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, May 12, 2021
Bent Creek Beginner’s Ride
May 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bent Creek Rice Pinnacle Parking Area

Bent Creek Beginner's  Ride

**Weather related cancellations will be posted by 3pm the day of the ride**

Wednesday evenings there will be a Beginner oriented trail ride in Bent Creek at the Rice Pinnacle parking area that leaves at 6:00PM. This ride provides a welcoming environment for anyone who might be uncomfortable on intermediate or advanced rides. IF YOU’VE NEVER RIDDEN A TRAIL, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE RIDE FOR YOU!! While we’ll use gravel roads to connect trails, our focus will be on learning to have fun and improve skills on singletrack. While this is beginner focused, it will also be a fun social ride for those with more experience. *THIS IS MOUNTAIN BIKING ON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS*

Where we ride and what we do will be determined by who shows up, and what we want to learn and explore. Questions from “How do I change a flat tire?” to “How do I ride over a log?” are encouraged and impromptu mini-clinics at trail features might happen.

Details:

• A mountain bike is required – This is critical as bikes with skinny tires are dangerous on trails. NO SKINNY TIRE BIKES.

• Helmets are REQUIRED(!) and biking gloves and eye protection are highly recommended.

• Please bring your own water, snacks, and a spare inner tube.

• If bad weather is predicted we’ll post a cancellation by 3:00PM.

• We’ll leave the lot at 6:00PM: If you can, be there by 5:45PM.

• We’ll try to time our rides to end just before it gets too dark to ride.

• Parking is limited. Arriving early and carpooling are recommended!

• Ride is entirely at your own risk. You assume all responsibility for your own well-being. *THIS IS MOUNTAIN BIKING ON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS*. We cannot make the trails easier, but we will tailor the pace to Beginners.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Lifeguard Certification
May 13 all-day
YWCA

Summer is around the corner and lifeguards are in high demand. Sign up to take our spring, Red Cross certified, lifeguard course today. Class is available to ages 15 and up.

Contact Kitty Schmidt, Director of Fitness and Aquatics to register.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 13 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Aston Park Tennis Center
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Kolo Bike Park: Little Rippers Ages 5-8 years old
May 13 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

 

$300/MONTH TUES & THURS
MARCH, APRIL, MAY

On Tuesdays & Thursdays this Spring, join the Kolo Afterschool Bike Club to grow your skills and enjoy fun afternoons on bikes!  The club will be working on bike handling and riding all the trails and features of Kolo Bike Park. Students must be comfortable riding bikes off-road, as this is not a club to teach kids how to ride or for beginners.

Kolo is excited to be able to offer local students a great afternoon activity in an open-air environment on over 100 acres.  Come shred and enjoy mountain biking with us!

  • $300/month
  • Ages 9-15 years old:  Big Senders Club from 3:00 -6:00
  • Ages 5-8 years old: Little Rippers from 12:00-3:00 (If need 3:00-6:00 time slot, let us know)
  • March, April, May on Tuesdays & Thursdays only

Limited spaces available! Reservations are required by calling our office at 828.225.2921.

Kolo Bike Park Spring Afterschool: Big Senders Bike Club Ages 9-15
May 13 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Adventure Center
$300/MONTH TUES & THURS
MARCH, APRIL, MAY

On Tuesdays & Thursdays this Spring, join the Kolo Afterschool Bike Club to grow your skills and enjoy fun afternoons on bikes!  The club will be working on bike handling and riding all the trails and features of Kolo Bike Park. Students must be comfortable riding bikes off-road, as this is not a club to teach kids how to ride or for beginners.

Kolo is excited to be able to offer local students a great afternoon activity in an open-air environment on over 100 acres.  Come shred and enjoy mountain biking with us!

  • $300/month
  • Ages 9-15 years old:  Big Senders Club from 3:00 -6:00
  • Ages 5-8 years old: Little Rippers from 12:00-3:00 (If need 3:00-6:00 time slot, let us know)
  • March, April, May on Tuesdays & Thursdays only

Limited spaces available! Reservations are required by calling our office at 828.225.2921 or online at:

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers
May 13 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center

Logo for Charlotte Hornets vs. Logo for LA Clippers

WATCH ON BALLY SPORTS SOUTHEAST – CHARLOTTE
LISTEN ON WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM
Friday, May 14, 2021
Lifeguard Certification
May 14 all-day
YWCA

Summer is around the corner and lifeguards are in high demand. Sign up to take our spring, Red Cross certified, lifeguard course today. Class is available to ages 15 and up.

Contact Kitty Schmidt, Director of Fitness and Aquatics to register.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 14 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 14 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 14 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Rafting
May 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 14 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Aston Park Tennis Center
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

Chamber Challenge
May 14 @ 4:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber
                                                          Challenge -
                                                          Jared Ka

Early bird registration for the Chamber Challenge is open through this Sunday! You can save $10 if you register before April 18.

The race is set for Friday, May 14 and we’re offering free training sessions with the YMCA every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber (36 Montford Ave).

If you have any questions about the race, registration or our safety protocols, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section on the event page.

Saturday, May 15, 2021
Cooper River Bridge Run Sept. 2021 Registration Open
May 15 all-day
Cooper River Bridge Run

Bridge Run Rescheduled

Eblen Charities’ 20th anniversary Walk, Run or Roll
May 15 all-day
Eblen Charities

  • Walk, run or cycle anytime between May 8-15.
  • It’s a virtual event, so you can participate whenever you want; wherever you want!
  • Form a team and walk, run or cycle with your friends, family neighbors or co-workers.
  • Raise $100 to earn a 20th anniversary commemorative T-shirt (pictured below).
  • It’s easy – ask 10 friends or family members to donate $10 or 5 friends to donate $20 and you’ll reach your goal.
  • Funds raised will provide emergency housing assistance for Buncombe County student families hurt by the pandemic.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Organic Growers School Mentor Services
May 15 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Pisgah Legal Run for Justice Virtual 5K Begins May 29th
May 15 all-day
Pisgah Legal--Online

This beautiful spring weather makes it easy to get out and train for our virtual Run for Justice 5K which kicks off next month!  Register today to participate anytime between May 29th through June 12th on a route of your choice and then join us for our awards ceremony June 12th!  Everyone who registers by April 30 will receive a Run for Justice t-shirt.

Three ways to sign up

  1. Register for $25 per participant  (you can add a donation to support Pisgah Legal if desired)
  2. Peer to Peer Fundraising:  Invite your friends and family to donate $1,$5 or more for each kilometer you walk or run.
  3. Be a Sponsor:  Sponsor as an individual, a couple, a group or a business. Sponsors receive race entries, t-shirts and recognition. (Find out more about sponsor benefits here)

Check out our registration page for more details, a fun explainer video and FAQs.

Rafting
May 15 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
May 15 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Kids Fishing Tournament
May 15 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Julian Park

This event is open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups with prizes in each for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught. The grand prize for Biggest (Longest) Fish regardless of age is a Moken Lite kayak and 15% off accessories from Waterways and Feelfree Kayaks.

This is a catch and release tournament. After each fish has been weighed and measured, they will be released back into the lake. Your $10 registration fee includes a bucket, bait, and snacks and drinks. Competitors bring their own poles and current health guidelines must be observed.

No fishing license is required for residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed by competitors. All competitors must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is recommended. Fishing begins at 8:30 and ends promptly at 11:30.

All competitors will receive a reusable water bottle, pen, stickers, snacks and drinks, and a discount at local kayak fishing and paddlesports retailer Waterways.

  • Current public health guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives must be observed.
  • Your $10 registration includes a bucket and bait, but competitors must bring their own poles.
  • This is a competition for kids and youth. Parents are allowed to help younger kids cast their poles. In the spirit of sportsmanship, any competitor receiving excessive assistance from an adult will be disqualified.

If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected].