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.

Saturday, February 22, 2020
LaZoom Comedy: Joe Zimmerman (SATURDAY)
Feb 22 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Joe Zimmerman grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina. While living in the South, his stand-up group the Beards of Comedy landed a record deal with Comedy Central Records. He moved to New York City in 2012, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, as well as performing at Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs festival. His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour. Joe’s solo album Smiling at Wolves reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts and is played regularly on SiriusXM. (His second, Innocence, is due this summer on Comedy Central Records.) He has also contributed humor pieces to The New York Times.

Joe’s new podcast, “A Great Listening Experience” details his questionable attempts to attain infinite knowledge and power. Among his many podcast & radio appearances, he has recently appeared on 2 Dope Queens, The Dork Forest, Bob & Tom, The Todd Barry Podcast, and The Artie Lange Show. Joe is frequently touring, headlining clubs around the country, and occasionally opening for super stars Brian Regan and Ricky Gervais.

“The combination of Joe’s calming vocalization and inventive writing is a thing of magic. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable show.”
-Buzzfeed

ages 18+
Tickets $12 advance, $15 day of
Friday: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-joe-zimmerman-friday-tickets-87501546481
Saturday: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-joe-zimmerman-saturday-tickets-87502748075

Sunday, February 23, 2020
QCP at Fleetwood’s ft. Kendall Farrell
Feb 23 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

This month’s Queer Comedy Party stars Kendall Farrell!

Kendall Farrell is a New York City based standup comedian from Vermont. He was named a ‘Comic To Watch’ at the 2019 New York Comedy Festival and will headline Caroline’s as part of their Breakout Artist series in 2020. His work has been heard on SiriusXM as well as seen in web content for Adult Swim and at comedy festivals across the country including the Brooklyn Comedy Festival, the Red Clay Comedy Festival, the Women in Comedy Festival, the 10,000 Laughs Festival, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, and the Cream City Comedy Festival, among others.

ages 18+
Tickets $10
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-kendall-farrell-tickets-88758018623

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Feb 26 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.

Thursday, February 27, 2020
City Dance
Feb 27 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Friday, February 28, 2020
Modelface Comedy Presents The Totally Exhausted Women of Atlanta (Friday)
Feb 28 @ 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Lace Larrabee is back with another group of hilarious atlanta ladies for another weekend stand up comedy!!!
Featuring Shelby Tesio, Karen Felix, Heather Tolley-Bauer, and Karen Waygood

Sponsored by BRÖÖ Haircare

ages+
Tickets $12, VIP $18
FRIDAY 2/28
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-friday-tickets-87848750979
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-friday-vip-tickets-87849198317

SATURDAY 2/29
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-saturday-tickets-87849711853
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-saturday-vip-tickets-87849878351

VIP tickets come with a bag of BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair products worth $15!!!

Saturday, February 29, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Feb 29 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.

Modelface Comedy Presents The Totally Exhausted Women of Atlanta (saturday)
Feb 29 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Lace Larrabee is back with another group of hilarious atlanta ladies for another weekend stand up comedy!!!
Featuring Shelby Tesio, Karen Felix, Heather Tolley-Bauer, and Karen Waygood

Sponsored by BRÖÖ Haircare

ages+
Tickets $12, VIP $18
FRIDAY 2/28
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-friday-tickets-87848750979
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-friday-vip-tickets-87849198317

SATURDAY 2/29
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-saturday-tickets-87849711853
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-totally-exhausted-women-saturday-vip-tickets-87849878351

VIP tickets come with a bag of BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair products worth $15!!!

Sunday, March 1, 2020
Modelface Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Cherith Fuller
Mar 1 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Cherith Fuller is a writer and comedian in Atlanta, GA. She performs regularly at clubs across the country like the Laughing Skull Lounge and The Comedy Attic, and has opened for everyone from Big Jay Oakerson to Moshe Kasher to Janeane Garofalo. She has written for Reductress and been featured on Audible. She has also performed at the Limestone Comedy Festival, the Laughing Skull Comedy festival, and Gilda’s Laughfest among others.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-cherith-fuller-tickets-86022259895

Thursday, March 5, 2020
Modelface Comedy Presents Ramon Rivas
Mar 5 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Ramon Rivas is a laid back, largely unemotional stand up comedian, writer, actor, independent artist & eminent latino from Lorain, OH. Ramon resonates a low-fi swag with the finest taste in jokes, juices & dope experiences one can have while immaculately navigating as an ambiguously brown man in America.

Initially making a name for himself by building up the Cleveland comedy scene through ACCIDENTAL COMEDY productions while traveling around the country to cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles & more, Ramon eventually started garnering respect around the country for his comedic chops & sandwich acumen, being recognized by COMEDY CENTRAL as a COMIC TO WATCH in 2015 and by most bodega bois across the country.

He founded his own festival, ACCIDENTAL COMEDY FEST in 2011. The festival has grown to be one of the countries best kept secrets, and garners industry attendees & out of state visitors to Cleveland. His work and the overall growth of the Cleveland scene was featured in the documentary film MAKE FUN (2013) available now to stream on AMAZON PRIME.

Rivas made his television debut in 2016, when he was one of 17 artists selected to record THE HALF HOUR with COMEDY CENTRAL. An outlier from the middle of the country, without a manager or an agent getting that sort of opportunity gave the streets hope.

Rivas also has a burgeoning career sounding like he just woke up from a nap on TV shows, with appearances as a contestant on @MIDNIGHT twice, as a cannabis shaman on numerous segments on VICELAND & began acting seriously on S4E3 of BROAD CITY and followed that up with an appearance on S2E7 of HBO’s CRASHING. His stand up was also featured on HBO Latino’s stand up special ENTRE NOS.

You can catch Ramon touring the country or highly chatting with people in these streets or highly eating snacks on COOKING ON HIGH on Netflix or listen to his dulcet tones every week on PREBAKED, where he uses his cannabis sommelier skills to pair a specific strain to match every guests characteristics. He’s a regular at some of the countries most respected comedy institutions.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-ramon-rivas-tickets-89426062761

Friday, March 6, 2020
Modelface Comedy Presents Yedoye Travis (Friday)
Mar 6 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Yedoye Travis is a stand up comedian, actor, and writer from Atlanta, GA. He is the creator and host of the Dark Tank podcast, which AV Club called “one of the most deliciously daring shows of the moment.” He was named a New Face at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival in 2017 and has since headlined festivals around the country and appeared on Comedy Central, TBS, CBS, and Netflix and written for MTV, IFC, Viceland, Crunchyroll, and Frederator. His debut album, OK, produced by Comedy Dynamics, was released January 2018.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $14 day of
FRIDAY Doors at 7:30, show at 8pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-friday-tickets-90845544469

SATURDAY doors at 9, show at 9:30: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-saturday-tickets-90847568523

Saturday, March 7, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Mar 7 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.

MakeHERs Market
Mar 7 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Mothlight

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the 3rd MakeHERs Market will be held at the Mothlight in West Asheville Saturday, March 7th. 10-3.
This all female market showcases over 20 of Asheville’s finest creatives, independent designers, makers and women entrepreneurs.
Fair Trade coffee, jewelry and home décor, as well as locally made art, woodwork, craft and botanicals will be featured. International Women’s Day is an event that is celebrated worldwide to honor the invaluable contributions women make in every day life. Join us to honor the strength and talent of women – locally and abroad! Women’s Work Empowers the World!

Modelface Comedy Presents Yedoye Travis (Saturday)
Mar 7 @ 9:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Yedoye Travis is a stand up comedian, actor, and writer from Atlanta, GA. He is the creator and host of the Dark Tank podcast, which AV Club called “one of the most deliciously daring shows of the moment.” He was named a New Face at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival in 2017 and has since headlined festivals around the country and appeared on Comedy Central, TBS, CBS, and Netflix and written for MTV, IFC, Viceland, Crunchyroll, and Frederator. His debut album, OK, produced by Comedy Dynamics, was released January 2018.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $14 day of
FRIDAY Doors at 7:30, show at 8pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-friday-tickets-90845544469

SATURDAY doors at 9, show at 9:30: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-saturday-tickets-90847568523

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, beard and closeup, possible text that says 'Modelface Comedy Presents YEDOYE TRAVIS March 6th & 7th LaZoom Room m'

Saturday, March 14, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Mar 14 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.

Monday, March 16, 2020
Free Lecture and Book Signing with Neal Barnard – Your Body in Balance
Mar 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Collider

Join Dr. Neal Barnard on Mon., Mar. 16, 2020 at The Collider in Asheville to celebrate the release of his new book, Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health. Guests will hear remarks from Dr. Barnard about food’s effects on hormones and health.

Books will be available for purchase, and Dr. Barnard will be available to sign books.

Space is limited for this free event—reserve your spot now!

Saturday, March 21, 2020
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.

Sunday, March 22, 2020
Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Jeff Scheen
Mar 22 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Jeff Scheen is a stand-up comic hailing from the Michigan woods. His offbeat humor and affable demeanor pairs well with expressive yet stupid face. Jeff has been featured on the FOX TV series Laughs and was a finalist in the Laughing Skull Festival in Atlanta, GA. He’s also been in a number of other comedy festivals including The Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Big Sky Fest, Montreux Switzerland’s Jokenation, and Laugh Your Asheville Off in North Carolina. Jeff has opened for Ryan Hamilton, Chris Gethard, and can be heard on XM radio.

Featuring Cody Daniel Hughes

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-jeff-scheen-tickets-89634508227

Thursday, March 26, 2020
City Dance
Mar 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Saturday, March 28, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Mar 28 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.

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.

Friday, April 3, 2020
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.

Saturday, April 4, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Apr 4 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.

Charity hike up Bearwallow Mountain! Tails and Trails
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bearwallow Mountain in Gerton, NC

WANTED: STRONG LEGS, POSITIVE ATTITUDES, & WAGGING TAILS

Bring your best human friend or prized pooch for a charity hike up Bearwallow Mountain! Hike the 1-mile trail to the grassy bald of Bearwallow Mountain with fellow conservation-loving pet owners to enjoy the panoramic views. Proceeds benefit Conserving Carolina and the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Pre-register by March 8 to receive a t-shirt!

Registration for this event is $20 and includes an event t-shirt when signed up by March 8. There is no registration cut off and day-of registrations will be accepted.

Check-in will begin at 10:00AM at the trail head. All participants–humans and their furry friends–must check in prior to the start of the hike.  Proceeds benefit Conserving Carolina & Blue Ridge Humane Society.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
Apr 7 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Saturday, April 11, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Apr 11 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.

Monday, April 13, 2020
The Party’s On(line)! Week of the Young Child Celebration
Apr 13 – Apr 17 all-day
Online

Each year, the Week of the Young Child spotlights young children, families, and early educators. Buncombe Partnership for Children usually celebrates with a day of outdoor play and performance, but this year, we’re moving the party online!

It is so important to give hope to our children during what are uneasy times. We are excited for a fun-filled week of music, gardening, art, storytime, and family connection. Knowing that circumstances are different for everyone, we will focus on providing experiences you can enjoy wherever you are celebrating. All activities will be live-streamed and/or posted on YouTube.

There’s something special planned for each day of the week! For more information about Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/216960056254414/.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Bring a Friend Wildflower Hike
Apr 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Join Friends of the Smokies for a guided spring wildflower hike on Porters Creek Trail to Fern Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Famous for its display of fringed phacelia, this trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Southern Appalachians.

The hike is 3.6 miles with gentle elevation gain.

Members of Friends of the Smokies can bring a friend for free. Not a member of Friends? Join and your first hike is free! The 2020 Classic Hikes of the Smokies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park feature interpretation of the trail, history, and park projects supported by Friends of the Smokies. These hikes support restoration and rehabilitation of some of the Smokies most impacted trails through the Trails Forever program.

Friday, April 17, 2020
Conserving Carolina Spring Hiking Series: Florence Nature Preserve
Apr 17 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Columbus, Food Lion

Where: Florence Nature Preserve

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

4.2-miles, moderate; trail type – lollipop

Located on 600 acres protected by Conserving Carolina, this hike begins with a gradual ascent of Little Mount Pisgah, paralleling a stream for part of the way. Hikers will enjoy a pristine creeks and cascades, scenic rock outcrops, the ruins of an old homesite, areas of old growth forest and a short out and back to Rattlesnake Rock which provides a scenic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge area.

This preserve is home to many special plants and wildlife, from pink and yellow ladyslippers to rare salamanders. With any luck, wildflowers and wildlife on this hike as they rejoice the emergence of spring!

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.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.

Saturday, April 18, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Apr 18 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.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
Apr 21 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].