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.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Growing Your Sales with Shopify
May 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
online

Online: Zoom Webinar
No cost due to sponsor support


In this seminar, we will explore the features of well-known e-commerce host Shopify and compare it to other options for creating an online store. PayPal and other payment gateways will also be discussed as well as shipping and inventory control. By the end of this seminar, you will know all of the features of Shopify and how to set up your online store for success.

Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, owner and lead trainer of The Leadership Academy, assists small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by teaching them how to be the best in their field. Over the past 25 years, Matt has worked with thousands of businesses and has helped launch over 100 companies, while also consulting with several Fortune 500 and 100 companies. He conducts training sessions on social media marketing, customer service, strategic leadership, business planning, and other related business topics.

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 16 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
WORTHAM CENTER MASTER CLASS Intro to Indian Music with American Patchwork Quartet
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

All Levels • Ages 16+

In this interactive, open-level musical master class led by Indian-born singer, violinist, and composer Harini “Rini” Raghavan, participants will first learn about two different styles of classical Indian music: Carnatic and Hindustani. Rini will then demonstrate how American Patchwork Quartet weaves these Eastern influences into centuries-old American folk songs, exploring the musical similarities and differences, celebrating the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture, and reclaiming the immigrant soul of American Roots Music. Class duration: 1 hour

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Applications Accepted: Extension Master GardenerSM Training
May 17 all-day
online

The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.

To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.

Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.

The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.

A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.

More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website.  Click here: Buncombe County Extension website

Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement

 

Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 17 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Biltmore Blooms
May 17 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
May 17 all-day
Extension Office

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 17 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 17 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play
May 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Whitmire Activity Center

Enrollment is now open for two adult improvisation acting classes offered by Hendersonville Theatre (HT). Classes will be taught by professional improvisation actor and comedian Emily Swindal. Both classes are open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of experience level.

Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play. meets on Wednesdays from April 5 to May 24. Tuition is $180. In the class, students will work at getting comfortable on stage while having fun doing it. Students will learn to have compassion for themselves and their classmates as performers as they learn the fundamentals of improvisation and develop support and spontaneity. Together, they will learn the importance of “yes-and-ing,” heightening the absurdity and raising the stakes. They will also cover the differences between short form and long form improv. This is a short form class similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Applications Accepted: Extension Master GardenerSM Training
May 18 all-day
online

The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.

To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.

Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.

The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.

A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.

More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website.  Click here: Buncombe County Extension website

Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement

 

Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 18 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Biltmore Blooms
May 18 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Summer Camps at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute-PARI
May 18 all-day
PARI

Camps for all passions and interests

Summer STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Residential summer camps for kids in grades 6th-12th on topics like astronomy, robotics, cryptography, and 3D modeling and printing, and more. Including our premiere camp experience, Above and Beyond.

25" Optical telescope observing at night

Weekend STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Curriculum or astronomical event based camps for educators and scout leaders.

Don Cline making presentation

Tailored Camps

Build your own camping experience according to your interest.

Summer Counselor Application
6/1 – 7/31
Ages 17 years 6 months – 99
$0.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Full Summer Session
6/11 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 1
6/11 2 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Exoplanet Exploration
6/11 4 PM – 6/22 10 AM
Grades 8th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Secrets of a Spy Station
6/25 4 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Grades 6th – 8th
$1,700.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 2
7/2 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Above & Beyond
7/2 4 PM – 7/13 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Milky Way Trailblazers
7/16 4 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 18 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Gardening in the Mountains: Planting Steep Slopes
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online

FREE Virtual Event

Presenters: Beth Leonard, Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer

Gardeners with steep slopes face unique challenges including runoff and erosion, unusual visual perspectives, access issues and selecting and planting appropriate plants. And they’re just hard work! Master Gardener Beth Leonard has been gardening on WNC hillsides for 15 years. She is going to help us see how to assess and prepare, discuss planting and maintenance, and offer some hard-learned tips and tricks. If you garden on a hillside or ever plan to, you won’t want to miss this practical presentation.

Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Zoom seminar access: After registration, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to join this online live broadcast via Zoom. The ability to access Zoom through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a reliable internet connection is necessary to attend.

Online Seminar: Planting Steep Slopes
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online

Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection

Presenter: Beth Leonard, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer 

Gardeners with steep slopes face unique challenges, including runoff and erosion, unusual visual perspectives, assess issues and selecting and planting appropriate plants.  And they are just hard work! Master Gardener Beth Leonard has been gardening on WNC hillsides for 14 years.  She is going to help us see how to assess and prepare, discuss planting and maintenance, and offer some hard-learned tips and tricks.  If you garden on a hillside or ever plan to, you won’t want to miss this practical presentation.

Eliada Campus Farm Tours
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Eliada Homes

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 about our equine therapy program.

Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.

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

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 18 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Bridge the Gap! A Fundraiser for SkillSet Scholarships
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
UNCA STEAM Studio

You’re invited to an evening of food, fun, and fundraising in honor of the UNC Asheville STEAM Studio’s SkillSet Program!

Join us on Thursday, May 18, from 5 – 7 p.m. to tour the studio, take part in a silent auction, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tickets for the event are $30 through Eventbrite

Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for SkillSet, an outreach program of UNC Asheville’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Studio.
SkillSet provides access to life-changing skills through maker-based education. Through SkillSet, community members of all ages can participate in summer camps and day classes, learning everything from making custom electric guitars to programming robotics and building furniture. Students of all skill levels become familiar with tools and develop the technical skills and resilience to create these objects.

SkillSet primarily serves under-resourced communities, female-identified, and gender-expansive students to ensure visibility of diverse identities in STEAM fields and inspire students to consider new interests and career paths.

Over 50% of our families receive financial assistance in the form of pay-what-you-can tuition. Monies raised from this event will help send a kid to summer camp! Help us meet our goal of raising $8000 for the summer 2023 scholarship fund.

Learn more about the STEAM Studio SkillSet Program at www.skillset.tools

Intro to Sketch
May 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Whitmire Activity Center

Want to know how to write like they do on SNL? Would you like to level up your comedy knowledge? Learn the basics of sketch comedy writing! We’ll talk about the history of sketch, and the differences between the famous sketch and improv schools based in NYC, Chicago, and LA. Want to learn about the crossover of skills practiced in sketch writing and improv? Are you interested in learning some of the differences between British and American humor? Are you curious about the similarities between sketch and satire? (Think: The Onion.) We’ll talk about it! We’ll read a variety of sketch scripts, break them down into parts, and learn the mechanics. We’ll watch a number of sketches together, practice identifying the formula, and specifically labeling what’s funny about them. We’ll also practice idea generation and pitching. Hold onto your hat!

About the Teacher

Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian and relocated to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Emily has studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at NYC’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre NY. Emily has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. Emily can’t wait to meet you.

Friday, May 19, 2023
Applications Accepted: Extension Master GardenerSM Training
May 19 all-day
online

The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.

To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.

Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.

The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.

A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.

More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website.  Click here: Buncombe County Extension website

Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement

 

Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 19 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Biltmore Blooms
May 19 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
May 19 all-day
Extension Office

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Playhouse Jr. Summer Camps
May 19 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The Education program at Flat Rock Playhouse is undergoing a name change! We are excited to streamline our program and we can’t wait to share the news with you!

Our new name will be Playhouse Jr.!

 

This new name will encompass many things. You might ask….what is Playhouse Jr.?

• Playhouse Jr. is classes and camps for K-12th Graders and Adults.
• Playhouse Jr. is mainstage shows performed by our Playhouse Jr. students and families.
• Playhouse Jr. is our touring company that visits our local schools and is performed by our fall apprentices.
• Playhouse Jr. is a licensing program for our new and exciting Playhouse Jr. touring shows!

Playhouse Jr. means many things and we are excited to share this news with our community!

We are introducing a new software system for our Playhouse Jr. families! This new system will make your life easier! Once you have registered you are in our system for good. That means that once you register all you have to do is access your account to purchase any classes and camps moving forward. No need to register every time!

To register for our new system and to enroll in classes please visit this link: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=548849

Questions? Please email [email protected]!

Want to register over the phone? No problem! You can call our Education Director, Lauren Hopkins at (828)693-0403 ext. 246 starting Monday March 6!

Summer Camps at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute-PARI
May 19 all-day
PARI

Camps for all passions and interests

Summer STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Residential summer camps for kids in grades 6th-12th on topics like astronomy, robotics, cryptography, and 3D modeling and printing, and more. Including our premiere camp experience, Above and Beyond.

25" Optical telescope observing at night

Weekend STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Curriculum or astronomical event based camps for educators and scout leaders.

Don Cline making presentation

Tailored Camps

Build your own camping experience according to your interest.

Summer Counselor Application
6/1 – 7/31
Ages 17 years 6 months – 99
$0.00
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Counselor in Training Application – Full Summer Session
6/11 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
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Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 1
6/11 2 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
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Exoplanet Exploration
6/11 4 PM – 6/22 10 AM
Grades 8th – 12th
$3,960.00
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Secrets of a Spy Station
6/25 4 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Grades 6th – 8th
$1,700.00
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Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 2
7/2 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
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Above & Beyond
7/2 4 PM – 7/13 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
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Milky Way Trailblazers
7/16 4 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
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Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 19 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Eliada Campus Farm Tours
May 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Eliada Homes

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 about our equine therapy program.

Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.

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