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, May 18, 2025
“Empty Bowls” Benefiting Flat Rock Backpack Program
May 18 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
St. John in the Wilderness.  

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!

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Healthy Trees, Thriving Landscapes
May 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 24 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 25 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Monday, May 26, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 26 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 27 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Purple Party! Using Lavender
May 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 28 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 29 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 30 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Saturday, May 31, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 31 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
Jun 1 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Friday, June 6, 2025
Nature Photography Weekend
Jun 6 @ 8:00 am – Jun 8 @ 3:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours.

This revamped version of the popular weekend will include changes to better welcome all levels of photographers, making it more fun and engaging for all – while better connecting participants with the wonders and unique ecology of Grandfather Mountain. This year, more than ever, we hope to not only help participants learn about photography, but to also inspire them to preserve the natural world. Activities begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday midday.

June 6, 2025 @8:00 am – June 8, 2025 @3:00 pm

Saturday, June 7, 2025
55th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale
Jun 7 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brevard College Boshamer Gym

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Sunday, June 8, 2025
55th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale
Jun 8 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brevard College Boshamer Gym

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Monday, June 9, 2025
55th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brevard College Boshamer Gym

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
55th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brevard College Boshamer Gym

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Fairy Tea Party
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

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.

Gardening and Planting for Pollinators 2025
Jun 10 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
55th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale
Jun 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brevard College Boshamer Gym

The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.

Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.

Animal Birthday Party
Jun 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Join us to celebrate the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park’s wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants. Millie the Bear, the mountain’s mascot, will make special appearances throughout the day. Events begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. Join for one activity or all. Included with admission.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Fairy Tea Party
Jun 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

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.

Thursday, June 26, 2025
 Courage in Bloom
Jun 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing
Save the date for Courage in Bloom , Our Voice’s first annual celebration of resilience, community, and hope. This special event honors the strength of survivors, the dedication of our community partners, and the collective effort to end sexual violence and human trafficking.
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Where: Highland Brewing, 6–9 PM
Enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a heartfelt awards ceremony.
Early bird tickets go on sale March 2025. Stay tuned for event updates and news!
Want to make a difference? Learn about sponsorship and silent auction opportunities by emailing [email protected] .
Together, we can uplift survivors, prevent violence, and create a future where compassion and safety thrive.
Monday, July 7, 2025
PARI Summer Camps Above and Beyond
Jul 7 – Jul 18 all-day
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Best for students entering 9th-12th grade.
Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camping experience designed to immerse high school students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills.
Originally developed in partnership with Duke University and refined for nearly two decades, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for adventure and fun.
The process followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career is modeled to show how new discoveries are made about the universe. Campers are provided the tools and guided through the process by professionals who have made space their life’s work.
This year’s camp will focus on the unique challenges of human space exploration, near and far. From the impact of stars on the planets in their systems, to the composition of atmospheres and regolith, we’ll present the tools to answer a myriad of questions that could one day help humanity spread beyond Earth.
How do we find water or breathable atmosphere, or can they be made? How do we measure radiation from a star or classify exoplanets? Can a cave or lava tube on Mars provide adequate shelter for humans? What resources can be harvested from asteroids? Maybe you’ll help answer a question like these.

Saturday, July 12, 2025
Fairy Tea Party
Jul 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

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.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Animal Enrichment Day
Jul 30 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. Visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission.

Saturday, August 9, 2025
Junior Naturalist Day
Aug 9 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for our new Conservation Campus! Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer.

Saturday, August 23, 2025
HarvestFest Supporting ASAP
Aug 23 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Olivette Riverside Community and Farm

Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday August 23rd for a very special benefit show in support of ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. HarvestFest is a celebration of local farmers, community and music. Doors open at 3pm with family games and activities and live music.
In honor of our local farmers and all they do to sustain our community, all farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. All ticket proceeds will go towards the ASAP Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.

Monday, September 1, 2025
Hawk Watch
Sep 1 – Sep 30 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration.

Saturday, September 6, 2025
54th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 6 all-day
Grandfather Mountain