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.

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic

Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm

ExploreAsheville.com Arena

There are two available times for this event:

10:30am – Buy Tickets

6:00pm – Buy Tickets

Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street! Join the fun with an interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood…get ready for Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies, and move to the rhythm with Rosita.

Anything’s possible when everyone who shares something in common gets together. Kick your feet to the beat at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

Categories: Dance Family Fun Music Theatre

Friday, March 20, 2020

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC

Mar 20 all-day

WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Categories: Garden Outdoors

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival

Mar 21 all-day

Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

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

Weekend passes include camping

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

Categories: Festivals Outdoors Sports

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC

Mar 21 all-day

WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Categories: Garden Outdoors

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain

Mar 21 all-day

Grandfather Mountain

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

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

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

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

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

Categories: Hike Outdoors

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students

Mar 21 all-day

Catawba College

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain

Mar 21 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

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

Requirements:

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

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

Expected Daily Schedule:

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

What to Wear:

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

Weather:

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

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

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

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

Reservations:

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

Price:

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

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors

GREEN RIVER Gamelands Hike

Mar 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

GREEN RIVER Gamelands

Mostlly Pullium Creek Trail, plus some Green River Cove trail. Moderate with some easy level of difficulty. Approx 6 miles R.T. on this there & back trail with elevation gain of 900 ft. It’s a beautiful trail that ends at the Green River just below the narrows, with rapids moving through large boulders. On the way there, there’s a tedious creek crossing with wiggly step-stones, requiring good footwear & maybe hiking poles. Plan to learn about the beautiful early-blooming wildflowers there, and a few trees. NOTE: Sorry, no doggies this trip due to Pullium Creek crossing. This hike is for experienced hikers, or one can contact the hike leader with questions/concerns.

Level: Moderate

Signup Instructions: All hikers please RSVP to hike leader Lisa McWherter

Categories: Outdoors

Sesame Street Live CANCELLED

Mar 21 @ 1:00 pm

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Sesame Street Live (March 21-22) ) is cancelled. All tickets purchased at Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded. All other tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

Your favorite Sesame Street friends are back in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic! When magician extraordinaire Justin visits the neighborhood to put on a magic show, Elmo wants to join in. But there’s one problem: Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic, so he teams up with Justin, Abby, and friends to practice his trick while discovering the magical moments in everyday life!

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Categories: Dance Family Fun Music

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED

Mar 21 @ 4:00 pm

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports

Sesame Street Live

Mar 21 @ 5:00 pm

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Categories: Dance Family Fun Music

Spring Equinox Stargazing

Mar 21 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join us to welcome in the stars of spring! During this time of equal night and equal day we’ll discuss some of the seasonal changes happening at this time in the sky as well as the myths of some of the spring constellations and anything else astronomical. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate

Mar 22 all-day

Biltmore Estate

The nationally recognized, 8th Annual Asheville Marathon and Half marathon, will return to Asheville’s Biltmore Estate on March 21 & 22, 2020. The Asheville Marathon and Half events are ’boutique style’ events with limited entries available of 1,525 runners per day.

In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun. We were also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner’s World Magazine.

In 2017, the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. In addition, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to also be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.

Run in America’s largest backyard at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina at the 8th Annual Asheville Half Marathon 3/21 & AVL Marathon & Half Marathon on 3/22/20 OR DO BOTH DAYS and complete one of our Challenges! Details can be found on our website at www.ashevillemarathon.com.

Categories: Outdoors Sports Volunteers

Sesame Street Live CANCELLED

Mar 22 @ 10:30 am

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Sesame Street Live (March 21-22) is cancelled. All tickets purchased at Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded. All other tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Categories: Dance Family Fun Music

Sesame Street Live CANCELLED

Mar 22 @ 2:30 pm

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Sesame Street Live (March 21-22) is cancelled. All tickets purchased at Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded. All other tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Categories: Dance Family Fun Music

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED

Mar 22 @ 4:00 pm

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival

Mar 25 all-day

Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Weekend passes include camping

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

Categories: Festivals Outdoors Sports

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties

Mar 26 @ 5:00 pm

ACT Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleCommunityTheatre/

We are featuring singers (and dancers!) from the community during our #ACTHappyHour parties M-F at 5:00 pm!

Categories: Community Dance Music

City Dance

Mar 26 @ 7:30 pm

Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Categories: Dance Featured Parks & Recreation

Friday, March 27, 2020

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC

Mar 27 all-day

WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Categories: Garden Outdoors

NRC Slalom US Open Postponed

Mar 27 @ 3:00 pm

Nantahala Outdoor Center

NRC Slalom US Open

Date: March 27- 28, 2020

Age: All ages

Elite slalom paddlers strive for precision and speed on the legendary Nantahala Falls course at this classic southeastern race. Meanwhile, wildwater racers compete in sprint and classic components on the Nantahala River.

Spectators are invited to enjoy the show from the Forest Service walkway along the Nantahala Falls, which affords excellent views of both races. Bring a cup of fresh coffee or hot cocoa from River’s End Restaurant, located just downstream of the race course, and warm your hands as you enjoy US whitewater racing at its best!

Racers and their families will get 10% off at River’s End Restaurant for the weekend of the race! Just wear your US Open t-shirt in to the restaurant!*
*Excludes alcohol purchases.

Course Information

Slalom: Nantahala Falls Course (Class III)
Downriver Sprint: Patton’s Run Rapid (Class III)
Downriver Classic: Ferebbee Park to the Jumping Rock (Class II)

Categories: Outdoors Sports

Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties

Mar 27 @ 5:00 pm

ACT Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleCommunityTheatre/

We are featuring singers (and dancers!) from the community during our #ACTHappyHour parties M-F at 5:00 pm!

Categories: Community Dance Music

Saturday, March 28, 2020

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC

Mar 28 all-day

WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Categories: Garden Outdoors

Forest Floor Wilderness Programs

Mar 28 all-day

Forest Floor

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

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

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

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

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain

Mar 28 all-day

Grandfather Mountain

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

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

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

Categories: Hike Outdoors

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students

Mar 28 all-day

Catawba College

Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors

Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain

Mar 28 @ 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.