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.
Asheville Tourists vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods
Summer is the busiest hiking season of the year, and we’re continuing our celebration of NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail accordingly. Send us your best shots from your summer adventures on the trails. You may even win a prize!
GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
CONTEST RULES:
- There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between July 1, 2023- August 31, 2023.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. - Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
- Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
- E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
- Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
- Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
- For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
- Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
- Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
- Winners will be chosen by a team of Chimney Rock staff. Decisions regarding winners are final.
Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].
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LEARN MORE THIS YEAR |
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Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
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!
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
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!
A speaker in our Grandfather Presents series, David Allen Sibley is the author and illustrator of the series of successful guides to nature that bear his name, including the New York Times bestseller The Sibley Guide to Birds. He has contributed art and articles to Smithsonian, Science, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Birding, BirdWatching, and North American Birds, and wrote an illustrated a syndicated column for The New York Times. He is the recipient of the Roger Tory Peterson Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Birding Association and the Linnaean Society of New York’s Eisenmann Medal. He lives in Deerfield, MA.
Tickets
Buy tickets below beginning June 30, 2023.
“VIP” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, in addition to the program and the “meet and greet” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included.
- $60 “VIP” Adult
- $51 “VIP” Bridge Club Member
“Regular” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet and greet” session after the event.
- $25 “Regular” Adult
- $20 “Regular” Bridge Club Member
- Children under 12 admitted for free (max of four free children per purchase)
Refunds/Cancelations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Schedule
- 8 a.m. | Park opens for the day and “VIP” ticket holders allowed access to the park
- 4:45 p.m. | “Regular” ticket holders allowed to enter the park and head to the Wilson Center for the event
- 5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in one of the classrooms in the Wilson Center (VIP ticket holders only)
- 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker Presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds
- 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet and Greet or Book Signing with Speaker
- 7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests
Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration please call 828-733-2013 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
More About Grandfather Presents
Our 2023 speaker series at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes five big Thursday night events with internationally and nationally known presenters. Presented by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the series also includes two Saturday afternoon presentations focused on nature, adventure or conservation-related topics on a local or regional scale. Read more.
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.
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.
The 77th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival is set for 2023’s Labor Day Holiday, September 1-4. This is a four-day extravaganza that promises to be a delightful blend of entertainment, delicious food, engaging activities, and a celebration of the region’s rich apple and agricultural heritage.
Friday marks the start of the North Carolina Apple Festival, and the opening ceremonies begin at 4:30 pm at the Historic Courthouse. Today is a great day to visit the festival, or grab some festival food during your lunch break. The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Friday’s entertainment is Buddy K Big Band playing 6:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
Saturday is a happening and busy day at the North Carolina Apple Festival with the street fair, and the live entertainment beginning at noon, the multiple special events occurring throughout Henderson County and, of course, the fried apple pies! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Saturday’s entertainment is Swinging Medallions playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!
Another wonderful day to take in the North Carolina Apple Festival is Sunday. Sunday offers the street fair, the Gem & Mineral Spectacular, and so much more! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Sunday’s entertainment is The Mighty Kicks playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!
The festival will be coming to a close today, but the King Apple Parade is the best way to end the North Carolina Apple Festival. There is only a mini-street fair available today since we have to remove some of the vendors north of the Historic Courthouse to make space for the parade. The mini street fair will run from 10 am until the end of the parade. The King Apple Parade will begin at 2:30 pm rain or shine. Come get your NC apples today!
No Entertainment due to parade.
Children’s Activities
Rides, inflatables, and more will await you and your family in the Family Fun Zone, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank! There are two locations: Wells Fargo Bank and the Visitor’s Center. Come see what all the fuss is about and here’s a warning – your kids might not want to leave!
Palmetto Amusements will again be providing the children’s rides and inflatables. Tickets are available for purchase onsite.
Ticket prices:
1 ticket = $1
25 tickets = $20
70 tickets = $55
Attractions vary in number of tickets required from 1 ticket per ride to 5 tickets per ride.
Hours of Operation are:
Friday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Monday, 10 am to 4 pm
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
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
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!
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.
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by First Bank!
These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.
Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.
Here in Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 14th annual season will start on Friday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 15 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek, with the Fireworks Festivities and concert on Tuesday, July 4 sprinkled in for good measure.
- Friday, July 28: Lua Flora, folk/reggae (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 4: Tuxedo Junction, classic hits, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 11: TLQ+2, classic rock and pop hits, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 18: Get Right Band, psychedelic indie rock originals, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 25: Maggie Valley Band, Appalachian/Americana folk rock, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Sept. 1: PMA, roots/reggae/dub/fusion, (7-9 p.m.)
These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. We will have food trucks available on select nights.
For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.
The Tempest, September 1st to 30th
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Magic, monsters and mayhem fill this favorite from The Bard. This one isn’t done with great regularity, so now’sa good time to catch it!
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
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.
Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)
The 77th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival is set for 2023’s Labor Day Holiday, September 1-4. This is a four-day extravaganza that promises to be a delightful blend of entertainment, delicious food, engaging activities, and a celebration of the region’s rich apple and agricultural heritage.
Friday marks the start of the North Carolina Apple Festival, and the opening ceremonies begin at 4:30 pm at the Historic Courthouse. Today is a great day to visit the festival, or grab some festival food during your lunch break. The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Friday’s entertainment is Buddy K Big Band playing 6:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
Saturday is a happening and busy day at the North Carolina Apple Festival with the street fair, and the live entertainment beginning at noon, the multiple special events occurring throughout Henderson County and, of course, the fried apple pies! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Saturday’s entertainment is Swinging Medallions playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!
Another wonderful day to take in the North Carolina Apple Festival is Sunday. Sunday offers the street fair, the Gem & Mineral Spectacular, and so much more! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.
Headlining Sunday’s entertainment is The Mighty Kicks playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.
There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!
The festival will be coming to a close today, but the King Apple Parade is the best way to end the North Carolina Apple Festival. There is only a mini-street fair available today since we have to remove some of the vendors north of the Historic Courthouse to make space for the parade. The mini street fair will run from 10 am until the end of the parade. The King Apple Parade will begin at 2:30 pm rain or shine. Come get your NC apples today!
No Entertainment due to parade.
Children’s Activities
Rides, inflatables, and more will await you and your family in the Family Fun Zone, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank! There are two locations: Wells Fargo Bank and the Visitor’s Center. Come see what all the fuss is about and here’s a warning – your kids might not want to leave!
Palmetto Amusements will again be providing the children’s rides and inflatables. Tickets are available for purchase onsite.
Ticket prices:
1 ticket = $1
25 tickets = $20
70 tickets = $55
Attractions vary in number of tickets required from 1 ticket per ride to 5 tickets per ride.
Hours of Operation are:
Friday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Monday, 10 am to 4 pm
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
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!
STATIONARY FUN – Creekside play area has a treehouse and wee slide ➤ The Big Barn has our Sound Silo full of instruments to play on and make noise, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor and cornhole boards(ask the staff for bags) ➤ On the grassy slope behind the Big Barn we’ve got our famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages, hammocks on the hill and tetherball!
Availability: All stationary fun is available every day during business hours of 10-5, starting September 2nd, through the rest of the season- tetherball will be back in action starting September 6th!
ANIMALS TO SEE – We will have a brooder house full of chicks in various ages and stages all season, there will typically be mama pigs and piglets in agritourism pens on the hill, more rarely there will be grazing cattle in a nearby field.
FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE
9/2 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck
9/16 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck – they will be serving HNG beef for their all-American burger!
9/24 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Root Down Farm Food Truck
9/30 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck
10/7 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck
10/14 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck
10/15 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck
10/22 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck
10/29 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill Food Truck
11/4 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck
FALL SEASONAL OFFERINGS
APPLES – Our partners in Edneyville, NC, Lyda Farms, bring some of the best in the region. Local and low spray, folks come every year to get the best of fall in NC by the bag to bake, stew, butter, sauce and of course, crunch into while sitting on the farm.
Availability: Apples will be available to buy starting September 9th, they will typically run out Mid to late October.
FRESH PRESSED CIDER – We press fresh apple cider every year, comprised of our historical orchard apples on the Old Sherrill’s Inn property and apples from our partner Lyda Farms. This is a raw, unpasteurized product – delicious and changeable as the season, no added sugar or seasonings.
Availability: 1st pressing September 13th, bottled cider will be in the store for purchase September 14th!
JACKOLANTERN PUMPKINS – We work with several WNC veggie farmers in the area, including Hawkins Farms. We’ll have pumpkins arranged all around the Farm Store to display their beauty AND make sure you get *just the right one*. The seeds are dynamite when roasted, too…
Availability: Coming Mid-September, they will typically run out by end of October so make sure you get yours!
EDIBLE SQUASH & DECORATIVE GOURDS – From Mr. Anthony Cole’s farms, we have some long-lasting festive gourds to decoarate for the season, and a broad variety of edible squashes and pumpkins perfect for pies, soups and pasta.
Availability: Coming Mid-September.
Take a 90-plus minute stroll along 7th Avenue/Historic Depot District, where the action was when the first steam engine locomotives rolled into town starting in 1879 bringing hundreds of tourists. The district surrounding the historic Railroad Depot was where it was happening in the Gilded Age of Hendersonville from 1879, when the first steam locomotive arrived with hundreds of tourists daily, till the Crash of 1929 … learn about the drays, the hustle, the inns, the summer visitors, the shoot-outs, growth of agriculture, and popular candy stores. These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine. Please make a reservation, 828-545-3179.
All tours: $10 per person age 10 and over. Children under 10 yrs. free with paying adult.
Meeting Place: Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (at corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)
Schedule a private tour anytime for your group.
Reservations/information: 828-545-3179
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.
HAYRIDES – Brought to you by Project HNG our sister nonprofit! Proceeds go to Project HNG. Suitable for all ages, babies in arms are free, 16 people per ride.
Availability: every Saturday & Sunday starting September 2nd through November 11th. 11am-4pm, last ride goes out at 3:30pm. May be cancelled due to tremendous weather conditions.
PONY RIDES – Brought to you by Project HNG our sister nonprofit! Proceeds go to Project HNG. Suitable for young children, supervision and helmets provided. If you’re interested in riding lessons or trail rides please reach out to [email protected]
Availability: every Saturday & Sunday starting September 2nd through November 11th. 11am-3pm. May be cancelled due to tremendous weather conditions
Join a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll through the forest on the peaceful Arboretum grounds. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Your guide will share mindfulness practices designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes, as well as the world around you. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, a forest bathing walk invites you to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy!
- Special, discounted rate of $45/person (includes parking!)
- Occurs on select dates each month
- Max group size is 15 for a more intimate experience
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
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!