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, July 20, 2021
Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Tacos + Trivia Tuesday
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog

Tacos & Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Tacos & Trivia!

Twisted Roots will be cooking up a variety of tacos and authentic sides (vegetarian options available) starting at 5 pm.

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for good food, a good time, and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 21 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO BUILD LARGEST-EVER NEIGHBORHOOD
Jul 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NEW HEIGHTS BUILD SITE

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is currently building New
Heights, its most ambitious neighborhood to-date, and volunteers are invited to help build. Take an
active role in ensuring everyone has an affordable place to call home by learning new skills or
honing existing ones while working alongside community-minded people and future Habitat
homeowners.
Asheville Habitat has been bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope for
nearly four decades. The reasons people donate their time and talent to Asheville Habitat are as
varied as the volunteer themselves. Those who so enjoyed volunteering once on the Women Build
House that they keep coming back every week. Those that spent decades in a corporate
boardroom and simply want to do something totally different in retirement. Those that work for a
company that sponsors Asheville Habitat and therefore have the opportunity to participate in an
employee build day. Those that are in high school and learning about our region’s affordable
housing crisis. Those putting faith into action by working on a house their church sponsors. How
people come to volunteer with Asheville Habitat is wide-ranging. Why they continue to volunteer is
the same: Comradery. Meeting the families. Fulfillment. Fun. Making a difference. Feeling part of
something bigger.
If you are ready to be the change you want to see in the world, learn more and sign up to volunteer
at ashevillehabitat.org or call 828.251.5702. “Volunteers are truly an extension of our staff,” shares
Construction Services Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wallace. “We offer year-round opportunities
for those age 16+. It’s hard work, but very rewarding. Stepping back at the end of the day, you can
SEE the difference you’ve made and feel proud about it.”
If construction isn’t your cup of tea, contact Carrie at 828.210.9381 or
[email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in the Asheville and
Weaverville ReStores. Proceeds from ReStore sales support Habitat’s building programs, so your
volunteer efforts there directly support affordable housing, too. Volunteer positions include
customer service, such as running the cash register and providing sales support on the floor;
intake and receiving; sorting and processing donations; testing and repairing appliances; and other
fun opportunities. More description can be found at ashevillehabitat.org – join the team!
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Through Habitat
homeownership and home repair programs, nearly 2,000 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the
strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future. A decent place to call home and an affordable
mortgage enables Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities and have greater
financial stability. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat, a Charity Navigator 4-star non-profit, and how you can get
involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 21 @ 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.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jul 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 21 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join a Park Naturalist to meet some of our resident Animal Ambassadors.  Participants will learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important role in the ecosystem.  You might even leave with a newfound appreciation for critters you once misunderstood.

Time: Weekdays only at 11am
Cost: Included with Park admission.
Dog Adoption Event with Mountain Pet Rescue
Jul 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Down Dog

Dog Adoption Event with Mountain Pet Rescue

Help us support a paw-some cause! Mountain Pet Rescue will be bringing adorable, adoptable pups while Twisted Roots cooks up some delicious grub!

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Jul 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Jul 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Witty Wednesday Trivia
Jul 21 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Jul 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Latin Night Wednesday
Jul 21 @ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
One World Brewing West

Latin Night Wednesday

MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday.  Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.

DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.

Thursday, July 22, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 22 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO BUILD LARGEST-EVER NEIGHBORHOOD
Jul 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NEW HEIGHTS BUILD SITE

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is currently building New
Heights, its most ambitious neighborhood to-date, and volunteers are invited to help build. Take an
active role in ensuring everyone has an affordable place to call home by learning new skills or
honing existing ones while working alongside community-minded people and future Habitat
homeowners.
Asheville Habitat has been bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope for
nearly four decades. The reasons people donate their time and talent to Asheville Habitat are as
varied as the volunteer themselves. Those who so enjoyed volunteering once on the Women Build
House that they keep coming back every week. Those that spent decades in a corporate
boardroom and simply want to do something totally different in retirement. Those that work for a
company that sponsors Asheville Habitat and therefore have the opportunity to participate in an
employee build day. Those that are in high school and learning about our region’s affordable
housing crisis. Those putting faith into action by working on a house their church sponsors. How
people come to volunteer with Asheville Habitat is wide-ranging. Why they continue to volunteer is
the same: Comradery. Meeting the families. Fulfillment. Fun. Making a difference. Feeling part of
something bigger.
If you are ready to be the change you want to see in the world, learn more and sign up to volunteer
at ashevillehabitat.org or call 828.251.5702. “Volunteers are truly an extension of our staff,” shares
Construction Services Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wallace. “We offer year-round opportunities
for those age 16+. It’s hard work, but very rewarding. Stepping back at the end of the day, you can
SEE the difference you’ve made and feel proud about it.”
If construction isn’t your cup of tea, contact Carrie at 828.210.9381 or
[email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in the Asheville and
Weaverville ReStores. Proceeds from ReStore sales support Habitat’s building programs, so your
volunteer efforts there directly support affordable housing, too. Volunteer positions include
customer service, such as running the cash register and providing sales support on the floor;
intake and receiving; sorting and processing donations; testing and repairing appliances; and other
fun opportunities. More description can be found at ashevillehabitat.org – join the team!
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Through Habitat
homeownership and home repair programs, nearly 2,000 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the
strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future. A decent place to call home and an affordable
mortgage enables Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities and have greater
financial stability. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat, a Charity Navigator 4-star non-profit, and how you can get
involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 22 @ 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.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jul 22 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

ArborEvenings
Jul 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

ORDER AHEAD

Musician Schedule

Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.

Know Before You Go

  • Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
  • Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
  • Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of  buildings.
  • To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
  • Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: GREAT GRAINS
Jul 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Highland Brewing Company

From bread to beer, pastry to pasta, and rice to spirits, grains are central to much of what we
eat, drink and enjoy. Great Grains celebrates and educates about our regional grain shed,
which connects farmers, millers, maltsters, chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers and you. Learn
about our vibrant grain community from Jennifer Lapidus – Carolina Ground, David Bauer –
Farm and Sparrow, Sebastian Wolfrum – Epiphany Craft Malt, and others, all while enjoying a
delicious array of grain-based goodness

Paint Your Pet Night with Wine + Design
Jul 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog

Paint Your Pet Night with Wine & Design

Wine & Design will actually walk you through step by step to paint your fur baby! Guests will provide a clear photo of their pets, via email, prior to the class ([email protected]). Your pet will be traced directly on an 8×10 canvas. There will be an 8.5×11 colored print of your pet to use as a reference while painting. Your artist will guide you through every step of the way!

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
Jul 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
City Dance
Jul 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, July 23, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 23 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO BUILD LARGEST-EVER NEIGHBORHOOD
Jul 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NEW HEIGHTS BUILD SITE

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is currently building New
Heights, its most ambitious neighborhood to-date, and volunteers are invited to help build. Take an
active role in ensuring everyone has an affordable place to call home by learning new skills or
honing existing ones while working alongside community-minded people and future Habitat
homeowners.
Asheville Habitat has been bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope for
nearly four decades. The reasons people donate their time and talent to Asheville Habitat are as
varied as the volunteer themselves. Those who so enjoyed volunteering once on the Women Build
House that they keep coming back every week. Those that spent decades in a corporate
boardroom and simply want to do something totally different in retirement. Those that work for a
company that sponsors Asheville Habitat and therefore have the opportunity to participate in an
employee build day. Those that are in high school and learning about our region’s affordable
housing crisis. Those putting faith into action by working on a house their church sponsors. How
people come to volunteer with Asheville Habitat is wide-ranging. Why they continue to volunteer is
the same: Comradery. Meeting the families. Fulfillment. Fun. Making a difference. Feeling part of
something bigger.
If you are ready to be the change you want to see in the world, learn more and sign up to volunteer
at ashevillehabitat.org or call 828.251.5702. “Volunteers are truly an extension of our staff,” shares
Construction Services Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wallace. “We offer year-round opportunities
for those age 16+. It’s hard work, but very rewarding. Stepping back at the end of the day, you can
SEE the difference you’ve made and feel proud about it.”
If construction isn’t your cup of tea, contact Carrie at 828.210.9381 or
[email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in the Asheville and
Weaverville ReStores. Proceeds from ReStore sales support Habitat’s building programs, so your
volunteer efforts there directly support affordable housing, too. Volunteer positions include
customer service, such as running the cash register and providing sales support on the floor;
intake and receiving; sorting and processing donations; testing and repairing appliances; and other
fun opportunities. More description can be found at ashevillehabitat.org – join the team!
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Through Habitat
homeownership and home repair programs, nearly 2,000 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the
strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future. A decent place to call home and an affordable
mortgage enables Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities and have greater
financial stability. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat, a Charity Navigator 4-star non-profit, and how you can get
involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 23 @ 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.

Volunteer Opportunities at Blue Ridge Humane Society
Jul 23 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:

  • Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
  • Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
  • Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
  • Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.

It’s easy to get started!

  1. Fill out the Volunteer Application.
  2. Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
  3. Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
  4. Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
Jul 23 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online w/ Asheville Jewish Community Center

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jul 23 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

$5 Volleyball Pick Up
Jul 23 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company