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.
Here at Justus Orchard, we grow thornless Navaho Blackberries that are sweet and easy to pick.
We are open for U Pick Blackberries 7 days a week starting early July, exact dates are subject to weather conditions that year. Keep reading for some wonderful Blackberry Health facts and picking and storing tips!
Why should you buy fresh blackberries?
Because they are delicious and nutritious!
Blackberries are plump blue/purple berries that can be picked off bushes or trailing vines in the summer months. Although blackberries are good for the whole season, berries picked at the beginning of the season provide the best selection. Later in the season, blackberries can become smaller and less fully developed, but still juicy.
Not only do blackberries have a mouth-watering taste, they’re also appealing to your health. For the best health benefits and the lowest calorie intake, reduce the amount of added sugar and whipped topping. Recent research finds eating berries can stave off the cognitive decline and memory loss with age by enjoying 2 or more servings per week. Along with this health benefit, there are many other benefits to this plump blue/purple berry:
- High Fiber – Blackberries have 37 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrate, and 4 grams of fiber in every ½ cup!
- Loaded with Vitamin C – ½ cup provides 100% of the recommended Vitamin C for an adult, as well as providing a large amount of potassium
- Antioxidant – Blackberries have the highest antioxidant contents per serving of any food tested
- The content was 5.75 millimoles per serving more than that of other foods, meaning that blackberries may have a positive impact on health, athletic performance, and disease risk.
- Blackberries contain anthocyanin’s, which gives it it’s glossy, dark color, and this powerful phytonutrient that’s been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may even reduce effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Blackberries have been found to fight against cancers of the GI tract, such as colon cancer.
Hendersonville NC 4th Generation Orchard & Farm
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Welcome to Agrabah and the adventure of the street rat who became a prince!
When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love.
Camp features: acting classes, movement and choreography, juggling and magic tricks, miming and more!
This camp will focus on musical theatre audition techniques and repertoire, culminating in a final piece showcase at the end of the week. Final performance details TBD. Masks are currently optional for all students, regardless of vaccination status. Campers should plan to bring their own lunch, water bottle, and snacks from home.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the first day of the camp session for consideration.
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
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.
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.
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Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.
Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.
Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.
For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.
Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.
Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Pool Locations
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Like on Facebook
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Like on Facebook
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Warmer weather is on its way, and that means its time to start thinking about outdoor gatherings like the much-loved Groovin’ on Grovemont summer concert series in Swannanoa. The series will kick off on Tuesday evening, July 12, in Grovemont Square, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library at . Additional concerts will be held on July 26 and August 9.
This year’s planning committee will begin working soon on a great lineup of musical acts and other entertainment for the whole family, so mark your calendar now for these don’t-miss events. The fun begins around 6 p.m. each evening, and often includes pre-concert programs and activities for the kids.
The Groovin’ on Grovemont outdoor concert series takes place under the beautiful performance pavilion in Grovemont Square, built by community volunteers in 2018, and funded through a mixture of grants and donations. In addition to the musical entertainment, the Groovin’ festivities always include a great selection of food available for purchase.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a delicious meal, terrific free music, and fabulous mountain views with your family and friends!
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The final block party is held in conjunction with the Brevard Police Department and Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department’s National Night Out Celebration.
Attendees can expect a lineup of live music, delicious local food and children’s activities, creating a fun community gathering for all. The June events feature LEAF Global Arts and the July and August events feature our beloved Old Time Street Dances. Block parties will be held weekly from 6-8pm on East Main Street. Many downtown retail businesses and restaurants will also be open for the block party.
HOB and LEAF Global Arts invites everyone to experience a world without borders! From dance, to drumming to arts & crafts, LEAF’s performing artists will bring a new lineup of cultural art experiences and live music to the June block parties. Each week will feature a different band and the LEAF Easel Rider, a mobile arts & crafts lab.
LEAF performances will feature an eclectic mix of music that is different each week, ranging from blues and rock toNew Orleans style jazz.
LEAF resident artist Melissa McKinney kicks off the series on June 14th. “We are so excited to bring the energy of LEAF Global to downtown Brevard,” shares McKinney, “connecting community is part of our mission and we believe downtown Brevard holds the same values. Music is the best way to bring people together.”
Old Time Street Dances, a long-time community favorite, returns to the Heart of Brevard at our July 5th block party. The dances offer free, family-friendly fun that celebrates our Appalachian heritage and is sure to move your feet.
Old Time Street Dances in downtown Brevard are an 80-year tradition. This summer, Whitewater Bluegrass Co. returns to the stage as the host band to lead the crowds in a collection of square dance and contra-style dancing. Evenings will include classic songs, a chance for clogging and traditional Appalachian-called dance. Old Time Street Dances are geared toward participation at every age and skill level.
The Tuesday Night Block Parties are free and open to the public. For more information about LEAF, Old Time Street Dances and other upcoming events, follow Heart of Brevard on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter here.
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Heart of Brevard 501(c)(3) is a North Carolina Main Street Community, designated by the NC Department of Commerce and Main Street & Rural Planning Center. Heart of Brevard is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
The Pack is back and on a roll from our Lookout Tower to your city! Set sail for adventure with the pirate pups of the PAW Patrol! They arrrr dressed as pirates for their new high-seas mission aboard the Sea Patroller to save their mateys, Carlos and Tracker, and find some pirate treasure too! It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
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OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
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Here at Justus Orchard, we grow thornless Navaho Blackberries that are sweet and easy to pick.
We are open for U Pick Blackberries 7 days a week starting early July, exact dates are subject to weather conditions that year. Keep reading for some wonderful Blackberry Health facts and picking and storing tips!
Why should you buy fresh blackberries?
Because they are delicious and nutritious!
Blackberries are plump blue/purple berries that can be picked off bushes or trailing vines in the summer months. Although blackberries are good for the whole season, berries picked at the beginning of the season provide the best selection. Later in the season, blackberries can become smaller and less fully developed, but still juicy.
Not only do blackberries have a mouth-watering taste, they’re also appealing to your health. For the best health benefits and the lowest calorie intake, reduce the amount of added sugar and whipped topping. Recent research finds eating berries can stave off the cognitive decline and memory loss with age by enjoying 2 or more servings per week. Along with this health benefit, there are many other benefits to this plump blue/purple berry:
- High Fiber – Blackberries have 37 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrate, and 4 grams of fiber in every ½ cup!
- Loaded with Vitamin C – ½ cup provides 100% of the recommended Vitamin C for an adult, as well as providing a large amount of potassium
- Antioxidant – Blackberries have the highest antioxidant contents per serving of any food tested
- The content was 5.75 millimoles per serving more than that of other foods, meaning that blackberries may have a positive impact on health, athletic performance, and disease risk.
- Blackberries contain anthocyanin’s, which gives it it’s glossy, dark color, and this powerful phytonutrient that’s been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may even reduce effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Blackberries have been found to fight against cancers of the GI tract, such as colon cancer.
Hendersonville NC 4th Generation Orchard & Farm
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Join our virtual team of business professionals with the goal of growing your business. We meet every Wednesday via Teams video conferencing at 8:30 for 90 minutes. No fees, just participation and consistency required. Make new connections and generate business in a professional environment
Welcome to Agrabah and the adventure of the street rat who became a prince!
When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love.
Camp features: acting classes, movement and choreography, juggling and magic tricks, miming and more!
This camp will focus on musical theatre audition techniques and repertoire, culminating in a final piece showcase at the end of the week. Final performance details TBD. Masks are currently optional for all students, regardless of vaccination status. Campers should plan to bring their own lunch, water bottle, and snacks from home.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the first day of the camp session for consideration.
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
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.
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.
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Join us for a story time designed for children ages 3 to 5 years as we share books, songs, rhymes, and activities. |
Join us for a fun and interactive story time designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.
Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.
Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.
For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.
Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.
Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Pool Locations
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Like on Facebook
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Like on Facebook
Did you know our staff had a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important roles in the ecosystem. Some of our best teachers have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
The Pack is back and on a roll from our Lookout Tower to your city! Set sail for adventure with the pirate pups of the PAW Patrol! They arrrr dressed as pirates for their new high-seas mission aboard the Sea Patroller to save their mateys, Carlos and Tracker, and find some pirate treasure too! It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
|
|
|
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.