Global Analyst & Bestselling Author
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.

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Join Clara Curtis, the Arboretum’s Senior Director for Mission Delivery, in this walk through the summer landscape. With decades of design and horticulture oversight at the Arboretum, Clara is our walking institutional memory for how plants came to be chosen for the gardens and what transformation the landscape has seen over 35 years of growing in place. You can have no better informed guide and no one who makes plants more interesting! This class is designed to provide a small-group experience to complement our online asynchronous Plants of Interest course, which is a Blue Ridge Eco Gardener requirement.

Lisa Gonzalez
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management techniques are helpful for reducing pesticide use and cutting costs in the long run. They can also create a deeper understanding of your garden and the various roles different plants play within it. Join Lisa Gonzalez, Clay County Extension Director, for an overview of Integrated Pest Management as well as a deeper look into select strategies to manage and prevent garden damage from pests using ecosystem-based knowledge and approache

Lisa Gonzalez
Integrated Pest Management techniques are helpful for reducing pesticide use and cutting costs in the long run. They can also create a deeper understanding of your garden and the various roles different plants play within it. Join Lisa Gonzalez, Clay County Extension Director, for an overview of Integrated Pest Management as well as a deeper look into select strategies to manage and prevent garden damage from pests using ecosystem-based knowledge and approaches.
![]() |
|
Drumroll…
50th LEAF Festival Tickets —————————————– Get early bird ticket access with membership! —————————————– June 1 – Membership tickets June 15 – General public tickets |

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
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.
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.

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
|
You can also attend one of our weekly garden workday events:
Pearson Garden and Nursery Garden workdays Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Located at 408 Pearson Dr. in Montford. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hall Fletcher Elementary School FEAST Garden Wednesdays 2:45-4:00pm, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Lucy Herring Elementary School Peace Garden (formerly Vance Elementary School) in West Asheville. Workdays Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. The garden will again be closed to the public from 8 AM- 2:30 pm so that classes can use the garden for outdoor learning. Please contact [email protected] for questions and to RSVP
**We give away free produce donated by Mother Earth Food every week at our Sharing Table Mondays after 3 pm
![]() |
|
Drumroll…
50th LEAF Festival Tickets —————————————– Get early bird ticket access with membership! —————————————– June 1 – Membership tickets June 15 – General public tickets |
![]() |
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
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.
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.
FREE Virtual Event
Presenter: Irene Palmer, Research Specialist, NCSU Mountain Crop Improvement Lab
Dive into the varied forms and attributes of the popular and diverse world of Hydrangeas. Irene Palmer, with the NC State Mountain Crop Improvement Lab in Mills River, NC, will take us on a journey to explore how selective breeding has transformed these charismatic garden champions. Learn about garden standards, new varieties and the best care and maintenance you can provide to help them thrive.
Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Zoom seminar access: After registration, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to join this online live broadcast via Zoom. The ability to access Zoom through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a reliable internet connection is necessary to attend.

Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection
Presenter: Irene Palmer, NC State Mountain Crop Improvement Lab
Dive into the varied forms and attributes of the popular and diverse world of Hydrangeas. Irene Palmer, with the NC State Mountain Crop Improvement Lab in Mills River, NC, will take us on a journey to explore how selective breeding has transformed these charismatic garden champions. Learn about garden standards, new varieties and the best care and maintenance you can provide to help them thrive.
Zoom seminar access: After registration, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to join this online live broadcast via Zoom. The ability to access Zoom through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a reliable internet connection is necessary to attend.

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
![]() |
|
Drumroll…
50th LEAF Festival Tickets —————————————– Get early bird ticket access with membership! —————————————– June 1 – Membership tickets June 15 – General public tickets |

Blazing Star Flowers, a participant in the farm business incubator at the SAHC Community Farm, still has shares available in their fresh flower CSA. The flower CSA/weekly subscription starts on June 9, and you can choose either a pre-made bouquet or loose flowers to arrange yourself. Join for just a month or for the whole season. Pick up your flowers weekly at one of four locations (South Asheville, SAHC Community Farm, River Arts District, or Weaverville), or have them delivered (for additional fee). There is time to sign up to begin your weekly flower subscription this month!
FLOWER CSA MEMBERSHIPS
Get farm fresh local flowers every week and support local agriculture at the same time. Enjoy them yourself or give a share as a cheerful gift. Sign up for one month or the full summer season June-September. We grow over 50 species and 200 varieties of flowers to offer you a range of color, texture, and botanical interest all season long. These fresh flower bouquets add a bright spot to your home or workspace.
What’s a flower CSA membership or share? The term has been used somewhat interchangeably with flower subscription and flower subscription service. A subscription is also a weekly flower pick up or delivery but the heart of the relationship behind a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture share is one of partnership and support more than frequent customer. Learn about the CSA origin story and model here or read our CSA Member Agreement here.
SELECT A PRE-MADE BOUQUET OR LOOSE FLOWER STEMS:
As a CSA member, you will receive lush seasonal flowers every Thursday. As you order, select either a ‘Pre-made Bouquet’ or a bucket of ‘Loose Flowers’ to arrange yourself. Both bouquet and bucket members will receive a short video explaining how to best care for their flowers for a long vase life.
FREE PICK UP SPOTS:
Thursday 3-6pm at the SAHC Community Farm
228 Mag Sluder Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Thursday 3:00-5:30 at Honey & the Hive
23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787
Thursday 3:30-7:30 at pleb urban winery
289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801
Thursday 3-5 at Karen Donatelli’s
1000 Hendersonville Rd, South Asheville, 28803
DELIVERY:
We offer CSA deliveries on Wednesdays for an additional charge of $10 per week to the greater Asheville area. Not sure if we deliver to your address? Please contact us and we’ll let you know.
![]() |
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
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.
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.
![]()
Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and learn about our Animal Therapy program.
We will be meeting at the PARC building and walking to the different greenhouses, garden site, and a visit with our animals. Reservations required, tickets are $10 each visitor (to be collected at the time of the tour).
We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.
We will begin out tour promptly at the starting time, so please arrive 5-10 min early to allow for parking and check-in. If you are running late or cannot make your tour, please email [email protected] or call #828-348-2287.
All proceeds from ticket sales from your farm tour go directly back to helping the Campus Farm Program grow more food for the children of Eliada!
Click above photo to sign up for a time slot and number of people in your group. Payment for tour will be collected when you arrive. Cards accepted.
This tour is best suited for school age children ages 10+ and adults.
![]() |
|
Drumroll…
50th LEAF Festival Tickets —————————————– Get early bird ticket access with membership! —————————————– June 1 – Membership tickets June 15 – General public tickets |

Join us in the mountains of Western North Carolina as we gather on the campus of UNC Asheville for the inaugural Asheville Ideas Fest. Engage in some of the most essential topics of our time with global thought leaders and fellow participants — all within the inspiring backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blazing Star Flowers, a participant in the farm business incubator at the SAHC Community Farm, still has shares available in their fresh flower CSA. The flower CSA/weekly subscription starts on June 9, and you can choose either a pre-made bouquet or loose flowers to arrange yourself. Join for just a month or for the whole season. Pick up your flowers weekly at one of four locations (South Asheville, SAHC Community Farm, River Arts District, or Weaverville), or have them delivered (for additional fee). There is time to sign up to begin your weekly flower subscription this month!
FLOWER CSA MEMBERSHIPS
Get farm fresh local flowers every week and support local agriculture at the same time. Enjoy them yourself or give a share as a cheerful gift. Sign up for one month or the full summer season June-September. We grow over 50 species and 200 varieties of flowers to offer you a range of color, texture, and botanical interest all season long. These fresh flower bouquets add a bright spot to your home or workspace.
What’s a flower CSA membership or share? The term has been used somewhat interchangeably with flower subscription and flower subscription service. A subscription is also a weekly flower pick up or delivery but the heart of the relationship behind a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture share is one of partnership and support more than frequent customer. Learn about the CSA origin story and model here or read our CSA Member Agreement here.
SELECT A PRE-MADE BOUQUET OR LOOSE FLOWER STEMS:
As a CSA member, you will receive lush seasonal flowers every Thursday. As you order, select either a ‘Pre-made Bouquet’ or a bucket of ‘Loose Flowers’ to arrange yourself. Both bouquet and bucket members will receive a short video explaining how to best care for their flowers for a long vase life.
FREE PICK UP SPOTS:
Thursday 3-6pm at the SAHC Community Farm
228 Mag Sluder Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Thursday 3:00-5:30 at Honey & the Hive
23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787
Thursday 3:30-7:30 at pleb urban winery
289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801
Thursday 3-5 at Karen Donatelli’s
1000 Hendersonville Rd, South Asheville, 28803
DELIVERY:
We offer CSA deliveries on Wednesdays for an additional charge of $10 per week to the greater Asheville area. Not sure if we deliver to your address? Please contact us and we’ll let you know.
![]() |
Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.
Sand Hill Community Garden workday every Saturday, 9am-11am, weather permitting. Join the community garden email list to stay up to date on garden tasks, workday cancellations and special events.
email [email protected] for more information.
![]() |
|
Planting a pollinator meadow can be tricky to start — but glorious when you get it right. Join Emily Sampson, owner of PatchWork Meadows, and Black Mountain’s pollinator garden coordinator, to tour the half-acre pollinator meadow planted in spring of 2020 on the back nine holes of the Black Mountain Disc Golf Course at Veterans Park. You’ll learn the secrets of meadow creation success, get a primer on native plant species composition, and identify the pollinators that call the meadow home. All ages are welcome. |

Leave any parcel of land in the Blue Ridge undisturbed for long enough and a forest will spontaneously generate. Learn the stages of forest succession following a path of natural transition from field to forest at the Arboretum.

The hardest part about planting for pollinators is…getting started.
In this back-to-basics presentation, experts Tanya LaCorte and Ruth Gonzalez will help you start your garden or patio pots from scratch. They will cover the basic needs of any pollinator garden, highlight some important native plants to consider, and give you their best practices for an effective pollinator habitat. They’ll also touch on certifying your Pollinator Habitat through GreenWorks. This is a great workshop for anyone who wants a shortcut to start protecting pollinators on their own back deck or in their backyard.

| 12pm | Juneteenth Celebration Opening | Opening Words Sandra Wheeler QueenLee |
|
| 1pm | Local Artist Performances | Crystal Ease Dogg Jay C |
|
| 2pm | Local Artist Performances | Kia City Jordan Suratt |
|
| 3pm | Live Band | The Hypnotic Band | |
| 4pm | Kids Showdown | Marley Art Bus Dance Teams Kids talent Show Dove Fly Sax Life |
|
| 5pm | Resource Hour | Philip Cooper- Change Agent Brittany Bettini- Bettini Financial Dr Randall Johnson – Community Leader |
|
| 6pm | Local Artist Performances | Daniel Solo Big Rula Field Mob |
|
| 7pm | TOP Promotions Showcase | Top Entertainment Ready Red Mook |
|
| 8pm | National Recording Aritst | Rocko |








