Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Saturday, April 24, 2021
Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Red Cross AED/CPR/First-aid
Apr 24 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Exact Location Given Upon Registration

The foundation and first step to anyone’s first-aid knowledge. Learn life-saving knowledge with us this day.

Learn:
-AED usage
-CPR for adults
-First-aid
-Severe bleeding first-aid including tourniquets

Nature at Night Hike
Apr 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Come observe the Park under a shadow of darkness and watch as it comes alive. Join a Park naturalist as you hike along the Hickory Nut Falls trail, a moderate hike. You never know what nocturnal animals you may hear or see.  You will want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required.

Sunday, April 25, 2021
Asheville Parks picnic shelter reservations open
Apr 25 all-day
Asheville Parks
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter

 

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that picnic shelter reservations will resume.   Rates begin at $40 per day and are available at 11 parks throughout the city.  All shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless reserved.  To reserve a shelter online, visit www.avlrec.com.

 

Under Gov. Roy Cooper’s most recent COVID guidelines executive order, now in effect, the number of people who may gather outdoors has increased from 50 to 100.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

 

National Park Week Celebrations
Apr 25 all-day
National Parks Near You

 

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

We invite you to join us and make a difference for the national parks and programs you love. Whether you give, share, join, or do all three, we’re grateful that you are part of the park community!

With over 400 national parks across the country, National Park Week is a great time to #FindYourPark (o major dicho, #EncuentraTuParque), #RecreateResponsibly, and show our treasured national parks that you care. The National Park Foundation is proud to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks.

 

Father and son sitting on the edge of cliff overlooking vast landscape at Grand View Point of Canyonlands National Park during sunset

Canyonlands National Park

APRIL 17: PARK RX DAY

Being outdoors supports wellness in a number of ways, making you stronger, happier, healthier, and more productive.  Enjoy some fresh air and reflect on the ways you can take care of the parks as much as they take care of you. Discover NPF programs that are helping parks be more resilient and sustainable, as well as those that contribute to landscape and wildlife conservation.

APRIL 18: VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS (VIP) DAY

From clearing trails to planting trees to assisting archaeologists, volunteers are critical in providing support for NPS. Learn more about how you can volunteer in parks and give thanks to those who help our parks run year-round. NPF helps connect volunteers to organizations and parks that need help the most. Explore NPF communities and workforce programs that help grow the capacity of NPS and our partners.

APRIL 19: MILITARY MONDAY

For active-duty military and veterans, as well as their families, national parks can provide a place of solitude, beauty, reflection, and recreation. Discover the stories of veterans and military members that are preserved in parks across the country. NPF helps preserve our military history in national parks and connects veterans and military members to our parks through our work in outdoor exploration as well as communities and workforce.

APRIL 20: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY

NPS has been protecting and preserving lands and historic structures for over 100 years! Explore the ways our parks have changed over the years, and the work NPS, NPF, and partners continue to do to transform the way we see our history and connections to the world. Discover NPF’s work in landscape and wildlife conservation, our commitment to preserving history and culture, and investments we’re making in parks of the future to ensure parks are enjoyed by future generations.

APRIL 21: WAYBACK WEDNESDAY

With hundreds of historical and cultural sites protected by NPS, there are always new stories to discover. Find a park connected to some of the most inspiring stories in our nation’s multifaceted history. NPF’s continued work in history and culture supports the preservation of historic sites, collections, and artifacts in parks that share these stories, and our support of parks of the future ensures such treasures will be accessible for centuries to come.

APRIL 22: EARTH DAY

Celebrate Earth Day by reflecting upon the natural wonders of our parks and supporting the work we’re doing to ensure the health and vibrancy of our parks. With innovative strategies that make our parks environmentally friendly and sustainable to our work in landscape and wildlife conservation, NPF and partners are dedicated to protecting the natural resources our parks contain.

APRIL 23: FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY

Protecting parks is a big job, and NPS relies on partners, groups, and communities to help accomplish their goals. Learn more about those who partner with NPS and NPF and the work that is being done together for our parks, from our park partner community to our corporate partners. Explore NPF’s work in communities and workforce that helps to expand the capacity of parks nationwide, leading to stronger, healthier parks.

APRIL 24: JUNIOR RANGER DAY

NPS’s Junior Ranger programs help young park visitors connect with our shared history, heritage, and national parks. Find a Junior Ranger program in a park near you or earn a digital Junior Ranger badge from home! NPF and our partners have supported the creation of Junior Ranger programs such as the Junior Ranger Angler and Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer and encourage all young visitors to establish meaningful connections in our parks through our work in youth education and engagement and outdoor exploration.

APRIL 25: B.A.R.K. RANGER DAY

National parks are fun to share with those we love – including man’s best friend. Learn the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles for when you bring Fido on a trip to a pet-friendly park and discover the many roles dogs play in parks. NPF is committed to support programs that help all people feel welcome in our parks, and our work in outdoor exploration encourages multicultural and multigenerational families to spend time outdoors – and maybe bring the family pet along too!

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 25 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 25 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Monday, April 26, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 26 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 26 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Spring Yoga Series: Yoga under the Full “Pink” Moon
Apr 26 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Bask in lunar energy during this full moon yoga session with Namaste in Nature. The mountains are said to be a natural vortex of spiritual energy, which makes Chimney Rock an ideal setting for connecting your spirit with nature. Lightweight yoga mats will be provided by your certified yoga teacher. This class is open to all levels of expertise. Advance registration is required.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 27 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

FREE Senior Fitness in the Park
Apr 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Lake Louise Park

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.
FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.
Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.
Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 27 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

FREE Senior Fitness in the Park
Apr 27 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 28 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Thursday, April 29, 2021
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Friday, April 30, 2021
New Off-leash Dog Park: help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Parks and Rec

 

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.

You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.

Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:

  • Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
  • Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
  • Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)

Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Apr 30 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Apr 30 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Saturday, May 1, 2021
Asheville Parks picnic shelter reservations open
May 1 all-day
Asheville Parks
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter

 

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that picnic shelter reservations will resume.   Rates begin at $40 per day and are available at 11 parks throughout the city.  All shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless reserved.  To reserve a shelter online, visit www.avlrec.com.

 

Under Gov. Roy Cooper’s most recent COVID guidelines executive order, now in effect, the number of people who may gather outdoors has increased from 50 to 100.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

 

New Off-leash Dog Park: help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
May 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Parks and Rec

 

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.

You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.

Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:

  • Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
  • Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
  • Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)

Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
May 1 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Spring Boy Scout Day + Campout
May 1 @ 9:30 am – May 2 @ 9:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Gather your troop, pack your camping equipment and head out to Chimney Rock State Park for our annual Spring Boy Scout Day. Join us to explore new places, meet new friends and spend the night under the stars during this special event.

Click here for detailed program information. Registration closes April 23 and is limited to 150 scouts. So reserve your spot below! $30 reservation fee is non-refundable but will be applied to your final total amount.

Spring Boy Scout Day + Campout
May 1 @ 9:30 am – May 2 @ 9:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Gather your troop, pack your camping equipment and head out to Chimney Rock State Park for our annual Spring Boy Scout Day. Join us to explore new places, meet new friends and spend the night under the stars during this special event.

Click here for detailed program information. Call (828) 625-9611 ext. 1837 to reserve your troop today!

A $30 non-refundable reservation fee will be applied to your final total amount. Registration closes on April 23, 2021 or when we reach our limit of scouts.

 

 

Aston Park Tennis Center
May 1 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Sunday, May 2, 2021
Asheville Parks picnic shelter reservations open
May 2 all-day
Asheville Parks
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter
Murphy Oakley Park picnic shelter

 

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that picnic shelter reservations will resume.   Rates begin at $40 per day and are available at 11 parks throughout the city.  All shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless reserved.  To reserve a shelter online, visit www.avlrec.com.

 

Under Gov. Roy Cooper’s most recent COVID guidelines executive order, now in effect, the number of people who may gather outdoors has increased from 50 to 100.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.