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.

Saturday, April 4, 2020
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.

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Apr 4 all-day
Catawba College
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads
Apr 4 all-day
NC National Forests
National forests COVID-19
FILE image- Pisgah National Forest signage (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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.

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.

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.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Apr 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Charity hike up Bearwallow Mountain! Tails and Trails
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bearwallow Mountain in Gerton, NC

WANTED: STRONG LEGS, POSITIVE ATTITUDES, & WAGGING TAILS

Bring your best human friend or prized pooch for a charity hike up Bearwallow Mountain! Hike the 1-mile trail to the grassy bald of Bearwallow Mountain with fellow conservation-loving pet owners to enjoy the panoramic views. Proceeds benefit Conserving Carolina and the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Pre-register by March 8 to receive a t-shirt!

Registration for this event is $20 and includes an event t-shirt when signed up by March 8. There is no registration cut off and day-of registrations will be accepted.

Check-in will begin at 10:00AM at the trail head. All participants–humans and their furry friends–must check in prior to the start of the hike.  Proceeds benefit Conserving Carolina & Blue Ridge Humane Society.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Apr 4 @ 3:30 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.

Sunday, April 5, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 5 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
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads
Apr 5 all-day
NC National Forests
National forests COVID-19
FILE image- Pisgah National Forest signage (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Apr 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Apr 5 @ 11:00 am
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.

Monday, April 6, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 6 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
Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” at Norman Wilder Forest
Apr 6 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176,

Join the Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” as they continue the fight against Kudzu, a non-native and invasive vine, at the Conserving Carolina owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Hwy 176.

The Kudzu Warriors, named for their hard work eradicating Kudzu on Little Warrior Mountain, have been defending the Conserving Carolina nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation! But the fight is not over, and we need your help!

Join us Monday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176, between Tryon and Saluda. GPS points (35.22458, -82.27428)

We will supply tools and gloves, but please bring water and a snack for yourself, dress appropriately and bring your own work gloves if you’d like.

To RSVP or for more information call Pam at 828-697-5777, ext 300 or email [email protected].

Auditions: Legally Blonde Musical
Apr 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

PRODUCTION DATES: June 5-28, 2020; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm; Additional Thursday night performances June 18 and June 25 at 7:30 pm; Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: April 12 – June 4, 2020; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: Large cast; high school age (should be believable as college/graduate students) and up; all roles open to people of all races and ethnicities.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 7 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
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 7 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Auditions Readers Theatre: The Chalk Garden CANCELLED
Apr 7 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

AUDITIONS: April 7, 2020, 10:30 am-2:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: April 24-26, 2020

REHEARSALS: April 9, 14, 16, 21, and 23, 2020 from 10:30-2:30

Auditions: Legally Blonde Musical
Apr 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

PRODUCTION DATES: June 5-28, 2020; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm; Additional Thursday night performances June 18 and June 25 at 7:30 pm; Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: April 12 – June 4, 2020; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: Large cast; high school age (should be believable as college/graduate students) and up; all roles open to people of all races and ethnicities.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 8 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
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 8 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 8 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Thursday, April 9, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 9 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
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Apr 9 @ 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.

Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” at Norman Wilder Forest
Apr 9 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176,

Join the Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” as they continue the fight against Kudzu, a non-native and invasive vine, at the Conserving Carolina owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Hwy 176.

The Kudzu Warriors, named for their hard work eradicating Kudzu on Little Warrior Mountain, have been defending the Conserving Carolina nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation! But the fight is not over, and we need your help!

Join us Monday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176, between Tryon and Saluda. GPS points (35.22458, -82.27428)

We will supply tools and gloves, but please bring water and a snack for yourself, dress appropriately and bring your own work gloves if you’d like.

To RSVP or for more information call Pam at 828-697-5777, ext 300 or email [email protected].

Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 9 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Apr 9 @ 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.

Friday, April 10, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 10 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
Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 10 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Join the Global Tree Inventory Challenge
Apr 10 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Image may contain: possible text that says 'TREES CH CHALLENGE 2020 April I- April 30'

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th Anniversary of the GLOBE program, the Buncombe County Library System and NASA are challenging you to make every tree count by using the GLOBE observer app to contribute to a global tree inventory.

Learn more at observer.globe.gov/trees-2020

To join the library team and become a citizen scientist download the free GLOBE observer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create an account, go to settings, click on JOIN a GLOBE Team, and type in the referral code: GLIDCTAZ.

You are now part of our Citizen Scientist team, Friends of Treebeard! Follow the directions and head outside!

Happy Earth Day teammate!

Mud Creek Workday WNC Earth Month
Apr 10 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Conserving Carolina

Help us restore this wetland by removing non-native invasive species. This property borders the confluence of Mouth of Mud Creek and the French Broad River. We are working to restore this property from farmland to a functional and healthy wetland. It is important to remove the non-native invasive species to allow native species to thrive.

Must be able to walk ~.25 mile and ability to bend over. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water and lunch. Extra snacks will be provided.

Meet at the Hendersonville office at 9:30AM to carpool or at GPS coordinates (35.406279, -82.529429) at 10:00AM.

RSVP or for more information email [email protected] or call Natalie at 828-697-5777 ext. 211