Calendar of Events
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.
December 10, 11, 17, 18, and 19th.
The Winter Wonder Walk transports you inside a winter storybook where our actors bring to life the wonderful world of Winterland, and set you on a quest to find Jack Frost. Your senses will be dazzled by this completely immersive experience. After the Winter Wonder Walk Trail, a warm cozy festival tents welcomes you back to Mrs. Clause’s Kitchen with Cookies For A Clause, kids activities, a stocking stuffer market with local vendors, and concessions.
For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.
Our Memories Making Meals program will donate 4 meals to MANNA Foodbank from each ticket. Memories Making Meals is a continuation of The Haunted Trail’s BOO To Hunger program which has donated 38,400 meals in 2 years. Have a memorable family friendly night out while supporting MANNA Foodbank!
The Winter Wonder Walk is produced in collaboration with Asheville Plays!, the creators of The Haunted Trail, The Conundrum, and The Adventure Center of Asheville. We are excited to bring you another treasured part of your family’s holiday tradition.
For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.
Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! A Park Ranger will offer an informative discussion about the Park’s history while the group strolls, hikes or bikes up to the 3.2-mile entrance 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!
Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required. Please visit North Carolina State Park website for additional information.
What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.
Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.
The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.
Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.
For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info
Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects
What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.
Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.
The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.
A special zoom performance will be held on Saturday 1/22 for individuals to gather, share space, and dance with plants across the interwebs. Performances on Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 at 3pm are part of the Asheville Fringe Festival.
Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.
For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info
Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects
What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.
Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.
The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.
Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.
For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info
Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects
What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.
Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.
The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.
Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.
For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info
Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects
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Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Well, lucky for you, our Annual Virtual Hiking Challenge is back!
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Virtual Hiking Challenge sets a goal for you to complete 60 miles in 60 days at your own pace. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run, or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level, all you have to do is move 60 miles within the 60-day challenge period, running from January 1 to March 1. Sign up before January 1 to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration is open now and ends on February 1.
Registration is $25 and all participants will receive informative emails with details on some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to areas SAHC has protected and some of our other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and areas to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. All participants will receive a Hiking Challenge patch, coupons and will be entered into a raffle to win a certificate good for two to either cave, climb, or raft through USA Raft (after March 1). The registration fee will give participants access to the portal throughout the Challenge.
Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will inspire folks to explore places you may not have hiked before and rediscover the joy of nature in your own neighborhood. Please note, you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.
Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? Read our helpful Winter Hiking Tips so you can feel more confident hiking during the cold winter months.
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The Asheville Celtic Festival, a Winter Indoor/Outdoor Celtic Festival bringing the Celtic Spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, will be held at the Davis Center at the WNC Agricultural Center giving us a comfortable setting in the winter months.
• Feel the Vibes of Early Settlers from the Celtic Nations
• Participate in Entertaining Battles and Performances
• Learn About Celtic History and Traditions
• Listen to LIVE Celtic Music
• Explore your Family Background
• See Characters in 1700 Period Dress
• Shop the Celtic Crafts and Buy a Kilt
• Eat Traditional Foods
• Drink the Stouts & Ales
• Rest by the Fire
Cool events to keep the Celtic spirit alive through the winter.
· VIP Benefits with Royal Pass Ticket
· Kilts and Accessories
· Scottish Athletes
· Scottish and Irish Dog Clubs
· Armored Sword Fighting
· Scotch Tasting
· A Castle
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 3hrs, 2 miles, all-levels yoga, guided meditation, and panoramic views…just 30 mins from downtown Asheville!
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our wild places! Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning panoramic views then settle in for an hour of yoga for all levels on the summit. The full experience takes approximately 3 hours and the trail head is only 30 mins from downtown Asheville so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town too!
Enjoy wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and endless views. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Traveling with a group? Discounts available for parties of 6+
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 3hrs, 2 miles, all-levels yoga, guided meditation, and panoramic views…just 30 mins from downtown Asheville!
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our wild places! Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning panoramic views then settle in for an hour of yoga for all levels on the summit. The full experience takes approximately 3 hours and the trail head is only 30 mins from downtown Asheville so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town too!
Enjoy wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and endless views. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Traveling with a group? Discounts available for parties of 6+
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself as you relax into the wisdom and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 3hrs, 2 miles, all-levels yoga, guided meditation, and panoramic views…just 30 mins from downtown Asheville!
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our wild places! Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning panoramic views then settle in for an hour of yoga for all levels on the summit. The full experience takes approximately 3 hours and the trail head is only 30 mins from downtown Asheville so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town too!
Enjoy wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and endless views. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Traveling with a group? Discounts available for parties of 6+
Join us for an orientation to the Museum’s VALLEY HISTORY EXPLORER HIKING SERIES, which consists of 8 hikes to historic locations around the Swannanoa Valley, one in each of our communities. The hour-long orientation will cover specifics of each hike. The orientation will take place at the Swannanoa Valley Museum at 223 West State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
This series was developed to introduce the significant history of the region to visitors and residents of the Swannanoa Valley through moderate, approximately 3-mile hikes to historic locations. More information…
Hikes generally occur on the 2nd Saturday of each month (March – October) at 9:00am and meet at the Museum. Each hiker will receive a punch card that serves as a log and validation of the completion of each hike.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022 HIKING SERIES IS NOW CLOSED. Please e-mail [email protected] with any inquiries.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022
with
The MakeHER Market at Reynolds Village
The MakeHER Market returns on Saturday, March 5th in celebration of International Women’s Day in a new location at Reynolds Village in North Asheville.
The debut event was held in 2019 as a way to highlight and create connections between the talented community of Asheville female entrepreneurs. International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated worldwide in early March to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Among its missions, IWD 2022 strives to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
The 2022 MakeHER Market will raise money for HelpMate and feature 20 female, independent creatives, makers and designers and their unique, hand crafted goods. Fair Trade coffee, jewelry and home décor as well as locally made art, accessories and botanicals will be available to purchase. Created and organized by Fair Trade companies Incite Coffee Co. and Maadili Collective, as well as Hello, Gorgeous! Professional Bra Fitting & More, all women-owned, local Asheville companies. In addition to shopping for local vendor goods, guests can donate to the Hello Gorgeous! Bra Drive for HelpMate, a year-round program to provide courageous survivors with bra fittings and gently loved, cleaned, and curated bras. The MakeHER Market event aims to honor the empowerment and enterprising ventures of diverse women locally and abroad.
All participating vendors will be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 and the event will follow the Buncombe County mandates for Covid protocols for all guests.
Event hours are 11am to 5pm, admission is free and families are welcome.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeHERmarket
WHAT: The MakeHER Market
WHERE: 61 North Merrimon Avenue, Suite 107, North Asheville
WHEN: Saturday, March 5th, 11-5pm. Rain or shine.
#IWD2022 #BreaktheBias
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.
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Time: Starting at 10 am
Where: Clyde, NC
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. 530 ft of elevation gain in 1.15 miles.
Cost: $10 for non-members, Free for SAHC Members
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Highland Brewing Company on Saturday, March 19 for a hike celebrating the release of Highland’s Peachful Ale. Participants will travel across two SAHC owned properties in the Crabtree Community of Haywood County. These properties account for 292 acres of land and over 15,000 linear feet of stream corridor protected forever.
Both properties combine productive agricultural land with valuable wildlife habitats and breathtaking scenic views. Hikers will have a short, but steep, climb to the top where one of the best views on all SAHC owned properties awaits us. Along the way, we will be discussing the importance of our farmland protection program.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.
Families and people of all ages are invited to come and enjoy community, earth-friendly crafts, environmental education, and more!
Join Conserving Carolina and our partnering organizations as we share our knowledge and passion for the preservation of this amazing planet!
The event features educational activities, crafts, and hands on learning. Subjects include river restoration, water quality and monitoring, non-native and invasive species, climate change and action, the history of Harmon Field, American Chestnut restoration, folk medicine, bee keeping, and more!
In partnership with Parsec Financial, there will be a special showing of NOVA’s Polar Extremes at the Tryon Depot, 22 Depot St, Tryon, NC, at 6:30 pm. Click here for more information. Space is limited and pre-registration required at this link.
Organizations and presenters at the event include: MountainTrue, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), Polk County Soil and Water, Drunken Root Apothecary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, NC Forest Service, Polk County Agricultural Economic Development, Trout Unlimited, Polk County Appearance Commission, the Henderson Polk County Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, Quible & Associates, P.C., Foothills Humane Society, Unity in the Community, Polk County Library, NC Cooperative Extension Polk County Center 4-H Youth Development, Girl and Boy Scouts, National Centers for Environmental Information, American Chestnut Foundation, Housing Assistance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Polk County Health and Wellness, NC State Parks, Steps to Hope, Polk County Parks and Recreation, Tryon Arts and Crafts, North Carolina Bluebird Society, Tryon Garden Club, nature and forest therapy, and an expert bee keeper!
Music by Blue Wall, Phil and Gaye Johnson, and the PacJAM Clover Pickers!
Manzolina’s Eatery will provide food for purchase: hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, nachos, drinks, etc.
History of Earth Day:
Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire.
On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses, and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet.
The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognizes as the planet’s largest civic event.
Theme in 2022:
The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Invest in Our Planet. “This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods… together, we must Invest In Our Planet.“ Click here for more information.
Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.
Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.
Join us for a session of forest bathing. This walk will provide time to enjoy a 2 1/2 hour experience in the blooming spring forest as we discover what the dynamic season invites us to explore.
Mattie is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She is also a Zen practitioner, an Episcopal oblate, and a retired education professor, and she is certified in wilderness first aid. This event is one of our monthly forest bathing walks. Forest bathing is a practice from Japan that has been gaining attention in the West. Forest bathing is not about getting exercise. It’s not about hiking to get somewhere. It’s about being present in the forest, taking it in. It’s about creating relationships between humans and the more-than-human world.
To keep everyone safe, these walks are limited to 12 participants. Registration is required.
A donation of $30 is suggested for forest bathing walks, for those who are able. Donations are not required and the amount of your gift is entirely up to you. Donations of $35 or more will include Conserving Carolina membership benefits.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FOREST BATHING
RSVP below.
RSVPs will close at 3PM on 4/21/22
Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.
Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.
Connect Beyond Festival returns to downtown Asheville, N.C. on April 22-23, 2022 for a weekend of performances, panels, film screenings and workshops exploring how the intersection of music, art, film and storytelling can inspire positive change. This year’s festival, dubbed by Ashvegas as “Asheville’s version of SXSW”, will feature the Storytelling For Impact multidisciplinary curated with Sundance Collab, Sundance Institute’s official digital, global community for artists.
The packed lineup features headliners Megan Twohey, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times and co-author of the bestselling book SHE SAID: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement, and Propaganda, poet, activist, author of Terraform: Building a Better World, and creator and host of the Hood Politics with Prop podcast. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the Connect Beyond Festival are on sale now here.
Featured Phase 1 Connect Beyond Festival artists include:
- Albert Berger – Academy Award-nominated producer
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Lonnie Holly – Critically acclaimed visual artist and musician
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Gillian Laub – Photojournalist and 2019 NYSCA/NYFA Photography Fellow
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Dr. Natalie Hopkinson – Author and Howard University professor of Communications, Culture and Media Studies
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Marcus Dowling – Award-winning journalist and musician
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Shana Tucker – Musician, educator and artist in residence at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville (2019-2020)
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Johnny Irion – Musician and producer
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Dr. Ben Gilmer – Author of The Other Dr. Gilmer, Two Men, A Murder, And An Unlikely Fight For Justice
Guests will create their own tailored itineraries, choosing from:
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Impactful panels, presentations and music-forward showcases and performances at The Orange Peel, Asheville Art Museum and Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
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A specially curated rotating collection of groundbreaking, culture-shifting films, curated by festival partner Social Construct Films
Lauded as “complete nourishment for the senses” by past attendees, Connect Beyond is perfect for anyone seeking a more dynamic festival experience.
“Think of it as a series of TED Talks meets your favorite podcast meets NPR’s Music’s Tiny Desk concert series meets the Sundance Film Festival,” says Connect Beyond Founder, Jessica Tomasin. “Connect Beyond is so much more than a festival; it’s a tool that uses storytelling as a platform to build an inclusive and supportive community. My hope is that people walk away from the weekend with new connections, new perspectives and new resources to help create the world they want to live in.”
Bob Boilen of NPR’s Tiny Desk Home Concert series and Connect Beyond Festival alum adds, “Connect Beyond Festival is curated with people with different viewpoints on the world. It’s a connecting place and a thoughtful festival.”
EVENT: Connect Beyond Festival 2022
WHEN: April 22-23, 2022
WHERE: The Orange Peel, Wortham Center for Performing Arts, Asheville Art Museum and more
TICKETS: https://venuv.io/v/mailchimp
MORE: ConnectBeyondFestival.com
General Admission ($150) and VIP ($200) festival passes are now on sale at ConnectBeyondFestival.com/tickets. Until March 25, guests can use the code CONNECT at checkout to save up to 20% on tickets. For those unable to attend but still looking to participate, Virtual Passes are available for $125 to digitally attend all panels, workshops and in-person micro-events.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ConnectBeyondFestival.com. For film inquiries, contact our Film Programmers at [email protected].
Participating Venues
The Orange Peel – website
Wortham Center For The Performing Arts – website
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ABOUT CONNECT BEYOND FESTIVAL
More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement that brings together creators from all walks of life and all regions of the world to engage in ways they never have before. With a focus on creative arts, Connect Beyond explores how collaboration creates a narrative that can influence social change. The multi-venue event features three days of cutting-edge music conversations and performances; inspiring speakers; thought-provoking panels; captivating film screenings and insight from documentary filmmakers; plus lasting connections with community members. Tickets are on sale now for the third annual event. Learn more at ConnectBeyondFestival.com.
Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.
Come join us for our second annual Hemp Festival!
Fun for all ages! Located downtown Asheville in front of the court house at Pack Square Park for April
Wed 4/20 – Sat 4/23. We will be hosting a 4-day event with live music on 2 stages.
Pack Square Amphitheater
&
Instant Karma Bus Stage
One of our main goals is to make something accessible and engaging for the whole community.
In honor of the Hemp Plant, we are getting our community together to celebrate and inform about all the wonderful benefits Hemp has to offer!
In collaborating with local hemp farmers, musicians, community activist and educators, including diverse talent from live glassblowing, fire spinning, live painters, visual arts, and so much more.
This is one you dont wanna miss.
For volunteer, Vending, sponsorship, or more information about involvement visit.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS
The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is returning to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville at 7 p.m. on April 23. The festival is set to feature a blues honor roll of performers and legends alike, including Tucka, Ronnie Bell, Pokey Bear, Nellie Tiger Travis, Lebrado and Calvin Richardson.
The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is presented by North American Entertainment Group Inc., one of the leading independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.
ABOUT TUCKA
Tucka James is a songwriter and amazing artist. He’s in a lane of his own coming out of New Iberia, LA. Tucka James hit the scene in 2010 and never looked back. The ladies love his swag and style. Along with the charming voice. Tucka James has set standards that have never been set, he has performed in many states and cities. He has a unique flavor of music. You can never get enough of his hits such as “Candyland,” “Don’t Make Me Beg,” “Country Road,” “Sweet Shop,” “Booty Roll,” and so many more. He has collaborated with many other artists. They don’t call him Tucka for nothing. He’s a force to be reckoned with. There’s no stopping Tucka James.
ABOUT RONNIE BELL
Ronnie “RnB” Bell grew up in the small town of Walker, Louisiana. Since the age of five years old he sang in his church choir at Gloryland Church of God in Christ in Walker. RnB quickly became popular due to his extraordinary vocal ability at such a young age. At the age of fifteen he began to sing alongside his mother, uncles, and his late Great Uncle George Perkins as a member of “George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony”, a gospel-recording group based in Hammond, Louisisana. A year later after growing restless of quartet singing, he joined Kenneth Mitchell and the Voices of Praise. In college, he became a member of the world-renowned Southern University Concert Choir directed by the great Charles Lloyd, Jr. While under the instruction of the Legendary Dr. Issac Greggs and Mr. Lawrence Jackson, RnB performed at the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands in the New Orleans Super dome in 2004, 2006, 2008, & 2011 as a guest soloist with the Southern University Marching Band. At Southern University, RnB opened for Juvenile and 112 while performing at the annual homecoming 2006 in both the halftime show and the annual concert. In 2008, RnB opened for Erykah Badu and Bun B in the Spring Fest at Southern University. Currently Ronnie Bell has transformed himself into a new genre of music with two Hit Singles: “Cotton Candy” and “I’ll Pay The Shipping Cost.” Both at one point number one Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out songs in Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and sweeping over the Southern Region. Ronnie’s new label R.E.E.L. Entertainment Group has joined forces with Worldbeat Entertainment to take the Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out genre by storm with his highly anticipated debut album “Ronnie Bell 365” released on May 5, 2020. But he has not forgotten his true love and genre of R&B and Soul. He plans to release a series of EP’s showcasing his talents so all the fans can experience his flavor of music.
ABOUT POKEY BEAR
Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid.
ABOUT NELLIE TIGER TRAVIS
Nellie Tiger Travis couldn’t be more destined to sing the blues. Born deep in the delta in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Nellie grew up singing gospel music. During the mid-eighties, Nellie was lead vocalist for the Mississippi based group “SSIPP,” opening for acts from Dee Dee Warwick to Ray Charles. Since relocating to Chicago in 1992 Nellie has been an undeniable force in the Chicago Blues Community. Koko Taylor was a major influence, mentor and friend to Nellie. Koko took Nellie under her wing after she witnessed an extremely emotional performance immediately after Nellie’s mother had passed away. Nellie has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and performed at numerous national and international festivals and clubs. Nellie has performed in Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil, as well as her hometown in Mississippi. She has shared the stage with such greats as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Glady’s Knight, Ronnie Baker Brooks to name a few. Nellie’s latest release “I’m Going Out Tonight” was released on March 18, 2011 with a star-studded release party at Buddy Guy’s Legends.
ABOUT LEBRADO
Lebrado Wilson first broke out into the music industry with his guest vocal appearance on his older brothers’, K-Ci and Jo Jo’s single entitled “Suicide” from their year 2000 album “X.” Continuing and expanding on his brother’s legacy, Lebrado’s released his debut album, Try Me, in 2006, which included his first hit single “Missing You, Babe.” His highly anticipated sophomore LP entitled Fire was subsequently released in 2009; its popular single “Fire” featuring his brother K-CI.
ABOUT CALVIN RICHARDSON
Born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, Calvin Richardson is the fifth of nine children and the son of a Gospel singer. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: as a kid, Calvin’s mother led a Gospel act called The Willing Wonders and Calvin was the group’s youngest member. His first solo album, Country Boy, was released in 1999 by Universal Records and featured the singles “True Love” (featuring Chico DeBarge) and “I’ll Take Her” (featuring K-Ci Hailey). After being dropped by Universal, Calvin eventually rebounded and landed another record deal, this time with Hollywood Records. In September 2003, he released his second album, 2:35 PM.
The album, which was named after the time that his son Souljah was born, featured the Grammy-nominated hit “More Than A Woman,” featuring Angie Stone. Other singles from the album were “You’ve Got Me High” (featuring Slum Village) and “Keep On Pushin’.” Most recently, Calvin signed with Shanachie Records. His first Shanachie album, When Love Comes came out May 27, 2008. It was followed by the Grammy-nominated Bobby Womack tribute album Facts of Life in 2009 and an all-new album, America’s Most Wanted, in 2010.
In WNC we are so lucky to have a bounty of incredible natural spaces surrounding us. These ancestral lands of the Cherokee Indian are full of life, beauty, and magic that deserves to be experienced by everyone. This Earth Day we want to celebrate our planet and natural resources with you and your family!
Join RiverLink and a host of local environmental organizations to learn about: plants and animals, mountains and streams, composting and recycling, and so much more. Every participating organization will have fun games and activities, interactive displays, arts and crafts, etc for kids to engage with. We hope that these future stewards will have a chance to connect deeper with their environment and learn about what these groups are doing to protect it.
At the festival we will also be showcasing entries and announcing the winners for RiverLink’s Voices of the River: Art and Poetry contest. Our mountains and rivers are an incredible source of creative inspiration and artistic exploration. These talented young artists and writers have created beautiful works that honor our rivers and Mother Earth herself.
We hope you’ll join us for a day of fun, education, and creativity as we celebrate everything that our planet does for us.
Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.