Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Join us this Saturday, July 1, for a spectacular Fireworks celebration! (sponsored by the Town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain TDA). Adventure seekers and families can take in the beautiful show from the resort village, Play Yard slope, or Lodge at dusk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and the whole family can come early for live music, inflatables, and games for all ages. Bring your friends and let’s make some magical memories!

Start your 4th off on the right foot with this fun, fast and flat 5k.
Included in registration is a race t-shirt, professionally chip timed race, commemorative bib and for those 21 and up a free beer from Wicked Weed Brewing!

Start your celebration off with a BANG!

Asheville Independence Day Races!

Start/Finish at the Carrier Park Velodrome.

Fun, fast and flat courses.

Bring your family & friends to join us for a fun, fast & flat run!

Choose from the 5k the Firecracker Loop fun run for kids and/or the Wicked Beer Mile for 21 and up.

Event Schedule

 Monday, July 3rd

4:00-6:00 pm ~Early Packet Pick Up/On-site Registration

~ Jus’ Running, 523 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC

Tuesday, July 4th

7:00- 8:00 am ~ Race Day Packet Pick Up  – Carrier Park

7:30 am On-line registration for the 5k closes

8:00 am ~ 5k Race Start

8:05 am ~ Firecracker Loop starts

9:00 am ~ 5k Awards

9:30 am ~ Wicked Beer Mile starts

Start your holiday off with a BANG!

A morning of fun events to start off your 4th of July holiday! Gather your friends and family to join us for a fast, flat 5k.

Or

Introduce the little ones to racing with our Firecracker loop!

Or

Start the party early with the Wicked Beer Mile, an official timed beer mile. 4 beers, 1 mile.

(Strollers and friendly dogs are welcome at the 5k and kids races but NOT at the beer mile)

Bryson City Freedom Fest: 10 a.m. downtown. Arts, crafts, food. Music at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Go rafting or tubing nearby. Kids area at Riverfront Park with bounce house, slide, monster truck combo, obstacle course. $5 wristband for all-day play.

he Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association is proud to sponsor this year’s parade, which guarantees to be a highlight of the summer season.

The 4^th of July parade will kick off at 10:30 AM, with parade entries lining up at 9:00 – 9:30 AM on Main Street, south of Caswell. We encourage all participants to visit the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association website for additional information and parade entry applications at www.nchmba.com.

To ensure a smooth event experience, no parking will be allowed along the parade route on Main Street after 6:00 AM. Main Street will be closed at approximately 9:00 AM, with the avenues remaining open until 15 minutes before the parade begins. We appreciate the community’s cooperation in adhering to these closures, which will help create a safe and fun environment for all attendees. Nearby paid parking is available in the City’s parking deck at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church with more information available at www.hvlnc.gov/parking.

While normally we understand Downtown is pet friendly, we kindly ask that parade attendees leave their furry friends safely and comfortably at home. This will ensure the well-being and comfort of all participants during the parade. The same request applies to the July 4^th Celebration Concert and festivities, which take place later in the day.

To view a map with street closures, please see the Independence Day Parade Map.

Downtown Waynesville will have the traditional Kids Parade at 11:00am and conclude with a patriotic concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2:00PM. Registration for the parade begins at 10:00AM Kids are invited to the Court House lawn to decorate bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards , wagons and strollers for the patriotic parade along Main Street that ends with an ice cream social at the First Baptist Church. Face painting, special characters, kids activities, live music and entertainment.

No fireworks in downtown Waynesville, but see them nearby in Maggie Valley and Lake Junaluska.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds joined by the Seraph Brass as they perform inspirational American music, traditional Sousa marches, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with the sounds of live cannon!

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Symphonic Winds
Kraig Alan Williams, conductor
Seraph Brass

PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY 1812 Overture
Program to include traditional patriotic favorites

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

Mars Hill July 4th Celebration: 3 p.m. on Athletic Street, in and around football stadium. Music, food trucks, inflatables, trackless train ride. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

Brick Oven Pizzeria- Family Fun Night- Special Event

Beech Mountain Resort- Fourth of July Celebration with Live Music from Sam Collie & The Roustabouts

The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza.

ULTIMATE AIR DOGS
The fun-filled day starts off with crowd favorite The Ultimate Air Dogs. Watch as the talented pups fly off the dock in a competition to see who can jump the furthest. Competitions take place at 1pm and 3pm. Think your dog has what it takes? No experience is necessary and your dog can jump too. Pre-registration is required to jump. Find more information here.

**Pets are only allowed in the Air Dogs area and not throughout the rest of the event. This is a City of Asheville ordinance.

LIVE MUSIC
4:30-5:15 Phantom Panton
5:30-6:15 Hit Dogs
7:00-9:00 Red Clay Revival

EATS & DRINKS
Food and beverage sales open at 5pm. Brews from locals Sierra Nevada, French Broad Brewing, Flat Rock Cider Company, as well as brews from Lagunitas, Sam Adams, Foothills Brewing, and wine from Noble Vines will be available for purchase. Water and other drinks will also be available for purchase.

Sylva July 4: 5-10 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Music at 6:30 p.m. in Bridge Park, fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

Anything That Rolls’ parade—skaters, bicycles, skateboards welcome and not required to pre-register. Fox and Company performs at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.

Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles

Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM

Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.

Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.

Few Independence Day images are as iconically American as a community band playing on the village green. From the legendary Sousa Band to talented amateur ensembles, symphonic bands have tackled instrumental repertoire ranging from stirring marches to orchestral transcriptions to celebrate our national holiday.

Located right across the street from Black Mountain’s picturesque Town Square, the patio of the White Horse Black Mountain is a prime vantage point for viewing the town’s firework display following a rafter-raising, soul-stirring concert by the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band on Tuesday, July 4.

Founded in 1990 as a way of reuniting Enka High School alumni with their band director, the community band is the result of the high level of interest area residents had in being part of a wind ensemble like they played in in college and high school.

Through many changes of membership and directors, a core group persevered, raising standards by remaining small and choosing members by invitation or audition. Today, the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band is a 43-piece ensemble made up of skilled amateur and professional musicians.

David Wilken, the current musical director, is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. He earned his master of music in jazz studies from DePaul University and his doctor of arts in trombone performance from Ball State University. He’s held teaching positions at several colleges and universities and is currently an instructor of music at Western Carolina University.

Food trucks and music throughout evening. Park at Estes Elementary School, 275 Overlook Road, across from lake. Free. Daytime shuttle 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Leave pets at home.

Join us on Thursday, July 6th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, located downtown on Biltmore Ave, for an exclusive preview party of their upcoming gallery opening, Summer Salon, on July 7th! This event is hosted by Michael Manes (co-owner/Executive Dir.) and Blair Guggenheim (Asst. Dir.), two dynamic young professionals who run the gallery.

The Summer Salon exhibition will be showcasing vibrant new works by a selection of esteemed BS1 artists. This diverse group exhibition features artists working in various mediums, including glass, painting, collage, basketry, metal, and mixed media sculpture. Come celebrate and explore the unique styles, techniques, and concepts expressed in the artists’ latest creations.

The Summer Salon will be held on the main level gallery, featuring works by talented artists such as Alex Bernstein, Robert Burch, Clay Burnette, Thomas Campbell, Andrew Hayes, Duy Huynh, Isaac Payne, Jeremy Russell, and Jon Sours. Their captivating pieces will be on display from July 7th to August 23rd, 2023.

During the preview party, we’ll provide complimentary drinks and food for you to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of one of Asheville’s finest galleries. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, meet new people, and appreciate the local art scene. There is no specific dress code, but most attendees will likely be coming from work in business attire.

Please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough bubbly and food for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable evening of art and connection!

Arts & Entertainment Crew

7.6.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 6, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Katy Hudson!
Katy Hudson is a comedian, lighting designer, and weather forecaster with a knack for finding the silver lining around every storm cloud. Their comedy blurs the lines between science and magic in a quest for collective understanding. But don’t let this intellectual spirituality fool you- Katy uses only the most unhinged examples of the disgustingly divine to draw clouds of laughter from crowds that matter.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram

Guests will meet outside the Asheville Art Museum (2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
• COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
• At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.

Guests will meet outside the Asheville Art Museum (2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
STAGED READING
COMFORT SASQUATCH
By Richard Shirk
Directed by Jess Johnson
In this romp of a Christmas play, we meet Eric, a nearly seven-foot tall Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest. He’s a music therapist at Vermillion Hills retirement home and just two classes shy of an RN certification. With his relationship on the rocks, a fresh connection to a long-lost dad, and some growing up to do, the last few weeks leading up to the annual Karaoke Christmas Eve party are proving to be tumultuous.

Comfort Sasquatch is a story of fresh starts, new beginnings, and the way that relationships and people fail, stumble, and get up again.

July 8, 2023 at 7:30pm