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.
Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel
Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8 | 12 – 4 pm
Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.
Discover the delicate and fleeting world of ephemeral flowers, mosses, and ferns that grace our landscapes with their beauty. Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast and learn to identify these early spring wonders, understand their unique lifecycles, and explore their roles in the ecosystem.
Using a Key to ID Wildflowers with Scott Dean
Thursday, April 10 | 10 am – 1 pm
Identifying wildflowers can both be an art and a technical field of study. Most popular field guides include some kind of key to help users identify flowers that they see out in nature but learning how to use one can be a challenge. Join Scott Dean on this brand new class on how to use the non-technical keys found in two wildflower field guides: Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide and Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast. Also bring your hand lens/jeweler’s loupe to inspect plants up close and we recommend using a 7 – 10x power lens for this class.
We will have a few copies of each guide and some hand lenses to borrow but please bring your own if you have them.
This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
A Community Fundraising Event Benefiting Blue Ridge Humane Society
Support Local, Save Local Animals
Join Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) for Paws for a Purpose, a signature fundraising weekend dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support our mission of ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and surrounding communities.
Throughout the weekend, local businesses and individuals host fundraisers, helping animals in need while strengthening our community. By supporting small, locally owned businesses during this event, you contribute directly to the well-being of pets in our neighborhoods. In 2024, over 50 companies participated. We can’t wait to see who signs up this year!
Get Involved
We invite local businesses to participate by hosting fundraisers or special events. Whether it’s a percentage-of-sales donation, a themed event, or a pet-friendly gathering, every contribution makes a difference! Check out our Business Sign Up Page for more info or to sign up!
To find out more information, email [email protected] for more details.
Arboretum Excursions: Highlands Biological Station with Patrick Brannon
Saturday, April 12 | 1 – 4 pm
Since 1927, the mission of WCU’s Highlands Biological Station has been to foster education and research focused on the rich biodiversity of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Through its Nature Center exhibits, hands-on educational STEM programs, and immersive biological field experiences, HBS seeks to instill a greater awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our region and the natural world. Participants in this workshop will have opportunities to tour the Station’s facilities such as the Nature Center exhibits, research laboratories, and Botanical Garden Trails – which feature more than 500 species of native plants including old-growth hemlock trees.
Although scientists working at Highlands Biological Station have conducted research on a wide variety of species over the years, no group of animals has been studied more thoroughly than salamanders. After the tour, participants will learn about the region’s high biodiversity including salamanders, and then be given an opportunity to collect and identify species in an onsite stream. Please bring shoes that can potentially get wet (these need not be “water shoes”; old sneakers are fine).
Please visit www.highlandsbiological.org for additional information.
This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Forest Bathing Retreat: Celebrating Mother Earth with Asheville Wellness Tours
Saturday, April 12 | 2 – 5pm
April is Earth Month, a time to honor our precious planet and take action to protect her. Celebrate spring while cultivating your relationship with Mother Earth, yourself, and others, during this rejuvenating afternoon nature immersion retreat.
Your guide will lead you on a gentle journey through the spring forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience 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 uneven terrain and dress appropriately for the weather.
Unleash your creativity at Bullington Gardens by learning to craft your very own hypertufa open roof planter! This hands-on class will guide you through the process of mixing and molding hypertufa—a lightweight, durable material perfect for garden containers. All materials are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to create a unique piece for your garden. Whether you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your outdoor space or simply enjoy a fun afternoon of crafting, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Join us for a memorable experience and take home a beautiful, handcrafted container! April 18th, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. $ 45.00. Class limit 10.
WNC Parade of Homes (rescheduled from Oct, 2024)
The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes will take place on the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4. This free, self-guided showcase will feature a wide range of styles and price points. The homes range from a barndominium to luxury mountain retreats, and from net-zero energy homes to full home remodels. For more information visit For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com
WNC Parade of Homes (rescheduled from Oct, 2024)
The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes will take place on the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4. This free, self-guided showcase will feature a wide range of styles and price points. The homes range from a barndominium to luxury mountain retreats, and from net-zero energy homes to full home remodels. For more information visit For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com
Get ready to lace up and represent your business at the 2025 Chamber Challenge 5K! This fun, community-focused event encourages wellness and friendly competition among Asheville-area businesses. Whether you’re walking every step or racing to the finish, we know you’re up for the challenge!
Join us in person on May 2nd or participate virtually.
Important Deadlines & Details:
- Register by April 13th at midnight to receive a short-sleeve shirt with your registration!
- After April 13th, shirts will be available in limited quantities and sizes.
- Registering a large group (25+ participants)? Contact Judi Willard at [email protected] for assistance.
To stay updated—text cc5k to 828-827-5332 to receive event notifications (you can opt out anytime).
WNC Parade of Homes (rescheduled from Oct, 2024)
The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes will take place on the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4. This free, self-guided showcase will feature a wide range of styles and price points. The homes range from a barndominium to luxury mountain retreats, and from net-zero energy homes to full home remodels. For more information visit For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com
WNC Parade of Homes (rescheduled from Oct, 2024)
The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes will take place on the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4. This free, self-guided showcase will feature a wide range of styles and price points. The homes range from a barndominium to luxury mountain retreats, and from net-zero energy homes to full home remodels. For more information visit For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com
This class offers a creative, hands-on experience perfect for all skill levels! Participants will decorate terracotta pots using vibrant paints to transform each one into a heartfelt gift just in time for Mother’s Day. Feel free to get creative with your design! Everyone will get seeds to take home with them to plant in the pot once the paint is dry, creating a thoughtful and lasting token of appreciation for Mother’s Day.
Tuesday May 6th, 2:00 – 4:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount is hosting the annual TACKLE THE TAR 5K Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Day at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. Our first heat begins with our Kid’s 1-mile fun run at 8:45 A.M. and festivities will continue until noon.
All proceeds from this event go directly to the funding of college scholarships for deserving students in the Rocky Mount Area. Since 2016, thanks to you, we have raised and awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to youth in our community. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of so many!
Tackle the Tar is a 5K Obstacle Course Race that begins at the Rocky Mount Sports complex and courses through historic Battle Park and the E.B. Grain Company property. It comes complete with a MUD PIT and 15+ OBSTACLES to overcome. All racers will receive: T-shirt, medal, one free beer (if over 21), and goodie bag
Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the 8th year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area. On Sunday, May 18, Empty Bowls, a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.
Advanced tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm. Attendees of the event may come any time during their seating window. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemade cookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.
Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Limited tickets may be available at the door on the day of the event.
The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church building, at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, write to [email protected]. Click the button below to get your Empty Bowls tickets today!
In this series of classes learn about tree health care and maintenance.
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.
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!
May 22, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Let’s dive deep into lavender! Participants will learn about the history of this plant, discover how it’s used to promote relaxation and wellness, and make their own DIY lavender products to take home. We will make bath salts, pillow sprays, and tea blends to bring relaxation home!
Tuesday May 27, 2025, 2:00-4:00. $25.00/$21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.
During this event, the resident artists at Grovewood Village in Asheville will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. This is a free, self-guided, explore-at-your-own-pace tour.
Additionally, these creatives will have pieces available for purchase at the adjacent Grovewood Gallery, which is offering a 10% discount on nearly all items and complimentary libations from Metro Wines.
Grovewood Village is home to eight working artist studios and a yoga studio, located in a historic building originally constructed for the weaving operations of Biltmore Industries. Once a key player in the Appalachian Craft Revival of the early 20th century, Biltmore Industries was renowned for producing the celebrated Biltmore Handwoven Homespun. Today, these same workshops are alive with creativity, as resident artists craft jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and more, honoring the legacy of craftsmanship that began here over a century ago.
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Three different dates to choose from!
June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.
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.
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!
Tuesday June 10, 1:00 – 3:00
Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Three different dates to choose from!
June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.
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Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Three different dates to choose from!
June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.