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.
Join Reiki Master Teacher and Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Kate Wargo of Woven Light in a soothing Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) practice guiding you into the “in-between”; that space between being awake and asleep. Within this space, a dream will be induced taking you into a state of consciousness that can bring about immense healing in your conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind.
The cave will transform into a “Nidra Nest” with comfy reclining loungers, blankets, and bolsters to fully support you, whether sitting or lying down, for the entire experience.
During this experience, Kate will also offer Reiki to those who desire it. Reiki feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. This divine energy treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being.
Release stuck emotions, rest, and rejuvenate!
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers with Alexandra Holland
ON-SITE | Saturday, March 29 | 1 – 3 pm
Spring is here, and the natural world is waking from its winter rest! Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this wildflower walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of spring wildflowers emerging and in bloom. Learn some basics of wildflower ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of spring.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Join us for an easy morning bird walk in the Garden led by Dr. Andrew Laughlin, longtime birder and UNCA Associate Professor of Environmental Science. He will guide us with tips about habitat and habits, as we look for, listen to, and enjoy the birds. Participants will learn to recognize songs and calls. Field guides are helpful but not required. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather, from drizzle to sunshine.
Early Spring Tree ID with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 30 | 10 am – 1 pm
Each tree species grows their new leaves in unique ways and each spring we are reminded of that fact as the tiny leaves emerge from their buds. The timing of the spring “leaf-out” depends on many different factors and the weather plays an important role in if those first leaves survive to the summer or if they are burned by a late frost or snow. In this class we will look at which trees are leafing out first and how those leaves compare to the summer leaves we know. We will also discuss how to identify different tree species based on their new leaves and their bark.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Join Jessa, Holistic Esthetician, Crystal Reiki Master, and Sound Bath Practioner, for a harmonic experience focused on nervous system regulation, energetic balance, and whole body wellness. Select Sundays.
Join me in honoring the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath! The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. (Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
Birding for Beginners with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Tuesday, April 1 | 9 – 10:30am
Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of a very common year round resident of North Carolina: Carolina Chickadee. We will take an in-depth look at these common feeder birds and also look for other early spring migrants. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.
This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.
Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel
Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8 | 12 – 4 pm
Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.
Bullington Gardens is known for our expansive collection of dahlias. Each year our volunteer dahlia crew work tirelessly to ensure we have the best crop possible. These amazing plants take quite a bit of work to be successful, and it starts with dividing your tuber. Join Kim Biggerstaff and Isaac Wyatt as we walk through the culture of dahlias. We will also have a tuber dividing demo after the class. Participants will get a chance to divide a clump of tubers and take one home!
April 1, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm. Fee: $30.00
Beginning Botany with Alexandra Holland
Friday, April 4 | 1 – 4pm
It’s a tough life for a plant: make dinner, create and nurture offspring, fight off predators, deal with the neighbors. In Beginning Botany we’ll explore how plants handle these daily challenges using and modifying only leaves, stems, and roots. We’ll cover the basics of plant structure and function.
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Southern Appalachian Birds Through the Seasons with Carlton Burke
Saturday, April 5 | 12 – 4 pm
Since birds are capable of long distance flights and many engage in annual migration rituals, their presence in our area often changes in relation to the seasons of the year. In this class we will discuss the seasonal patterns of southern Appalachian birds and focus on some of the major species and their annual life cycles. As part of this program, there will be a “lab” portion where students will be able to meet some live birds and participate in other hands-on components to deepen the learning.
Grey Eagle Events Presents: Yoga Taco Mosa .
Donation-based yoga
Eager to let go of stress and muscle tension? Then it’s time to immerse your body, mind, and soul with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis.(Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
EcoHopeful with Liza Wolff-Francis
Sunday, April 6 | 2 – 4 pm
In a climate disaster like a hurricane, there is chaos and moment to moment survival and often fear. Immediately afterwards, there is often a gathering of self, an assessing of the situation. Then comes grief, loss, and uncertainty. Much later, the outer world expects things will all get back to normal, though we may not feel we are quite “back” to what we were. In fact, we may feel deeply changed. In all of these stages of a disaster, we assess what is happening and how we are doing and what we need to do going forward.
In this quick 2-hour workshop, we will come together in our resiliency to normalize how we have responded to the disaster and to learn and practice tools to calm our nervous systems in order to feel stronger in our current assessment of what’s next for us. Join us for a gathering in community, strength building, and resiliency boosting, as we continue to weave Helene into one of the stories we carry with us, not one that carries us.
Co-Existing with Black Bears with Tanya Poole
Wednesday, April 9 | 5 – 6 pm
It’s spring and you know what that means. Warmer temperatures, beautiful flowers and trees blooming, people venturing out to enjoy it all. And it turns out black bears are coming out in large numbers to enjoy the same things that humans enjoy. Learn about the conditions that contribute to the black bear population continuing to thrive in Western North Carolina in proximity to so many people. Tanya Poole, Conservation Initiatives Engagement Coordinator with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, discusses BearWise strategies recommended by wildlife experts that will help people better coexist with these amazing animals.
WNC COMMUNITY It is time to reset your nervous system, as we invite you to ground in with us. These past months have been a whirlwind of emotions, challenges and unsettling times for our community. Have the fires made it troublesome for your body and lungs? We got you! We are here to ground in together and heal our community.
Deep breaths inside the salt caves
Sip on some herbal hot tea
Archetype Essential oil readings
Enjoy a 10 minute massage
Labyrinth walk meditation and time in the gardens
15% OFF in our gift shop
Sliding Scale $10-$40+ Pay at the door.
Please bring clean socks!
No appointment needed
Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel
Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8 | 12 – 4 pm
Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.
Discover the delicate and fleeting world of ephemeral flowers, mosses, and ferns that grace our landscapes with their beauty. Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast and learn to identify these early spring wonders, understand their unique lifecycles, and explore their roles in the ecosystem.
Local, regional, and national organizations will present information and ideas about advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Q&A and social hour will follow. Food and drinks will be available. Free and all are welcome!
Grab your four-legged friend and come out for some fun and friendly competition at the Buncombe County Sports Park Dog Park. There will be a small and large dog division and division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. Free, Registration Required.
Forest Bathing Retreat: Celebrating Mother Earth with Asheville Wellness Tours
Saturday, April 12 | 2 – 5pm
April is Earth Month, a time to honor our precious planet and take action to protect her. Celebrate spring while cultivating your relationship with Mother Earth, yourself, and others, during this rejuvenating afternoon nature immersion retreat.
Your guide will lead you on a gentle journey through the spring forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on uneven terrain and dress appropriately for the weather.
Join Jessa Kennedy Holistic Esthetician, Crystal Reiki Master, Sound Bath Practioner, for a harmonic experience focusing on nervous system regulation, energetic balance, and whole body wellness. This is a regularly occurring event on select Sundays.
Join Jessa Kennedy, Holistic Esthetician, Crystal Reiki Master, and Sound Bath Practioner,
for a harmonic experience focused on nervous system regulation, energetic balance, and whole body wellness. Select Sundays.
Join us in the beautiful neighborhood of Olivette for an outdoor concert featuring two fantastic folk groups: A Different Thread and The Wilder Flower. $25 – Kids are free!
British-American troubadours A Different Thread create richly emotive tapestry of transatlantic folk. Lead singers Robert Jackson (Midlands, UK) and Alicia Best (North Carolina) first met busking in Ireland. Their chance encounter sparked a musical journey that has spanned over nine years, a dozen countries, and two studio albums— capturing the love of two folk singers chasing their dreams on the road.
The Wilder Flower, featuring Danielle Yother on guitar, Molly Johnson on banjo, and Madeline Dierauf on fiddle, encompasses a fresh take on rural Appalachian music. Together they blend modern influences with their deep roots of old time & bluegrass. Their songs are filled with three-part harmonies, tight instrumental blends, and storytelling.
Get ready to move, get inspired, and get your game on!
Discover your inner athlete and ignite your path to wellness at the Asheville Sports + Fitness Fair presented by Asheville Parks & Recreation! Step into the recently renovated Memorial Stadium as it transforms into a vibrant hub of energy showcasing the world of local sports leagues, fitness opportunities, and healthy living.
Explore youth and adult sports leagues, learn about organizations focused on wellness and active living, and discover a wealth of resources dedicated to improving well-being. Uncover hidden gems in the local fitness scene and learn about exciting new ways to stay active and engaged.
At 6pm, join the City of Asheville for a special ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony celebrating the renovation of Memorial Stadium and revitalization of Mountainside Park. It’s a chance to be part of Asheville’s commitment to health and recreation.
If your organization is interested in participating in the fair, please email [email protected]. Space is limited.
Explore the labyrinth as a practice of deep listening with our hearts and a metaphor for our spiritual path.
10 a.m. – Nature Immersion with Aimeé Bostwick
11 a.m. – Presentation in the Fireplace Lounge with Jaan Ferree
11:30 a.m. – Facilitated Labyrinth Walk at the outdoor labyrinth
12:30 p.m. – Lunch Buffet
Unleash your creativity at Bullington Gardens by learning to craft your very own hypertufa open roof planter! This hands-on class will guide you through the process of mixing and molding hypertufa—a lightweight, durable material perfect for garden containers. All materials are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to create a unique piece for your garden. Whether you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your outdoor space or simply enjoy a fun afternoon of crafting, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Join us for a memorable experience and take home a beautiful, handcrafted container! April 18th, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. $ 45.00. Class limit 10.
All About Bluebirds with Joe Sanders.
The recent upsurge in bluebird populations can largely be attributed to a movement of volunteer citizens establishing and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. Joe Sanders has been a bluebird protector for decades. His presentation gives an up close look at life in an active nest box and focuses on threats to the bluebird’s survival. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for a walk to various nesting sites on the Arboretum grounds and an outdoor demonstration on how to monitor bluebird nest boxes.