Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
May 2 – November 21
Now with special COVID-19 procedures, the North Asheville Tailgate Market features local produce direct from area farmers, local baked goods, crafts, music and more.
PLEASE SEE THE NEW PROCEDURES BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS. You can find information, including about pre-ordering, and changes in payment and shopping procedures on the market’s website.
Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon in UNC Asheville Parking Lot P28. maps.unca.edu
For more information, visit northashevilletailgatemarket.com
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
DuPont State Recreational Forest and neighboring Holmes Educational State Forest have begun a phased reopening in Western North Carolina.
To encourage responsible use and to maintain required social distancing, phased reopening will begin by allowing public access only to areas of the forest that promote movement-focused activities. Some areas and facilities of the forest will not be available to the public during phase one of the reopening but will become available in accordance with Governor Cooper’s phased plan for reopening the state.
“N.C. Forest Service staff are working hard, taking every precaution, to make sure our state forests are available for families and visitors to safely enjoy some of North Carolina’s most beautiful views,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Now, we need the public to join our efforts. We must take care of public lands and each other by following social distancing guidelines and recommendations from our public health experts.”
Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors. Responsible recreation is critical during this time. Visitors are asked to be good stewards and good neighbors. Visitors may find limited parking at busy times. Please only park in designated parking areas.
What can visitors expect during a visit to DuPont State Recreational Forest during phase one of the reopening?
- DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. Come prepared to share trails with all types of users. Trail courtesy is critical during this time to ensure safe access for everyone.
- Parking is limited to Fawn Lake Access Area, Guion Farm Access Area and Corn Mill Shoals Access Area. Expect crowding and limited parking.
- Portable toilets are available. Permanent restrooms are not available.
- Gathering areas of the forest remain closed to encourage movement and separation. These areas include the following:
- High Falls Access Area Hooker Falls Access Area, and Lake Imaging Access Area
- Visitor Center and Office
- Triple Falls Trail and Staircase, Base of High Falls Trail, Wintergreen Falls, and the area at the base of Bridal Veil (Waterfall viewing areas remain available. Remember social distancing. Remain patient. Wait your turn.)
- Three Lakes Trail
- All picnic areas
- Swimming areas and waterfronts
- Hooker Falls, Fawn Lake, Lake Dense and Lake Alford
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
Opening day for ECTM at our new location at AB Tech Enka. We will be in the parking lot of the Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road (across from Ingles, at the traffic light). Please share and invite your friends and family! We know this second season of ECTM is going to be amazing. Thank you for supporting local!
Vendors for 5/7:
Rainbow Ridge Gardens
Myseanica Farm
Bonny Bath natural body products
Whisk bakery
Saturnia Farm and Nursery
Jake’s Farm
Asheville Microgreens
Throwing Copper
Cornerstone Tea
Sustainabillies Nursery and Farm
Sister of Mother Earth herbal products
HeadShrink Farm heritage beef
The Real Molloy Food Truck
Sugar Whirled cotton candy – AB Tech Small Business featured booth.
*Many more vendors as the season goes on! Check out our website for a full list of vendors for the season. https://www.ashevillefarmstead.org/enka-candler-tailgate-market
COVID-19 Precautions:
To start, we will be holding fast to safety precautions listed below. As the CDC and NC governmental regulations soften, we will follow suit. Please know that we are making every effort to keep both our vendors and our community safe and well.
*No-contact payment: Tap’n’Pay , Venmo, Paypal payments only. No cash payments or card swipes will be accepted.
*Handwashing station upon entering Market
*Limited shopper numbers (car queue will be used, if necessary)
*1 customer at vendor table at a time
*Only touch what you are purchasing
*6ft Social Distancing required
*Masks highly encouraged. All vendors and Market staff will wear masks.
*No Music or Kids tent (yet)
*No craft/artisan vendors until non-essential businesses are allowed to open. We are hopeful this will be by June, or earlier.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
May 2 – November 21
Now with special COVID-19 procedures, the North Asheville Tailgate Market features local produce direct from area farmers, local baked goods, crafts, music and more.
PLEASE SEE THE NEW PROCEDURES BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS. You can find information, including about pre-ordering, and changes in payment and shopping procedures on the market’s website.
Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon in UNC Asheville Parking Lot P28. maps.unca.edu
For more information, visit northashevilletailgatemarket.com
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
There are various plants, insects, and other invasive species that threaten the biodiversity and overall resilience of our forests. Join us on June 2, for a webinar during which Bob Gale, MountainTrue’s Public Lands Director and Ecologist, will look more closely at how the draft management plan for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests proposes to address and manage invasive species. Register to receive access to the webinar.
Opening day for ECTM at our new location at AB Tech Enka. We will be in the parking lot of the Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road (across from Ingles, at the traffic light). Please share and invite your friends and family! We know this second season of ECTM is going to be amazing. Thank you for supporting local!
Vendors for 5/7:
Rainbow Ridge Gardens
Myseanica Farm
Bonny Bath natural body products
Whisk bakery
Saturnia Farm and Nursery
Jake’s Farm
Asheville Microgreens
Throwing Copper
Cornerstone Tea
Sustainabillies Nursery and Farm
Sister of Mother Earth herbal products
HeadShrink Farm heritage beef
The Real Molloy Food Truck
Sugar Whirled cotton candy – AB Tech Small Business featured booth.
*Many more vendors as the season goes on! Check out our website for a full list of vendors for the season. https://www.ashevillefarmstead.org/enka-candler-tailgate-market
COVID-19 Precautions:
To start, we will be holding fast to safety precautions listed below. As the CDC and NC governmental regulations soften, we will follow suit. Please know that we are making every effort to keep both our vendors and our community safe and well.
*No-contact payment: Tap’n’Pay , Venmo, Paypal payments only. No cash payments or card swipes will be accepted.
*Handwashing station upon entering Market
*Limited shopper numbers (car queue will be used, if necessary)
*1 customer at vendor table at a time
*Only touch what you are purchasing
*6ft Social Distancing required
*Masks highly encouraged. All vendors and Market staff will wear masks.
*No Music or Kids tent (yet)
*No craft/artisan vendors until non-essential businesses are allowed to open. We are hopeful this will be by June, or earlier.
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Tickets on sale through June 28, 2020We know how completely odd it seems to be raffling off a trip to London right now. We’re barely leaving our homes for any reason, so jetting off around the world seems flat out bonkers! We’re hopeful that international travel and fun vacations will happen again in the future – and that’s why we extended and amended the raffle prize! If you win, you can choose the trip to London (and you have 18 months to book your travel) OR you can choose to take the cash value of the trip instead ($10,000). Our raffles have been important fundraisers for ACT over the years, and this one is no different. ACT has lost 85% of our income as an organization, so this raffle is one of the few ways we can continue to bring a little money in the door. Buying a raffle ticket is a great way to support ACT right now – and it just might be you who gets some really great news from us! |
New Park Updates Starting June 5
Since moving into Phase 2, we have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting:
- The Park is open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. We will continue to be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot.
- Since the Park will be operating at a “limited” parking capacity to allow for safe & maintainable social distancing, entrance into the Park will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If capacity is reached, the Park will close to any further entry until some space has cleared to allow more vehicles to enter.
- The top parking lot is still closed due to construction, so all guests will be required to park in the Meadows area (just past the Ticket Plaza).
- While we are still encouraging guests to hike into the Park from the Meadows, we are now offering a limited shuttle service up to the top parking lot for those who are unable to hike. Facemasks or face coverings are required on all shuttles. Masks will be available for purchase for a minimal cost at the Ticket Plaza and in our gift shops. Shuttles will only be able to transport a limited number of guests per trip which may result in longer wait times. If you plan to ride the shuttle, please plan your day accordingly.
- All annual passes purchased between March 2019 and March 2020 will receive an additional two months to their expiration date to make up for the period in which the Park was recently closed.
- All six hiking trails are open, the Great Woodland Adventure trail is open for those looking for an easier, family-friendly hike. The Animal Discovery Den will be closed.
- The elevator will remain closed at this time.
- Cliff Dwellers gift shop and the Sky Lounge (near the Chimney) will be open with limited capacity. Snacks and bottled drinks will be available at both of these locations.
- The Ticket Plaza will be accessible by drive-thru windows or the lobby will be available for one-person entry at a time.
- The restrooms are open and will be marked with standing areas to provide proper social distancing. Beverage vending machines are also located next to each of these restrooms.
- The Old Rock Café (in Chimney Rock Village) is open daily from 11am – 5pm for limited indoor and outdoor seating, which will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take-out service is also available. Please see OldRockCafe.com for more information.
- Our associates will be taking appropriate precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and all of our guests. We are prepared and trained to handle any situation during this time.
- Please recreate responsibly and continue to maintain proper social distancing, handwashing, and hygiene during your visit. Stay safe!
This plan is subject to change depending on circumstances. We appreciate your support and understanding during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you on the mountain sometime soon.