Calendar of Events

With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.

Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics

Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.

Leagues

6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team

Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.

Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player

Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12

Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.

Flag Football League, $600 per team

Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Winter Basketball League, $600 per team

Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27

Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.

Clinics and Tournaments

Tennis Clinic, $20 per player

Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21

Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.

Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team

Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16

Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.

Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees

Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25

Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at [email protected] or (828) 707-2376.

Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team

Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7

All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at [email protected] or (828) 545-1644.

Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team

Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16

Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at [email protected] or (828) 507-3357.

With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.

Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics

Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.

Leagues

6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team

Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.

Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player

Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12

Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.

Flag Football League, $600 per team

Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Winter Basketball League, $600 per team

Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27

Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.

Clinics and Tournaments

Tennis Clinic, $20 per player

Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21

Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.

Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team

Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16

Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.

Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees

Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25

Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at [email protected] or (828) 707-2376.

Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team

Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7

All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at [email protected] or (828) 545-1644.

Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team

Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16

Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at [email protected] or (828) 507-3357.

Basketball

Open Play

Time scheduled for organized drop-in, pick-up, and open community games

Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, starts September 5

• Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m.
• Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.

We will begin our hike at Lookout Mountain Trailhead where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.

From a rewarding overlook of the Seven Sisters Ridge and Swannanoa Valley to a beautiful variety of ferns, fungi, and thick canopy coverage, this loop offers a cool and peaceful adventure through the beautiful forest. All participants will get parking instructions emailed to them a week prior to the hike.

Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate. The Lookout Trail portion consists of steep inclines with mild rock scrambling, but the remainder of the walk consists of a gentle climb.

Elevation gain: 439 feet

Basketball

Open Play

Time scheduled for organized drop-in, pick-up, and open community games

Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, starts September 5

• Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m.
• Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Guests will meet outside the Asheville Art Museum (2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Join Erika McClung, PMHNP and nature therapist, for movement on the land at our 16-acre sanctuary.

Shake, jump, wiggle, dance, and play to good music in good company. Similar in format to ecstatic dance, we celebrate our intentions and let the music and emotions move through our bodies in whatever way feels best to us, without judgement or expectation. Come see how healing movement can be!

The 5th annual South Asheville Turkey Trot presented by Hunter Subaru returns to Biltmore Park Town Square for 2023!

Make plans to bring your family and friends and join in on the fun. Awesome race swag includes a comfy t-shirt, goody bag and a unique finisher medal!

Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.

The race is located in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville, North Carolina. The entire race is run throughout the Town Square and the surrounding neighborhoods within Biltmore Park, and the course is USATF Certified!

The 23nd Annual Asheville Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble 1 Mile Fun Run presented by Jus’ Running is Thanksgiving Day- Thursday, November 23, 2023. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to MANNA Food Bank. Early packet pickup will be Wednesday November 22 at “The Wedge At Foundation Cloud Room 5 Foundy St Asheville NC from 3:00 pm until 6 pm. There will be late registration there also. Keep in mind shirts aren’t guaranteed during late registration. Race day packet pick up will be at Pack Square Park from 7am until 8:30am. The race starts on Woodfin St in front of the Downtown YMCA and finishes at Pack Square Park. Please note, due to restrictions NO DOGS/ PETS are allowed. Please don’t bring them. The course is not completely closed so this is for safety purposes. Race timing will be provided by Right on Time Productions.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

A two-hour experiential workshop on abundance, gratitude, and the transformative power of giving, thoughtfully hosted by Whit Zeh, Happy Body studio manager, and Doug Zeh, Happy Body affiliate. At this unique workshop, we’ll guide you through an exploration sure to enrich your life with a deeper sense of abundance, gratitude, and the art of giving back to the world. The evening will kick off with gentle movement and meditation to help you center your mind and open your heart, setting the stage for a profound learning experience. Whether you’re new to these concepts or a seasoned practitioner, this workshop provides a valuable opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and connect with a community of individuals dedicated to self-discovery and personal growth.

Event Details:

Date: Giving Tuesday, November 28th

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Happy Body Biltmore Village, 25 Reed St. Suite 210

Workshop Highlights:

Abundance: Discover the abundance that surrounds you every day and learn how to harness it in your life.

Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, allowing you to find joy in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life.

Giving: Explore the power of giving and how it can create a ripple effect of positivity in your life and the lives of others.

Reserve your spot today and be part of this empowering experience.

Are you yearning for a more intimate and personalized yoga experience? Look no further! Happy Body, your haven for pilates, yoga, and massage, is excited to introduce our exclusive small yoga classes tailored just for you!

🌈 What Sets Us Apart: ✨ Intimate Setting: Enjoy the tranquility of a small group setting with classes limited to 6-8 people, fostering a sense of community and connection. ✨ Personalized Attention: Our experienced instructors can focus on your individual needs, ensuring a more tailored and effective practice. ✨ Serene Studio Space: Immerse yourself in a peaceful and inviting environment designed to enhance your yoga journey.

📅 Reserve Your Spot: https://www.ashevillehappybody.com/yogaclasses

🌟 Come, Find Your Happy Body! 🌟

Are you yearning for a more intimate and personalized yoga experience? Look no further! Happy Body, your haven for pilates, yoga, and massage, is excited to introduce our exclusive small yoga classes tailored just for you!

🌈 What Sets Us Apart: ✨ Intimate Setting: Enjoy the tranquility of a small group setting with classes limited to 6-8 people, fostering a sense of community and connection. ✨ Personalized Attention: Our experienced instructors can focus on your individual needs, ensuring a more tailored and effective practice. ✨ Serene Studio Space: Immerse yourself in a peaceful and inviting environment designed to enhance your yoga journey.

📅 Reserve Your Spot: https://www.ashevillehappybody.com/yogaclasses

🌟 Come, Find Your Happy Body! 🌟

Walk With Ease is designed to help people reduce pain and discomfort of arthritis, increase balance and strength, reduce disability, build confidence in the ability to be physically active and improve overall health among older adults. The program is also helpful for people with chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease. Walk with Ease Madison will be offered at the Otis Duck Trail, Mars Hill. Group meets at the Mars Hill University Softball Field Parking Lot.  Please contact Brea Kuykendall at [email protected] or call 828-251-7438 to register.

Got stress? International speaker and stress physiologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss is here to help!

With a show full of humor, audience interaction and practical tips and tricks to recalibrate and reframe our stress (perfect for the holidays!), Rebecca takes us on a personal journey to transform our fears into fuel to propel us forward. For anyone that’s struggled with imposter thoughts, lack of worthiness, and overwhelm, it’s time to take back your power over these limiting thoughts.

With research designated as “transformative” by the National Science Foundation, find out why Rebecca is one of the most in demand speakers and entertainers on stages across the world.

For more information, visit the official site.

Don’t miss the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Run 5K and 10K presented by Hunter Subaru! The race is set for Saturday, December 2nd at the Riveter in Fletcher, NC! Ugly Sweaters and holiday cheer are strongly encouraged!

Join iDaph Events for a festive 5K and 10K hosted by the Riveter, the nation’s premier indoor climbing gym, bike park, and wellness arena. The courses start at the Riveter and run along scenic and rural paved and farm roads, and return to the Riveter for even more merriment. There’ll be delicious food, drinks, and refreshments (including adult beverages and coffee), and plenty of activities including a premier bike park and a climbing wall.

The races include something for everyone! A 5k, and a 10k (double loop)! Everyone receives a free, cozy, ugly sweater shirt until the deadline, a Hunter Subaru swag bag, and a finisher Christmas ornament! All levels and abilities are welcome! Run a relaxed pace and take selfies, OR run your heart out and try to get a personal best!

Find your rhythm with Lululemon Ambassador Briar Buchanan in The Solarium!
This barre-inspired workout combines dancer-like movements with low-impact cardio to get your blood flowing and your body moving. The event is free to all. Just bring your own yoga mat and water bottle to start grooving.

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Flow with us at our Rooftop Yoga Series hosted by Asheville Community Yoga! This powerful Vinyasa flow is perfect for yogis of every experience level. Bring your water bottle and your mat to The Solarium on the 6th Floor of The Restoration Hotel and get ready to feel restored.

Come join Heather Bauer as we explore the “Active, But Care-full” (ABCs) of falls prevention. This free session at the Weaverville Library is for anyone of any age who is interested in staying strong, grounded, and independent! We will discuss and assess fall risk with nationally recognized tools, share resources, and practice gentle seated exercises. Each participant will take home a falls risk score, prevention tools, home safety assessment, and a greater understanding of what we can do to reduce our risks! This free class is Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. and you do need to register. Call the library 250-6482 or come by to sign up.

Instructor Heather Bauer is a long-time falls prevention coach and consultant, trained in evidence-based falls prevention programming. She has worked in aging services since 2006, in-home care agencies and community-based human service non-profits. She is a firm believer in living well at any age. She lives in Waynesville with her family, facilitates falls prevention programming across the United States, and co-owns a local pickle business where she stays active in farmers markets and works with customers across WNC.

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program!

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

WEDNESDAY HIKE
Asheville urban hike 5+ miles

Please join us for a brisk downtown hike! The planned route will include neighborhoods, wooded trail, and views of the city from the ridge. We planned this route with the lovely views and fall foliage in mind. 🍁🍂

Please remember to bring or wear a headlamp, bright colors, and reflective gear if you have it. Keep in mind that we will be walking on some roads without sidewalks however, they are not heavily trafficked. 🦺

We will start and end the hike at White Labs where we can enjoy food and drinks after.

Join us for an enriching and experiential meetup, where we’ll explore the powerful connection between body, mind, and heart. The session will begin with a Meditation for Emotional Healing, a proven method to alleviate the impact of unhealthy emotions. Led by Bill, a Heartfulness meditation certified trainer and valued member of our meetup, this 15-20 minute meditation invites both beginners and experienced practitioners to delve into the transformative journey of inner balance. We’ll follow up with an emotion identification and coloring exercise. Come, engage in these exercises designed to deepen your connection with self, and discover the profound synergy of mind-body-heart alignment.