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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Buncombe County Parks open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 19 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
  • Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
  • Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
Forest Plan Info Session: Management Areas
May 19 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
webinar

Join us to hear Josh Kelly, MountainTrue’s Western Field Biologist, examine the various types of management areas proposed within the draft management plan and environmental impact statement for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests. Allocation of these areas determines what types of activities can happen in various parts of the forest. Register to receive access to the webinar.

Basic Tree Workshops: Tree Protection and Risk Management
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
GreenWorks via Zoom

Please join Asheville GreenWorks FREE Public Tree Workshops. This series of four educational tree workshops will be taking place on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm. Come learn all about trees from local experts! We will be covering topics such as tree planting, tree pruning, basic tree biology, managing trees during construction, and more!

 

The work is being performed for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville.

May 19: Tree Protection and Risk Management

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 20 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

Buncombe County Parks open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
  • Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
  • Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens
May 21 all-day
Blue Ridge Parkway

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

  • Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
  • Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
  • Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
  • Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
  • Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
  • Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
  • Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
  • Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 21 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 21 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Buncombe County Parks open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 21 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
  • Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
  • Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
Friday, May 22, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 22 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens
May 22 all-day
Blue Ridge Parkway

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

  • Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
  • Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
  • Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
  • Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
  • Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
  • Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
  • Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
  • Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 22 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 22 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Buncombe County Parks open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
  • Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
  • Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
Saturday, May 23, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 23 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens
May 23 all-day
Blue Ridge Parkway

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

  • Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
  • Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
  • Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
  • Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
  • Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
  • Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
  • Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
  • Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 23 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 23 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Buncombe County Parks open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 23 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
  • Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
  • Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Sunday, May 24, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 24 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens
May 24 all-day
Blue Ridge Parkway

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

  • Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
  • Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
  • Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
  • Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
  • Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
  • Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
  • Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
  • Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
Buncombe County Youth Leagues, Independence Day Celebrations Canceled
May 24 all-day
Buncombe County

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 24 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Henderson County Parks & Recreation Updates
May 24 all-day
Henderson County Parks

  • Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
  • Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
  • Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
  • Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
    • If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
    • If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
  • Outdoor Parks remain Open.
  • Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less.  If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.

If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing.  PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.