Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Blue Ridge Humane Society has been awarded a grant by the Community Foundation of Henderson County to provide assistance for pet owners seeking housing. Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to keeping pets in loving homes through a range of programs and assistance for community pets. The new program adds a needed service to assist in the current pet-friendly housing challenges facing Henderson County residents.
The new program will assist pet owners through two avenues—either through assisting with temporary boarding cost while the owner is unable to keep an animal due to relocation or other emergency circumstances; or through assisting with one-time pet deposit for a rental unit.
Those needing assistance or interested in learning more about the program can call (828) 393-5832 (you may experience a delay on holidays and weekends).
Community Foundation of Henderson County, founded in 1982, supports charitable programs in the greater Henderson County area.
Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption and in foster homes; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.
If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Show your love for wildlife and support life-saving wildlife rehabilitation efforts! Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a registered non-profit rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured wildlife. Brighten your world with guaranteed to bloom bulbs and seeds while saving wild lives at the same time! Learn more about our mission at www.AppalachianWild.org.

Show your love for wildlife and support life-saving wildlife rehabilitation efforts! Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a registered non-profit rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured wildlife. Brighten your world with guaranteed to bloom bulbs and seeds while saving wild lives at the same time! Learn more about our mission at www.AppalachianWild.org.


Show your love for wildlife and support life-saving wildlife rehabilitation efforts! Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a registered non-profit rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured wildlife. Brighten your world with guaranteed to bloom bulbs and seeds while saving wild lives at the same time! Learn more about our mission at www.AppalachianWild.org.
Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!
During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.
There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.
Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!
To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/
Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

Drive-thru Blue Ridge Humane Society Free Pet Food Giveaway
part of Drive-Thru Tuesday
Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.


As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.


As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

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!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.
Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:
- Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
- Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
- Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)
Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
May Marks One Year of Free Pet Food Giveaways with Additional Giveaways Scheduled
Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need or affected by COVID-19. Social distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies will also be available first come, first serve.
Since May 2020, 4,885 animals have been fed through the giveaways that have taken place across the county each month. Access to pet food means that owners with limited resources don’t have to make the difficult choice of feeding themselves or their pet, or surrendering to a shelter.
“We’ve gotten to help families take care of their furry members in important ways,” shares Megan Burnett, Community Programs Manager. “There is a big need for pet food and supplies, and being able to help so many pets get the food and supplies they need to stay with their owners makes a positive impact in our community.”
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at (828) 393-5832.
Since May 2020, Blue Ridge Humane has hosted distributions on a monthly basis to provide pet food for the community in response to COVID-19, feeding over 4,885 pets though the free giveaways and providing over 50,000 lbs of pet food to local food banks through BRHS’s community outreach programs, where BRHS has seen a 31 percent increase in demand for pet food assistance.
The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption and in foster homes; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.
If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.
