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.

May 2024 May 2024
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Friday, May 17, 2024
One Book, One Buncombe: Courtyard Concert with the Asheville Ukulele Society
May 17 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
East Asheville Library
  Free. Come sing along with classic songs for all ages!
Read more
Categories: Family Fun Music
Cinema on the Square Presents – “Dungeons + Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”
May 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

Come and enjoy an evening under the stars while you watch the award winning 2023 adventure film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic, but their charming adventure goes dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Learn more about the movie here: tinyurl.com….

Refreshments will be available for sale.

Please bring a blanket or camp chair.
Read more
Categories: Family Fun Film Outdoors
Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR
May 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Ira B Jones Elementary School NC

Dive under the sea and into the magical world of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”! Follow the adventurous mermaid princess Ariel as she dreams of a life above the waves and falls in love with the handsome human prince, Eric. With toe-tapping songs, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters like Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish, this junior adaptation of the beloved Disney classic brings all the enchantment of the original to the stage. Join Ariel on her journey of self-discovery, friendship, and true love in this heartwarming musical extravaganza perfect for audiences of all ages. Get ready to be swept away on a wave of fun and fantasy in “The Little Mermaid Jr.”!

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Theatre
Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses Edward III
May 17 @ 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 Community Family Fun Outdoors Theatre
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Auditions for “The Prom”
May 18 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Presents

The Prom

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is excited to produce our first full-length summer production The Prom. Rehearsals will take place over the summer with the show going up in September. All students in rising 8-12 are invited to audition to be part of the cast and crew.

2024 Performances

  • Friday, September 27 at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, September 28 at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, September 28 at 2:00pm
  • Sunday, September 29 at 2:00pm

Summary

  • Rehearsals: Mondays & Thursdays 6-8pm (Starts June 17, 2024) (and Saturdays in September)
  • Performances: September 27-29, 2024
  • Audition Videos Due: June 1, 2024
  • Callbacks: June 8, 2024
  • Cast list Announced: June 15, 2024
  • Ages: Rising 8th grade and High School Only
  • Price: $450
  • Audition Material: Any song and monologue from a musical allowed.
Read more
Categories: Auditions Family Fun Theatre
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
May 18 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.  

Read more
Categories: Bookclubs Community Education Family Fun
Grant Center Swimming Pool
May 18 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

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
May 18 – May 17 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
Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Education Family Fun
Memorial Day Weekend Outdoor Adventures
May 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Read more
Categories: Family Fun Holiday Outdoors
Mile High Swinging Bridge
May 18 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
May 18 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Recreation Park Swimming Pool
May 18 all-day
Recreation Park

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

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation Sports
Registration Open: Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
May 18 all-day
Asheville Junior Theater

Get ready to dance into the spotlight because Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) –
School of Dance is excited to announce the grand opening its dance school. Registration
for the upcoming Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season is now open! With a commitment to igniting
artistic passion and fostering unparalleled talent, AJT School of Dance is your ticket to an
electrifying dance experience like no other.

AJT School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a gateway to a transformative dance
experience. With a focus on fostering self-confidence, promoting integrity, and nurturing a
genuine passion for dance, our dedicated instructors are committed to guiding each student on
a path of artistic discovery and self-expression.

Registration for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season at Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Classes are offered
for ages 4-adult.
For more information on class offerings and registration, visit
www.ashevillejuniortheater.com/dance or contact [email protected].
Unique classes offered: Aerial Arts, Tricks and Stunts, Musical Theater, Performance Crew–
in addition to all the various technique classes of Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more!

Read more
Categories: Dance Education Family Fun
Registration Open: Summer Camps at the Wortham Center
May 18 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

Imaginative kids can create, explore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts.

Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited.

A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply.

Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected].
2024 Creative Arts Summer Camps

CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)

Register

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)

Register

CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)

Register

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Education Family Fun Music Theatre
Summer Family Campout —-registration open
May 18 all-day
Lake Julian Park

Our Summer Family Campout is taking place at Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Road in Arden) on Saturday, June 1. The annual event will bring together families and friends to connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars.

This event features 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.

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. Registration opens on May 6.

*Please note that one (1) ticket covers an entire family. Upon checkout, there will be a section to fill out that asks about family information such as names of all participants, and food allergies or restrictions. Email [email protected] for additional information.
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Parks & Recreation
Bloom with a View
May 18 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

“Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!

Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 4-19. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE

Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150

Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access! Find out how to become a member and support the Arboretum’s mission and programs below

BECOME A MEMBER!

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Black Mountain Beautification Committee Garden Sale
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Black MountainTown Square

A gardener’s dream sale. All are welcome to purchase from a wide variety of plant and garden vendors as well as baked goods and services from members.
Meet us in the Black Mountain Town Square parking lot from 3 to 7pm on May 17 and
from 9am to 3:30pm on May 18.
This year’s sale will feature prized annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Garden-related items will include garden décor, bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other special items.

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Categories: Family Fun Fundraisers Garden Garden Events Outdoors
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors
Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

 

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

 

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

  • Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Garden Open Year Round
  • Parking Fees
    • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
    • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
    • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
    • Members: Free

    Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

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Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors
Summer Splash Water Days
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

Splasheville

Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

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Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Li’l Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour
May 18 @ 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.

Read more
Categories: Comedy Family Fun Tours
Community Block Party
May 18 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Haw Creek Commons

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun
New Story Time Series: MENtors Reading Program
May 18 @ 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
4th Annual TIPtug Challenge
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tanger Oulets

Tanger Outlets Asheville, in collaboration with Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina, Asheville Fire Department and Asheville Police Department, welcomes guests to the fourth annual TIPtug Challenge on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Teams of up to 12 are invited to compete against local police and fire personnel for the fastest time pulling a fully-loaded fire truck 100 feet. This family-friendly event supports Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina, which provides volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of sudden tragedy when requested at scenes by first responders. The community is welcome to join the pull by signing up for a team at tiptug.org. The event will also include a health and safety fair with emergency response vehicles to explore, vendors, games, a raffle and silent auction.

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Categories: Community Family Fun
Family River Day
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
NOC Roswell- Azelea Park

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Join Family River Day in Roswell and experience the great outdoors like never before! This event is perfect for people of all backgrounds, especially Black Indigenous, People of Color- families and enthusiasts. Join us for a day of river paddling, safety workshops, live music, food trucks, and more. This fun-filled day will take place in the beautiful setting of Azalea Park.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Yala Cultural Tour
May 18 @ 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
May 18 @ 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
Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR
May 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Ira B Jones Elementary School NC

Dive under the sea and into the magical world of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”! Follow the adventurous mermaid princess Ariel as she dreams of a life above the waves and falls in love with the handsome human prince, Eric. With toe-tapping songs, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters like Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish, this junior adaptation of the beloved Disney classic brings all the enchantment of the original to the stage. Join Ariel on her journey of self-discovery, friendship, and true love in this heartwarming musical extravaganza perfect for audiences of all ages. Get ready to be swept away on a wave of fun and fantasy in “The Little Mermaid Jr.”!

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Categories: Family Fun Theatre
Roller Derby Triple Header Bout
May 18 @ 2:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Event Center

BLUE RIDGE ROLLER DERBY TRIPLE HEADER BOUT
When: Saturday, May 18th, doors at 2 PM
Where: Smoky Mountain Event Center (758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785)

Come experience multiple levels of derby play at Blue Ridge’s first home game of the 2024 Travel Team season! First, witness the Blue Ridge Junior Derby team in their EXPO bout. Then watch as the Blue Ridge Y’Allstars and then the Retrogrades take on Nashville Roller Derby in A- and B-level sanctioned bouts that will impact our INTERNATIONAL rankings!

Tickets available for purchase at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/1c28ea2f-f2aa-4a88-9062-e792fce01e2d

Doors open at 1:00 PM for an afternoon full of LIVE ROLLER DERBY at SMEC!
2:00 Juniors Expo Game (The Good Eggs vs. The Bad Seeds)
3:00 BRRD Y’allstars vs. Nashville A
5:00 BRRD Retrogrades vs. Nashville B

Online or At-The-Door Tickets: $10.00

All ages welcome, kids 11 and under are FREE. We will have a great menu of concessions, including plant-based options!

Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the inclusive and fun space that Blue Ridge Roller Derby continually creates while playing a competitive sport on 8 wheels. BRRD is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to provide action-packed, family-friendly fun on eight wheels.

If you’d like FREE admission and FREE food at the after party (held at the Odditorium in West Asheville), you can sign up to volunteer at this event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48AAAD2CA5FFCF8-48724040-blue#/

Check out our season schedule and more at blueridgerollerderby.com

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Categories: Family Fun Fundraisers Games Sports