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.

Sunday, June 25, 2023
Charlotte + Bob Otto 2023 Apprentice Match
Jun 25 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Support one of the greatest traditions at Flat Rock Playhouse!

2023 Apprentice Benefactors Charlotte and Bob Otto will match your gift 1:1 up to $25,000.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Apprentice Program! Don’t miss this chance to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

For over 65 years, a select group of college-age performers participate in an intensive summer at Flat Rock Playhouse that includes on-stage performance and mentoring from FRP professionals. They also perform Rootabaga stories four times a week at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and take original educational programs out to schools in four area counties. Apprentices come from prestigious theatre schools across the country and are chosen from more than 1000 students who audition.

Apprentice graduates have gone on to major professional engagements on and off-Broadway, on national tours, and in regional theatres. Notable alumni who have played on Broadway include Michael Luwoye (Hamilton in Hamilton, An American Musical), Adam Kaplan (A Bronx Tale), Ginna Claire Mason (Glinda in Wicked), Jared Goldsmith (Dear Evan Hansen) and Ben Hope (Once). 

Help us keep our community cool: Support YWCA’s fundraiser
Jun 25 all-day
online

The YWCA recently learned that our aging HVAC system can no longer reliably heat and cool our building. This means more than discomfort for members and staff – we are required to maintain a consistent and healthy temperature in the building for the well-being and safety of the children in our childcare programs. We are asking for your help to address the immediate need for $60k to replace the first five of our 24 HVAC units and ensure that both of our Childcare programs can continue to provide accessible childcare to working families and the work of the YWCA can continue without disruption.

MANNA’s Outpace Hunger campaign
Jun 25 all-day
online

Let’s get you registered for Outpace Hunger!

Mountain Housing Opportunities Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore
Jun 25 all-day
online
$35,000 Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore

Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) is excited to announce a special philanthropic commitment from The Biltmore Company in honor of MHO’s 35th Anniversary: a $35,000 Matching Gift Challenge.

Beginning in June, Biltmore will match all donations made to MHO on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $35,000. This special matching gift will DOUBLE the impact of individual donations and will result in at least $70,000 raised to support MHO’s affordable housing programs and services.

“The need for affordable housing in our region has never been greater. We are excited to partner with Biltmore to bring greater awareness to this urgent need and inspire others to donate what they can.” said Scott Dedman, MHO’s President and Executive Director. “Philanthropic support from individuals and  business partners like Biltmore help to fuel MHO’s efforts to create more opportunities for residents of western North Carolina to find and keep affordable housing and to build generational wealth through more equitable paths to homeownership.”

Biltmore’s history of community engagement and philanthropy dates back to its founding nearly 130 years ago. “We continue the Vanderbilt tradition of giving back and by supporting our community’s economic growth,” shared Tim Rosebrock, Vice President of Compliance and Legal Services at Biltmore. “Biltmore’s philanthropy is a demonstration of our core values in action. We are honored to support Mountain Housing Opportunities’ work to create and preserve affordable housing for the people who call this region home. And we hope the opportunity to have your donation matched encourages more of our neighbors to pitch in with their own contributions, as well.”

All donations received from individuals, including gifts in support of MHO’s upcoming 35th Anniversary Celebration, are eligible to receive a 100% match from Biltmore, up to $35,000. This includes gifts from family foundations and donor advised funds. Gifts from businesses are not eligible for the match.

“We are grateful for this generous and timely contribution from Biltmore in honor of MHO’s 35 years in business,” said Allison Rollison, Director of Philanthropy at MHO. “Biltmore’s reputation for excellence, service, and stewardship is unparalleled. We are honored to be aligned with a company that centers the dignity and well-being of the people of western North Carolina. This $35,000 match will catalyze generosity from others in our community who also believe that everyone – no matter their income—deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.”

Pardee Hospital Foundation 2023 Annual Gala Silent Auction Preview
Jun 25 all-day
online w/ UNC Health Pardee Hospital
There are so many great items to bid on at this year’s gala: Golf foursomes, vacations, restaurants, local vendors, and more! Remember, no need to be present to win.
Silent Auction Preview | Paradise Island
Discover the hidden world of Atlantis with a three-night stay in The Royal, Run of the House room at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, including airport land transfers in the Bahamas upon arrival and departure! The resort features the world’s largest man-made marine habitat, Dolphin Cay and the Aquaventure Water Park. Atlantis offers a variety of gourmet restaurants, a relaxing spa, sports center, and the most exciting casino in the Caribbean.
Value: $1,900
Silent Auction Preview | It’s Greek To Me!
Enjoy a luxurious four-night stay in a Sea View Room with direct poolside access, complete with breakfast, at the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Greece’s stunning island of Crete! The resort features air-conditioned rooms with verandas, marble bathrooms, stocked refrigerators, satellite television, hair dryers, and in-house music. Just a short 45-minute drive from the airport, the resort is situated near two private, sandy beaches and a marina.
Value: $1,320
Pisgah Legal Together We Dream Giving Challenge
Jun 25 all-day
online

According to a study by Syracuse University, North Carolina ranks last in the country for people likely to have legal representation in their immigration cases. Here in Western North Carolina (WNC), nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) provides most of the free civil legal aid for area immigrants and is working to raise $100,000 by July 1st to support this important work.

“Pisgah Legal Services provides life-changing – and sometimes life-saving – legal representation for immigrants and asylum seekers, and that help is scarce and very hard to come by,” says PLS Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson. “We only have three immigration attorneys to serve our entire 18-county region, and Pisgah Legal provides the majority of free legal aid for immigrants in WNC.”

She continued, “Thanks to generous supporters who have already come forward, we have raised $30,000 towards the $100,000 goal by July 1 for our Together We Dream Giving Challenge. We need additional charitable contributions to keep families together and educated about their rights, to secure legal immigration status and work authorizations and to stop the violence and abuse that many come to the United States to escape.”

Gifts made in the coming week will be matched! “A generous donor has stepped forward to help us build momentum to reach our goal,” says Wilson. “From now until Wednesday, June 21st, all gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Give today and your gift will have double the impact!”

Want to Help?

Giving online is fast, easy and secure at https://www.pisgahlegal.org/dream or contact Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson by phone 828-210-3444 or via email: [email protected].  Checks may be mailed to Pisgah Legal Services, P.O. Box 2276, Asheville, N.C.  28802

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 25 all-day
various locations
Monday, June 26, 2023
Charlotte + Bob Otto 2023 Apprentice Match
Jun 26 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Support one of the greatest traditions at Flat Rock Playhouse!

2023 Apprentice Benefactors Charlotte and Bob Otto will match your gift 1:1 up to $25,000.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Apprentice Program! Don’t miss this chance to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

For over 65 years, a select group of college-age performers participate in an intensive summer at Flat Rock Playhouse that includes on-stage performance and mentoring from FRP professionals. They also perform Rootabaga stories four times a week at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and take original educational programs out to schools in four area counties. Apprentices come from prestigious theatre schools across the country and are chosen from more than 1000 students who audition.

Apprentice graduates have gone on to major professional engagements on and off-Broadway, on national tours, and in regional theatres. Notable alumni who have played on Broadway include Michael Luwoye (Hamilton in Hamilton, An American Musical), Adam Kaplan (A Bronx Tale), Ginna Claire Mason (Glinda in Wicked), Jared Goldsmith (Dear Evan Hansen) and Ben Hope (Once). 

Help us keep our community cool: Support YWCA’s fundraiser
Jun 26 all-day
online

The YWCA recently learned that our aging HVAC system can no longer reliably heat and cool our building. This means more than discomfort for members and staff – we are required to maintain a consistent and healthy temperature in the building for the well-being and safety of the children in our childcare programs. We are asking for your help to address the immediate need for $60k to replace the first five of our 24 HVAC units and ensure that both of our Childcare programs can continue to provide accessible childcare to working families and the work of the YWCA can continue without disruption.

MANNA’s Outpace Hunger campaign
Jun 26 all-day
online

Let’s get you registered for Outpace Hunger!

Mountain Housing Opportunities Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore
Jun 26 all-day
online
$35,000 Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore

Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) is excited to announce a special philanthropic commitment from The Biltmore Company in honor of MHO’s 35th Anniversary: a $35,000 Matching Gift Challenge.

Beginning in June, Biltmore will match all donations made to MHO on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $35,000. This special matching gift will DOUBLE the impact of individual donations and will result in at least $70,000 raised to support MHO’s affordable housing programs and services.

“The need for affordable housing in our region has never been greater. We are excited to partner with Biltmore to bring greater awareness to this urgent need and inspire others to donate what they can.” said Scott Dedman, MHO’s President and Executive Director. “Philanthropic support from individuals and  business partners like Biltmore help to fuel MHO’s efforts to create more opportunities for residents of western North Carolina to find and keep affordable housing and to build generational wealth through more equitable paths to homeownership.”

Biltmore’s history of community engagement and philanthropy dates back to its founding nearly 130 years ago. “We continue the Vanderbilt tradition of giving back and by supporting our community’s economic growth,” shared Tim Rosebrock, Vice President of Compliance and Legal Services at Biltmore. “Biltmore’s philanthropy is a demonstration of our core values in action. We are honored to support Mountain Housing Opportunities’ work to create and preserve affordable housing for the people who call this region home. And we hope the opportunity to have your donation matched encourages more of our neighbors to pitch in with their own contributions, as well.”

All donations received from individuals, including gifts in support of MHO’s upcoming 35th Anniversary Celebration, are eligible to receive a 100% match from Biltmore, up to $35,000. This includes gifts from family foundations and donor advised funds. Gifts from businesses are not eligible for the match.

“We are grateful for this generous and timely contribution from Biltmore in honor of MHO’s 35 years in business,” said Allison Rollison, Director of Philanthropy at MHO. “Biltmore’s reputation for excellence, service, and stewardship is unparalleled. We are honored to be aligned with a company that centers the dignity and well-being of the people of western North Carolina. This $35,000 match will catalyze generosity from others in our community who also believe that everyone – no matter their income—deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.”

Pardee Hospital Foundation 2023 Annual Gala Silent Auction Preview
Jun 26 all-day
online w/ UNC Health Pardee Hospital
There are so many great items to bid on at this year’s gala: Golf foursomes, vacations, restaurants, local vendors, and more! Remember, no need to be present to win.
Silent Auction Preview | Paradise Island
Discover the hidden world of Atlantis with a three-night stay in The Royal, Run of the House room at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, including airport land transfers in the Bahamas upon arrival and departure! The resort features the world’s largest man-made marine habitat, Dolphin Cay and the Aquaventure Water Park. Atlantis offers a variety of gourmet restaurants, a relaxing spa, sports center, and the most exciting casino in the Caribbean.
Value: $1,900
Silent Auction Preview | It’s Greek To Me!
Enjoy a luxurious four-night stay in a Sea View Room with direct poolside access, complete with breakfast, at the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Greece’s stunning island of Crete! The resort features air-conditioned rooms with verandas, marble bathrooms, stocked refrigerators, satellite television, hair dryers, and in-house music. Just a short 45-minute drive from the airport, the resort is situated near two private, sandy beaches and a marina.
Value: $1,320
Pisgah Legal Together We Dream Giving Challenge
Jun 26 all-day
online

According to a study by Syracuse University, North Carolina ranks last in the country for people likely to have legal representation in their immigration cases. Here in Western North Carolina (WNC), nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) provides most of the free civil legal aid for area immigrants and is working to raise $100,000 by July 1st to support this important work.

“Pisgah Legal Services provides life-changing – and sometimes life-saving – legal representation for immigrants and asylum seekers, and that help is scarce and very hard to come by,” says PLS Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson. “We only have three immigration attorneys to serve our entire 18-county region, and Pisgah Legal provides the majority of free legal aid for immigrants in WNC.”

She continued, “Thanks to generous supporters who have already come forward, we have raised $30,000 towards the $100,000 goal by July 1 for our Together We Dream Giving Challenge. We need additional charitable contributions to keep families together and educated about their rights, to secure legal immigration status and work authorizations and to stop the violence and abuse that many come to the United States to escape.”

Gifts made in the coming week will be matched! “A generous donor has stepped forward to help us build momentum to reach our goal,” says Wilson. “From now until Wednesday, June 21st, all gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Give today and your gift will have double the impact!”

Want to Help?

Giving online is fast, easy and secure at https://www.pisgahlegal.org/dream or contact Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson by phone 828-210-3444 or via email: [email protected].  Checks may be mailed to Pisgah Legal Services, P.O. Box 2276, Asheville, N.C.  28802

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jun 26 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Pollinator Exploration Kit (Available for Loan)
Jun 26 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens

For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.

Pick-up location:

Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.

Cost: no charge

Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.

Summer Animal Encounters
Jun 26 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Outdoor Movie Nights – Remember The Titans
Jun 26 @ 8:00 pm
Silverado's

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Charlotte + Bob Otto 2023 Apprentice Match
Jun 27 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Support one of the greatest traditions at Flat Rock Playhouse!

2023 Apprentice Benefactors Charlotte and Bob Otto will match your gift 1:1 up to $25,000.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Apprentice Program! Don’t miss this chance to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

For over 65 years, a select group of college-age performers participate in an intensive summer at Flat Rock Playhouse that includes on-stage performance and mentoring from FRP professionals. They also perform Rootabaga stories four times a week at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and take original educational programs out to schools in four area counties. Apprentices come from prestigious theatre schools across the country and are chosen from more than 1000 students who audition.

Apprentice graduates have gone on to major professional engagements on and off-Broadway, on national tours, and in regional theatres. Notable alumni who have played on Broadway include Michael Luwoye (Hamilton in Hamilton, An American Musical), Adam Kaplan (A Bronx Tale), Ginna Claire Mason (Glinda in Wicked), Jared Goldsmith (Dear Evan Hansen) and Ben Hope (Once). 

Help us keep our community cool: Support YWCA’s fundraiser
Jun 27 all-day
online

The YWCA recently learned that our aging HVAC system can no longer reliably heat and cool our building. This means more than discomfort for members and staff – we are required to maintain a consistent and healthy temperature in the building for the well-being and safety of the children in our childcare programs. We are asking for your help to address the immediate need for $60k to replace the first five of our 24 HVAC units and ensure that both of our Childcare programs can continue to provide accessible childcare to working families and the work of the YWCA can continue without disruption.

MANNA’s Outpace Hunger campaign
Jun 27 all-day
online

Let’s get you registered for Outpace Hunger!

Mountain Housing Opportunities Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore
Jun 27 all-day
online
$35,000 Fundraising Challenge Announced: Dollar for Dollar match from Biltmore

Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) is excited to announce a special philanthropic commitment from The Biltmore Company in honor of MHO’s 35th Anniversary: a $35,000 Matching Gift Challenge.

Beginning in June, Biltmore will match all donations made to MHO on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $35,000. This special matching gift will DOUBLE the impact of individual donations and will result in at least $70,000 raised to support MHO’s affordable housing programs and services.

“The need for affordable housing in our region has never been greater. We are excited to partner with Biltmore to bring greater awareness to this urgent need and inspire others to donate what they can.” said Scott Dedman, MHO’s President and Executive Director. “Philanthropic support from individuals and  business partners like Biltmore help to fuel MHO’s efforts to create more opportunities for residents of western North Carolina to find and keep affordable housing and to build generational wealth through more equitable paths to homeownership.”

Biltmore’s history of community engagement and philanthropy dates back to its founding nearly 130 years ago. “We continue the Vanderbilt tradition of giving back and by supporting our community’s economic growth,” shared Tim Rosebrock, Vice President of Compliance and Legal Services at Biltmore. “Biltmore’s philanthropy is a demonstration of our core values in action. We are honored to support Mountain Housing Opportunities’ work to create and preserve affordable housing for the people who call this region home. And we hope the opportunity to have your donation matched encourages more of our neighbors to pitch in with their own contributions, as well.”

All donations received from individuals, including gifts in support of MHO’s upcoming 35th Anniversary Celebration, are eligible to receive a 100% match from Biltmore, up to $35,000. This includes gifts from family foundations and donor advised funds. Gifts from businesses are not eligible for the match.

“We are grateful for this generous and timely contribution from Biltmore in honor of MHO’s 35 years in business,” said Allison Rollison, Director of Philanthropy at MHO. “Biltmore’s reputation for excellence, service, and stewardship is unparalleled. We are honored to be aligned with a company that centers the dignity and well-being of the people of western North Carolina. This $35,000 match will catalyze generosity from others in our community who also believe that everyone – no matter their income—deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.”

Pardee Hospital Foundation 2023 Annual Gala Silent Auction Preview
Jun 27 all-day
online w/ UNC Health Pardee Hospital
There are so many great items to bid on at this year’s gala: Golf foursomes, vacations, restaurants, local vendors, and more! Remember, no need to be present to win.
Silent Auction Preview | Paradise Island
Discover the hidden world of Atlantis with a three-night stay in The Royal, Run of the House room at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, including airport land transfers in the Bahamas upon arrival and departure! The resort features the world’s largest man-made marine habitat, Dolphin Cay and the Aquaventure Water Park. Atlantis offers a variety of gourmet restaurants, a relaxing spa, sports center, and the most exciting casino in the Caribbean.
Value: $1,900
Silent Auction Preview | It’s Greek To Me!
Enjoy a luxurious four-night stay in a Sea View Room with direct poolside access, complete with breakfast, at the Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Greece’s stunning island of Crete! The resort features air-conditioned rooms with verandas, marble bathrooms, stocked refrigerators, satellite television, hair dryers, and in-house music. Just a short 45-minute drive from the airport, the resort is situated near two private, sandy beaches and a marina.
Value: $1,320
Pisgah Legal Together We Dream Giving Challenge
Jun 27 all-day
online

According to a study by Syracuse University, North Carolina ranks last in the country for people likely to have legal representation in their immigration cases. Here in Western North Carolina (WNC), nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) provides most of the free civil legal aid for area immigrants and is working to raise $100,000 by July 1st to support this important work.

“Pisgah Legal Services provides life-changing – and sometimes life-saving – legal representation for immigrants and asylum seekers, and that help is scarce and very hard to come by,” says PLS Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson. “We only have three immigration attorneys to serve our entire 18-county region, and Pisgah Legal provides the majority of free legal aid for immigrants in WNC.”

She continued, “Thanks to generous supporters who have already come forward, we have raised $30,000 towards the $100,000 goal by July 1 for our Together We Dream Giving Challenge. We need additional charitable contributions to keep families together and educated about their rights, to secure legal immigration status and work authorizations and to stop the violence and abuse that many come to the United States to escape.”

Gifts made in the coming week will be matched! “A generous donor has stepped forward to help us build momentum to reach our goal,” says Wilson. “From now until Wednesday, June 21st, all gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Give today and your gift will have double the impact!”

Want to Help?

Giving online is fast, easy and secure at https://www.pisgahlegal.org/dream or contact Chief Development Officer Ally Wilson by phone 828-210-3444 or via email: [email protected].  Checks may be mailed to Pisgah Legal Services, P.O. Box 2276, Asheville, N.C.  28802

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 27 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jun 27 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Pollinator Exploration Kit (Available for Loan)
Jun 27 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens

For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.

Pick-up location:

Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.

Cost: no charge

Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.

Monday Imagination Day w/ Asheville Parks + Rec
Jun 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Various Parks

Monday Imagination Day Our mobile recreation team will be offering a special day of open play geared for younger children to engage and explore. Giant building blocks, tunnels and fun games await. Ages 1-5 years with an adult. Drop in, no sign up required. 10am-12pm FREE
June 13th Weaver aArk
June 27th Hummingbird Park
July 11 Jake Rusher Park
July 18 Kenilworth Park
July 25th Hummingbird Park
August 1 West Asheville Park
August 8 Jake Rusher Park

Park + Rec CORE program at Buncombe County Pools
Jun 27 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Buncombe County Pools

Pools (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

  • June 13 – Cane Creek
  • June 27 – Hominy Valley
  • July 11 – Owen
  • July 25 – North Buncombe
  • August 8 – ErwinWhat 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.

Guided Trail Walk
Jun 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Summer Animal Encounters
Jun 27 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!