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.

Thursday, March 17, 2022
Teen Leadership Program
Mar 17 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the Swannanoa Library
Mar 17 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Swannanoa Library
Free WNC Nature Center Programs
Run, Slither, Swim – Monday, March 14,
4-5 p.m., ages pre-K to K
There are a lot of different types of animals in this world, and they all move in different ways! During this program, we’ll be slithering, fluttering, and crawling around the room in animal fashion. Participants will discover an author who writes about how animals travel, and will meet a special animal guest, as they learn about the movement styles, restrictions and abilities of various animals.
Animals After Dark – Thursday, March 17, 4-5 p.m., grades 4 – 8
Ever wondered about the animals that become active after we go to sleep? This program will explore the lives and habits of opossums, owls, bats and other nocturnal animals. Students will learn to identify various animal sounds, and will be introduced to a special animal guest!
Both of these programs will take place outside, in the park adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, or under the outdoor pavilion in case of inclement weather. The library is located at 101 West Charleston Avenue, in Grovemont. For more info, call 828-250-6486.
Tanglewood Youth Theatre Classes: Theatre Dance and Movement
Mar 17 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Alexa Hibbert
Ages 9-12
Feb 10-Mar 31, 2022 | Thursdays

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently. Tuition will be $175.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.

Youth Tech and Run Crew
Mar 17 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

What goes on behind the curtains? In this course students learn the ins and outs of technical theatre and backstage work, including safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by covering technical and backstage roles during Youth Production Class performances of The Giver. Students will split tech and performance dates so some scheduling conflicts may be accommodated. Tuition will be $225.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.

Classes: Mar 17-May 5, 2022 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

Tech Week (Group 1): May 9-12, 2022 | Monday through Thursday| 4:30-6:30 PM
Tech Week (Group 2): May 16-19, 2022 | Monday through Thursday| 4:30-6:30 PM

Performances (Group 1): Saturday, May 14 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, May 15 at 6:30 PM
Performances (Group 2): Saturday, May 21 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, May 22 at 6:30 PM

Registration will begin on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

Ages 12+

Youth Tennis Classes—Ages 4-7
Mar 17 @ 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club

Mondays, Thursdays 5:15-6:00pm and/or Saturdays 12:15-1:00pm

Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting February 28th at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.  The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a week plus a play day at the end of the session.  Two days a week (12 sessions) is $129/169.

Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play.  From beginner to high performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while having a fun time doing it!

The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks.  Each level of class is offered once during the weekday and once on Saturday.  Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day” where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s indoor courts.

Tanglewood Youth Theatre Classes: Intermediate Theatre Dance and Movement
Mar 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Alexa Hibbert
Ages 13-18
Feb 10-Mar 31, 2022 | Thursdays 

This class is for more advanced movers and dancers and will cover Musical Theatre Dance styles through the years. This course will also help dancers prepare for and feel confident in dance auditions, pick up choreography quickly and efficiently. Come dance with us! Tuition will be $175.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.

Friday, March 18, 2022
15th Annual Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Mar 18 all-day
online w/ River Link

– The Falls, by Maria B | Winning submission from 2019

The 2022 Contest has Officially Begun!

This year we want you to show us “How the river has inspired your creativity”. We love seeing all of the talent and passion on display in your submissions, and can’t wait to see what you come up with this year! Submissions are due by March 22nd. Check out the contest guidelines and submission form below to learn how to participate.

Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls

Each year students reflect on the streams, rivers and forests of the French Broad River watershed. Their work serves as a reminder that the rich natural resources of the Southern Appalachian Region continue to inspire and provide for new generations. To get the creative juices flowing, we invite kids of all ages to reflect on “How the river has inspired your creativity” and submit a work of art showcasing your creative talent.

Students may submit 2D or 3D art, poetry or writing, and video composition which includes mini-documentaries, dance films, video of song, and other creative outlets expressed through video. Entries are due by March 22nd and winners will be announced in late April. All submissions will be displayed at RiverLink’s Earth Day Family Festival and at cafe’s throughout the watershed. Submissions are judged by local artists, community members and RiverLink staff. Prizes are awarded by age group and submissions category. If you have any questions about the contest you can contact Ben Duerr at [email protected].

Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 18 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 18 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

Movement + Mobility Workout
Mar 18 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Carrier Park
Join the tribe for some movement and mobility work. Trainer Preston will give you a good workout and then open up your muscles.

		Movement & Mobility Workout image

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Family for a 30 minute MIX workout & 30 min Mobility. You will get amazing personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready for a full body workout for all fitness levels, so you can go at your own pace. No matter where you are currently at with your fitness level Trainer Preston will make sure you get a wonderful workout. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

RiverRATS: Spring Season lessons:. Request a Free Lesson for Your Class
Mar 18 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
various locations in Buncombe County

RiverRATS: Spring Season

Get your students in the water this spring with our free RiverRATS lessons. We’ll give your students all the tools they need to act as stream ecologists and build a deeper connection with our local water resources.

 
Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Mar 18 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Mar 18 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Mar 18 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

MONSTER FMX TRUCK SHOW
Mar 18 @ 7:30 pm
WNC AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Pit Party 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Doors open at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Pit Party Noon-1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

Saturday, March 19, 2022
15th Annual Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Mar 19 all-day
online w/ River Link

– The Falls, by Maria B | Winning submission from 2019

The 2022 Contest has Officially Begun!

This year we want you to show us “How the river has inspired your creativity”. We love seeing all of the talent and passion on display in your submissions, and can’t wait to see what you come up with this year! Submissions are due by March 22nd. Check out the contest guidelines and submission form below to learn how to participate.

Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls

Each year students reflect on the streams, rivers and forests of the French Broad River watershed. Their work serves as a reminder that the rich natural resources of the Southern Appalachian Region continue to inspire and provide for new generations. To get the creative juices flowing, we invite kids of all ages to reflect on “How the river has inspired your creativity” and submit a work of art showcasing your creative talent.

Students may submit 2D or 3D art, poetry or writing, and video composition which includes mini-documentaries, dance films, video of song, and other creative outlets expressed through video. Entries are due by March 22nd and winners will be announced in late April. All submissions will be displayed at RiverLink’s Earth Day Family Festival and at cafe’s throughout the watershed. Submissions are judged by local artists, community members and RiverLink staff. Prizes are awarded by age group and submissions category. If you have any questions about the contest you can contact Ben Duerr at [email protected].

Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 19 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 19 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

MONSTER FMX TRUCK SHOW
Mar 19 @ 1:00 pm
WNC AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Pit Party 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Doors open at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Pit Party Noon-1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

MONSTER FMX TRUCK SHOW
Mar 19 @ 7:30 pm
WNC AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Pit Party 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Doors open at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Pit Party Noon-1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.00, Children $14.00

Sunday, March 20, 2022
15th Annual Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Mar 20 all-day
online w/ River Link

– The Falls, by Maria B | Winning submission from 2019

The 2022 Contest has Officially Begun!

This year we want you to show us “How the river has inspired your creativity”. We love seeing all of the talent and passion on display in your submissions, and can’t wait to see what you come up with this year! Submissions are due by March 22nd. Check out the contest guidelines and submission form below to learn how to participate.

Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls

Each year students reflect on the streams, rivers and forests of the French Broad River watershed. Their work serves as a reminder that the rich natural resources of the Southern Appalachian Region continue to inspire and provide for new generations. To get the creative juices flowing, we invite kids of all ages to reflect on “How the river has inspired your creativity” and submit a work of art showcasing your creative talent.

Students may submit 2D or 3D art, poetry or writing, and video composition which includes mini-documentaries, dance films, video of song, and other creative outlets expressed through video. Entries are due by March 22nd and winners will be announced in late April. All submissions will be displayed at RiverLink’s Earth Day Family Festival and at cafe’s throughout the watershed. Submissions are judged by local artists, community members and RiverLink staff. Prizes are awarded by age group and submissions category. If you have any questions about the contest you can contact Ben Duerr at [email protected].

Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 20 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

Spring Conference & Market
Mar 20 all-day
Mars Hill University

Organic Growers School is partnering with Mother Earth News to jointly produce the OGS 29th Spring Conference March 18-20, 2022 at Mars Hill University. Attendees will enjoy the usual favorite array of robust workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community.

Friday’s pre-conference workshops consist of four deep-dive, all-day opportunities. Choose between “Carbon Farming and Agroforestry,” “Build It, Plumb It, Hack It: The Basics of Fix, Mend, and Make for the Farm and Garden,” “Mushrooms, Mold, and Mycorrhizae,” and “Water Resilience and Mitigation: Practical Adaptations for Farm and Home.”

Saturday and Sunday’s conference programming consist of a wide variety of short sessions and nine half-day workshops. Choose tracks that most align with your interests, such as Cooking, Forest Farming, Herbs, Living on the Land, Permaculture, and more. Presenters include Sandor Katz, Tyson Sampson, Angie Lavezzo, and more.

OGS and Mother Earth News, both organizations with deep roots in the region, are similar in mission, values, and both have deep roots in the region. This conference and partnership allows them to leverage our relationships for the benefit of their audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets at organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring.

Monday, March 21, 2022
15th Annual Voices of the River: Art + Poetry Contest
Mar 21 all-day
online w/ River Link

– The Falls, by Maria B | Winning submission from 2019

The 2022 Contest has Officially Begun!

This year we want you to show us “How the river has inspired your creativity”. We love seeing all of the talent and passion on display in your submissions, and can’t wait to see what you come up with this year! Submissions are due by March 22nd. Check out the contest guidelines and submission form below to learn how to participate.

Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls

Each year students reflect on the streams, rivers and forests of the French Broad River watershed. Their work serves as a reminder that the rich natural resources of the Southern Appalachian Region continue to inspire and provide for new generations. To get the creative juices flowing, we invite kids of all ages to reflect on “How the river has inspired your creativity” and submit a work of art showcasing your creative talent.

Students may submit 2D or 3D art, poetry or writing, and video composition which includes mini-documentaries, dance films, video of song, and other creative outlets expressed through video. Entries are due by March 22nd and winners will be announced in late April. All submissions will be displayed at RiverLink’s Earth Day Family Festival and at cafe’s throughout the watershed. Submissions are judged by local artists, community members and RiverLink staff. Prizes are awarded by age group and submissions category. If you have any questions about the contest you can contact Ben Duerr at [email protected].

Asheville Parks + Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge
Mar 21 all-day
City of Asheville
Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

“Taking a brisk 30 minute walk, hike, ride, or stroll each day has tremendous benefits,” according to Alic Wynn, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Facility Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer. “The Fit 50 Challenge offers a great opportunity to improve or maintain overall health and wellness goals. The challenge builds on the encouragement and spirit of our community in a way that shows we all want to see each other succeed.”

Running, walking, and rolling around Asheville allow residents to explore, connect, and discover. These benefits are great on their own, but Fit 50 Challenge participants can also win prizes. All registrants receive an exclusive sticker to display as a badge of honor on a favorite water bottle, bike, or notebook. The five challengers who record the top five mileage totals win prize packs.  Of those, the two with the most total miles win an Apple Watch (first place) and AirPods (second place).

Miles can be completed anywhere by running, walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or whichever way challengers choose. With numerous natural surface trails in parks and neighborhoods, treadmills and tracks at community centers, self-guided tours such as the Urban Trail, and 8 miles of paved greenways, the City of Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy the city at no cost.

Find out more information and register for the challenge.

In addition to the Fit 50 Challenge, Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts regular walking clubs, hikes, adaptive recreation, races and relays, and story trails throughout the city. Download the AVL Rec app for iPhone, search programs online, or browse Asheville Park & Recreation’s programming guide for the latest opportunities.

Asheville Fit 50 Challenge

City wide community challenge
Challenge starts: February 1st
Challenges ends: April 1st
Sign up: FREE

Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge

-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1st, 2022 (60days)

-You can track miles through your daily steps. 2500 steps equals one mile

-Upload proof of miles/steps on our bi weekly Facebook post about the challenge(you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)

-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)

-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.

Participants:
-The first 75 registered participant will receive a free 2022 “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”

-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag prize!

-1st and 2nd place winners for total mileage will receive a grand prize

RiverRATS: Spring Season lessons:. Request a Free Lesson for Your Class
Mar 21 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
various locations in Buncombe County

RiverRATS: Spring Season

Get your students in the water this spring with our free RiverRATS lessons. We’ll give your students all the tools they need to act as stream ecologists and build a deeper connection with our local water resources.

 
Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Mar 21 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Mar 21 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Mar 21 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Musical Theatre 3rd – 5th Grades
Mar 21 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Studio 52

Musical Theatre 3rd - 5th Grades

Discover the fun and fundamentals of musical theatre technique by integrating acting, singing, and simple choreography in the development of a Broadway repertoire. Students will learn proper vocal technique, storytelling through song, musical theatre-style choreography, and how to work within an ensemble. Apply your skills in an informal showcase for friends and family. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times.

Instructor: Anna Kimmell

Notes: This class will be held outdoors when the weather allows. When indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks.