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.

June 2024 Jun 2024
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Saturday, June 1, 2024
Li’l Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour
Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Explore Asheville with the whole family!

Age Restrictions

All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Duration

60 Minutes

What’s Included

Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes

About

Now’s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, you’ll learn about our city’s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style – complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, it’s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. It’s a show on wheels!

The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun – it’s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Waitlist

If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.

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Categories: Comedy Family Fun Tours
Nerd Pride Fest
Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Nerd Dungeon

Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm

Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.

Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.

As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!

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Categories: Art & Craft Benefit Community Dance Donations Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink Fundraisers Games Holiday Market Music Raffle Workshops
KID HOP HOORAY! Meet The Animals!
Jun 1 @ 10:30 am
Rabbit Rabbit
10:30-1:30pm (meet the animals until 12:30pm)

A portion of each ticket will benefit Appalachian Wild’s Wild Animal Rescue

featuring DJ Oso, animal ambassadors from Appalachian Wild, bounce-house inflatable, and more!
Hop Ice Cream, Face-painting, and concessions will be on site, and available for purchase (not included with admission)
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Categories: Dance Family Fun Music
New Story Time Series: MENtors Reading Program
Jun 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Did you know that data shows having active male role models in the life of children can breakdown stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment? With that in mind, Buncombe County public libraries is excited to introduce our new Saturday morning story time series, Reading MENtors. This reading initiative encourages men from our local community to celebrate that men love to read. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of early childhood educators, including preschool teachers and librarians, are men,” says Enka-Candler Library Branch Manager Erin Parcels. “That means that we have entire generations of children who grew up without a clear idea of what positive male educators are. To see strong literacy practices in children, adults need to model such behavior, which is why we are inviting men with different professions from the local community to share good reading habits to children.”

To help bolster the number of male reading role models, the Enka-Candler Library is inviting men with different professions from all over Buncombe County to share their joy of reading with young patrons. Data shows that having active male role models in children’s lives can break down stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, teaching and modeling reading at an early age vitally important for brain development. “In the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second. Ninety percent of the brain develops by the age of five,” exclaims Librarian Kate Sprate, “Reading plays a pivotal role in setting children up for future social, emotional, and educational success because literacy helps build language, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills.”

This program is open to children of all ages and gender identities. We believe that positive literacy role models are for everyone! Story time will be every other Saturday beginning May 4 at 10:30 a.m., please join us for a story time followed by fun activities! See below for more MENtor story times.

Interested in being a MENtor?
If you know of someone in our community who would be a great Reading MENtor, let us know! Volunteers will read a book and be accompanied by Youth Services Librarian Kate Spratt, who will host a follow-up activity in line with the theme of the story or the person’s career. We love to collaborate, so ideas from volunteers and full participation are welcome. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy reading and sharing the love of reading, are patient, positive, and joyful. To submit a reading MENtor nomination, email [email protected].

Upcoming MENtor story time and acitivity schedule – all story times are at 10:30 a.m.

May 4: Read & Play!

  • Jason Hyatt, Director of Buncombe County Public Libraries
  • Play-Doh Club preview
  • Free book prize

May 18: Music & Movement

  • Mike Martinez, LEAF Global Arts #SparktheArtsNC Artist-in-residence, Announcer at Blue Ridge Public Radio, Artist Mentor for StoryCraft
  • Musical instrument petting zoo, Build your own instrument, songwriting station

June 1: GOAL!

  • Gregg Munn, Director and Head Coach of Mars Hill University Men’s Soccer Team & players
  • Soccer obstacle course/warm-up stations

June 15: TBD

June 29: TBD

July 20: Building communities

  • David McNair, Rector at St. James Episcopal Church
  • LEGO free-build and giant foam block building

Aug. 3: Fun and games

  • Mac Stanley and Matt Dixon, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
  • Giant yard game stations and crafts

Aug. 17: Pizza party

  • Jack Kirakossian, personal chef and food educator
  • Create your own min pizza

 

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Categories: Bookclubs Community Family Fun
North Carolina Winery Tour Adventures
Jun 1 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
North Carolina Wineries

Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.

Included:

  • Round trip transportation*
  • Three vineyard visits
  • Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
  • Time commitment = up to 5 hours

Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!

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Categories: Food & Drink Tours
Pollination Celebration: Pollination Film Festival Film Screening of “Wings of Life”
Jun 1 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Pack Library’s Pollination Film Festival features films, talks, and activities about pollination during the month of June.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible–and increasingly threatened–creatures. Our Pollination Celebration! keynote speaker on June 22, Dr. Stephen Buchmann, served as Chief Scientist for the film.

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Categories: Community Family Fun Film
Music at the Vineyard – Garner Frick
Jun 1 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Winery

 

Join us on Saturday, June 1 for live music at the vineyard with Garner Frick! Garner will be performing covers and originals at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery on Saturday from 12-3 PM. Come sit, sip, and soak up some tunes on the terrace overlooking Sugarloaf Vineyard! We can’t wait to see you here!

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Categories: Food & Drink Music
Yala Cultural Tour
Jun 1 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

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Categories: Community Education Family Fun Music Tours
Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Jun 1 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
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Categories: Family Fun Music
Bluegrass + Brews
Jun 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Corner of Eagle St. and Market St.

Join Pack Square Collection on June 1st from 2-5pm for Bluegrass & Brews, a free event with live bluegrass music and refreshing sips, presented by Dig Local! The event, located on the corner of Eagle and Market Street, will include performances by Bear Creek String Bandits at 2pm, Cast Iron Bluegrass at 3pm and Blue Ridge Tradition at 4pm!

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Categories: Food & Drink Music
Just Brew It
Jun 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

What’s Brewing at Just Brew It:

Just Brew It isn’t just any beer festival; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and great taste. Picture this: 50+ unique beers crafted by 20+ talented homebrewers. From classic IPAs to experimental brews infused with coffee, chocolate, spices, and fruit – there’s something for every beer lover’s palate. Those in attendance sample the homebrew and vote for their favorite while the homebrewers compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award!

But that’s not all! We’re adding a twist this year with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those looking for a different kind of refreshment.

How to Join the Fun:

To savor these sensational sips, become a 2024 individual member of Just Economics today.  This event is not ticketed, but rather a benefit for Just Economics’ members. Purchase a membership here and your name will be on the event attendee list. Then, all Just Economics members can sample the homebrews and vote for their favorites! 

  • Memberships are $35, which grants you entry to the event.
  • The VIP Package with Membership is $55, which grants you entry to the event an hour early (1:00pm) and a VIP swag bag with a souvenir glass and other goodies.
  • Non-alcoholic event passes are $15— For those who want to enjoy the music, atmosphere, and a creative selection of non-alcoholic beverages, this year we are offering a non-alcoholic event pass.

Get your membership here!

Support a Cause, Sip for a Purpose:

Just Brew It isn’t just about great beer; it’s about supporting Just Economics’ mission to promote living wages, affordable housing, and better transit in our community. Your membership directly contributes to positive change while you have a blast at the festival.

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Categories: Benefit Food & Drink
Live Music with Feral Child at the Ridge
Jun 1 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saint Paul Farms

No RSVP required.  Bring a chair just in case!

Enjoy a Saturday afternoon overlooking the orchard with Live music, Great Cider & Wine & beer. Bring all your friends!
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Categories: Food & Drink Music Outdoors
Intimate bar: Wine + Roses Opens
Jun 1 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Zelda Dearest Hotel
Asheville’s Zelda Dearest. Intimate wine bar Wine & Roses officially opened its doors in the boutique hotel today.

The parlour bar features a curated beer and wine selection, craft cocktails, and a design and vibe inspired by the hotel’s namesake, Zelda Fitzgerald. A small menu of decadent bites will debut later this summer.

Wine & Roses is open to guests Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and to the public Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm to 10pm. 

With a curated beer and wine selection, craft cocktails, and air of sophistication, Wine & Roses offers a peek into the
captivating personality of the hotel’s namesake, Zelda Fitzgerald.
Designed by Hatteras Sky and with interiors by Nashville-based firm, Anderson Design Studio,
Wine & Roses is tucked within a thoughtfully restored turn-of-the-century mansion in Asheville’s
South Slope neighborhood. Wine & Roses is inspired by the clandestine meetings that first
ignited their whirlwind courtship, leaving Zelda wistfully nostalgic and furiously imaginative in her
writing and artistry. The space exudes warmth with golden hues, dim lighting, and lush velvet
accents. Always topped with fresh roses, the eight-seat bar at Wine & Roses sits under
glimmering chandeliers and overlooks a portrait of Zelda herself. Additional seating for up to 21
guests is spread throughout the bar area. A dreamy outdoor patio boasts two roaring fire pits
and 24 additional seats for those who choose to indulge al fresco.
Wine & Roses serves craft cocktails like The Sayre (Monkey 47, lemon, orange blossom, egg
white, and orange bitters), The Fitz (Four Roses, demerara simple syrup, angostura bitters,
orange, and luxardo cherry), and the Gilded Girl (Casamigos Reposado, orange curacao,
apricot juice, and lime juice), and a curated selection of local beers and wines by the glass. A
small menu of decadent bites will debut later this summer.
Wine & Roses is open to guests Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and to the public
Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm to 10pm. For additional information about Wine & Roses,
to book a private event, or to reserve a seat at the bar, call Zelda Dearest at 828.514.2489, visit
zeldadearest.com, or follow @zeldadearest on Instagram.

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Categories: Food & Drink
PATIO: Anna Kline
Jun 1 @ 5:30 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
ALL AGES
LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

ANNA KLINE
“[Anna’s] voice is a marvel—powerful and expressive—with a keening, gorgeous vibrato that brings forth images of a displaced Depression-era farmer’s wife, mourning the loss of her land to the dust.” (DeSoto Magazine).

Anna Kline grew up in a small town between Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Hailing from a long line of musicians and singers, she was raised on a steady diet of hymns and folk, three-part harmonies, blues, and Memphis soul. She and husband, John Looney, formed Grits & Soul, and promptly set up a home base in Asheville. For the next five years they crisscrossed the Southeast, appearing at MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Suwannee Springfest & Suwannee’s Magnolia Fest, Countryfest in Belgium.

In 2017, they moved back to John’s home state of Kentucky and kept writing, performing, and playing in the region. John went on tour with John R. Miller. Anna sang harmony and played square dances with The Local Honeys. In 2021, Anna and John formed Swift Silver and put out a self-titled album drawing on their love of Memphis soul, blues, and country.

Lately Anna takes the opportunity to strike out on her own, playing solo shows, sharing songs and poetry, revealing her musical vision in a new way. Her writing is directly influenced by the redemptive strains of gospel, the drawling tremolo of rhythm and blues, and the raw twang of rural American life.

“Anna Kline’s vocals perfectly compliment the lyrics that speak to her move to Kentucky, and finding her personal rhythm amongst an inspiring web of human curiosity and creative emotion.” — A VOICE IN THE MOUNTAINS

As a solo act, she keeps good company, whether opening for Graham Sharp of The Steep Canyon Rangers, collaborating onstage and off with Kentucky stalwarts The Local Honeys, and sharing songwriter rounds with Tiffany Williams—among others.

Anna co-wrote “Last Mule in the Holler” with her friend, Montana Hobbs of The Local Honeys, which appeared on The Local Honey’s recent self-titled album, and songs from Swift Silver’s debut album were recently featured on ESPN’s True South Season 5 featuring Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Anna is also part of a Kentucky Roundtable discussion for Ari Wallach’s PBS series A Brief History of the Future, currently airing on PBS. She is currently working on a collaborative songwriting and album project called Thinking Like a Mountain.

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Categories: Food & Drink Music Outdoors
Drew Foust and The Wheelhouse
Jun 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

A natural soul singer and blues musician, Drew Foust’s music sounds like it’s made between the bleary hours of a rock bar’s last call and a southern preacher’s early morning prayer. Hand made, self-made and arranged in dramatic structure, the music is lyrical and rhythm driven, always pushing a feeling forward.

The Wheelhouse is an amalgamation of some of the best musicians in the piedmont region of North Carolina. Together, Drew and the band lend themselves to heartfelt songwriting with high test grooves, purveying their signature southern soul n’ roll sound. Current members are Jimmy Washington on rhythm guitar, Jared Church on bass, Chuck Pinckney on drums and Cole Covington on keys. The band is known for expanding beyond its core members, having collaborated in studio and on stage with DaShawn & Wendy Hickman, Sam & Eli Fribush, Maia Kamil and Jive Mother Mary. With notable performances at Shakori Hills Festival, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, and FloydFest 24 in addition to opening for The Wallflowers in Winston-Salem, NC.

Drew’s second full-length album, “Good Thing,” released on Charlie Hunter’s SideHustle label in September of 2022, offers 8 tracks inspired by Memphis soul music from the 60s and 70s.

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Categories: Food & Drink Music
Legally Blonde JR
Jun 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Get ready to bend and snap with “Legally Blonde Jr.” – the fabulous musical adaptation of the beloved film! Follow the journey of Elle Woods, the pink-loving, fashion-forward sorority queen who proves that you can be both stylish and smart. When Elle follows her heart to Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, she discovers her true strength and potential along the way. Packed with catchy tunes, hilarious moments, and empowering messages of self-acceptance and determination, “Legally Blonde Jr.” is a high-energy production that will leave audiences cheering for girl power! Join Elle and her friends as they take on the courtroom and break stereotypes in this empowering and entertaining musical perfect for performers of all ages.

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Categories: Family Fun Theatre
Music at the Vineyard – Two Step Too
Jun 1 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Winery

Join us Saturday, June 1 at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery for live music at the vineyard with Two Step Too! Marc Brown and Rick Reles (Just Rick), make up the Two Step Too duo. Marc’s musical journey started in New England and the Maine Seacoast. Rick is a veteran of over 20 years in Midwest bands. You can find his original songs on iTunes and Spotify. The duo has been performing for over 3 years together at dozens of venues around Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, and all points in between.

Two Step Too delivers soulful vocal harmonies to an eclectic collection of tunes you have heard, my have forgotten, and are glad to hear once gain. Their influences span Americana, roots, acoustic blues, traditional, jug band, and country. As they put it: “from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin”. Their soundscape is rounded out with 6 and 12 string acoustic and electric guitars, resonator, percussion and harmonicas. Marc and Rick will be bringing the tunes to Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville on Saturday from 4-7 PM. It’s sure to be an afternoon of amazing music, fabulous wines, great food and good times! We can’t wait to see you here!

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Categories: Food & Drink Music
Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses Richard II
Jun 1 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.

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Categories: Art & Craft Family Fun Outdoors Theatre
USL League 2 vs East Atlanta SC
Jun 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Greenwood Field at UNCA

Woman’s Soccer

Gates at 6:30pm

Match at 7:30pm

Adult tickets for ages 12 and up

Youth tickets for ages 5 to 12

No ticket needed for ages 5 and under

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports
Blue Ghost Firefly Twilight Tour
Jun 1 @ 8:45 pm
Cradle of Forestry

The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a very short amount of time in late Spring, they inhabit our surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a very unique creature that some say resembles a collection of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest. 

The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a very short amount of time in late Spring, they inhabit our surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County. 

You’ll experience an educational presentation at our outdoor amphitheater starting at 8:45 pm and then use the cover of darkness and special flashlights to go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest. Team members will be stationed at key locations around the trail to provide further information about this amazing natural phenomenon. Please feel free to congregate near these areas with your fellow firefly enthusiasts, or go explore on your own! We require everyone to stay on the trail to prevent habitat damage, and team members will clear the trail and require everyone to depart by 10:30 pm.

Ticket Purchase/Pre-registration is required. Actual tickets are not provided. Your ticket purchase receipt serves as your ticket/date confirmation. This is a light rain or shine, family-friendly event!
In order to maximize our participant experience while minimizing our impact on the resource, we limit each night to 125 participants.

Due to the uniqueness of the insects in the natural habitat, it is very difficult to capture photos. Very specific camera equipment is needed and it is almost impossible to capture a photo with a phone camera. Flash from the cameras disturbs the natural habitat and because it is dark, other participants will not see your equipment and you run the risk of damage. Setting up a tripod in the cover of darkness and attempting to capture photos with 125 additional people on the nightly tour is very difficult and does not provide a positive experience for both you or the additional tour attendees. The best way to view this natural phenomenon is to capture the images in your mind’s eye.

If you are interested in taking photos or for photography enthusiasts, we are offering a specific Blue Ghost Photography event and would suggest that you register for the Blue Ghost Photo Tours.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE EVENT? CHECK OUT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS INFORMATION SHEET 

PLEASE NOTE: If the date you wish to attend is not appearing as a selection for ticket purchase, that date is at capacity so you will need to select another date to attend.

Tickets will ONLY be available for purchase ONLINE. All ticket purchases are NON-REFUNDABLE AND CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER NIGHT. You CANNOT purchase tickets on site at the Cradle.

There is NO waitlist for this event.

Gates open at 8:00 pm
Event from 8:45 pm to 10:30 pm
Program starts promptly at 8:45 pm

WHAT TO BRING

Rain Jacket
Flashlight (we provide red cellophane to cover your flashlight)
Comfortable Walking Shoes (For optimal viewing and to protect the habitat we request that “light up” shoes NOT be worn)
Please leave all types of Cameras at home. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, cameras, mobile phone cameras and tripods are not recommended for this event. The event is best enjoyed and remembered through your mind’s eye!
Sense of Wonder

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Tours
Sunday, June 2, 2024
ASAP: How Does Western North Carolina Shop for Food SURVEY
Jun 2 all-day
online

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

 

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

 

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

 

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

 

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

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Categories: Community Food & Drink Health & Wellness
Asheville Springfest
Jun 2 all-day
Pack Square Park

We’re excited to bring a SpringFest to Asheville in 2024 and hope you’ll support our FREE festival by donating to our fundraiser.

We’re bringing a very FUN Family Fun Zone, shopping, DJ and Emcee, and lots of incredible vegan food, and more to Pack Square Park for our Spring Edition!!

You don’t want to miss this fun event. Mark your calendars and get your tickets, swag bags, VIP, VIP PLUS, and/or merch ahead of the festival.

$5 Suggested donation ahead of the event or at the festival is requested.

$15 Swag Bag option will be available! Compostable bag filled with $50+ worth of samples and coupons.

$25 – VIP tickets – enter the event 30 minutes early. Get a cool upgraded goody bag that is reusable with items different from the swag bags. Limited to 100. Get entered into our raffle and get 25 entries for each VIP Entry you purchase. $100+ worth of samples and coupons.

$35 – VIP PLUS – Not interested in a bag filled with items you don’t want or need? Our VIP PLUS will be a cool reusable bag (different from the VIP bag) and also comes with a vegan shirt design different from any you can purchase at our booth. Enter the event 30 minutes early to shop before the crowds. Make sure to let us know your shirt size!

Winners will be picked randomly after the festival and winners will be notified via email. Prize Packs TBD.

Vendors can send an inquiry by going to vegfestexpos.com. Volunteers can sign up on that site as well.

*Food Trucks
*DJ and Emcee
*Family Fun Zone
*Free Face Painting
*Vegan Food
*Shopping
*Fun Contests with prizes

Come out and support our vendors and plan on enjoying the music too. Our Family Fun Zone is perfect for children of all ages and includes life sized games, coloring, and more!

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Categories: Community Festivals Food & Drink Fundraisers
AVL Family Adventure Fest
Jun 2 all-day
Adventure Center of Asheville

On Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1pm-4pm, The Adventure Center of Asheville will host its inaugural AVL Family Adventure Festival at 85 Expo Drive. Formerly Zipping For Autism, this family event will have live music, food, cold beer, scads of kids activities, bike, kayak and climbing demos, face painting, crafts, hay rides, games and MUCH MUCH MORE. Come and enjoy the festival or buy a combo pass and add a trip through Asheville Treetops Adventure Park on the sampler trail (9 challenge obstacles, 12’ in the trees, 1 continuous aerial trail). This event is being hosted by The Adventure Center of Asheville and produced by Asheville Plays! with 100% of proceeds benefiting Camp Lakey Gap. The proceeds directly impact the lives of autistic people and their families by providing scholarships for a one-of-a-kind, week-long residential summer camp experience for autistic children and adults.

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Categories: Community Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink Fundraisers Games Outdoors
Digital: ASAP’s 2024–25 Local Food Guide
Jun 2 all-day
online w/ ASAP

ASAP’s Local Food Guide, the annual free publication for finding local food and farms, is updated for the 2024–25 season. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian GrownTM certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, artisan producers, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to listing content, the 2024–25 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Delia Jovel Dubón of Tierra Fértil Coop (pictured on the cover) talks about creating a sense of belonging for the Hispanic immigrant community in Henderson County. Lyric and Noah East of Wild East Farm in McDowell County detail the journey through their first full year of farming and how they’ve arrived at “a rough draft that’s working.” Kaci Nidiffer of The Liar’s Table in Avery County shares how scaling up and opening several retail spaces have created stronger connections with customers and community. Rounding out the issue are recipes from farmers at Two Trees Farm (Sustainabillies), Lee’s One Fortune Farm, Two Stones Farm + Mill, Carringer Farms, and Terra Lingua Growers.

 

“The Local Food Guide is such a beautiful way to share the stories of this place,” said Sarah Hart, ASAP’s Communications and Engagement Director. “To emphasize that sense of place, listings in this year’s Guide are organized into nine subregions with a short intro on what makes local farms in each area unique.”

 

Look for the Guide at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. Copies of the Guide are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area or if you are interested in distributing Guides at your business.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, location, activities, and more.

 

Funding for the Local Food Guide was made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, and Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Support was also provided by Dogwood Health Trust, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Asheville Regional Airport.

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Categories: Community Farmers Market Food & Drink
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jun 2 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

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Categories: Bookclubs Community Education Family Fun
Family Campouts: Buncombe County Parks + Recreation
Jun 2 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Family Campouts: Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s beloved Family Campout events are returning. These family campouts feature a no-frills camping experience; all guests need to bring is a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Lake Julian Park, which typically does not allow overnight camping, will open its gates strictly for this event. In addition to an overnight camping experience, there will be educational outdoor skills workshops, fishing, nature walks, s’mores, campfire songs, and more. These events will be taking place at Lake Julian Park on June 1-2, and August 17-18. Dinner and breakfast are included in the $40 per family registration fee. Up to 30 families can participate in the event. Pre-registration is required.  

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation
Grant Center Swimming Pool
Jun 2 all-day
Grant Center Pool

Swimming Pools

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

  • Individual – $3 per session
  • Individual Season Pass – $100
  • Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

Events

  • Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

  • Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

    Dates of Operation:
    Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
    Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
    August 12th through September 2nd

    Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

    Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
    Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
    Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
    Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

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Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour • Ages 13+ Only
Jun 2 all-day
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

About

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Age Restrictions

13 and up. No exceptions.

Stops

10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery

What’s Included

Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop

What’s Not Included

Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.

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Categories: Comedy Food & Drink Tours
LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
Jun 2 – Jun 1 all-day
LEAF Global Arts

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!

Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.

SUMMER CAMPS

• June 17-21 – World Dance

• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food

• July 8-12 – Blues

• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti

• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*

• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation

• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*

• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art

*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th
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Categories: Art & Craft Education Family Fun
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Jun 2 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors