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 world’s leading experts in autism are joining together again for the 7th annual Converge Autism Summit, hosted by the nationally renowned autism treatment program at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health on March 4th and 5th in Greenville, South Carolina. Hear keynote addresses by animator, educator, and entrepreneur Dani Bowman; MS, BCBA, LBA, Lauren McCarthy; founder of A Special Needs Plan and Certified Special Care Planner, Ryan Platt; and, TEACCH Certified Advanced Consultant and founding member of the National Autism Network of Statewide Implementers, Heidi Carico. Additional speakers will represent a variety of fields including Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Analysis, Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, and Youth Psychiatry. Group rates and virtual tickets are available. For more information, visit https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/NCAS/registration
Arboretum visitors will witness some of the most surprising animal behavior in the new National Geographic exhibition, “The Greatest Wildlife Photographs.” The very best wildlife pictures from the pages of National Geographic magazine have been chosen to be displayed in this exhibition. Curated by renowned nature picture editor, Kathy Moran, this exhibition is a celebratory look at wildlife with images taken by National Geographic’s most iconic photographers such as, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Steve Winter, Paul Nicklen, Beverly Joubert, David Doubilet and more. Showcasing the evolution of photography, the images convey how innovations such as camera traps, remote imaging, and underwater technology have granted photographers access to wildlife in their natural habitat.
For 115 years, National Geographic has pioneered and championed the art of wildlife photography, and captivated generations of engaged audiences with a steady stream of extraordinary images of animals in nature. From the very first such image to appear – a reindeer in 1903 – National Geographic Society’s publications have broken new ground and push the bar higher again and again, establishing an unmatched legacy of artistic, scientific, and technical achievement. These are the Greatest Wildlife Photographs. This is included with admission to NC Arboretum.
Lunch & Learn: Hurricanes and Climate Change With NCICS scientists
ON-SITE | Wednesday, March 5 | 11 am – 1 pm
This Lunch & Learn session, led by Carl Schreck from the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, will begin with a presentation and discussion on hurricanes and climate change, with a focus on Hurricane Helene. Discussion topics will include hurricane-related trends, impacts, responses, and resilience. Participants will then head over to the Climate Reference Network (CRN) station on campus (weather permitting), where scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will describe the history and purpose of the CRN station, the instruments used to measure the weather, and answer any questions. Note that attendees can drive to the weather station, but a small amount of walking is necessary to access the equipment.
Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.
Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.
Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better! In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.
By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.
By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.
March 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better! In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.
March 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
The Olivette Farm 5K & Fun Run, hosted by Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery, will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM. This unique race offers an early spring challenge for both competitive and novice runners with an on-and-off-road course through the beautiful Olivette Community and Farm. After the race, attendees can enjoy an after-party featuring local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds will support the sustainable farming mission of Olivette Farm.
Planning Your Multi-Use Native Garden with Sarah Coury and Ben Pick
ON-SITE | Saturday, March 8 | 10 am – 12 pm
Native plants are beautiful, low maintenance, ecologically beneficial and bestow a distinct sense of place to cultivated landscapes. This class will guide students in planning a native garden to serve multiple purposes, including choosing species that are beneficial pollinator sources, important larval host plants, species for cut flowers, ornamental display, and edible gardens.
Winter Warm-Up | Saturday, March 8 | 1-4 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Road, Arden | Bring your family, friends, and love for the outdoors to enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, crafts, play, and more and celebrate the changing season. The program is free, and no registration is required.
8 silk brocades qi gong workshop is open to all levels. Each movement in this set of 8 represents our ancestry, epigenetics, and destiny. Learn all 8 exercises or drop in for just a few. Stance training, posture and meditative movements for your health. It’s a super sophisticated qi gong form but simple to learn. I would love to invite anyone who’s new to internal martial arts or is simply searching for more comfortable safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ plus. The class will be offered in person at Shaolin kung fu in West Asheville starting on Feb 16 on Sundays at 10am for six weeks. Suggested donation for each class but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Center your mind, body and spirit with a soothing Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
**REMEMBER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME TODAY! SPRING FORWARD 1 HOUR**
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences. (Suggested Retail $25)
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
Bonsai Demo: Resurrection of the Chase Grove with Arthur Joura
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 9 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm
In 1997, the Arboretum received a donation of a bonsai tray landscape featuring Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress. The donation came from a well-known bonsai artist in Pennsylvania named Chase Rosade. This large and popular planting was often on display in the bonsai garden, until 2021 when it was taken off display because the unique fabricated container in which it was planted began to crumble. A new container has been made and now it’s time to rebuild the landscape and get it back on display.
McHone Performance Training (MPT) is pleased to announce its official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce on March 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. This event marks both the long-awaited opening of MPT’s premier training facility and a celebration of resilience following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.
Event Details: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: McHone Performance Training
5 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 130, Asheville, NC
The event will include:
• Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce
• Exclusive Training & Membership Promotions
• Facility Tours showcasing the fully restored and upgraded space
• Networking Opportunities with local businesses and community members
• Celebratory Reception
Members of the Asheville community, local athletes, and supporters are invited to attend. RSVPs via Facebook are encouraged to assist with event planning.
For more information about McHone Performance Training and event details, visit McHonePerformanceTraining.com or follow @McHonePerformanceTraining on Facebook and Instagram.
Meadows don’t have to be massive to contribute to the biodiversity and beauty of a landscape. Many gardeners are learning how to incorporate meadow style plantings in their home or small business landscapes. Join us for our engaging workshop on creating a meadow style landscape feature. Learn from Crissy Dzielak, Vice President and co-owner of Landmark Landscapes about the plants, installation techniques, and maintenance practices that bring these vibrant, naturalistic landscapes to life.
Topics covered include:
Plant Selection: Understand which grasses, wildflowers, and perennials are ideal for meadow-style plantings, focusing on native and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our region.
Installation Techniques: Learn step-by-step methods for preparing your site, sowing seeds, and planting plugs to establish a thriving meadow.
Maintenance Practices: Gain insights into sustainable practices for managing weeds, supporting plant diversity, and maintaining the health and beauty of your meadow over time.
This talk is perfect for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts looking to create low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial, and visually stunning meadow landscapes. Join us to explore meadow style plantings and how they can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife and a feast for the eyes.
March 12, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Fishes of the Southern Appalachians with Carlton Burke
ON-SITE | Thursday, March 13 | 12 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Wildlife of the Blue Ridge Core Credit
The Southern Appalachian region is rich with a variety of fish species. These include not only the better known species of game fish that we love to catch for sport or food, but also include an incredible diversity of smaller, lesser-known non-game fish, which play an important role in the ecology of our aquatic mountain habitats. In this class we will discuss many of the fish species found in the mountain region and learn about their classification, habitat, life cycles, and their identifying features.
This program includes a lab portion of the class where students will see some features of fish hands on with real fish specimens.
Originally scheduled in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene,
a free dementia workshop is back on the calendar at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the
Wilderness. “Learning to Dance with Dementia: When to Lead, When to Follow and When to Get
Out of the Way” will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 1 pm until 3:30 pm in the Parish
Hall across the street from the church, located at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.
Unlock the secrets to compassionate and effective dementia care at this workshop with Mary
Donnelly, a dynamic dementia consultant. This interactive session offers insight and strategies to
help caregivers navigate the delicate balance of communicating with a person whose brain is
changing.
Discover how to harmonize your approach with the unique needs of the person in your care,
fostering a more fulfilling less stressful caregiving experience. Join us to enhance your skills and
learn how to dance gracefully through the challenges of dementia care.
Dementia has and is touching so many of our loved ones, including event organizer Ronnie Doty. “I
began this journey of dementia with my husband," Doty said. "I used every resource available so I
could know what lies ahead. If you are informed about the disease you can become a much better
caregiver."
Limited seating is available for this seminar but participants must RSVP by visiting
http://bit.ly/dancewithdementia. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.
Join the Southeast’s largest gathering of farmers, gardeners, and sustainability advocates at Organic Growers School’s (OGS) 2025 Spring Conference! This year’s theme, Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal, focuses on building stronger, more sustainable communities.
Highlights include:
🌱 32+ workshops across 8 tracks (Gardening, Soils, Mushrooms, and more)
🌱 New tracks on off-grid systems, mutual aid, and resilience practices
🌱 Inspiring expert speakers like Dan Brisebois, Pam Dawling, and Chris Smith
Special Features:
Community Room, exhibitor hall, Southeastern Seed & Plant Exchange, and delicious local meals.
🎟️ Early Bird Deal: 50% off weekend and single-day passes! Register now: organicgrowersschool.org/spring-conference
Protecting our Native Hemlocks: Treatment Demonstration with Hemlock Restorative Initiative
ON-SITE | Friday, March 14 | 1 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Elective Credit
Join Hemlock Restoration Initiative staff for a demonstration and workshop in the Arboretum forest to learn the fundamentals of treating hemlock trees to protect them from the invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid. Designed for a general audience, this workshop is great for homeowners who steward hemlocks on their property or for anyone interested in learning treatment basics. Today hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than ever before!
You Are Here: Understanding Maps with Anton DuMars
ON-SITE | Saturday, March 15 | 1 – 3:30 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit
With GPS built into our phones and cars, we are increasingly in danger of losing our ways of navigating. Expand your understanding of topographic and geologic maps with this course taught by Geologist Anton DuMars. An in-class portion will focus on an investigation of map symbols, scales, dates, color-coding, water features, and other attributes that are used to interpret data on topographic and geologic maps into. Then the class will move outside for a skills session to interpret real-world features within a map, stepping off on some exploration at the Arboretum. If you have one, please bring a handheld compass with you to the class but we will have some for students to borrow if needed.
This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
8 silk brocades qi gong workshop is open to all levels. Each movement in this set of 8 represents our ancestry, epigenetics, and destiny. Learn all 8 exercises or drop in for just a few. Stance training, posture and meditative movements for your health. It’s a super sophisticated qi gong form but simple to learn. I would love to invite anyone who’s new to internal martial arts or is simply searching for more comfortable safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ plus. The class will be offered in person at Shaolin kung fu in West Asheville starting on Feb 16 on Sundays at 10am for six weeks. Suggested donation for each class but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Drawn to Nature with Matt Reyna
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 16 | 10am – 12:30pm
Join us for a Sunday morning reserved for creative self-care. Using basic mark-makers (pencils, graphite, etc) we’ll explore the instinctual, yet undervalued act of drawing–through the lens of nature. Choose your own focus – capture grand mountain views from our classroom, work on a collective nature still life, or hone in on the small details of nature on your own. Weather depending, students may choose to sketch outside.
Basic art materials, hot tea, and a welcoming atmosphere will be provided. All skill levels welcome! Feel free to bring your own materials, but kindly keep wet media (paints, etc) at home.
This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens, and what better way to begin than with our Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Join us to learn the essentials of starting your own vegetable garden, including information about plants that do best in our area.
In this class, experienced teacher and former director John Murphy will guide you through the fundamentals of vegetable gardening. You’ll discover the best practices for soil preparation, seed selection, planting, and maintaining a thriving garden. This class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own fresh and healthy vegetables.
Get ready to dig in and start your journey to a bountiful summer harvest.
Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens, and what better way to begin than with our Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Join us to learn the essentials of starting your own vegetable garden, including information about plants that do best in our area.
In this class, experienced teacher and former director John Murphy will guide you through the fundamentals of vegetable gardening. You’ll discover the best practices for soil preparation, seed selection, planting, and maintaining a thriving garden. This class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own fresh and healthy vegetables.
Get ready to dig in and start your journey to a bountiful summer harvest. March 17, 2025, 1-3pm.
Spring can be a time where life starts to suddenly speed up as the winter chill melts away. Take some time for a guided mindful walk through the garden with short therapeutic horticulture activities incorporated throughout the walk. This class is great for anyone needing to take time to slow down, anyone curious about what therapeutic horticulture actually is, or anyone wishing to get to know Bullington Gardens better.
Two different dates to choose from!
Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00-11:00 or Wednesday, March 19th, 9:00-11:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.
Scouting the First Signs of Spring with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Tuesday, March 18 | 2 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit
Spring is an exciting time of the year and even more so this year after the destruction following Tropical Storm Helene last year. Join Lauren on an exploration to find the first signs of spring! During this class we will also discuss the study of phenology and it is important to record the timing of spring’s events especially for climate scientists.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Spring can be a time where life starts to suddenly speed up as the winter chill melts away. Take some time for a guided mindful walk through the garden with short therapeutic horticulture activities incorporated throughout the walk. This class is great for anyone needing to take time to slow down, anyone curious about what therapeutic horticulture actually is, or anyone wishing to get to know Bullington Gardens better.
Two different dates to choose from!
Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00-11:00 or Wednesday, March 19th, 9:00-11:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.
Geology of the Blue Ridge I with Anton DuMars
ON-SITE | Wednesday, March 19 | 12 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Geology of the Blue Ridge Core Credit
This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with lecture presentations, discussions and self-guided explorations in the field. The course begins with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tectonics, progresses to a model for the formation of the southern Appalachians and then describes the surficial processes that generate the current mountain topography. Discussion will also include an overview of geologic processes that affect these mountains today: earthquakes, mass movements and floods.
Leading a Nature Hike 101 with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Friday, March 21 | 1 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Capstone Credit
Leading a group on a hike in nature comes naturally to some people but for others it is a skill developed over time. In this class we will talk about best practices for how to safely and efficiently lead a group on a hike in nature as well as what planning is necessary before the day of the hike. We will discuss possible hazards to keep an eye on and what to do in case of an emergency in “front country” hiking areas such as many trails in the Asheville area.
This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
Forest Bathing Retreat: Spring Awakening & Renewal with Asheville Wellness Tours
ON-SITE | Saturday, March 22 | 1 – 4 pm
The changing seasons are rich with wisdom and guidance. Winter is a time for rest and dreaming, followed by spring, ripe with opportunities for renewal and growth. Cultivate those winter dreams and invite them to birth into reality during this enlivening afternoon retreat. Let your most authentic Self emerge from within and flourish amidst the beauty of the early spring!
Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a gentle journey through the awakening forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the Spring Equinox in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Soil Health for Gardeners with Laura Lengnick
ON-SITE | Saturday, March 22 | 1 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Core
Learn why healthy soils are critical to the well being of our communities and how to cultivate landscapes that promote soil health. This practical, hands-on course will teach you how to conduct simple soil tests using tools you can find in your kitchen to monitor the health of your soil. Participants can bring a soil sample from their garden to test in this class.