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.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 18 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

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.

 

CANCELLED: Advocacy and Hearing Loss
Mar 20 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
OLLI at UNC Asheville Campus (Reuter Center) Room 206

Monthly support group meeting of the Hearing Loss Association of America – Asheville Chapter on Friday, March 20th from 4:30-6 pm. Topic is “Advocacy and Hearing Loss” presented by Susan Sacco, Asheville Regional Center – Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. New Location is OLLI at UNC Asheville Campus (Reuter Center), One University Heights, Room 206. CART and ASL Interpretation will be available. No parking permit required. Call 828-276-2206 for more information.

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

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.

 

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.

NC Brewers and Music Festival CANCELLED
Mar 21 all-day
Historic Rural Hill

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Mar 21 all-day
Catawba College
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.

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

 

Early Bird Yoga Asheville Art Museum
Mar 21 @ 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Early Bird Yoga

Join us on third Saturdays before the Museum opens for a fun-filled, 45-minute yoga and mindfulness meditation inspired by a visit to an artwork in our galleries. All ages and abilities are welcome; recommended for visitors aged 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). Bring your own mat, or borrow one from the Museum (limited quantity available). Preregistration is encouraged; for more information or to register by phone.

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!

Spring Equinox Stargazing
Mar 21 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
purple stars night sky stargazing

 

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.

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.

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 22 @ 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!

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 25 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

Living Web Farms: Online Videos and Audios
Mar 25 all-day
On line Video

Video Table of Contents

Audio Table of Contents

Ingles Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Mar 25 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Ingles Grocery Stores

Starting on Tuesday, March 24, Ingles will dedicate the first shopping hour from 7 – 8 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to senior shoppers and those with compromised immune systems.

 

Publix Markets: Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Mar 25 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Publix Markets

Publix Markets reserves 7-8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for customers age 65 and older. Home delivery is available through Instacart.

Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
Mar 25 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings. 

Thursday, March 26, 2020
Living Web Farms: Online Videos and Audios
Mar 26 all-day
On line Video

Video Table of Contents

Audio Table of Contents

Harris Teeter: Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Mar 26 @ 6:00 am – 7:00 am
Harris Teeter

 

Harris Teeter reserves 6-7am on Mondays and Thursdays for in-store shoppers age 60 and older. ExpressLane Online Shopping pickup times from 9am-2pm on Thursdays are reserved for these shoppers with the $4.95 fee waived (use code: SD60). Home delivery is also offered for seniors during these times for $5 (used code: SDDEL).

WNC Farmers Market Open 7am-6pm daily
Mar 26 @ 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
 WNC Farmers Market
• The WNC Farmers Market (570 Brevard Rd.) is open for business daily from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Find fruits + veggies, plus other staples like meats, cheese, beans, preserves, salsas, honey + condiments.

In a continued effort to provide our community with fresh, locally grown produce, meats and cheeses from area farmers, the market will remain open and operate under normal business hours. The market will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While most of the market will remain open as usual, there are some exceptions:

Additional updates to vendor schedules will be posted as soon as possible. For specific vendors not listed above, we encourage you to reach out to them directly before coming to the market.

Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations when visiting the market. A complete list of tips and best practices can be found here.

COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness. It is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission. The routes to be concerned about include being in very close proximity to many people, or coming in contact with high touch surfaces.

Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times!

Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
Mar 26 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings. 

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.

 

Living Web Farms: Online Videos and Audios
Mar 27 all-day
On line Video

Video Table of Contents

Audio Table of Contents

WNC Farmers Market Open 7am-6pm daily
Mar 27 @ 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
 WNC Farmers Market
• The WNC Farmers Market (570 Brevard Rd.) is open for business daily from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Find fruits + veggies, plus other staples like meats, cheese, beans, preserves, salsas, honey + condiments.

In a continued effort to provide our community with fresh, locally grown produce, meats and cheeses from area farmers, the market will remain open and operate under normal business hours. The market will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While most of the market will remain open as usual, there are some exceptions:

Additional updates to vendor schedules will be posted as soon as possible. For specific vendors not listed above, we encourage you to reach out to them directly before coming to the market.

Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations when visiting the market. A complete list of tips and best practices can be found here.

COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness. It is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission. The routes to be concerned about include being in very close proximity to many people, or coming in contact with high touch surfaces.

Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times!

Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
Mar 27 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings. 

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)

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.