Calendar of Events

Have a yen to try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic hikes close to home this summer and fall. The Sampler Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation staff on Saturday mornings.

Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four, or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 12 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.

Up first is the Lake Powhatan hike. We will begin our hike at Bent Creek River Park and take the Mountains to Sea Trail until we hop onto NC Arboretum property to join the Old Mill Trail and Bent Creek Road Trail that takes us into the Pisgah National Forest on our way to Lake Powhatan.

This hike follows a multi-use gravel path for most of the journey with some dirt paths here and there. The grade is flat and is considered a very easy hike. The overall distance that we will be traveling is 6.5 miles and it will take around 2.5 hours.

Stayed tuned to buncombecounty.org/parks for details on September’s hike.

What to Bring Hiking

• Daypack or backpack
• Weather-appropriate clothing (The temperature and wind can change with elevation, so moisture-wicking shirts and layers are recommended.)
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Water
• Trail snacks
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Hat or bandana (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Compass (optional)
• Whistle (optional)
• Knife or multi-tool (optional)
• First aid kit (optional)

Follow Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

9.01. 22 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULPWhat: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 9.01.22.
8p-11p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or https://theorangepeel.net/…/slice-of-life-comedy-open…/e)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Stand up comedy featuring Mario Trevzo with special guest James Harrod. Hosted by Cody Hughes
Mario Trevizo
Originally from the suburbs of Maryland, Mario has made a home for himself with stand up comedy in Asheville, North Carolina. His style focuses on the awkward moments that come with being a non Spanish speaking Mexican living in the south. Beyond hosting various events around town, he is mainly known for his animated performances, quirky faces, and crying randomly at movies.
James Harrod
James is a stand up comedian originally from Raleigh now living in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to hosting the Comedy Freakshow every Tuesday night at The Odditorium, he also performs around the east coast opening for comedians like Sean Patton, Yedoye Travis, Michael Palascak, Brandie Posey and many more. Out of all the comics in his scene he was voted most needy and desperate for compliments.
Host Cody Hughes
Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/

9.8.22 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Gameroom (for 18+)
What: Stand up Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing,
When: Thursday 9.8.22. 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
Where: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Gameroom, 675 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 28804
Tickets: $13 (available at door or Asheville Pizza website)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Hosted by Blaine Perry
Featuring: Jess Cooley, Julia Macias & Allison Shelnut
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/

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.

Triple Falls Hike: Join us on a 3 mile hike in the DuPont State Recreational Forest. Educators and naturalists, Jen Knight and Rose Wall, will point out the many wonders of forest including plants, wildlife, water and geology. This trail loop features multiple waterfalls where we plan to rest, picnic and explore! We will take a slow to moderate pace, but participants for this event should be able to hike over moderately rough terrain for a distance of 3 miles.

Cost: Free!

Transportation: Limited no-cost transportation available from 49 Mt. Carmel Rd.

To bring: water, snacks and lunch, sunscreen/bug spray

Join a Park naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls trail, and watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness. Do you know whether that’s a frog or a toad calling from the undergrowth? What birds and mammals prefer the dark to the daylight? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.

10.13.22 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Theatre 2 (for 18+)
What: Stand up Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing,
When: Thursday 9.8.22. 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
Where: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Theatre 2, 675 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 28804
Tickets: $13 (available at door or Asheville Pizza website)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Hosted by Hilliary Begley
Featuring: Jess Cooley, Niko Gonzalez & Petey Smith McDowell

1st Annual Asheville Comedy Halloween Beauty Pageant
A +18 Comedy Show
The Orange Peel
October 22, 2022
8p/doors at 7p
$15 online/$17 at box office
Fully seated show

The area’s best comedians will be in character (think vampire, Batman or Alice from Wonderland,a politician, a dog, a witch, a game character, cartoon character or alien …so many possibilities!) and will be playing their part in this ridiculous pageant which will test these very special contestants in “beauty,” “talent,” “swimsuit” and standup comedy!

Decided by audience participation, YOU are in charge of who wins the prizes and is crowned the Asheville Monarch of Halloween for 2022!

You don’t want to miss the funnest event of the season! Free candy & Popcorn! Come early to enjoy Buzz Radio Asheville “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All Original, All Styles, All The Time.”

Produced by Slice of Life Comedy, Buzz Radio Asheville, The Hot Seat & Disclaimer Standup Comedy

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.

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

11.03 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday11.03.22. 7:30p-10p, doors at 7p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! A perfect blend between professional paid featured Comedians and a comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”] Hosted by Cody Hughes, a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.

John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to Little Bradley Falls near Saluda; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Distance: 2 miles round trip; Accum Ascent: 300 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Moderate; W/ two (2) KNEE DEEP WET CREEK CROSSINGS (if water is up); PLUS a narrow slope-traversing trail. One short section of 6”wide rock traverse.
The number of participants will be limited by the number of drivers (4 bodies/car).
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
Drive time: ½ hr 1-way
Apprx return time: 3 pm
Carpool contributions appreciated. $2.00 suggested
If you have been exposed, directly or indirectly, to a confirmed case of a viral bug within 7 days of event day, please un-RSVP your attendance.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver’s car at the end of the hike.
This event is NOT for beginners or those with health or balance issues.
This is a dog-participant hike. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs are welcome (IF their masters are well trained). Well trained dogs can be ‘off-leash’. ‘On leash’ during the lunch stop.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair.
Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember – hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Trail Condition: Slope traverse; roots; some very short steep sections; One short section of 6”wide rock traverse with root handholds. 1 short section of boulder hopping; 2 Knee-Deep water Xings. (BRING WATER SHOES).
HikeType: Out and Back
One of my ‘Top Ten’ destinations. All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie’s contact: [email protected]
(on day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)

11.17 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday11.17.22. 7:30p-10p, doors at 7p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! A perfect blend between professional paid featured Comedians and a comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”] Hosted by Cody Hughes, a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain feature expansive views of Shining Rock Wilderness. With sunset at 5:20p, we will begin the hike at 4p to reach the summit of Tennent Mountain in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
We will be doing this loop counterclockwise, which is the more challenging way. This is for safety – the latter portion of the hike will be in the dark, so going this direction means we will only have to navigate Ivestor Gap, an old Jeep road, after the sun goes down, rather than more technical trails.
This hike is 4.3 mi with just under 700 ft elevation gain. We will be doing most of the climbing in the first half. We will only have one hour to hike about 2 miles to Tennent Mountain summit. This is an easy pace on flat ground, but not with the elevation. If you are not accustomed to hiking like this, please join for a different hike (more will be planned).
I’m normally not a stickler for rules, but for this event, there are a few :-/

1. We will depart the trailhead at 4pm sharp. If you are not there, we will be leaving without you. I can’t guarantee phone service, so I may not see messages letting me know you’ll be late. And since the sunset is the goal, we don’t want the group to miss it by waiting for someone who is late. The trailhead is about an hour from Asheville, so please account for that, traffic, and time to find a parking spot. I’ll be there around 3:45.
2. Bring enough water for you (and your dog if you are bringing one).
3. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed (6 ft or shorter), well behaved, and socialized with other dogs and humans. I will be bringing my pup.
4. Bring a headlamp! We will be hiking in the dark.
5. Wear appropriate/supportive shoes – the trail is rocky.
6. Bring layers. It will be very windy at the summit, and up to 20 degrees colder than in Asheville.
7. Feel free to bring snacks. The goal is to chill and watch the sunset so we will have some time to rest.
8. You are responsible for you (and your dog, if applicable). I am not a trained guide and I am not trained in wilderness first aid. By RSVPing “yes” to this event, you are acknowledging that I will not be held responsible for any injuries you may sustain on this hike.

Okay, now that that unpleasant part is done, I’ve got some fun links below! I have not done this hike yet, but the links below are where I gathered my info! Please read :-)

Thanks! Can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/ivestor-gap-trail-to-tennent-mountain-and-black-balsam-knob-trail

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

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.

12/18 Asheville Pizza & Brewing
What: Asheville’s Premier Standup Feature & Open Mic comedy
When: Sunday, December 18, 6:30pm
Where: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Theater 2
675 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville (onsite parking)
Tickets: $14
Comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]
Hosted by Mario Trevizo featuring Moira Goree, Art Sturtevant and Jason Webb

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

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.

12/28 The Blackout Diaries is BACK!
What: The Blackout Blackout Diaries
When: December 28, 2022 show starts at 8p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Age 21+
Tickets: $17 (available at door ot The Orange Peel website)
During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarious Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Hosted by Alex Joyce. Alex has been performing stand up comedy for 12 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.
For more info about this show contact Michele [email protected]
BlackOut Diaries Videos:

FB: https://fb.me/e/33BCJ3rg

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

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.