River Arts Tour
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.
Friday, April
2, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Haunted Asheville Tour
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Self-Guided WNC Tours
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Tour a Local Greenway w/ GPS based tour app: TravelStorys
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for private, pre-booked tours
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
MANNA Mobile Markets: Marshall
Tip-Based Walking Tour
MANNA Mobile Markets: Arden
Peanut Butter Jelly Time Release Weekend
Strawberry-Rhubarb (Available in 4packs)
Raspberry (Available in 4packs)
Orange Marmalade (draft only)
Grape (draft only)
FRIDAY:
– Open from 4-9pm
SATURDAY:
– Open from 2-9pm
SUNDAY:
– Open from 1-8pm
Dr. Bacon Live Outdoors
Son’s of Ralph
PATIO SHOW: Brother Smith
PATIO SHOW: Brother Smith
The Lazybirds
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| The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.
This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house. |
 |
| Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare. |
Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.
LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!
 |
| Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region. |
 |
| Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts). |
This year you can join us for the Arts & Crafts Home Tour from the comfort of your home! Tour Possum Trot and Dogwood Cottages in Albemarle Park and finish with Sondley House in Haw Creek. Due to location and accessibility, these homes would not normally be included in the tour, so this is a special treat!
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Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Included with admission
A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.
We are OPEN Fridays and Saturdays
for private, pre-booked tours at:
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
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.
New for 2021 – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad introduces The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train April 2 & 3! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 10:30am, and will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to our picturesque layover destination, for Easter themed activities and Egg Hunt.
- Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS AVAILABLE!
These food distributions are free and open to the public.
This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!
Pay what you want at the end!
Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot!
These food distributions are free and open to the public.
WHAT TIME IS IT?!
It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time!! That’s right. PB&J returns April 2nd for its 10th year!! You can find all the release details below. Please keep in mind that ALL covid restrictions are still in place. So, each tasting room will have an occupancy limit, mask requirement, and a possible wait time. Please be patient with us as we do our best to have a fun weekend while also keeping you and our staff safe!
ONLINE PRE-SALES: Pick up only available at our 32 Banks Avenue location!!
Crowlers are NOT available at Biltmore!!
AVAILABLE PB&J FLAVORS:
Strawberry-Rhubarb (Available in 4packs) Raspberry (Available in 4packs) Orange Marmalade (draft only) Grape (draft only)PBJ WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY:– Open from 4-9pm
SATURDAY:– Open from 2-9pm
SUNDAY:– Open from 1-8pm
CHEERS TO A GREAT PBJ WEEKEND!!
DR. BACON is a 6 Piece touring Appalachian Funk, Grass and Rock & Roll band. Wielding a diverse instrumentation with broad, deep musical influences allows the band to perform a plethora of energetic, accessible, and danceable music. The Dr. Bacon Live Experience is truly a spectacle to behold, bringing the audience on a musical journey that lulls and spikes in energy, caressing ears with lush beauty and whipping crowds into a tribal romp, shaking booties and shedding inhibitions. This manic versatility ensures that no matter what genre of music you identify with most, you will hear something that resonates at a Bacon show. Dr. Bacon started playing together in 2012 on King Street in Boone, NC as a 3 piece busking with acoustic bluegrass, folk, and 90s pop/rock/hip-hop influenced party music. Several lineup changes over the years and a relocation to Asheville, NC have refined, redirected, electrified, and matured the band’s sound, incorporating funk, rock, soul, psychedelic and world music to their bedrock of Appalachian influences. The blending of several elements of these genres (often within the same song) along with a unique & shifting instrumentation is the real Dr. Bacon flavor, and Bacon goes with everything!
Dr. Bacon is:
Jesse Talbott- Lead Vocals & Guitar, Trombone
Myles Dunder- Vocals, Saxophones, Guitars, Etc.
Michael Crawford-Harmonica, Keys & Synth
Ben New- Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Matt Gornto- Bass
Rory Joseph- Lead Guitar & Vocals
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Live outdoor show following COVID Policy-You can read One World West COVID safety guidelines at https://oneworldbrewing.com/covid-19-policy/
The Sons of Ralph are the sons of Bluegrass pioneer Ralph Lewis. In the heart of WNC, these masters of Bluegrass are “The Sons of Ralph”. Martin and Don Lewis, Cousin Steve Moseley, and the “other brother” Ozzie Orengo, Jr. have been playing and singing the unique style of bluegrass music since Ralph’s upbringing in Madison County.
- PATIO SHOW
- 6 PM DOORS // 7 PM SHOW
- ALL AGES
- RESERVED TABLES
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES IN PLACE
Brother Smith is a band native to the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. Led by Brothers Wesley and Aaron Smith, the group has created a unique blend mixing the heart of Country, the creativity of Funk, and the passion of soul.
Their influences include James Taylor, Jim Croce, Johnathan Edwards, Steve Miller Band, Eagles, Boston, Kansas, Stevie Wonder, Sting and The Police, Chicago, Josh Turner.
Brother Smith returns to The Grey Eagle patio stage on Friday April 2nd! Reserve your table today for the ALL AGES, socially distanced show.
- PM DOORS // 7 PM SHOW
- ALL AGES
- RESERVED TABLES
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES IN PLACE
Brother Smith is a band native to the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. Led by Brothers Wesley and Aaron Smith, the group has created a unique blend mixing the heart of Country, the creativity of Funk, and the passion of soul.
Their influences include James Taylor, Jim Croce, Johnathan Edwards, Steve Miller Band, Eagles, Boston, Kansas, Stevie Wonder, Sting and The Police, Chicago, Josh Turner.
Lazybirds is a classic American roots band from the mountains of North Carolina. Specializing in good time music that is just about impossible not to move to, there is also a depth to the band that faithful fans have treasured over the years. According to the legendary Doc Watson, “Lazybirds play a good variety of blues, jazz, and that good old ragtime sound, and you will hear the flavor of that in anything they play.” The ‘Birds cover a lot of musical ground, from early American stringband music to Dylan classics, as well as classic sounding originals, but deep roots are what hold all of these sounds together.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.
Saturday, April
3, 2021
2021 Summer Cuba Agroecology Tour
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Haunted Asheville Tour
Last Chance for Discounted LEAF Retreat Tickets
Self-Guided WNC Tours
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Tour a Local Greenway w/ GPS based tour app: TravelStorys
Grab Brunch at River’s End
Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer their fourth Cuba Agroecology Tour and their first such trip in the summer from June 22 through July 1, 2021, with a focus on the country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers, community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas. The trip offers participants on-the-ground exposure to Cuban agriculture and the food sovereignty movement and will highlight their engagement with the global food system. The intention is for participants to acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in their own communities.
Cuba has had a focus on organic agriculture production methods since the 1970s. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 ended Cuba’s access to agricultural inputs overnight, propelling them into what is now known as the “Special Period”—a crisis of reduced resources and increased hunger. The country embarked on a massive and rapid conversion to agroecology in an attempt to boost food production. The tour will focus on small farmers, sustainable food systems, and national security. There are multiple opportunities in Cuba’s diverse agricultural landscape to learn many lessons and insights for the development of a secure and sustainable food system elsewhere.
“The purpose of this tour is not to romanticize or glorify Cuban agriculture,” says Sera Deva, Director of Programs with Organic Growers School and the trip organizer. “It is instead an opportunity to learn about what a country-wide commitment to sustainable, local agriculture can look like. It will broaden and deepen our region’s wisdom regarding alternative food systems. Our goals are to show our participants the importance of cooperative farming models and sustainable farming techniques, as well as encouraging them to think critically about practical and governmental structures that could support a thriving community of organic growers and consumers.”
Local partners will provide an overview of Cuban history, culture, politics, agriculture, and ecology. Additionally, the group will meet with specialists who will provide background on the country’s transition into agroecological farming practices and the national policies that prioritize organic farming and the remediation of hunger. With a firm commitment to sustainability and justice, this tour will connect participants to farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers and experts working to transform the global food system.
Tour highlights will include the following:
- Discuss agroecology with Fernando Funes, co-author of Food First’s book Sustainable Agriculture & Resistance in Cuba.
- Visit community permaculture and agricultural education, and food conservation projects.
- Discuss changes in US-Cuba relations and how they might affect the future of tourism and agriculture in Cuba.
- Meet with the National Association for Small Farmers (ANAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Meet with a variety of small farmers and farmers’ cooperatives.
For the purposes of this trip, OGS is partnering with Food First, a “people’s think tank” dedicated to ending the injustices that cause hunger and helping communities to take back control of their food systems. Food First has been offering tours to Cuba for more than 20 years with the organizing assistance of Altruvistas, a socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that has facilitated 20,000 travelers to Cuba.
The cost of the trip is $2,950 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School (OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to a grant from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, there are a limited number of partial scholarships for farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba. Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations for travel, partially due to their diligent and holistic approaches to healthcare. Due to COVID-19, the traveling climate of the US (as well as tourist restrictions in Cuba) is changing daily. Cuba has implemented many of the same precautionary measures implemented around the world to minimize the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, limiting travel to the island completely through the summer, and closing schools. In early November 2020, Cuba reopened its borders to travelers.
Potential tour participants can visit the OGS FAQ page which answers questions such as, “Why Cuba?,” “What are the legal considerations when traveling to Cuba?,” “Why ravel with Organic Growers School?,” “What does the tuition cover?,” and “What can I expect to experience?” Traveler testimonials from previous trips, the full itinerary, as well as a photo gallery can also be found on the website.
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| The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.
This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house. |
|
| Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare. |
Spring is here and we are all in need of a ReTreat! Vaccinations are rolling out, kids are going back to school, and now seems like the perfect time for some reprieve before the Summer comes into full swing. Join us May 13-16 for the second annual LEAF ReTreat – a weekend event to rejuvenate the soul and spark your inspiration so that we can continue building connection and bridging communities. This special enews is dedicated to the ReTreat. We invite you to join us and make it yours.
LEAF ReTreat offers beautiful seclusion in which you can relax and get away from the world. At 1/5th the attendee size of a traditional Festival, while maintaining the same acreage, Retreat gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small and safe groups, and connecting you with nature, the lake, and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. AND…you can bring your bike!
|
| Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region. |
|
| Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts). |
This year you can join us for the Arts & Crafts Home Tour from the comfort of your home! Tour Possum Trot and Dogwood Cottages in Albemarle Park and finish with Sondley House in Haw Creek. Due to location and accessibility, these homes would not normally be included in the tour, so this is a special treat!
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River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!