Questions about this event? Email Chrissy at [email protected] for more information
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.
Saturday, June
11, 2022
Nantahala Outdoor Center 50th anniversary Celebration
North Asheville Library Bird Walk
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
The Making of a Meadow for Pollinators
Adult Field Course: Fireflies of North Carolina
National Get Outdoors Day
Pollinator Safari on the Wilma Dykeman Greenway
World Ocean Day Celebration
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Free concert at Firehouse Subs: Cruise + Groove
A Gorge-ous Evening Out for Annual Passholders
The Little Prince
Firefly Forest Bathing Tour
NOC started in 1972 as a small motel and gas station in the Nantahala Gorge offering whitewater rafting trips and kayak and canoe excursions to guests. We’re planning a party for the decades with live music, family-friendly activities, giveaways, adventure, and more!
Event Highlights:
- Browse our Vendor village from 12 pm to 5 pm where you can hang in hammocks, try out backpacks and footwear with gear fittings, and enjoy boat demos.
- Kids Fun Pass $20 – Kids can play in unlimited tree nets and on the climbing wall, face painting, bubble party, kids boat demo, t-shirt coloring, and more.
- Shop the Artisan Village featuring local craftspeople and artisans.
- Book signings by local authors.
- Community booths with Leave No Trace and other Non-profit partners.
- Live Music throughout the afternoon.
- Giveaways, contests, and prizes!
Join in the fun at all of our locations:
NOC Roswell Outpost
- From the Earth Brewing food & brewery truck
- Ice Cream truck
- Live Music
- Local conservation advocates tabling
- Giveaways, prizes, and more!
NOC Ocoee Outpost
- Blue Grass Music with Blue
- Grand Opening of our Beer Garden celebration
- Yard games, giveaways, prizes, and more
NOC Gatlinburg- The Great Outpost
- The North Face vendor
- A Walk in the Woods – Gatlinburg Trail hike
- Local conservation advocates
- Giveaways, prizes, and more!
NOC Chattooga, French Broad, Pigeon Rivers, and Grove Park Inn
- Local Conservation advocates
- Giveaways, prizes, and more!
Join members of the Blue Ridge Audubon Society for this guided bird-watching excursion around the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary!
Binoculars are available for checkout at the North Asheville Library, but folks are welcome to bring their own! This event will be held rain or shine.
Spaces are limited, so registration is required.
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.
We’re excited to open our historic Echo Hill Farm to the public for the very first time to host “The Making of a Meadow for Pollinators”. This Pollinator Month Awareness event, coordinated with the help of Hendersonville Bee City USA, will focus on our efforts to transition our farm to a more ecologically friendly, sustainable, and ultimately more beautiful model.
Join us, and together we will explore our emerging meadow reconstruction, growing more abundant with life every day. We’ll look for natives, and identify problematic invasives.
Meet David Foti of Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company (www.sandybeemine.com) and learn about beekeeping, enjoy a local honey tasting, and see bees in action through a glass-walled exhibition hive!
Say hello to our mischievous little herd of Pygora fiber goats, and see if you can catch a glimpse of our heritage Lincoln Longwool ewes (so sweet, but very shy). Echoview Fiber Mill (www.echoviewnc.com) will be joining us for the day to showcase their fine clothing, yarn, accessories and gifts. We’ve admired Echoview Fiber Mill’s philosophy for years and we are thrilled and honored they will be a part of this awareness event.
In the New York Times Bestseller, Nature’s Best Hope, renowned entomologist, ecologist and conservationist, Douglas Tallamy challenges all of us to realize that conservation starts in your own yard. We’ll explore some ideas with the help of Snow Creek Landscaping. Snow Creek is on the cutting edge of green landscape and design here in Western North Carolina. Tim Boone, President of Snow Creek, has been recognized by documentarian Catherine Zimmerman of The Meadow Project (www.themeadowproject.com). Tim’s knowledge of native pants and ecosystems stems from his childhood, growing up right here in the mountains.
Screenings of Catherine’s documentary, Hometown Habitat – Stories of Bringing Nature Home, will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and the sweet harmonies of local musicians Sunlight Drive Acoustic Duo will keep us all singing from 11 s.m.to 2 p.m.
We’re thrilled with the level of response to this event and we’ll continue to expand the scope as best we can accommodate, but for now, let me just say thank you to The Meadow Project, Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company, Echoview Fiber Mill, Bullington Gardens, Bee City USA, Bridgeside Books, HomeSource Builders, eARThly Minds Gallery, Brew Naturals Elderberry Syrup, Imladris Farm, Sunlight Drive Acoustic Duo, HomeTrust Bank, VETS- Veterans Engaging Through Service, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Partnership, and all our friends and volunteers.
See you all in the meadow!
As kids, most of us probably chased fireflies in our backyards and held them in Mason jars to watch them flicker. But fireflies are much more than just childhood entertainment. They are among the most fascinating wildlife in the state of North Carolina. Join Dr. Clyde Sorenson, who discovered the existence of synchronous fireflies on Grandfather Mountain, to learn about the biology and life histories of some of the many fireflies found on Grandfather Mountain. Participants will also learn about the conservation challenges facing fireflies and what they can do to enhance firefly populations on one’s own property, before venturing out into the field to evaluate habitat for various species.
Clyde Sorenson is Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Entomology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate students about the wonders of the insect world. He conducts research on the management of agriculturally significant insects, the ecology of insects in the longleaf pine savanna ecosystem and the distribution and ecology of fireflies in North Carolina.
Please note, this event is a daytime event and does not include nighttime firefly viewing opportunities.
Program Itinerary
10:00 a.m. Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Indoor and Outdoor Time
4:00 p.m. Program Concludes at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus sales tax. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Registration opens here April 11. Purchase tickets below. Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.
What to Bring?
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. Please bring a daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing (i.e., extra layers, rain gear), water, lunch, camera, binoculars, etc. Also bring a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, portable chair or pad, field guide/notepad, hand lens and knife for close-up observations, and wax paper or paper bags (with basket or box) to wrap specimens in.
Refunds/Cancelations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We ask that individuals who are feeling ill stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants and Grandfather Mountain staff. Refunds will be granted to these individuals.
More about Field Courses
Welcome to Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s (GMSF) Adult Field Courses! We are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain. Read more.
This national holiday celebrates our favorite thing to do… get outdoors! Stop by the Park and meet a variety of outdoor specialists and vendors that will give you information and gear demonstrations on activities such as hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more. Mark your calendars for this fun, interactive event!
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Every year, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums throw a ‘Party for the Planet’ to encourage people to take action to create healthy habitats for wildlife and humans to thrive together.
On World Ocean Day, Nature Center staff and volunteers will be making a splash in the Swannanoa River by hosting a river clean up in the morning with community partner RiverLink. Together, we can help preserve precious species like otters and hellbenders by cleaning up their habitat. The river clean up will take place 10am-12pm.
To register for the river clean up, you must by 7+ years old and email [email protected].
The WNC Nature Center will also be hosting a BioBlitz that afternoon by the river for the whole family to enjoy!
Have you ever wondered what creatures live in or around our rivers? Do you want to help scientists learn more about biodiversity and stream health? If so, please put on your scientist cap and join us for a BioBlitz with our partner and National Geographic photographer, Kevin Fitzpatrick! The BioBlitz is open to the community and will be a fun hands-on educational activity for the whole family to enjoy! Join us at the river bank below the Asheville Rec Park pool (at the public picnic shelters). This activity will take place from 12:30pm-2:30pm.
Legends Plaza & Tryon Stadium
Carousel Hours: Fri 5-9pm, Sat 1-9pm, Sun 1-4pm
Live Music for Saturday Night Lights Weekends:
Thur/Fri – 6-9pm, Sat 6-7:30pm, 10:15-11pm
SNL Free Activities: 6-9pm
Grand Prix: 8pm
Click HERE to book your Legends Club table or seat!
From carousel to competition, Tryon Resort is for all who love horses! Visit Tryon Resort on select Saturday nights May through October to enjoy our signature “Saturday Night Lights” event series.
These action-packed nights feature FREE family entertainment such as:
• Pony Rides
• Carousel Rides
• Performers like magicians & jugglers
• Live music
• Bucking Horse Rides
• Face Painting
• & more!
Plus, you can enjoy carnival-style concessions like cotton candy, popcorn and sno cones in addition to dining at one of our many restaurants.
Leashed pets are always welcome to join you, too!
The evening culminates with world-class show jumping competition under the lights in Tryon Stadium.
Super 60s performs a free concert at Firehouse Subs in Hendersonville. Classic cars will be on display from the Carolina Mountain Car Club. Free line-dance classes from Betty Busch from 5:30-6:30pm. Concert to follow from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note: no smoking, coolers or pets.
Summer 2022 Concert Schedule:
May 14 | Super 60s
May 28 | 3 Cool Cats
June 11 | Super 60s
June 25 | Fine Line
July 9 | Deano & The Dreamers
July 23 | Fine Line
August 6 | Sound Investment
August 20 | Fine Line
August 27 | 3 Cool Cats
September 10 | Deano & The Dreamers
September 24 | 3 Cool Cats
October 8 | Sound Investment
October 15 | Super 60s (Halloween event)
Enjoy exclusive access to the Park after hours and watch dusk settle over Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The Old Rock Cafe will provide heavy hors d-ourves, the Gorge will provide its trademark natural beauty, and your fellow annual passholders will provide an evening of fun conversation. Don’t miss one of the favorite passholder-exclusive events of the year.
by Rick Cummins & John Scoullar book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Directed by Jason Williams Opening 6/10/2022 – 7/9/2022
Forest Bathing with Fireflies
Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!
The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.
Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.
This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience.
Prefer a more exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.
Sunday, June
12, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Blazing Star Flower CSA
Farmer-to-Farmer Training: WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT)
Nature Photography Weekend
Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
RAD Half Marathon and 10k
Hops, Pigs + Plants- a Plant Sale!
Jazz Sunday Jam
Make A Splash: Buncombe Swimming Pools Open
Seeing Beauty: A Contemplative Photography Awe Walk
The Little Prince
ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.
The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.
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.
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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.
Grandfather Mountain’s annual Nature Photography Weekend returns, with presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on breakout sessions, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours. Activities begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday midday.
The 2022 speaker lineup features:
• Vinny Colucci
• Jamie Konarski Davidson
• Bill Fortney
• Tony Sweet
• Tommy White
Presentations take place in the afternoons and evenings, allowing participants to explore Grandfather Mountain and take their own shots during the day, while also participating in several outdoor field sessions (weather permitting) with professional photographers. Opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography will also be offered.
Participants are invited to camp Friday and Saturday nights at the Woods Walk Picnic Area during the weekend, taking advantage of one of the few opportunities to stay overnight inside the park.
Event Tickets
There are two admission levels to Nature Photography Weekend
- $125 level covers three-day park admission, a Saturday evening meal, entry to all presentations and field sessions and a flash drive for submitting contest entries.
- $100 level includes all of the above, but does not include participation in the photo contest.
Weekend Guest Passes + Guest Dinner Passes
Guest passes for family members and guests of registered NPW attendees are available here May 4. These passes offer discounted three-day admission for the weekend of the event ($60/adult, $28/child). The $20 dinner pass allows a guest to attend the Saturday buffet meal. Please put the registered event person’s name in the “Notes” section during check-out.
The Contest
The Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend includes a friendly but competitive contest. Speakers give presentations during the evening sessions, leaving the days free for participants to practice their skills at one of the most spectacular destinations for photographing nature in the Southeast.
Participants will turn in their digital images at 5 p.m. Saturday on a flash drive supplied by Grandfather Mountain in the registration packet. Each person selects three images to enter in any combination of four categories (Animals in Habitats, Animals in the Wild, Wildflowers and Scenic) and two classes (beginner or advanced).
Images may be touched up using computer software. Be warned that the judges do not look kindly on contrived images (like placing a giant gorilla on Linville Peak) or photos that have been manipulated to the degree that they violate the spirit of the contest (like bringing the end of a rainbow down in the center of the Mile High Swinging Bridge).
You will need to bring (or borrow) a computer to save your images to the flash drive. Grandfather Mountain cannot promise computer time to any participant. Additional details are included in participants’ registration packets.
Camping
Although Grandfather Mountain does not operate a commercial campground, campsites are available at no charge in the Grandfather Mountain Woods Walk Picnic Area for our NPW guests.
The picnic area has bathrooms and water fountains, but no other amenities. No formal spots are reserved, but folks usually have no trouble finding a place to pitch their tents or park their vehicles.
If you’re camping, be sure to display your camping pass (included in your packet) in a visible spot on your dashboard at all times when you’re in the park.
Registration
Registration opens here on Wednesday, May 4, at 9 a.m.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.
Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.
Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.
PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.
Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.
The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!
Scholarships opportunities are available!
If you’re looking to soak in all the sights and sounds of Asheville while achieving a new PR, this is the race for you! Both races whiz downhill to the River Arts District, and wind along the peaceful French Broad River. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary beer, a one-of-a-kind finisher medal, live music, and a free shuttle back to the start line after the race.
What’s better than shopping for plants? How about wandering around the brewery while sipping on a delicious 12 Bones Brew!
Enjoy a fun afternoon of sipping and shopping a wide array of houseplants to take home.
Curated by The Artful Plant
Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.
Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.
Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.
Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.
For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.
Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.
Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Pool Locations
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Like on Facebook
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
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Strolling with an eye toward the wonders around you during an otherwise ordinary walk could have significant benefits for your mental health. An interesting new psychological study contends that people who take a fresh look at the objects, moments and vistas that surround them during brief “awe walks” feel more upbeat and hopeful. Documentary photographer Susan Patrice helps you experience place through new and loving eyes, to see beauty and wonder in your surroundings.
by Rick Cummins & John Scoullar book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Directed by Jason Williams Opening 6/10/2022 – 7/9/2022
Monday, June
13, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Bullington Gardens: Fairy Trail
Have a Gardening Question? Call the Helpline
ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.
The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.
Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.
Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.
PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.
Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.
The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!
Scholarships opportunities are available!
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.