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.
The service will include prayer as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, and sung by the
clergy, choir and congregation.
“Evensong is one of the great liturgical traditions of Christianity. This service will be similar to
those celebrated in the Church of England and by Anglican churches around the world,” said Fr.
Josh Stephens, the rector of St. John. “We hope it enriches your journey through Lent as we set
aside this sacred time for evening worship.”
Dialogues between Priest and congregation, Anglican Chant Psalm, ancient canticles sung to
plainsong tones, scripture lessons appointed by the lectionary, prayers, choral anthems and
organ music will be a part of this meditative Mid-Lenten Friends of Music offering.
The public is invited to come and worship with the parishioners of St. John for this special
offering.
As spring migratory species make their return journey from their sunny winter hideaways, see how many you can spot from our location on the NC Birding Trail. Bring your binoculars to get a better look at numerous species traveling north through the Park. Just how many will you add to your list?
The Holy Week schedule begins April 2. Here is a list of all services:
Palm Sunday, April 2
8:45 and 11:00 a.m. Rite I Eucharists
Maundy Thursday, April 6
7:00 p.m. Service with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday, April 7
11:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross – meet in the parking lot of the Parish Hall
12:00 p.m. Good Friday Service (No Eucharist)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Veneration of the Cross in the church
5:30 p.m. Good Friday Service (No Eucharist)
Easter Sunday, April 8
8:45 a.m. Easter Service – Rite II Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt in the Rector's Garden and Parish Hall Lawn
11:00 a.m. Easter Service – Rite II Eucharist
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness welcomes children of all ages to participate in an
Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on Easter Sunday, April 9th. The annual event is hosted by St. John's Young
Family Ministry.
Participants are encouraged to join the fun in the Rector’s Garden and Parish Hall lawn next to the Parish
Hall across Rutledge Drive from the church. Parking is available.
“We invite neighbors, friends, and visitors to join us for Easter at St. John in the Wilderness this year,”
said Fr. Josh Stephens, Rector. “We are excited to offer the Easter Egg Hunt for the community, as well
as the beautiful worship with a warm welcome as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.”
Join Ali McGhee and Tara Eschenroeder for this special Earth Day adventure!
About the adventure…
Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, and fire my spirit!
We are surrounded by so much beauty that we so often overlook as we are distracted by so many things to do and tasks to accomplish. We forget that we are human beings (not human doings) grounded in place and inherent, effortless purpose.
This hike will excite our senses and our minds as we gather deep wisdom about area plants and discover their powerful potential. On our journey up the mountain, we’ll meet several of our local and native plant species and learn their medicinal and magical uses, from healers that help us reconnect with the land – and ourselves – to a few storied (and poisonous) allies.
At the top of the majestic Bearwallow bald, we will share a meditation on the land and flow together in asana, then celebrate with fresh herbal tea brewed from plants we’ve met. Not only will we interact and commune with nature, but we will also come together as a beautiful community celebrating new friends and old.
This adventure is limited to 20 participants.
We can’t wait to share this experience with you!
Sign up here!
Charles Davidson, minister and author of Foster’s Pie Pan: Stories of Grace Abounding in a Fallen World, will read from his new book and sign copies for purchase at Calvary Presbyterian Church. Profits from the event benefit Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina. Jim Lowder will speak briefly about the work of Homeward Bound.
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. NOTE: The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is considered a moderate trail. Attendees must be able to hike the trail 3/4 of a mile each direction.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
There’s nothing like an early summer hike before the Park gates open. Join a local birding expert and spot some of our resident species as they enjoy the morning quiet. This hike is perfect whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started with America’s fastest-growing hobby.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a
mountaintop with stunning views, Once there, enjoy an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit and take in the unbeatable,
panoramic views and soak up the wide-open space, Mats provided.
This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles
Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM
Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.
Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.
This is one of the most popular creek hikes near Asheville. It begins at 215 near the confluence of Big Laurel Creek and the West Fork of the Pigeon River. We will ascend past numerous rapids and small waterfalls. We will be in the creek or rock hopping most of the day. The only requirements are a good sense of balance and comfortable shoes with good traction, preferably not boots. Good swimming holes abound. The pace will be moderate, but it will be a good workout. We will take time at one of the many scenic spots for lunch. There is one larger waterfall over halfway up, which we will “bushwack” around on small but steep trace trails. After finishing the ascent we will trail hike up to the Black Balsam parking lot, where cars will be left for this shuttle. You will have the option to hike up Big Sam Mountain (over 6K) to the view, or hike directly to the parking by Black Balsam.
We will climb 1,500 – 2,000 feet and hike approx. 3 miles.
We will be meeting at the Black Balsam parking lot at 9:15 am. and carpool to the trailhead, leaving Black Balsam by 9:30. The trailhead on Hwy 215 is only about 15 minutes by car, from there. At the trailhead there is limited parking for about 3 cars.
Please refer to the pictures from our first hike in May at Yellowstone Prong to get a better idea about our hiking experience in the creek.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Imagine moving through your sun salutation on a mountaintop as the sky glows all around you (or stay in savasana for the full hour! No one here will judge you!) Marvel at nature’s light show, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and revel in the expansiveness of wide open spaces. This is our favorite version of our classic Yoga Hike here in Asheville.
This mountaintop is on all of the “best places to view the sunset in Asheville” lists and we can’t wait to share it with you!
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Awaken your senses to the natural world on this unique hike. There’s always a lot to see in the forest, but what do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Get ready to experience Chimney Rock in a whole new way on this brand new guided hike. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. Note: The Hickory Nut Falls trail is approximately 3/4 of a mile each direction and is considered a moderate trail. Participants must be able to hike the trail out and back. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
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!
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!
Where: Snowball Mountain off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for a hike to the protected Snowball Mountain. This hike will celebrate the 2023 Year of the Trail to help interested residents, visitors and trails enthusiasts in the area (and across the state) find and attend events, connect with others, and learn more about advocating for trails in NC.
This moderate 3-mile hike will take hikers along a high elevation ridgeline with remarkable views. We will start out on the Mountains-to-Sea trail and split off to climb Snowball Mountain. Next, we will continue North to Hawkbill Rock where we will look back onto the property and into the Woodfin Watershed— another SAHC-protected landmark. Hikers should be prepared for a short trip, but steep elevation changes along the way. Snowball Mountain was one of the marquee parcels that pushed SAHC past the 50,000-acre milestone mark at the end of 2011.
Come and enjoy this beautiful property and learn about SAHC’s projects in this spectacular area of the Black Mountain range. In 2012, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 90 acres on Snowball Mountain in Buncombe County, permanently preserving scenic views for recreational visitors, clean water sources for area residents, and habitat for native species. Nestled in the beautiful Craggy Mountains, this tract is highly visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest land, and it adjoins the publicly accessible Snowball Mountain Trail and Camp Sequoyah Trail.
SAHC’s Snowball Mountain tract joins a significant swath of state and federal protected land, contributing another piece to a vast network of over 125,000 acres of contiguous protected forestlands. The trail overlooks national forest land and the Woodfin Watershed, which SAHC protects with a conservation easement.
What To Bring: hiking shoes, lunch, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, and please dress in layers.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Cost – $10 or Free to Members. Pre-registration is required.
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!