Calendar of Events

Come shop from awesome vendors on the beautiful streets of
Downtown Hendersonville between 1st-6th Avenues. The streets will be closed off to through traffic but there is available parking
close by.

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Splasheville

Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

• Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
• Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
• Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
• Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.

This holiday highlights one of our favorite things to do: get outdoors! Stop by the park for a day of hiking, outdoor activities, education stations, and more. Our friends from Waypoint Adventures will be on site leading accessible hikes. Full schedule and details below!

Schedule of Events

Rockin’ Raptors | Chimney level

10am – 3pm

Many types of powerful birds of prey call Hickory Nut Gorge home. Stop by to meet a naturalist and learn about the role raptors play in our ecosystem.

Threats and Thorns | Waterfall

10am – 3pm

All plants and animals have special adaptations that help them survive in their environment. But which ones can be harmful to people? Meet a naturalist and learn more.

Climbing Demonstrations by Fox Mountain Guides | Outcroppings Deck

10am – 3pm

Fox Mountain Guides will be onsite offering free climbing demonstrations for anyone interested ages six years old and up. No experience necessary. All equipment provided.

What a Ranger Does | Top Parking lot 

11am-1pm

Meet a Chimney Rock State Park Ranger and learn about what a day on the job looks like at this touch-a-truck style station.

Guided hike with Waypoint Adventures | Meet in Top Parking lot

10am and 2pm | Hickory Nut Falls trail

Join Waypoint Adventure and Chimney Rock staff on a moderate hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains: Hickory Nut Falls.

This hike will be accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Waypoint Adventure has a variety of off-road hiking wheelchairs, along with a team of trained staff and volunteers to support your needs. Once registered, we will be in touch to discuss specific accommodations and supports.

Please note: registration is encouraged for this hike if you require support from Waypoint.

10am Signup: https://waypoint-adventure-nc.jumbula.com/OpenEnrollment2024/060824NationalGetOutdoorsDayChimneyRockStatePark1000pm1200pm

2pm Signup:

https://waypoint-adventure-nc.jumbula.com/OpenEnrollment2024/060824NationalGetOutdoorsDayChimneyRockStatePark200pm400pm

An Afternoon of Family Fun on Cane Creek Build-your-own rain barrel demonstration 3-4pm. Meet Rocky the Hellbender from 4-5pm Scout for stream critters Other kid friendly activities Meet & greet with elected officials

rockin’ on the rock

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Enjoy live music at the picturesque Jump Off Rock, which overlooks the French Broad River valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. Musical offerings ranging from jazz to country, rockabilly, pop, rock and blues. Organized by the Friends of Laurel Park.

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.

Gates at 6:30pm

Match at 7:30pm

Adult tickets for ages 12 and up

Youth tickets for ages 5 to 12

No ticket needed for ages 5 and under

The RAD Half Marathon & 10K is an exhilarating and picturesque race that takes participants on a captivating journey through Asheville’s famed River Arts District (RAD). With its scenic course meandering along the French Broad River and through the heart of Asheville’s artistic and cultural hub, this event offers not only a rewarding athletic experience but also a unique opportunity to soak in the local area’s artistry and creativity. The PR-worthy course boasts a net elevation loss making it one of the fastest races around. The RAD Half Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich artistic spirit and the natural beauty that surrounds it, making it a must-attend event for both local and visiting runners alike.

This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours.

This revamped version of the popular weekend will include changes to better welcome all levels of photographers, making it more fun and engaging for all – while better connecting participants with the wonders and unique ecology of Grandfather Mountain. This year, more than ever, we hope to not only help participants learn about photography, but to also inspire them to preserve the natural world. Activities begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday midday.

Confirmed speakers and field course leaders for 2024: Andre Daugherty, Leslie Restivo, Michele Sons and Luke Sutton.

Event Ticket Costs
Participant Pass (includes contest) – Pass includes three-day admission to the park, entry into the weekend’s contest, the opportunity to camp at Woods Walk, the Friday social, the Saturday dinner, speaker presentations and sunrise/sunset access: $140/person. Contest Rules & Requirements here. 
Attendee Pass (does not include contest) – Pass includes three-day admission to the park, the opportunity to camp at Woods Walk, the Friday social, the Saturday dinner, speaker presentations and sunrise/sunset access: $115/person

Registered NPW participants and attendees have access to purchase the following items for their guests. Guest passes are for individuals who are on the mountain the weekend of NPW with a registered participant or attendee but not attending or participating in the event themselves. These passes provide a discounted three-day admission pass, as well as the opportunity to attend the Friday social and/or Saturday dinner. Guest passes do not include any of the speaker presentations or field courses.
Guest Adult Pass (three-day admission to Grandfather) – $60
Guest Child (ages 4-12) Pass (three-day admission to Grandfather) – $25
Guest Pass to Friday Social – $10
Guest Pass to Saturday Dinner – $15

Registration opens April 15 at 10 a.m.

Field Course Tickets 2024
Field courses offered by the NPW speakers are special add-on opportunities. These are more hands-on workshops that allow participants and attendees one-on-one instruction from a speaker. Group sizes are usually limited to 10-15 people. Field course spots are limited, and attendance is not included in your event registration. There will be an additional cost of $10 to attend a field course.

In the spirit of fairness, we have changed the registration process for field courses. 2024 Field Courses will be announced Monday, May 6 via email. At that time, registered 2024 participants and attendees will be able to submit their field course interest (look for details on how to do this in the May 6 email) by end of day Thursday, May 16. Please note: May 16 is a hard deadline to submit your interest.

Field course spots will then be randomly drawn, and “winners” will be able to purchase their “spot” before the actual event. (More details to come!) An effort will be made to get all interested folks into at least one field course.

A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event.

Don Nelson Award – Image Submissions Due Tuesday, June 4 at 5 p.m. Read more!

Camping at Woods Walk
The opportunity to camp at the Woods Walk Picnic Area the Friday and Saturday nights of the event is extended to event participants, attendees and registered guests. There is no additional cost for this. Tent and vehicle camping allowed, only. A very (VERY) small bathroom is available in this area with toilets and water fountains. Other than some grills and fresh mountain air, there are no other amenities. There are wild bears on the mountain, and proper food storage protocol for camping must be practiced.

Refunds/Cancellations
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-733-2013, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

See winners from 2023 and read more about this popular annual event.

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Splasheville

Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

Are you ready to get super-soaked, Ashevillians? Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a summer of water games, foam parties, and water-based popup programs for community members of all ages. In addition to these free and low-cost events, outdoor pools at Recreation Park and Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center open for the season on Memorial Day weekend for affordable summer fun. Pack Square Park’s popular free splash pad, Splasheville, is already open.

Bring sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, and water bottle. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet for events at parks and community centers; bathing suits required for programs in pools. Space is limited for some programs, so advance registration at AVLREC.com is recommended.

Foam Frenzy Parties in Parks

1-3pm .:. Free .:. All Ages

Join neighbors for foam-filled afternoons as parks turn into fluffy, foamy lands of fun and make-believe. 

• June 9 – Kenilworth Park
• June 25 – Malvern Hills Park
• August 11 – Recreation Park

music by the lake

Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC

Each summer, Blue Ridge Community College offers summer concerts beside the College lake as a gift to the community. These free concerts feature a wide range of musical and vocal groups. Bring a lawn chairs and picnic to enjoy the music by the lake. Organized by Blue Ridge Community College.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place in the Technology, Education & Development Center (TEDC) Building.

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.