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.
The hardy settlers who made these mountains home were resourceful and made what they needed from what was at hand, and what was at hand was wood. We will examine the types of things Appalachian people have made for themselves from the forests around them, and well as the tools they used to make them. Chairs, bowls, spoons, tool handles, etc. After taking a walk through the forest which was the pioneer’s lumber yard, where we will identify trees and some of their uses, we will focus on a hands on project. After some basic safety training and practice, each participant will make an example of that ubiquitous piece of pioneer woodcraft, the hook. Made from a small forked tree branch, often of rhododendron, these hooks were found in homes, barns and outbuildings to hang cloths, tools, horse harness and more on the wall in an organized fashion.
Jason Lonon is a craftsman and teacher living and working in the same valley his ancestors have called home since the 1840s. Concurrent to serving an apprenticeship in traditional woodworking, Jason began blacksmithing as a teenager in the late 1990’s. Today, Jason and a team of highly skilled craftsmen produce a line of specialty carving tools for traditional woodworkers. Over the years, Jason has taught welding, blacksmithing, woodcarving and other skills in a wide variety of settings from the community college system to wilderness camps.
Program Itinerary
10:00 am: Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery for introductions, look at examples of woodwork, tools and techniques
11:30 am: Tree identification hike and lunch
1:00 pm: Hands on project
4:00 pm: Conclusion
What’s included?
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees.
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 8 participants. Registration opens on this page on June 5 at 9 a.m.
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.
General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important.
Equipment
- Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Binoculars
Equipment Specific to this Course
- Sketch Pad – work as large or small as you like, but keep in mind that we will be moving around a bit. I’ll be working on an 11”x14” Strathmore Drawing Pad. I would recommend that you work in a small enough size that you can support in your lap without the aid of an easel, and no loose sheets. Sketch Pads or Sketch Books work best, as they’re sturdy and provide support as you work.
- Graphite or Colored Pencils – please no messy media and no paint
- Erasers
- Spray Fixative – optional. This will help your finished work from smearing in transit home
Refunds/Cancellations
Adult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, a full refund will be granted within a 5-day notice of the day of the field course. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
More about Field Courses
We at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain. Read more about Field Courses.
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
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.
Giant building blocks, tunnels, and fun games await on special days of open play geared for ages 1-5 years-old. No advance registration or sign up required, adults must accompany children the entire time.
June 26 – Hummingbird Park
July 3 – Jake Rusher Park
July 10 – West Asheville Park
July 17 – Kenilworth Park
July 24 – Hummingbird Park
July 31 – Jake Rusher Park
August 7 – West Asheville Park
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!
|
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.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
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.
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
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.
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!
Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!
With new content for every program,
returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.
Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!
|
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.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
- June 14 – Lake Julian
- June 28 – Buncombe County Sports Park
- July 12 – Charles D. Owen
- July 26 – Karpen Soccer Fields
- August 9 – Hominy Valley
- 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.
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.
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!
Dr. Dan Pierce shares the history of the men who worked, and died, to bring the first trains across the Swannanoa Gap and the project recognizing one of the greatest feats of 19th Century construction in our area.
Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!
With new content for every program,
returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.
Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!
|
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.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.
Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.
This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:
-
Scale
-
Market access
-
Land access
-
Risk management
-
Understanding cash flow
-
Enterprise innovation
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.
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.
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!
Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.
Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.
Featured Speaker: Tim Lee; Interpretive Ranger/Naturalist; Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
Sponsored by Martha & Michael Dupuis, Monte & Palmer Gaillard, and Melanie & Tom Mauldin.
Located in an area along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area provides a habitat for a diversity of biological communities adapted for life along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. With high average rainfall, diverse topography, and miles of streams and rivers many species found there are rare within the state and some are found in few other places in the world.
Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!
With new content for every program,
returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.
Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!
Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!
Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!
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!