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.

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
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PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”
PAW Patrol Live! sets sail with a pirate adventure!
It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Ryder will need all paws on deck as he and the PAW Patrol discover a secret treasure map while on a mission to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
Presales begin now via PawPatrol.com until June 15thHCCA Fan Club Presale: Thursday, June 15th from 10a-10p ET
Public On Sale Tickets are available online and via the HCCA Box Office on Friday, June 16 at 10am ET

Registration is ongoing through the year. Get new updates and access all previous entries in a convenient online library.
The Curator’s Journal by Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura is a year-long course offering the ultimate insider’s view of bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum. Regular entries chronicle growing an art and growing an enterprise. Some journal entries will be long and others more brief; some will be mostly words and others mostly pictures; some will be close-up studies of detail and others will step back to take in the wider scene. The path will not be linear, but all the entries will be steps along a journey.
You’re invited to come along.
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The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more! |
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Enrollment is now open for Hendersonville Theatre (HT)’s summer performing arts camps. These one-week camps are designed for middle and high school students and will be taught by theatre professionals.
Performers Playground – Acting Class runs June 26-30 from 12 pm-3 pm. Tuition is $180. The camp is designed for rising 6th to 9th graders or 10 to 14-year-olds. During this week of laughter and creativity, campers will discover the exciting world of improvisation and learn how to think on their feet. The class will include playing theater games, learning how to create scenes from scratch and using body and voice to create dynamic and memorable characters. At the completion of the camp, campers will present a showcase performance for family and friends.
Performers Playground – Acting Class is designed for all experience levels and is taught by Rugby Middle School theatre teacher Heather Denton. Denton has over 24 years of experience teaching drama to middle school students. She has directed over 30 plays and musicals, and is known for her boundless energy and ability to work with a variety of grades and ability levels.
Acting Camp for High Schoolers runs July 10-14 from 12 pm-3 pm. Tuition is $180. The camp is intended for rising 10th to 12th graders or 14 to 17-year-olds. This camp is designed for budding actors who are looking for a starting place to learn about acting. In this camp, campers will be introduced to many forms of acting including improvisation, character development and cold readings.
Beginner Dance for Musical Theatre runs July 17-21 from 12 pm-3 pm. Tuition is $180. The camp is designed for rising 7th to 12th graders or 11 to 17-year- olds. This introductory dance course is for actors new to dance and looking to develop some musical theatre dance skills. In this camp, inspiring actors will learn how to survive a musical theatre dance call, focusing on musical theatre history, basic movement steps, and tips and tricks for picking up movement quickly.
Intermediate Dance for Musical Theatre runs July 24-28 from 12 pm-3 pm. Tuition is $180. The camp is designed for rising 10th to 12th graders or 14 to 17-years olds. Designed for dancers who want to branch into musical theatre, the camp is created for students with an intermediate level of dance training. During this week, campers will cover an introduction to musical theatre history, popular Broadway dance numbers, and tips and tricks for picking up movement quickly in order to prepare for musical theatre auditions.
Acting Camp for High Schoolers, Beginner Dance for Musical Theatre and Intermediate Dance for Musical Theatre is taught by Sage Albert, a recent graduate of Elon University with a degree in theatre, music and dance. Her most recent credits include Sherrie in Rock of Ages (upcoming) and Cathy in The Last Five Years.
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Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.
“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.
“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”
Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned
birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street,
and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park.8-10:00am.
828-684-0812. Free.
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center
85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
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- Dawn – Dusk
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
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- Library open hours
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
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- Dawn – Dusk
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
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Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods, and creates a vibrant community gathering space. With fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more, it’s a weekly outing with something for everybody!
Come and swim in the only fresh water race of the Carolina Swim Series! Lake Lure is beautiful in the early summer and great for an open water swim. The water is around 70 degrees and there are no jelly fish, currents, or salt water to deal with while swimming! Come swim with us and support a great cause!
Benefiting area charity Outreach of Hickory Nut Gorge and local first responders.
Welcome to the 2023 Lure of the Lake Swim, a Lake Lure Olympiad event. A 1.5 Mile and 3.0 Mile swim race, held on June 10th, 2023, is part of Set Up Events’ Carolina Swim Series.
Starting at 8:00 am the races will be held on the Lake Lure Beach across from the iconic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Lots of good food, friendly volunteers, and a great race shirt await you at this beautiful freshwater lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC. Proceeds from this swim event will support our area charities and local first responders.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
Lure of the Lake Swim- June 10th, 2023
1.5 mile swim $30.00
3 mile swim $40.00
Packet Pick Up
6:30 – 7:45 am at the covered pavilion at Lake Lure Town Beach.
Policies & Refunds
There are no refunds for this race. This event occurs rain or shine. In the case of lightning, we will delay the start.
Wetsuit Rule Update!!!!
The expected water temp at Lure of the Lake is going to be in the 75-degree range. Lure of the Lake follows USA Triathlon wetsuit rules.
Wetsuits are legal up to 78 degrees, no penalty.
Wetsuits are optional from 78.1 to 84 degrees. Any participant wearing a wetsuit in this range will not be eligible for awards or placement.
EVENT DAY DETAILS
SWAG AND EXTRAS
Athletes will receive with their registration a wristband to enjoy the beach life after the race for the full day.
T-SHIRTS
Deadline to register and receive a free shirt is May 26th.
Stay tuned for 2023 shirt announcement.
Hotdog Roast immediately following each race event on the beach sponsored by Lake Lure Inn & Spa, held in the pavilion of the beach.

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!
Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.
The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

COME CELEBRATE!
OPEN FROM MAY – NOVEMBER :: 9AM – NOON
Our market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. A family event every Saturday from May through November.
Visit us on Facebook!

- Vendor Area Open. Offering for sale bonsai, bonsai pots, tools and accessories.
- Bonsai Pottery Invitational Exhibition. Featuring works by well-known Bonsai Potters with a selection of works for sale.
- Bonsai Exhibit. Blue Ridge Bonsai Society. Showing a selection of potted trees trained by club members.
- Educational Videos. Featuring Arthur Joura, bonsai curator of The North Carolina Arboretum, and Bjorn Bjorholm, professional bonsai artist and educator.
Special Events at the Arboretum
Saturday, June 10, 11:00 am: “Transforming Plant Material into Fine Art.” Bonsai Styling Demonstration by bonsai artist Bjorn Bjorholm.
Saturday, June 10, 3:00 – 5:00 pm: Live and Silent Auction. Selected bonsai from the Arboretum’s collection will be auctioned. Proceeds support the Bonsai Program at The North Carolina Arboretum.
We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required
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SAHC’s annual Roan Highlands showcase will feature five outings, ranging from easy to difficult:
1 – Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens
2 – Challenge Hike on the Hackline Trail
3 – Waterfall Hike on Little Cove Creek Preserve, with Pathways to Parks
4 – Hampton Creek Cove Loop Hike
5 – Birding at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural AreaBe sure to join us at the Nilsen Homestead at SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve for afternoon refreshments and a conservation celebration. FREE for all participants, but registration on hikes may be limited. Be sure to register early!
Presented by Rachel Meriwether and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway
Meet at the pavilion next to the basketball courts. Rachel will lead a pleasant walk on the Oklawaha Greenway suitable for all ages, identifying plants along the way. Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For more information visit OkGr-Events- (friendsofoklawaha.org)
Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens
For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.
Pick-up location:
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.
Cost: no charge
Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Explore the emerging pollinator meadow reconstruction, looking for native plants and identifying invasives with input from Snow Creek Landscaping. Appropriate for all ages. Visit https://www.facebook.com/echohillfarmnc for more information
Grandfather Mountain is a great source of inspiration for the wildlife artist. The long-range views, unique flora and abundance of animal life on the mountain helps lay out a canvas or paper like no other place. In this Adult Field Course, we’ll be working in close proximity to Grandfather’s wildlife in the Animal Habitats, using them as live models as we learn to accurately draw their anatomy, posture and gestures.
This course will be done in and around Grandfather Mountain’s Conservation Campus and focus primarily on drawing only – please, no painting or messy media as we need to respect their facilities. Your instructor, Ryan Kirby, will be working right along with you, doing demonstrations and offering advice as the course progresses. At the end the group will gather for a critique of our work (this is optional and only for those that would like critique) and a brief Q&A.
Ryan Kirby grew up on a farm in the Midwest, surrounded by livestock and wildlife from an early age. From day one he was fascinated with wild animals, and this passion for the outdoors has fueled his entire career. After several years as a graphic artist for a conservation group, Ryan launched out on his own and has been a full-time wildlife artist for over a decade. From his studio near Todd, NC, Ryan produces original oil paintings and drawings of deer, turkey, elk, sporting dogs and much more. Grandfather Mountain is a treasure of the Appalachian Mountains, and not only do he appreciate the opportunity to work with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, but also to bring his kids and family here to show them the wonders of our natural world.
Program Itinerary
9:30 a.m.: Meet at the Grandfather Mountain Wilson Center for Nature Discovery for an Introduction and Course Overview
10:30 a.m.: Photograph and Sketch Live Animals -Elk, Cougar and Bear
12:00 p.m.: Break for Lunch at Visitors Center
1:00 p.m.: Wildlife Drawing Session – Elk, Cougar and Bear
3:00 p.m.: Reconvene in the Wilson Center for a Critique and Q&A
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Registration opens below on April 20 at 9 a.m.
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.
General Clothing List
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.
Equipment
- Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Binoculars
Equipment Specific to this Course
- Sketch Pad – work as large or small as you like, but keep in mind that we will be moving around a bit. I’ll be working on an 11”x14” Strathmore Drawing Pad. I would recommend that you work in a small enough size that you can support in your lap without the aid of an easel, and no loose sheets. Sketch Pads or Sketch Books work best, as they’re sturdy and provide support as you work.
- Graphite or Colored Pencils – please no messy media and no paint
- Erasers
- Spray Fixative – optional. This will help your finished work from smearing in transit home
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 53rd Annual Book Sale at Brevard College. Proceeds will support scholarships for local girls and young women. There will be 30,000 well organized books in all genres, puzzles, audiobooks, DVD’s, CD’s and vinyl. There will be ample parking, free admission and dealers are welcome. Prices range from 25 cents and up. Assistance is provided loading books into cars. Payments provided include cash, checks with an ID, or cards.

















