2022 Season will offer Rootabaga Express! on Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:15 am. Celebrate 100 years of Rootabaga this summer! Published in 1922, the “Rootabaga Stories” have entertained readers and audiences of all ages for 100 years. Use the links at the bottom to read a story or watch part of a play. The Sandburg Summer Stage is a series of free public performances. These 30-minute programs feature the cast and directors from The Vagabond School of the Drama, an apprentice program of the Flat Rock Playhouse. Performances are held rain or shine, at the park amphitheatre near the Front Lake. Rootabaga Express! Carl Sandburg created his own version of American fairy tales when he published Rootabaga Stories (1922) and Rootabaga Pigeons (1923). He replaced the European fairy tale cast of princes, princesses, castles and kingdoms with icons American children would recognize — taxi-drivers, movie actors, skyscrapers, prairies and automobiles. Rootabaga Express! brings the stories of the Five Rusty Rats, Bimbo the Snip and more to life.You’ll meet new characters and journey farther into the Village of Liver and Onions and Sandburg’s imagination than ever before.The 30-minute shows are appropriate for all ages and held rain or shine. These shows are supported by the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Park Store, operated by America’s National Parks. Apprentice actors from the Flat Rock Playhouse have performed adaptations of Sandburg’s works for park visitors since 1974. Using Sandburg’s own words from his collections of children’s stories, poetry, collected music, biography of Abraham Lincoln and his own autobiography, the performances provide visitors with a sense of the scope of his work and imagination. Sandburg was an expert storyteller, and easily wove important messages of fairness, empathy and social justice into his writings. Whatever play you are able to attend you will walk away with a smile on your face and a better understanding of the legacy of Carl Sandburg.

No shows June 30 and July 2.

Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and learn about our Animal Therapy program.

We will be meeting at the PARC building and walking to the different greenhouses, garden site, and a visit with our animals. Reservations required, tickets are $10 each visitor (to be collected at the time of the tour).

We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.

We will begin out tour promptly at the starting time, so please arrive 5-10 min early to allow for parking and check-in. If you are running late or cannot make your tour, please email [email protected] or call #828-348-2287.

All proceeds from ticket sales from your farm tour go directly back to helping the Campus Farm Program grow more food for the children of Eliada!

Click above photo to sign up for a time slot and number of people in your group. Payment for tour will be collected when you arrive. Cards accepted.

This tour is best suited for school age children ages 10+ and adults.

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

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.

For rising 1st through 6th graders. This camp will be led by LEAF Master Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele, who is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. This camp will introduce students to the rhythms, language, and culture of Ivory Coast, Mali, and Guinea, West Africa.

Addie James, Big Mama Demp, 2002, acrylic and pen on foamcore, 20 × 16 inches. Asheville Art Museum, gift of Allen & Barry Huffman, 2018.57.12. © Estate of Addie James.

*waiting list*

Art Around the World: Students will find inspiration from artists around the world to create multicultural creations using a variety of art materials. 

Please note:

• Summer Art Camp is held primarily indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center.
• Space is limited to small groups of students; face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing/sanitization are required.
• Students can register for morning only, afternoon only, or all-day sessions. All-day camp includes a 1-hour supervised lunch break.

Buncombe County Public Libraries will start offering in-person story times the week of May 24. There will be story times for all ages spread out across the library system so you can find one that works for your schedule. There will be two bilingual Spanish-English story times for any interested families.

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

Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and learn about our Animal Therapy program.

We will be meeting at the PARC building and walking to the different greenhouses, garden site, and a visit with our animals. Reservations required, tickets are $10 each visitor (to be collected at the time of the tour).

We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.

We will begin out tour promptly at the starting time, so please arrive 5-10 min early to allow for parking and check-in. If you are running late or cannot make your tour, please email [email protected] or call #828-348-2287.

All proceeds from ticket sales from your farm tour go directly back to helping the Campus Farm Program grow more food for the children of Eliada!

Click above photo to sign up for a time slot and number of people in your group. Payment for tour will be collected when you arrive. Cards accepted.

This tour is best suited for school age children ages 10+ and adults.

Etta Deikman, High Flyer, 1991, oil on canvas, 66 ⅞ × 50 ⅜ inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of the Artist, 2014.18.05.21. © Etta Deikman.

Elements of Art: Students will learn how artists use line, color, shape, form, and texture for the endless possibilities of creativity. Students will use a range of art materials to mix, match, and create.  

Please note:

• Summer Art Camp is held primarily indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center.
• Space is limited to small groups of students; face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing/sanitization are required.
• Students can register for morning only, afternoon only, or all-day sessions. All-day camp includes a 1-hour supervised lunch break.

Fireworks Night

Music on Main is the annual Friday evening summer concert series at the Hendersonville Visitor Center. Each week, bring a chair, sit back and enjoy free live music! Every concert showcases a different band performing diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale. Every Friday evening, the Carolina Mountain Car Club hosts a classic car show in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic.

Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!

– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca

“Chalk It Up!” began with 3 children drawing in front of their mother’s store. It has blossomed into one of the most beloved and endearing events that our town has to offer. Celebrating the 26th Annual “Chalk It Up!” in July 2022, this fun annual event brings 150 artists of all ages draw along the sidewalks of downtown Hendersonville, competing for prizes but also just to have a good time! This great contest was designed to promote Hendersonville as “a city with a heart for art.” You can register to participate or just come downtown to see the lovely — but temporary — art.

“Chalk It Up” winners’ prizes are from the generous donations of the downtown merchants as well as area restaurants. Additional financial contributions supply awards, prizes, chalk, insurance, advertisements such as rack cards and flyers, and t-shirts.

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!

The Autumn at Oz Festival is the largest Oz festival in the world! A combination of your standard festival with arts & craft, handmade trinkets, memorabilia, & food vendors, it also includes a completely immersive theatrical experience where guests are engulfed into the classic story as you travel into the Gale Kansas Farm, through the tornado experience, and down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way, meet all of your favorite characters for photo opportunities, see many live performances, and shop for your favorite Wizard of Oz Memorabilia.

The park will be debuting several new components to its immersive walkthrough theatre experience at this year’s Autumn at Oz event including:
Brand new costumes for all main cast members curated by Project Runway Season 1 runner-up, Austin Scarlett.
A restoration of the original 1970s psychedelic artwork inside the interactive “Kansas Twister” scene.
8 enchanting performances along the Yellow Brick Road
The recently-developed Over The Rainbow overlook, showcasing a breathtaking 5-state view.
The refurbishing of one of the park’s original metal balloon set pieces which serves as the park’s only ride.

Guests can also anticipate:
Photos & autographs with characters
Extraordinary sets, including a hand-implemented poppy field, adorned with over 4,000 fake poppies
Live performances by veteran actors
Face painting
Food vendors
Merchandise