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.

Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival

Mar 31 all-day

Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival. It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more. Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”. If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Categories: Festivals Outdoors Sports

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads

Mar 31 all-day

NC National Forests

National forests COVID-19 — FILE image- Pisgah National Forest signage (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee are temporarily shutting down trailhead facilities and other access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to help prevent COVID-19 spread.

In a press release, National Forests in North Carolina said the decision aligns with state and local measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest
Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest

For a complete list of access sites affected by these changes visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures

Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC, are available at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

See the Cherokee National Forest website for the latest recreation information here: fs.usda.gov/cherokee

For the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc, and on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads

Apr 1 all-day

NC National Forests

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest
Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest

For a complete list of access sites affected by these changes visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures

Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC, are available at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

See the Cherokee National Forest website for the latest recreation information here: fs.usda.gov/cherokee

For the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc, and on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Thursday, April 2, 2020

#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC

Apr 2 all-day

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Keep it fun while following social (physical) distancing recommendations! Join us in taking the #BackyardChallenge to celebrate #EarthMonth2020 in your own backyard. How have you been enjoying time outdoors? Check out the gallery below to see ways SAHC staff have been getting fresh air while sticking close to home. Share your own and tag us on social media. #BackyardChallenge #EarthMonth2020 #MyAppalachia #SAHC

Categories: Community Outdoors

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads

Apr 2 all-day

NC National Forests

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest
Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest

For a complete list of access sites affected by these changes visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures

Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC, are available at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

See the Cherokee National Forest website for the latest recreation information here: fs.usda.gov/cherokee

For the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc, and on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain

Apr 2 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month	Days	Time	Number
April	2, 9, 16, 23, 30	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
May	7, 14, 21, 28	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
June	4, 11, 18, 25	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
July	2, 9, 16, 23, 30	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
August	6, 13, 20, 27	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
September	3, 10, 17, 24	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day
October	1, 8, 15, 22, 29	8 a.m.-11 a.m.	limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour

Apr 2 @ 3:00 pm

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Categories: Food & Drink Tours

N.C. Sierra Club’s Pisgah-Nantahala Campaign Webinar Meeting

Apr 2 @ 7:00 pm

online webinar

Western North Carolina Sierra Club group (WENOCA) is following guidance from the national Sierra Club to cancel all in-person meetings, events, hikes and outings until at least April 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That date may be extended if needed.

Our April 9 program meeting on the Nantahala/Pisgah forest management plan revision has been rescheduled and adapted so that you can join us safely from your home. The event will now move forward and online, to April 2 at 7 p.m.

Join us for this important meeting! Please register in advance for the webinar here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to log in by computer or call in by phone.

The discussion will feature Sam Evans of Southern Environmental Law Center, Josh Kelly of Mountain True, and David Reid from WENOCA. This webinar will provide background about the Nantahala/Pisgah plan revision that will be critical in helping you submit informed comments to the U.S. Forest Service. (The comment period was due to end on May 14, but the USFS has indicated it will extend the period; no date has yet been set.) You can learn more about the draft plan and get updates on the comment period by signing up at the N.C. Sierra Club’s Pisgah-Nantahala campaign page on AddUp .

We’d love for you to be part of this event and to keep attention on this important issue. Please join us online!

Until further notice, the WENOCA Group has cancelled all hikes, outings and in-person committee meetings. That includes the March 26 showing of the film Ay Mariposa, co-sponsored by WENOCA.

We hope to resume our monthly program meetings soon. We are grateful for your passion and involvement, and want you to continue to be actively involved in our work. So please, for now, keep in touch online! Watch for further information by email, on our website, and on our Facebook page.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2020

#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC

Apr 3 all-day

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Keep it fun while following social (physical) distancing recommendations! Join us in taking the #BackyardChallenge to celebrate #EarthMonth2020 in your own backyard. How have you been enjoying time outdoors? Check out the gallery below to see ways SAHC staff have been getting fresh air while sticking close to home. Share your own and tag us on social media. #BackyardChallenge #EarthMonth2020 #MyAppalachia #SAHC

Categories: Community Outdoors

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads

Apr 3 all-day

NC National Forests

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest
Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest

For a complete list of access sites affected by these changes visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures

Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC, are available at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

See the Cherokee National Forest website for the latest recreation information here: fs.usda.gov/cherokee

For the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc, and on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Conserving Carolina Spring Hiking Series: Reasonover Creek Trail

Apr 3 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Columbus, Food Lion parking area, east side

Where: Reasonover Creek Trail, DuPont State Recreational Forest

Meet: Columbus, Food Lion parking area, east side, @ 8:30

5.3-miles, moderate; trail type – loop

Hikers will experience the natural beauty of DuPont’s Fawn Lake, Lake Julia, and Reasonover Creek on this trek!Following Fawn Lake Road past the small lake, the trail will lead hikers over an abandoned airstrip where we will follow Camp Summit Road to Lake Julia for stunning views of the lake and a snack. This one-hundred-acre man-made lake is surrounded by beautiful rocky cliffs. After taking in the sights at the lake, we’ll pick up the Reasonover Creek Trail. Along this portion of trail, there are a few places that we’ll have to cross Reasonover Creek – there may be the opportunity to rock-hop, but be prepared to get your feet wet or take the time to take off and put on your boots! Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to see spring wildflowers along the way…maybe even a bird or two!

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) and will leave promptly at 8:45 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting locations. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above and number below) to make other meeting arrangements.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself. In case of inclement weather, call the Conserving Carolina office, ext. 300, before 8:15 a.m. on the date of the hike, and/or check our Facebook page and calendar. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Categories: Community Education Hike Outdoors

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour

Apr 3 @ 3:00 pm

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Categories: Food & Drink Tours

Public Policy Network Forest Plan presentation

Apr 3 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

webinar

Public lands field biologist, Josh Kelly will be doing a live reprise of his April 7 webinar of MountainTrue’s perspective on the draft Nantahala Pisgah Forest Management Plan for the Public Policy Network’s regular May meeting. Also included will be tips and information about how the public can positively influence the final version.

The Public Policy Network (PPN) of Western North Carolina and North Georgia is an all-volunteer group that monitors state and national policy proposals and provides data, information and resources to enable the citizens of western North Carolina and north Georgia to make informed decisions about policies that affect them.

The webinar is free of charge and you do not have to be a member of PPN to register for the webinar.

Categories: Community Outdoors Parks & Recreation

Saturday, April 4, 2020

#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC

Apr 4 all-day

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Keep it fun while following social (physical) distancing recommendations! Join us in taking the #BackyardChallenge to celebrate #EarthMonth2020 in your own backyard. How have you been enjoying time outdoors? Check out the gallery below to see ways SAHC staff have been getting fresh air while sticking close to home. Share your own and tag us on social media. #BackyardChallenge #EarthMonth2020 #MyAppalachia #SAHC

Categories: Community Outdoors

Forest Floor Wilderness Programs

Apr 4 all-day

Forest Floor

Forest Floor is offering sixteen different week-long camp options for ages ranging from K-10. Camps begin with the first week June 15-19 and end with the week of August 10-14. The program is structured to get kids out in the forest, exercising and playing, sharing stories and songs, solving challenges, and learning traditional crafts, wilderness skills, survival skills, and martial arts. Forest Floor programs are unique in the Asheville area because of the focus on Nature Connection Mentoring and helping children reach and exceed their potential.

Parents can drop their children off at Haw Creek Commons in Asheville between 8:30 – 9:00 AM daily, and then pick them up there between 3:00 – 3:30 PM. Camp staff will transport the children via passenger van to the forest location and back each day. An “After Camp” option with games and nature activities is available for parents who choose to pickup as late as 5:30 PM. After Camp can be reserved for specific days or the entire camp week.

The standard pricing for the camps is $295 per week including transportation. The Blacksmithing and Knife-making camps for Grades 6-10 only are priced at $384 per week. After Camp adds $15-30 per afternoon depending on the specific reservations. A payment plan and sibling discount are offered as well. A limited number of partial scholarships are also available. Registrations are taken online in advance at the company website www.OnTheForestFloor.org.

About Forest Floor Wilderness Programs – Forest Floor Wilderness Programs (FFWP) is a unique Asheville provider of Nature-Connection Mentoring programs. FFWP was founded in 2011 by Executive Director Clint Corley to bring a nationally-proven youth mentoring model to the Asheville area. The group offers summer camps, and a wide variety of other programs including weekly programs for homeschool families, bi-weekly programs for teens & public school children, Saturday programs, family campouts, and workshops for adults.

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain

Apr 4 all-day

Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak	($15 + park admission)
Attic Window	($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak	($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Categories: Hike Outdoors

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students

Apr 4 all-day

Catawba College

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads

Apr 4 all-day

NC National Forests

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest
Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest

For a complete list of access sites affected by these changes visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures

Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC, are available at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

See the Cherokee National Forest website for the latest recreation information here: fs.usda.gov/cherokee

For the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc, and on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Categories: Community Outdoors

Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain

Apr 4 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.