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.

Sunday, March 29, 2020
CANCELLED: Haywood Road Cleanup with the West Asheville Business Association
Mar 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Haywood Rd
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Haywood Road Cleanup with

the West Asheville Business Association

Saturday, March 29th

10am-noon

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 29 @ 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!

Monday, March 30, 2020
Take a Walk in a Park Day Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Chimney Rock
Mar 30 all-day
Chimney Rock

Monday, March 30

Take a Walk in a Park Day Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Time: Park hours
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and get one free when you purchase your tickets online March 30.

Put down your smartphone and join us for National Take A Walk in a Park Day. Getting out into nature has been proven to have a number of therapeutic effects on those who take the time to do it. It’s an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of everyday life, reenergize, and improve your overall health at the same time. While you’re at it, bring a friend. Receive one free adult admission, when you purchase a full-price adult admission ticket.

This offer is only available for online ticket purchases and is only valid March 30, 2020. We will be posting the promo code on our website and on social media the week of the promotion. Stay tuned.

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads
Mar 30 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.

Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties  
Mar 30 @ 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!
Online Dance Classes Studio Zahiya
Mar 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Studio Zahiya Online

Picture
Question? How are you staying sane during this time.

The way I’m doing that is dancing every single day!

Digital update:

We are in the process of upgrading all tech pieces of the studio to support you at home and keep your hips shaking. Here’s an FAQ on setting up your home studio (insert link)

You’ll also see that we are moving to a more seamless platform and you’ll be getting emails and if you like you can opt into text reminders of classes. YAY!

If you have a studio and you’d like to become part of our digital studio, we can help – reach out!

We are better together : Share this meme on your social and tag us to be entered to win a prize!

5pm Hip Hop Cardio with Marissa
6pm FREE Bhangra with Lisa Zahiya 
7pm Tap with Amanda
8pm Tap 2 with Amanda

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 31 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

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads
Mar 31 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.

Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties  
Mar 31 @ 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!
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Shut down Trailheads
Apr 1 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.

Free Online West African Drumming & Dance for Kids Hosted by LEAF
Apr 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
LEAF Global Arts Online

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, people standing and outdoor

We invite young LEAFers to join LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele for a virtual drumming and dance class for elementary age kids. Adama is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and has been a part of LEAF since 2005. He currently teaches year round after school classes with LEAF Schools & Streets, and he is excited to offer video classes in which students can take a journey to explore the sounds, rhythms and movements of West African culture right from their own home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/199994081418039/

Studio Zahiya Hip Hop Cardio Online Class
Apr 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Studio Zahiya Online
Kids Hip Hop with Lisa Zahiya
Apr 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Studio Zahiya Online
Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties  
Apr 1 @ 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!
Bellydance Drills Online Class
Apr 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Studio Zahiya Online
Thursday, April 2, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 2 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 2 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 2 @ 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.

Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties  
Apr 2 @ 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!
N.C. Sierra Club’s Pisgah-Nantahala Campaign Webinar Meeting
Apr 2 @ 7:00 pm
online webinar

 

Sierra Club North Carolina Chapter WENOCA Group
Western North Carolina Sierra Club group (WENOCA) is following guidance from the national Sierra Club to cancel all in-person meetings, events, hikes and outings until at least April 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That date may be extended if needed.

Our April 9 program meeting on the Nantahala/Pisgah forest management plan revision has been rescheduled and adapted so that you can join us safely from your home. The event will now move forward and online, to April 2 at 7 p.m.

Join us for this important meeting! Please register in advance for the webinar here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to log in by computer or call in by phone.

The discussion will feature Sam Evans of Southern Environmental Law Center, Josh Kelly of Mountain True, and David Reid from WENOCA. This webinar will provide background about the Nantahala/Pisgah plan revision that will be critical in helping you submit informed comments to the U.S. Forest Service. (The comment period was due to end on May 14, but the USFS has indicated it will extend the period; no date has yet been set.) You can learn more about the draft plan and get updates on the comment period by signing up at the N.C. Sierra Club’s Pisgah-Nantahala campaign page on AddUp .

We’d love for you to be part of this event and to keep attention on this important issue. Please join us online!

Until further notice, the WENOCA Group has cancelled all hikes, outings and in-person committee meetings. That includes the March 26 showing of the film Ay Mariposa, co-sponsored by WENOCA.

We hope to resume our monthly program meetings soon. We are grateful for your passion and involvement, and want you to continue to be actively involved in our work. So please, for now, keep in touch online! Watch for further information by email, on our website, and on our Facebook page.

Friday, April 3, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 3 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 3 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.

Conserving Carolina Spring Hiking Series: Reasonover Creek Trail
Apr 3 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Columbus, Food Lion parking area, east side

Where: Reasonover Creek Trail, DuPont State Recreational Forest

Meet: Columbus, Food Lion parking area, east side, @ 8:30

5.3-miles, moderate; trail type – loop

Hikers will experience the natural beauty of DuPont’s Fawn Lake, Lake Julia, and Reasonover Creek on this trek!Following Fawn Lake Road past the small lake, the trail will lead hikers over an abandoned airstrip where we will follow Camp Summit Road to Lake Julia for stunning views of the lake and a snack. This one-hundred-acre man-made lake is surrounded by beautiful rocky cliffs. After taking in the sights at the lake, we’ll pick up the Reasonover Creek Trail. Along this portion of trail, there are a few places that we’ll have to cross Reasonover Creek – there may be the opportunity to rock-hop, but be prepared to get your feet wet or take the time to take off and put on your boots!  Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to see spring wildflowers along the way…maybe even a bird or two!

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) and will leave promptly at 8:45 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting locations. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above and number below) to make other meeting arrangements.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself. In case of inclement weather, call the Conserving Carolina office, ext. 300, before 8:15 a.m. on the date of the hike, and/or check our Facebook page and calendar. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Hip Hop Fitness with Lisa Zahiya Online
Apr 3 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Studio Zahiya Online

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Kids Dance with Joanna Online Class
Apr 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Studio Zahiya Online

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Public Policy Network Forest Plan presentation
Apr 3 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
webinar
Public lands field biologist, Josh Kelly will be doing a live reprise of his April 7 webinar of MountainTrue’s perspective on the draft Nantahala Pisgah Forest Management Plan for the Public Policy Network’s regular May meeting. Also included will be tips and information about how the public can positively influence the final version.
The Public Policy Network (PPN) of Western North Carolina and North Georgia is an all-volunteer group that monitors state and national policy proposals and provides data, information and resources to enable the citizens of western North Carolina and north Georgia to make informed decisions about policies that affect them.
The webinar is free of charge and you do not have to be a member of PPN to register for the webinar.
Asheville Community Theatre Online Happy Hour Parties  
Apr 3 @ 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!
Saturday, April 4, 2020
#EarthMonth2020 #BackyardChallenge with SAHC
Apr 4 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