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.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answers your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution. Soil test kits and information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars will be available. Please stop by to learn more!
The Learning Garden is certified by Asheville Greenworks as a Pollinator Habitat. Plantings for pollinators thrive in several of the individual gardens, including the Pollinator Garden, the Sun and Shade Garden, the Four Seasons Garden and Cottage Gardens. This presentation will offer ideas and a plant list for creating your own Pollinator Garden. Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather. Presentation is free, but attendance is limited and registration is required.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
There’s nothing like an early summer hike before the Park gates open. Join a local birding expert and spot some of our resident species as they enjoy the morning quiet. This hike is perfect whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started with America’s fastest-growing hobby.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a
mountaintop with stunning views, Once there, enjoy an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit and take in the unbeatable,
panoramic views and soak up the wide-open space, Mats provided.

This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles
Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM
Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.
Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.
This is one of the most popular creek hikes near Asheville. It begins at 215 near the confluence of Big Laurel Creek and the West Fork of the Pigeon River. We will ascend past numerous rapids and small waterfalls. We will be in the creek or rock hopping most of the day. The only requirements are a good sense of balance and comfortable shoes with good traction, preferably not boots. Good swimming holes abound. The pace will be moderate, but it will be a good workout. We will take time at one of the many scenic spots for lunch. There is one larger waterfall over halfway up, which we will “bushwack” around on small but steep trace trails. After finishing the ascent we will trail hike up to the Black Balsam parking lot, where cars will be left for this shuttle. You will have the option to hike up Big Sam Mountain (over 6K) to the view, or hike directly to the parking by Black Balsam.
We will climb 1,500 – 2,000 feet and hike approx. 3 miles.
We will be meeting at the Black Balsam parking lot at 9:15 am. and carpool to the trailhead, leaving Black Balsam by 9:30. The trailhead on Hwy 215 is only about 15 minutes by car, from there. At the trailhead there is limited parking for about 3 cars.
Please refer to the pictures from our first hike in May at Yellowstone Prong to get a better idea about our hiking experience in the creek.
Bring your children and join Extension Master Gardener volunteer Carol Brown under the awning for fun gardening activities – learning about soil, water, seeds, plant needs and much more! Following the activities, the group will visit the Veggie Garden of The Learning Garden and see a variety of DIY raised beds, and plants growing in grow bags pots. We will harvest and taste vegetables that are ready.
There will also be a scavenger hunt to identify the parts of plants. Fun door prizes will be raffled!
NOTE: This presentation is limited to 20 children. Children must be accompanied by a caring adult.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
The presentation is free, but attendance is limited and registration is required
. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answers your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution. Soil test kits and information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains seminars will be available. Please stop by to learn more!
Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day..
Stop by and learn about composting at home. See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermiculture on demo day.
ON-LINE PRESENTATION: Learn how properly planting trees and shrubs helps them establish early and contributes to long and healthy lives. Questions about soils and amendments, hole size and depth, back fill and whether to stake and wrap the trunk can be site specific and are not always easily answered.
Join Horticulture Specialist and Associate Professor Barbara Fair as she demonstrates proper planting techniques for trees and shrubs and how to recognize problems that may develop years later when trees are not planted correctly. The presentation is free; registration is required.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Join Extension Master Gardener volunteers Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba to learn about growing and collecting 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens, and enjoy a hands-on experience with 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo. Time permitting, information will be provided about creating an organic indigo dye vat.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Presentation is free, a $10 donation is requested. Cash only.
Attendance is limited and registration is required.
Learn about the 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens and 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo.
Presenters: Pat Strang and Joyce Tromba, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers
In this class, you will learn about growing 2 types of indigo for your dye gardens. Additionally you will have hands-on experience collecting the plant material and learning 2 methods of dying silk scarves with fresh indigo. If there is time, there will be information on creating an organic indigo dye vat.
$10 donation requested. Cash only
This class will be in the garden, please dress appropriately..
Registration: Seating is limited and registration is required.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Disbudding is the first step of pruning dahlias. Join Extension Master Gardener Dave Bush to learn all the steps of pruning in order to get the best blooms from your plants. Dave will also introduce the American Dahlia Society’s classification system.
Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Attendance is limited and registration is required.
Imagine moving through your sun salutation on a mountaintop as the sky glows all around you (or stay in savasana for the full hour! No one here will judge you!) Marvel at nature’s light show, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and revel in the expansiveness of wide open spaces. This is our favorite version of our classic Yoga Hike here in Asheville.
This mountaintop is on all of the “best places to view the sunset in Asheville” lists and we can’t wait to share it with you!
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Awaken your senses to the natural world on this unique hike. There’s always a lot to see in the forest, but what do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Get ready to experience Chimney Rock in a whole new way on this brand new guided hike. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to Field Days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
