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Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
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.
Saturday, August
29, 2020
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Live Music: Scott James Stambaugh
Lawn Concert: Adi the Monk feat. Himalaya Soul Trio
Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
ArborEvenings
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.
We are open with new rules and safety measures!
Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.
Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.
In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.
We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.
*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.
*Parties of 6 or fewer only.
*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).
*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.
*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.
Let’s have fun and stay safe!
Whether he is on stage with his roots/rock band the Twelve-Guage Persuaders, or performing solo, Scott James Stambaugh is a performer you will remember!
Learn more here.
Adi the Monk is a soulful guitarist who brings forth an original instrumental blend of Blues and Jazz that is known to be soothing, uplifting and enlivening. The music is very personal and expressive, transcending stylistic boundaries:
“His smooth guitar style stands out for its innovation and imagination” (Mountain Xpress, 2017)
To celebrate the release of his fourth album, Soul of the Earth, Adi brings on bassist Jhon Bellizia and drummer Perry Lavin to form a new group, Himalaya Soul Trio. Together they will bring Adi’s music to a whole new level, sure to entertain and bring you joy.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
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
The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …
Sunday, August
30, 2020
Cades Cove Loop Lope
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Tour Flat Rock Playhouse’s Garden
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Highland Brewing Company Reggae Sundays in the Meadow with Chalwa
Music by the Lake: Featuring Nick Chandler and Delivered
Lawn Concert: The John Henrys
Patio Show: Shaken Nature
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Despite the cancellation of the Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2020 season due to COVID-19, folks are being encouraged to take time to enjoy the lush gardens on the grounds of the historic campus.
With a QR code reader on any smartphone, garden visitors can tap into information about the individual plants wherever they’re standing. The codes direct the phone to webpages on a Muddy Sneakers site that the garden volunteers control.
The Master Gardners have been hard at work adding some tech to our gardens! QR codes can now be found on the 62 garden beds that make up the Playhouse gardens. Visitors can use their smartphones to learn more about the plants they are seeing. Congratulations and thank you to Tamsin Allpress and all of our gardening volunteers who work to keep our gardens beautiful! Photo by volunteer Mary Smit
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
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.
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.
We are open with new rules and safety measures!
Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.
Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.
In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.
We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.
*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.
*Parties of 6 or fewer only.
*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).
*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.
*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.
Let’s have fun and stay safe!
Join us for Reggae Sundays every week in the Meadow for a cold beer and the sounds of the island with our friends from Chalwa.
Reggae Sundays are dependent on weather and will only occur outdoors in the Meadow.
Jam on, friends!
Music by the Lake is a free, monthly summer music concert series hosted by the lake at Blue Ridge Community College that is open to all people. This month’s performance features Nick Chandler and Delivered, who plays Traditional Bluegrass Music. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved indoors to the Technology Education Development Center.
The John Henrys have been entertaining loyal, local audiences as the house band at 5 Walnut Winebar in downtown Asheville every Tuesday night for ten years . The band features Jon Corbin and Hank Bones on guitars, Taylor Pierson on piano, Kevin Kehrberg on bass, Lyndsay Pruett on violin and Russ Wilson on Vocals. Specializing in a mixture of Gypsy Jazz, Standards (Great American Songbook), Swing, Country and originals the group makes fun, happy music on the fly. This performance is not to be missed!
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
Shaken Nature is the sick, strange story of four young highwaymen who found themselves stranded in the Appalachian wilderness of Asheville, North Carolina. Rather than left for dead, they decided to trade in their buckskins and Winchesters for fender guitars and vintage pearl drums. Fans of The Velvet Underground or Brian Jonestown Massacre are bound to love with this crunchy, psychedelic, big-hearted Rock n’ roll band. The band is quoted in saying their genre is somewhere between “Outlaw-Psych” and “Post-Punk Gospel.”
Shaken Nature is led by guitar playing duo Miles Constable and Benito Rose Plaza. Plaza hails from the west and was involved with some great bands in Austin, TX (i.e. Annabelle Chairlegs). Constable gained notoriety in Tallahassee, Florida where he played in heavy garage rock group “The Royal Heavies” and swampy fuzzed out band “Black Cloud”. The two met shortly after moving to Asheville in 2016 and formed the preliminary bones of the group which would become “Shaken Nature.” Tyson Phillips would come to join as drummer in 2018 and Sean Miller on bass a few months after. Their first show with the current lineup came in early 2019 at the legendary “Grey Eagle” in Asheville, opening for world renowned psychedelic ensemble “Night Beats.”
Monday, August
31, 2020
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Monday Night Live! Concert Series Picante Cancelled
Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.
Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.
High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
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.
Experience an array of talented music artists on a pleasant summer night at the Monday Night Live! concert series. The concert series features a diverse line-up of folk, country and blues. The eclectic line-up of free live performances happen every other Monday evening from July 20, August 3, 17 & 31 at the Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street, from 7pm-9pm. Enjoy the fresh air, bring a chair and delight in the one-of-a-kind experience you’ll get from this unique outdoor music venue.
Bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy mountain heritage music and dancing from 7:00-9:00pm. Seating area opens after 5:30pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. No alcoholic beverages, backpacks/tote bags or coolers allowed.
Please leave your pets comfortably at home. A Hendersonville City ordinance allows event organizers to exclude animals from the event space for the health, safety and welfare of the community, dogs, patrons, and vendors and their products.
In case of inclement weather the dance will be postponed until 8pm; if the weather does not cooperate by 8pm the performance will be cancelled.
For additional information call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708. The Monday Night Live concert series is coordinated, produced, and sponsored by Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
Tuesday, September
1, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
2020 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.
In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.
It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.
Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.
We are pleased to announce the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament will be held this year on September 1st, at Broadmoor.
This event is always a fun opportunity for members of the business community to network, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a beautiful day out of the office.
This Captain’s Choice tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 am (one flight only this year). Sponsors will engage golfers with fun interaction and branded prizes at select holes on the course while appropriately observing social distancing and COVID restrictions.
Entry fee includes breakfast provided by Bojangles of WNC, a delicious, hearty lunch catered by Celine and Company Catering “On Broadway”. Two beverage stations will be set up on the course, with beer provided by Highland Brewing Company and soft drinks from Pepsi-Cola.
Registration fee is $125 per individual or $500 for a team of four players. Space is limited so be sure to sign up your team soon!
Save Time at the event – pre-purchase your Mulligan Fun Pack now!
Team Fun Packs (4 Mulligans, 4 Throws and 4 Red Tees) are $120 and can be purchased online ahead of time or at the event. Individual mulligans, throws and red tees may be purchased for $15 each; maximum one per person allowed.
Every great event needs volunteers!
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with this tournament may contact Judi Willard at [email protected]
Chamber Event Refund Policy: The Chamber requires payment in advance for admission to all Chamber events, due to commitments to our vendors. Chamber event fees (regardless of attendance) are refundable only if a cancellation notice is received at least one week prior to the event.
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.