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.
Come join in on the fun at this Latin Inspired Zumba Exercise Party. This fun and upbeat class is exhilarating and easy to follow. All levels are welcome and it’s free!! This Program is offered every Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm. Please call 828-350-2062 for more information.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Find more information here.
For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!
Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.
May 4: Jess Jocoy, Waverly Front Porch Series
June 1: Letters to Abigail, Waverly Front Porch Series
June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series
July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series
September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series
October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series
2023 Waverly Live
Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.
June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series
July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series
September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series
October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series
Join us for Thirsty Thursday presented by Catawba Brewing Co. and 105.9 The Mountain. $1 Domestic Beer, $1 Coca-Cola and $3 Craft Beer.
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to each show. The 2023 series is made possible by the following sponsors: Pisgah AVL, Mark Kleive DDS, Cup of Jomo, Dough House, LEAF Global Arts, Greybeard Realty, Four Sisters Bakery, Acoustic Corner, The Red Radish, and Sarah Sunshine Pottery.
A celebration of bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and other species that help pollinate more than 1,200 crops and about 90% of all flowering plants that rely on pollinators for the survival of their species. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, and support other wildlife. During June, people of all ages can learn more about the interdependence between humans and pollinators. Especially in our agricultural area, this is a subject of interest related to the food we eat and the economically important crops we raise.
Pollinator Month activities range from gardening tips, free seeds, honey-tastings, walks along nature trails, and valuable information about bees and beekeeping. A complete schedule of events is available at here. For questions about Pollinator Month or to volunteer, contact [email protected].
Hendersonville’s Pollinator Month events are coordinated by Bee City USA-Hendersonville, a program of Bullington Gardens and Hendersonville Tree Board.
Pollinator Trail
A brand new self-guided tour of eco-friendly gardens, green spaces, farms, garden centers, restaurants, breweries, and other local destinations that highlight the importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is now available at www.hendersonvillenc.gov/pollinator-trail. If you have established a new pollinator garden, to be considered for inclusion in the next edition of the Trail, please get in touch with us prior to Pollinator Month in June.
Honey Tasting and Live Honey Bees
Saturday, June 3, 8am – 1pm
Presented by HoneyBee Bliss, Randy and Pam Knowles.
Location: Hendersonville Farmers Market at the Historic Train Depot, 650 Maple Street
Cost: no charge; no registration required
At this vendor’s booth, taste pure, raw, local honey, and safely observe a live honey bee hive.
Lewis Creek Preserve Nature Walk
Wednesday, June 7, 9am – 11am
Presented by MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina
Location: Edneyville Community Center, 15 Ida Rogers Drive, Edneyville
Cost: no charge; registration required at https://mountaintrue.org/event/lewis-creek-preserve-nature-walk-in-hendersonville-nc-6-7-23/
Bob Gale, MountainTrue’s Ecologist & Public Lands Director, will lead a slow hike along the nature trail and boardwalk, interpreting plant life, wildflowers, a rare Southern Appalachian Bog ecosystem, and the value of pollinators on this property. From the community center parking lot, the group will go to Lewis Creek Preserve trailhead a short distance away. Suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Native Plant Identification Walk
Saturday, June 10, 9am
Presented by Rachel Meriwether and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway
Location: Patton Park, 1730 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville
Cost: no charge; no registration required
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)
Returning a Meadow to Pollinators
Saturday, June 10, 9am – 4pm
Presented by Echo Hill Farm
Location: Echo Hill Farm, 529 Pace Rd., Hendersonville
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
Garden Club
Monday, June 12, 4– 5pm
Presented by Henderson County Public Library
Location: Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington Street, Hendersonville
Cost: no charge; no registration required
This is a special Garden Club event for families and children grades K – 5. Play Pollinator Jeopardy and make pollinator-friendly waterers for the library gardens.
Visit https://hendersonpl.libcal.com/event/10515952 for more information.
Green River Bee Company Installation Event
Saturday, June 17, 2023
9:00 AM 1:00 PM
Presented by: Jon Gleman – Green River Bee Company
Installation of a Trailhead, Pollinator Habitats and an Educational Board at Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC . We will have a Q & A session during each install. Green River Bee Company Events.
Audience Served: All Ages
Cost: Free
Registration: None Required
Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series – Making Your Garden a True Home for Pollinators
June 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Free.
Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve
Speaker: Kim Bailey, avid wildlife habitat gardener, environmental educator, and owner of Milkweed Meadows Farm
Explore the life cycles and habitat needs of our native bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds while learning to create a garden that’s not just friendly to pollinators, but irresistible! Kim Bailey (AKA nectar bartender and pollinator chef at Milkweed Meadows Farm) will share secret ingredients and recipes for serving up a bountiful buffet from spring through fall. The key is not just providing nectar-producing plants to attract adult pollinators who will fly by “the bar” for a quick sip then move along. You also want to offer a kids’ menu to entice pollinators to stick around and make your garden their home. This means growing critical “baby food” plants (such as milkweed!) and flowers with “carryout pollen” to cater to picky eaters!
**Kim will be bringing a selection of native plants to for sale following the presentation!
An avid wildlife habitat gardener and environmental educator for over 25 years, Kim Bailey has a true passion for pollinators. In 2014, she moved to family property in Fruitland, NC and founded Milkweed Meadows Farm. Generations ago, the property was a working dairy farm. Today, instead of producing milk, the farm grows milkweed as well as native wildflower seeds, open-pollinated heirloom vegetable seeds, pollinator-friendly potted plants, cut flowers, and specialty fruits. Living tunnels of passionvines, pipevines, and climbing milkweeds benefit a diversity of butterfly species while an orchard of over 100 pawpaw trees specifically nurture zebra swallowtails. Kim not only enjoys gardening for bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other wildlife at the farm, but loves sharing knowledge about creating pollinator habitats with others by regularly teaching classes and giving presentations.
In order to make this an enjoyable and educational experience for participants, space is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required.
*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
Bee Wise
Saturday, June 24, 10am – 2pm
Presented by Caregivers of Mother Earth and Horse Shoe Gap Village
Location: Horse Shoe Gap Village, 3636 Brevard Rd., Horse Shoe
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Local author Elle Travis shares stories from her children’s books, including Bee Wise. A scavenger hunt with prizes, potted pollinator flowers for sale, an educational bee experience by a local honeybee expert, and much more will be offered.
Nature Walk and Talk: Bees and Beekeeping
Saturday, June 24, 10 – 11:30am
Presented by The Park at Flat Rock
Location: The Park at Flat Rock, 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Park volunteer and beekeeper Will Garvey will discuss how the park supports bees, and how bees support the park … and how the park’s wildflower meadow, pollinator garden, native bees, and beehives work together to create healthy ecosystems. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pollinator events are also scheduled in Asheville. Visit ashevillegreenworks.org to learn more.
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.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group
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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.”
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!
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.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Integrating Trees and Grazing Livestock In A Silvopasture System
Join Noah and Lyric for a tour of Wild East Farm, where they have established ~12 acres of crop tree plantings designed for pasturing livestock (pigs and chickens) throughout. Learn about the fundamentals of silvopasture and experience firsthand how to plan for long-term tree regeneration and intensive livestock management.
About the farm:
Wild East Farm is a 44-acre beauty in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape is a diverse mix of open pastures, flowing streams, and woodlands.
“We envision a contiguous farm ecosystem that will take decades to develop. In the early years, we are producing crops that are familiar, reliable, and economically viable for a new farm business including annual vegetables and pastured poultry.
All the while, we have established agroforestry plantings over 11 acres and are preparing the land to holistically graze ruminants- with intentions to transition to these forms of production over time.”
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Find more information here.
Montford Glow Nights 3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Fridays, June 30, July 28, and August 25, 2023
6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Tempie Avery Montford Center (34 Pearson Dr, Asheville, NC)
Description: Enjoy a night out! Drop the kiddos off with us at the Tempie Avery Montford Center for a night of fun. We will have our black lights set up in the gym for a night of glowing fun. Each month we will offer a different glow in the dark activity.
June 30 – Laser Tag
July 28 – Dodgeball
August 25 – Capture the Flag
The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Blue Ridge Power!
The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.
Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Fable Wilde Day
Always an audience favorite, Twelfth Night returns to the MPP stage with all of the mistaken identity, love triangles and general wackiness you may already know and love!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!
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.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group
|
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!
Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.