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, August 4, 2020
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 4 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Get Started on Ukulele or Guitar! (Virtual group class for KIDS)
Aug 4 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Online

Image may contain: 6 people

During this 5-week online group class, Ben Brill will cover the fundamentals of ukulele and guitar and teach kids several cool-sounding songs they can play on the instrument right away. The group will even co-create an original song by the end of the class.

*For students interested in guitar, they’ll need to have a simple $10 device called a Capo to play along with the class.

This is a FUN, low-pressure way to have some enjoy music this summer. It’s great if students can attend all 5 classes, but they still can drop in any day and learn.

The event will happen weekly on Tuesday’s at 11 AM, starting July 7th, 2020. If you don’t yet own an instrument, Ben can make some suggestions. The cost of the sessions is $20 per class and can be paid upfront (all classes), OR per session.

If you’re interested in the group, send Ben a message so that you can receive the secure Zoom links to the meetings and farther instructions.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Aug 5 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 5 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Miss Malaprop’s Storytime LIVE STREAM
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am
Live Stream

Due to Covid-19, we are live streaming Storytime in lieu of an in-store event. Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/malapropsbookstore/ to tune into Miss Malaprop’s Storytime from your home.

Join us with your wee ones every week on Wednesdays at 10 am for classic and contemporary stories sure to enchant and entertain. Together, we’ll introduce children to the wonderful world of books! Recommended for ages 3-9.

Event date:
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 – 10:00am
Event address:
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Aug 6 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month Days Time Number
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
May 7, 14, 21, 28 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
June 4, 11, 18, 25 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
August 6, 13, 20, 27 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
September 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Aug 6 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Friday, August 7, 2020
Jane Goodall Narrates For An Animated Poem of Hope
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall narrates this story of hope as we emerge from COVID-19 lockdown.

Set to beautiful artwork created by Tom’s sister, Bee Rivett-Carnac, a noted illustrator with two decades’ experience, the poem conjures an inspiring vision of the renewed, nature-rich world that’s waiting for us as we emerge from isolation.

A former Buddhist monk, Tom has spent the last 20 years working on climate change. He is known as one of the architects of the landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries in 2015, having served as the chief political strategist at the UN.

Play Music Games From PBS Kids
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Enjoy free online games featuring music and dance with fun characters from PBS Kids.

Grandfather Mountain
Aug 7 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Aug 7 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

A Virtual Summer Camp Experience – Rising 1st-2nd Grade
Aug 7 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Online

A Virtual Summer Camp Experience – Rising 1st-2nd Grade – CO20032201

A virtual camp experience for socializing and fun for your rising 1st-2nd grader. Each day staff lead activities, crafts, and virtual field trips. Multiple sessions offered at different times throughout the day for an easy going virtual camp. Parents should enroll their children for ALL weeks they wish to attend.

A Virtual Summer Camp Experience – Rising 6th-9th Grade
Aug 7 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Online

A Virtual Summer Camp Experience – Rising 6th-9th Grade –

A virtual camp experience for socializing and fun for your rising 6th-9th grader. Each day staff lead activities, crafts, and virtual field trips. Multiple sessions offered at different times throughout the day for an easy going virtual camp. Parents should enroll their children for ALL weeks they wish to attend. Call 828-450-4896 for more information.

Virtual Summer Camp Passport Program: Rising 3rd-5th Grade 
Aug 7 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Online

Summer Camp Passport Program: A Virtual Experience – Rising 3rd-5th Grade

A virtual camp experience for socializing and fun for your rising 3rd-5th grader. Each day staff lead activities, crafts, and virtual field trips. Multiple sessions offered at different times throughout the day for an easy going virtual camp. Parents should enroll their children for ALL weeks they wish to attend. Call 828-450-4896 for more information.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Summer Art Camp To Go! Mixed-Up and Messy (grades K–2)
Aug 7 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online



Explore the messy side of art! Students experiment with painting, printmaking, and much more. Students explore different artists from the Museum’s Collection and how they use their messy styles to create art and inspire the world around us.

(additional charge for shipping)

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 7 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!
Aug 7 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!

The Skyland Library will host J.R. the Therapy Dog on the 1st Friday of each month. Kids are invited to stop by between 2:30-3:30 pm to practice their reading skills with a gentle, patient and adorable canine friend. J.R. is a certified therapy dog and he can’t wait to meet you! 

Saturday, August 8, 2020
Jane Goodall Narrates For An Animated Poem of Hope
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall narrates this story of hope as we emerge from COVID-19 lockdown.

Set to beautiful artwork created by Tom’s sister, Bee Rivett-Carnac, a noted illustrator with two decades’ experience, the poem conjures an inspiring vision of the renewed, nature-rich world that’s waiting for us as we emerge from isolation.

A former Buddhist monk, Tom has spent the last 20 years working on climate change. He is known as one of the architects of the landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries in 2015, having served as the chief political strategist at the UN.

Play Music Games From PBS Kids
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Enjoy free online games featuring music and dance with fun characters from PBS Kids.

Grandfather Mountain
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Aug 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

U-Pick Peaches + Blueberries
Aug 8 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Jeter Mountain Farm

Image may contain: grass, outdoor, food and nature, text that says 'U-PICK PEACHES & BLUEBERRIES'

Peaches & blueberries are finally ready!

Join us Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to enjoy a wagon ride to our orchards where you can pick your own beautifully ripe & perfectly sweet Jeter Mountain peaches & blueberries.

Your family can also grab a warm apple cider donut, fresh cider and slushies, and shop the Jeter Mountain Farm Market.

PEACHES – $23 includes a 1 peck, reusable wooden Jeter Mountain Farm basket and grants 4 people a ride on the wagon to the orchards. If you bring your basket with you the next time you visit, you can refill it for just $20! Four people per purchased basket are welcome to ride the wagon into the orchard (children 2 & under are not factored in count). Additional individuals wishing to visit the orchard via wagon may pay $3 to tag along, or can purchase a basket for additional U-picking. *Please note that our peach trees can only be reached via wagon ride.*

BLUEBERRIES – $6 per pint. Our blueberry bushes are within walking distance this year, and do not require a wagon ride to reach. *Blueberries have been flying fast, so we recommend arriving early if you wish to pick them!*

Cash & Credit Cards accepted. Please leave your furry friends at home.

We look forward to seeing you at the farm!

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 8 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Aug 8 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Live Music: The Log Noggins
Aug 8 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join us for weekend music on the Adventure Center Deck! This is a great show for all ages.

Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
Aug 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. The Twilight session start time is 7:30 each Saturday night and runs until 9:30. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 877.247.5539 or adventureavl.com.

  • EVERY SATURDAY EVENING June 13-Aug 29
  • Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 28 at 4:30
  • Holidays in the Treetops Dec 27 at 4:30
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Jane Goodall Narrates For An Animated Poem of Hope
Aug 9 all-day
Online

Anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall narrates this story of hope as we emerge from COVID-19 lockdown.

Set to beautiful artwork created by Tom’s sister, Bee Rivett-Carnac, a noted illustrator with two decades’ experience, the poem conjures an inspiring vision of the renewed, nature-rich world that’s waiting for us as we emerge from isolation.

A former Buddhist monk, Tom has spent the last 20 years working on climate change. He is known as one of the architects of the landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries in 2015, having served as the chief political strategist at the UN.