Award by visiting any Buncombe County Public Library location. The North Carolina Children’s Book Award is a children’s choice program sponsored by school and public librarians in North Carolina. The awards are designed to introduce kids to books and to instill a lifelong love of reading.
The Library has partnered with the Board of Elections to provide official voting booths for kids to vote.
Kids can vote in person at any of these libraries between March 2 and March 31:
- Enka-Candler
- Fairview
- North Asheville
- Pack Memorial
- South Buncombe
- Swannanoa
- Weaverville
- West Asheville
Kids can also vote “absentee” by asking for a ballot at any library, or they can drop their completed ballot in our book drop before the end of March to “mail in” their vote.
You are eligible to vote if 1) You’re a kid and 2) You’ve read or listened to at least 5 of the picture book nominees and/or 3) You’ve read or listened to at least 3 of the junior book nominees. Kids may vote for each category if they have read or listened to the required number of titles.
For more information on the NC Children’s Book Award and a list of the nominees, please visit the North Carolina Children’s Book Award.
If you’d like to have the picture books read to you, just click the “Read Aloud” link under any book.
Any questions? Contact your friendly neighborhood librarian.
Sunday Fun Day at Kolo
Kolo Bike Park access is just $10 for the entire day every Sunday
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*
Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.
Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita! The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.
Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home. They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.
“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”
Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.
Get Ready! Cabin Fever presents The Drive-in Laser Light Show! Coming March 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th 2021 to the WNC AG CENTER in Asheville, NC!
The most spectacular laser show you have ever seen and it’s a Drive-in!
Avoid the crowds! Pile up into the safety of your own vehicle and come out for the fantastic Drive-in Cabin Fever Laser Show! 2 action packed mind blowing shows per night and one on Sunday! Choose from either the 7pm or 9pm shows!
The family friendly Laser Shows include some of your favorite Musical Hits from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Current Pop to Classic Rock! All choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and DUAL large screen video projection!
We have a dedicated “Tail-Gate” seating area for every vehicle! Bring your own chairs, blankets and refreshments!
Imagine a night out with the family for way less than a movie… Folks it’s only $29 per car -no matter how many people you pile in it!
Make it a romantic date night, night out with friends or fun for the whole family! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch our fantastic traveling Cabin Fever Laser Light Show!
Check out our special performances of the LASER FLOYD SPECTACULAR Friday and Saturday the 12th & 13th at 10:30PM!
We are here for just 1 weekend so get your tickets NOW- before we sell out!
Monday, March
15, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps Registration Open
Free Wildlife Activities Book for Kids
Soil + Water Conservation District Announces Student Scholarship Program
Spring Flower Bulb Fundraiser Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Registration: March 1 – May 30, 2021
Blue Ridge Community College Summer Camps offer fun, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities for middle and high school students. Your budding car enthusiast, future welder, entrepreneur, hair designer, or engineer can explore and develop their skills in one-, three- and four-day camps.
RESCUE
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REHAB
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RELEASE
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RELATE
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Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Western North Carolina by providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife, supporting the wildlife rehabilitation network, and offering conservation education to the community.
The Buncombe County Soil & Water Conservation Board of District Supervisors are pleased to announce a new annual student scholarship opportunity. The Buncombe Soil & Water Conservation District Student Scholarship is available to Buncombe County students in high school or currently attending an accredited institution, who plan on going into a conservation, agriculture, natural resource-related field, or are part of a farming family.
One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded for the 2021/2022 academic school year. The awarded individual will be expected to attend a Buncombe SWCD Board meeting to accept the scholarship.
Applications will be posted on the District’s website or can be emailed to you. Please contact Taira Lance at (828) 250-4787 or [email protected] for more information. The deadline for submission is March 15, 2021.
Show your love for wildlife and support life-saving wildlife rehabilitation efforts! Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a registered non-profit rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured wildlife. Brighten your world with guaranteed to bloom bulbs and seeds while saving wild lives at the same time! Learn more about our mission at www.AppalachianWild.org.
Visit Our Gardens This Spring
The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.
Show Us What the River Means to You!
Every spring we host our Voices of the River: Art & Poetry Contest. We ask kids to use the river as a source of inspiration to showcase their creativity. Each year we are so amazed by the talent of these young artists, poets, and performers. Submissions can include 2D and 3D works in various mediums, poems and creative writings, and video compositions of songs, dances, or skits. Winners are selected by a council of judges made up of local artists, writers, and community leaders. Many generous businesses also donate prizes for winners from each age group and category.
This year we want you to show us “How has the river helped you during this time of isolation?”
All entries are due by Thursday April 22nd