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.
Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club is a weekly educational program designed for children ages 4 to 7 to explore nature with their trusted adult and Cradle naturalist. Programs are 1.5 hours long and begin with the reading of a forest-themed story and include fun activities, games and a craft. Programs run weekly on Wednesdays between June 21 through August 9. Come to one or all eight programs. Great for families vacationing in the Blue Ridge mountains this summer!
The program costs $5 per child and $3 for accompanying adults – All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults with a Cradle Season Pass get in free.
Programs take place outdoors utilizing our paved trails and outdoor amphitheater.
The program starts promptly at 10:30 A.M. at the outdoor amphitheater at the Cradle of Forestry. Plan to arrive early to find parking and check in at the Forest Discovery Center lobby.
Please ensure all members of your party are dressed appropriately for the weather and are prepared for outdoor exploration. Note that the weather at the Cradle of Forestry is often cooler than nearby Brevard and Asheville.
Please meet at outdoor amphitheater
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Water Bottle
Jacket
Rain Gear
CANCELLATION POLICY
All ticket purchases are NON-REFUNDABLE. Unused ticket purchases will go to support the mission and work of FIND Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit organization Tax ID# 56-1302500.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Dates (Themes for each week to be announced):
June 21
June 28
Due to generous grant funding from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences the July sessions are FREE for all attendees:
July 5- Free for all attendees
July 12 – Free for all attendees
July 19 – Free for all attendees
July 26 – Free for all attendees
August 2
August 9
COST
Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club – $5 (for each child) There is no discount for child even with a pass.
Accompanying Adult (½ price general admission)- $3
If accompanying adult is a Cradle Season Passholder, their admission free, but not the child’s.
Summer is in the Air…
Do you like wine?
Do you like peace and quiet?
Do you like sunsets?
If so, then come join us every Wednesday night for the sound of silence and relax!!
Every Wednesday
Trivia Night
Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern
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Calling All Farmers: Apply Now for Our Exciting Programs!
Are you a passionate farmer looking to take your skills to the next level? Look no further! Our highly anticipated 2023-2024 Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson Programs are now accepting applications. Join us on a transformative journey that will empower and support both aspiring and experienced farmers throughout the entire year.
Our Farm Beginnings Program is specifically designed for those who are just starting out in the farming industry. Whether you dream of owning your own farm or are eager to cultivate your agricultural skills, this program is tailor-made for you. Over the course of 12 months, we will provide you with comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and invaluable mentorship from seasoned farmers. You’ll learn everything from sustainable farming practices to business planning, setting you up for success right from the beginning. This 12-month program runs from October 2023 to September 2024.
For established farm businesses seeking to enhance their operations and expand their horizons, our Journeyperson Program is the perfect fit. This program is specifically crafted to assist farmers who have been in the industry for at least 3 years and are ready to take their businesses to new heights. Through a combination of advanced workshops, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities, we will help you refine your existing skills, explore innovative farming techniques, and connect with industry experts. Join us on this transformative journey as we support you every step of the way. This 12-month program starts in November 2023 and ends in November 2024.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded farmers. There’s no better time to invest in your farming future! |
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
What is better than hanging out at a park, pool, or community center? Doing so while participating in fun games! This summer, the Buncombe County Recreation Services will be visiting county pools, parks, and community centers to provide free entertaining activities for anyone in the community.
This includes yard games, pool activities, balls, and other activities for enjoyment. While the games can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age–with something available for anyone–the programming is aimed at those 5 to 15 years of age.
This is part of the CORE program (Community Outreach and Recreation Experiences) which seeks to provide fun to everyone in the community.
“We were interested in expanding recreational opportunities to communities that may or may not have parks and facilities,” says Mac Stanley, program coordinator with the County’s Recreation Services. “Also, an opportunity to expand and collaborate with county community centers such as Big Ivy, Sandy Mush, and Bent Creek Community Park. Core programming is designed to diversify our programming opportunities and outreach into the community.”
From June through August, Recreation Services will be out and about in its CORE van, a green, Ford Transit van outfitted with County logos and a big sasquatch on the back.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.
Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and about our equine therapy program.
Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.
We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and water. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.
Gardening for Pollinators – (with a garden walk)
Henderson County Extension Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show Steve Pettis will discuss the importance of beneficial insects and pollinators and how to garden for their benefit. Then Steve will lead a pollinator walk through the Bullington Garden grounds.
Henderson County Extension Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show Steve Pettis will discuss the importance of beneficial insects and pollinators and how to garden for their benefit. Then Steve will lead a pollinator walk through the Bullington Garden grounds.
Food, wine, music by Gin Mill Pickers.
Join Half-Mile Farm Thursday evening between 5 – 6:30 pm in the Woodland View room for a Calvisius Caviar tasting. Calvisius produces the largest variety of caviars in the world and is an industry benchmark in terms of farming standards, quality and quantity of the caviar produced.
Hosted events are for Half-Mile Farm guests only.
To attend this complimentary event at Half-Mile Farm Thursday, July 13, book your stay today.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Find more information here.
- Live Music, 6:00 p.m. and $8 specialty martinis all day at Leo’s Italian Social
It’s almost the weekend – cheers to that! Come enjoy a glass of wine and a stunning sunset view with us!
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Calling All Farmers: Apply Now for Our Exciting Programs!
Are you a passionate farmer looking to take your skills to the next level? Look no further! Our highly anticipated 2023-2024 Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson Programs are now accepting applications. Join us on a transformative journey that will empower and support both aspiring and experienced farmers throughout the entire year.
Our Farm Beginnings Program is specifically designed for those who are just starting out in the farming industry. Whether you dream of owning your own farm or are eager to cultivate your agricultural skills, this program is tailor-made for you. Over the course of 12 months, we will provide you with comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and invaluable mentorship from seasoned farmers. You’ll learn everything from sustainable farming practices to business planning, setting you up for success right from the beginning. This 12-month program runs from October 2023 to September 2024.
For established farm businesses seeking to enhance their operations and expand their horizons, our Journeyperson Program is the perfect fit. This program is specifically crafted to assist farmers who have been in the industry for at least 3 years and are ready to take their businesses to new heights. Through a combination of advanced workshops, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities, we will help you refine your existing skills, explore innovative farming techniques, and connect with industry experts. Join us on this transformative journey as we support you every step of the way. This 12-month program starts in November 2023 and ends in November 2024.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded farmers. There’s no better time to invest in your farming future! |
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.
Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and about our equine therapy program.
Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.
We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and water. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Find more information here.
Enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand!