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.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
FREE Senior Fitness in the Park
May 11 @ 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Lake Louise Park

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

Asheville Mast General Store: Greenworks Round Up 4 a Cause
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mast General Store

The Asheville Mast General Store has selected Greenworks as the beneficiary for their May Round Up campaign. For the month of May, they’ll ask every guest at the Asheville Mast Store to round up their purchase. At the end of the month, all proceeds will be donated to Greenworks. Thank you Mast General Store!

Aston Park Tennis Center
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Kolo Bike Park: Little Rippers Ages 5-8 years old
May 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

 

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

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

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

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

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

Kolo Bike Park Spring Afterschool: Big Senders Bike Club Ages 9-15
May 11 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Adventure Center
$300/MONTH TUES & THURS
MARCH, APRIL, MAY

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

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

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

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

Flat Rock Middle School Sports Physicals for Local Student-Athletes
May 11 @ 3:30 pm
Flat Rock Middle School-- East Henderson High Gym

Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, will host sports physicals for area middle school and high school student-athletes. Participants must have all required forms signed by parents and bring them the day of the physical. Forms are available from coaches or school front offices.

Sports Physicals

It’s time for Sports Physicals!

Calling all area middle school and high school student-athletes! Don’t forget to join Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, to receive a sports physical.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets
May 11 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center

Logo for Charlotte Hornets vs. Logo for Denver Nuggets

WATCH ON BALLY SPORTS SOUTHEAST – CHARLOTTE
LISTEN ON WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM
irtual Tuesday Night Shamanic Practices by Rising Fire Shamanism
May 11 @ 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by Rising Fire Shamanism
Cultivate presence in your life through direct experience. Join us to learn and use an ancient healing technique during each class.

About this Event
*** JOIN US FOR POWERFUL PRACTICES FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE!***
In response to the economic difficulties brought on by COVID, Rising Fire Shamanism is offering our Tuesday Night Shamanic Practice class for free beginning in February 2021 going through December 2021.
Tuesday Night Shamanic Practice class helps cultivate presence in your life through shamanic practices, sacred play, meditation, and centering techniques.

Learn how to transform and release dense energy from your body, mind and energy field. We do this while strengthening our refined energy, or “sami.” The idea is to build our living energy, our “kausay,” with mindfulness. We focus on different methods of experiencing directly each week to build or to enhance the foundation of your personal work.

This class is for the curious and those who would like to refine their personal practices. You will have the opportunity do something different each week; shamanic breathwork, journeying, meditation and more.

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuesday-night-shamanic-practices-tickets-112043045766?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Lifeguard Certification
May 12 all-day
YWCA

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

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

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

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

Asheville Mast General Store: Greenworks Round Up 4 a Cause
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mast General Store

The Asheville Mast General Store has selected Greenworks as the beneficiary for their May Round Up campaign. For the month of May, they’ll ask every guest at the Asheville Mast Store to round up their purchase. At the end of the month, all proceeds will be donated to Greenworks. Thank you Mast General Store!

Aston Park Tennis Center
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

American Red Cross Blood Drive
May 12 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Kenmure Country Club-- In the Charleston Room

—With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

 

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

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

Bent Creek Beginner's  Ride

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

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

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

Details:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Transcend The Five Obstacles to Self Love – Jerry Donoghue
May 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Jerry Donoghue is founder of the Asheville Compassionate Communication Center and the Inner Presence Coaching Institute in Asheville, NC. Jerry is a Master Spiritual Coach who specializes in training couples to be more compassionate with themselves and each other through his courses and private coaching. He also trains helping professionals in gentle, non-invasive, non-prescriptive approaches to support that rely on the clients’/students’ innate intelligence. He draws on his many years of teaching people compassion communication, self-compassion, and nondual awareness work to create this dynamic Inner Presence Inquiry Work. He shows us in a totally practical and deeply experiential way, how to fully enter, lovingly embrace and be present to the disowned, painful and rejected parts of ourselves. www.ashevilleccc.com

What we’re about

The Asheville Wisdom Exchange is a sacred space for the non-judgmental exchange of insight and wisdom in our quest to better express the Divine inherent within us. Topics vary weekly utilizing a combination of experts and open discussion in a unique and respectful format based upon the premise that we all can learn from each other. We welcome you to join us and share your voice in the uplifting of humanity.
We meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 7 – 8:15 p.m.
https://www.ashevillewisdomexchange.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asheville Mast General Store: Greenworks Round Up 4 a Cause
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mast General Store

The Asheville Mast General Store has selected Greenworks as the beneficiary for their May Round Up campaign. For the month of May, they’ll ask every guest at the Asheville Mast Store to round up their purchase. At the end of the month, all proceeds will be donated to Greenworks. Thank you Mast General Store!

Aston Park Tennis Center
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Noble + Company Hosts Blood Drive
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Noble and Company

Scan the code on the flyer above to begin signing up.

Or reply to this email ([email protected]) with the required details below and we will do the work for you:

  • First and Last name
  • Email address so we can confirm your appointment
  • Time slot you’d like to donate-between 10:30am and 3pm

Recieve a $20 gift card to be used right away at a cool spot on our block. Visit:

Louise’s Kitchen
Foothills Meat
Black Mountain Natural Foods
WNC Outdoor Collective

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logo for Charlotte Hornets vs. Logo for LA Clippers

WATCH ON BALLY SPORTS SOUTHEAST – CHARLOTTE
LISTEN ON WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM
Friday, May 14, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Lifeguard Certification
May 14 all-day
YWCA

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

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

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

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

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

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