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, November 13, 2021
Dogwood Alliance 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 13 all-day

Dogwood Alliance has partnered with SlaytheMic to bring you exclusive access to our virtual 25th Anniversary festival including our award-winning documentary film, stories, musical performances, and more to celebrate with you!

During this time you will be able to view all the event materials at your own convenience.

We will host one live discussion with the director of our Stories Happen in Forests film and a few of those featured in the film. That conversation is slotted to take place on Nov. 12th at 5:30pm. A recording of that conversation will be made available for those that can’t make it at that time.

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

🌳Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
🌳A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.
WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:
🌳All of the above plus!
🌳A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
🌳A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie.
Get your all-access pass today!

Dogwood Alliance’s 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 13 all-day
online

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

  • Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
  • A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:

  • All of the above plus!
  • A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
  • A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie

Join us as Dogwood Alliance CELEBRATES 25 years of:

  • Protecting Southern forests.
  • Fighting extractive industries.
  • Building Community.

We could not have done this without our COMMUNITY.

Dogwood Alliance turns 25 this year. Wow! How beautiful and exciting. We would have loved to celebrate in person with you, but we’ve decided to take our celebration online for the safety of our community.

We invite you to join us for our virtual festival to celebrate the past 25 years, the next 25 years, and being in the Right Place at the Right Time to make a real and lasting difference for forests, climate, and justice.

Sunday, November 14, 2021
Dogwood Alliance 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 14 all-day

Dogwood Alliance has partnered with SlaytheMic to bring you exclusive access to our virtual 25th Anniversary festival including our award-winning documentary film, stories, musical performances, and more to celebrate with you!

During this time you will be able to view all the event materials at your own convenience.

We will host one live discussion with the director of our Stories Happen in Forests film and a few of those featured in the film. That conversation is slotted to take place on Nov. 12th at 5:30pm. A recording of that conversation will be made available for those that can’t make it at that time.

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

🌳Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
🌳A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.
WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:
🌳All of the above plus!
🌳A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
🌳A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie.
Get your all-access pass today!

Dogwood Alliance’s 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 14 all-day
online

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

  • Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
  • A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:

  • All of the above plus!
  • A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
  • A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie

Join us as Dogwood Alliance CELEBRATES 25 years of:

  • Protecting Southern forests.
  • Fighting extractive industries.
  • Building Community.

We could not have done this without our COMMUNITY.

Dogwood Alliance turns 25 this year. Wow! How beautiful and exciting. We would have loved to celebrate in person with you, but we’ve decided to take our celebration online for the safety of our community.

We invite you to join us for our virtual festival to celebrate the past 25 years, the next 25 years, and being in the Right Place at the Right Time to make a real and lasting difference for forests, climate, and justice.

Monday, November 15, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Saturday, November 20, 2021
Llamapalooza for Annual Passholders
Nov 20 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

What’s a llama’s favorite drink? “Llamanade.” What do llamas reply when you say thank you? “No probLlama.”
These humorous, camel-like creatures are so funny and unique. They bring joy and laughter to just about any situation. Imagine hiking with one of these wooly companions. At Llamapalooza, you’ll have a chance to escort llamas along the Park’s half-mile Great Woodland Adventure loop trail. We will be offering three different hikes:

11:15am – First Hike

12:15pm – Second Hike

1:15pm – Third Hike

During your excursion, you will learn more about the llamas and pose with them for fun photo ops. This event is exclusively for annual passholders only. If you are not an annual passholder and would like to become one, you can purchase an annual pass here.

Space is limited for these hikes and pre-registration is required.

Monday, November 22, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Friday, November 26, 2021
The Black Friday Blackout Diaries a The Orange Peel
Nov 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Gather your friends and family (of drinking age) for hilarious and sometimes hazardous stories by comics and regular folks where the drink did them in. This is an audience interactive show!!

Monday, November 29, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 29 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Friday, December 3, 2021
French Broad/Arboretum MTS hike
Dec 3 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
1610 Brevard Rd

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River. We leave for the hike no later than 9:10 a.m. and hike 2.5 miles on the MTS trail and back for a total 5 miles hike. We walk at a pretty swift pace (2.7 to 3 mph). Hike is designed for fitness and conversation. We don’t take a break until we reach the turn around point, then we stop for brief water break. We repeat this hike on Friday. Then move on with our regular rotation of hikes.

Hikers who are new to hiking will likely be more comfortable on another meet up hike designed for people who are just beginning hiking or trying to get into shape for hiking. You might consider “WNC Easy Hikers Group,” for instance.

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River off of Brevard Road. Coming from Asheville, go through the light at the arboretum intersection and you will see the parking area almost immediately on your left. We leave no later than 9:10 a.m. I think this is called the Brent Creek River Park.

Friday, December 10, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 10 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

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.

Saturday, December 11, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 11 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

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.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Old Sugarlands Trail
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

7 miles | Moderate Forest Walk, Holiday Celebration

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Friday, December 17, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 17 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

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.

Saturday, December 18, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 18 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

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.

Sunday, December 19, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

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.

Friday, February 11, 2022
Mountaintop Yoga Hike
Feb 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Asheville Wellness Tours
Image for Mountaintop Yoga Hike

Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Mindfulness Series: Love and Warmth
Feb 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

Join Namaste in Nature for a reflective meditation walk in the Park. De-stress during this peaceful hike focused on reconnecting with nature and yourself. Bring your partner or a friend and enjoy this mindfulness experience focused on the season of love and warmth.

Sunday, February 13, 2022
Join us for an Ice Hike on Roan Mountain this Sunday!
Feb 13 @ 11:00 am
Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain

Where: Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain
Distance: 2.6 miles total. ~600 ft elevation gain.
Difficulty: Moderate (5). Trail conditions will be icy.
Cost: FREE for all participants
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on February 13 for a hike from Carver’s Gap to Jane Bald in the Highlands of Roan. Participants will travel 2.6 miles atop the highest elevation balds in the Highlands of Roan, widely considered the most spectacular scenery along the Appalachian Trail. At the peak of Jane Bald, we will enjoy a natural, unobstructed 360-degree view.
We hope to come across hoar frost and rime ice on our hike. Hoar frost and rime ice are beautiful ice formations that appear after a cold night. However, they form in different ways. Rime ice forms on nights when a cold fog or cloud cover is present. When supercooled water droplets in the fog come in contact with a surface below freezing, the water droplets freeze on contact. On the other hand, hoar frost forms on clear nights when gaseous water vapor freezes onto a below-freezing surface, bypassing the liquid phase. While hiking, our goal will be to find these ice formations.
Note: There are many stretches of the trail covered with thick ice. Trekking poles are highly recommended. The weather for Sunday has highs in the mid-20s with a slight chance of snow. Please plan and dress accordingly.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Asheville Celtic Festival
Feb 19 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Western NC Agricultural Center Davis Event Center,

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

Saturday, March 5, 2022
MakeHER Market
Mar 5 all-day
Reynolds Village

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

Thursday, March 10, 2022
Seeking Volunteer Assistants for WNCHA Outings
Mar 10 @ 7:13 pm – 8:13 pm
Western North Carolina Historical Association
Logo

Seeking Volunteer Assistant(s) for WNCHA Outings

Do you enjoy the outdoors and history? Would you like to volunteer and learn useful skills in the process? As we prepare for another year of outdoor hikes and other outings, WNCHA seeks a volunteer or volunteers to act as an assistant and receive wilderness first aid and CPR training. If you regularly attend or plan to attend our outdoor events, please consider volunteering for a special role!

WNCHA will pay for the selected volunteer(s) to receive wilderness first aid and CPR training, to act as an assistant on hikes and outings in case of injuries or emergencies. This could involve dealing with minor cuts or injuries or even having to help someone back to a trailhead or to more advanced medical care.

The ideal candidate should be:

  • A regular attendee for WNCHA outings
  • Able to lift/carry 50+ pounds in emergencies
  • Confident in their ability to complete strenuous hikes up to 6 miles over various terrain
  • Willing to provide first aid assistance after receiving training
  • Competent at following trail or topographical maps and routes
  • Calm and professional under pressure

The selected volunteer(s) will also receive free admission to any outings they attend!

If interested, please email Trevor Freeman at [email protected]

Saturday, April 16, 2022
WNCHA Hidden History Hikes: Ellicott’s Rock
Apr 16 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cashiers, NC

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, April 16 at 9AM as we hike to Ellicott’s and Governor’s rocks along the Chattooga River.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

*This is a backcountry hike. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability*

*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. We will need a few volunteers to shuttle others in their vehicles. Please let us know if you are willing to do this when you sign the waiver form*

*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Ingles in Cashiers, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*

Details:

Meet:  We will depart at 9AM from the Ingles in Cashiers (US Hwy 64E, Cashiers, NC, 28717). We will carpool 10 miles to the trailhead (Bull Pen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717). More information regarding parking and the trailhead will be sent to registrants the day prior to the outing.
Return to Ingles: Approximately 3PM
Hike Length: 6.5 miles total, out and back.
Elevation Gain: 1,220 Feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (using National Park Service metric)

What to Bring:

  • Backpack
  • Plenty of water (2+ liters)
  • Bagged lunch and snacks
  • Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking poles (recommended)
  • Hat (recommended)
  • Any needed medications.

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled. The alternate rain date will be Saturday, April 30.

Tickets: $20 for WNCHA members/$30 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Bill Popper Memorial Hike at SAHC’s Prices Creek Preserve
Apr 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price’s Creek Preserve near Burnsville, NC

Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED.

We invite you to join us for a memorial hike to honor and remember our friend Bill Popper and his dedication to preserving the 573-acre property in Yancey County that he loved so much. This hike is a perennial favorite, taking participants through our Price’s Creek Preserve with numerous wildflowers this time of year, including May Apples, Blood Root, Lark Spur, and much more. We will hike through mature northern hardwood forest and make our way to a lovely spot on Price’s Creek for lunch, then loop back to the beginning, all the while enjoying the flowery splendor of Mother Nature!

We will be carpooling to the Price’s Creek Preserve. If you are willing to be a driver, please let me know in the comments section of your registration.

If you would like to learn more about Bill Popper and his passion for this land that he loved, please read our recent memorial here. 

NOTE: Due to limited parking availability, we will be hard capping this hike at 11 participants. Please register each party member individually to ensure we do not go over this number.  

Masks will be required while carpooling. 

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Earth Day Festival
Apr 19 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Harmon Field

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 familiesour 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.

Friday, April 22, 2022
Connect Beyond Festival 2022
Apr 22 – Apr 23 all-day
The Orange Peel, Wortham Center for Performing Arts, Asheville Art Museum and more

 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
  • Lonnie Holly – Critically acclaimed visual artist and musician

  • Gillian Laub – Photojournalist and 2019 NYSCA/NYFA Photography Fellow

  • Dr. Natalie Hopkinson – Author and Howard University professor of Communications, Culture and Media Studies

  • Marcus Dowling – Award-winning journalist and musician

  • Shana Tucker – Musician, educator and artist in residence at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville (2019-2020)

  • Johnny Irion – Musician and producer

  • 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:

  • Impactful panels, presentations and music-forward showcases and performances at The Orange Peel, Asheville Art Museum and Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

  • 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

# # #

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.

Saturday, April 23, 2022
Asheville Hemp Fest 2022 – 4 Day Festival
Apr 23 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pack Square Park

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.

AshevilleHempFest.com

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS

5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival
Apr 23 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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.

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Earth Day Kids Festival
Apr 24 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

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.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Mid-Week Wildflower Hike
Apr 26 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center
This spring, head outside and learn to identify both common and rare Appalachian wildflowers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail with Joe and Mary Standaert, local historians and members of the Western Carolina Botanical Club.

Location: Sign in will take place at the Swannanoa Valley Museum
Tickets: $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Some fees apply.