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.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Whiskers on Wednesday-Adoption Event
Dec 14 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
PetSmart

May be an image of cat and text

Join us Wednesdays at Petsmart , Bleachery Blvd, from 6:00-8:00 pm to meet some of MPR AVL’s finest felines!
All cats and kittens at the event are spayed/neutered, FIV/FELV tested, current on vaccines, microchipped, dewormed and started on flea preventative, so we encourage you to bring a carrier to take home your new furry friend(s)!
Read more about all of the adoptable cats and kittens at MPRAVL.org!
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Pint Night
Dec 15 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Monday, December 19, 2022
Music Bingo Mondays
Dec 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Trivia Tuesday
Dec 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Trivia!

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for a good time and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Wine Wednesday
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Wine Wednesday

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!

Whiskers on Wednesday-Adoption Event
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
PetSmart

May be an image of cat and text

Join us Wednesdays at Petsmart , Bleachery Blvd, from 6:00-8:00 pm to meet some of MPR AVL’s finest felines!
All cats and kittens at the event are spayed/neutered, FIV/FELV tested, current on vaccines, microchipped, dewormed and started on flea preventative, so we encourage you to bring a carrier to take home your new furry friend(s)!
Read more about all of the adoptable cats and kittens at MPRAVL.org!
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Pint Night
Dec 22 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Whiskers on Wednesday-Adoption Event
Dec 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
PetSmart

May be an image of cat and text

Join us Wednesdays at Petsmart , Bleachery Blvd, from 6:00-8:00 pm to meet some of MPR AVL’s finest felines!
All cats and kittens at the event are spayed/neutered, FIV/FELV tested, current on vaccines, microchipped, dewormed and started on flea preventative, so we encourage you to bring a carrier to take home your new furry friend(s)!
Read more about all of the adoptable cats and kittens at MPRAVL.org!
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Pint Night
Dec 29 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Saturday, January 14, 2023
Adoption Event with Mountain Pet Rescue
Jan 14 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

What’s better than brews and pups? Come by Saturday, January 14th from 1-4 for an adoption event with our friends from Mountain Pet Rescue!

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Hybrid | Jennie Liu launches Enly and the Buskin’ Blues
Feb 7 @ 6:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Free hybrid event with an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats available to attend the in-store. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Jennie Liu launches her middle grade novel, “Enly and the Buskin’ Blues” about twelve-year-old Enly Wu Lewis, who sets out to earn the money for music camp on his own, by busking with an obscure instrument he can only kind of play.

Saturday, March 25, 2023
The Kitten Shower
Mar 25 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Guidon Brewing Company

Have social time meet our staff and current fosters and get to know more about our Foster Program. Games, snacks, and other goodies will be provided for attendees and donations of much-needed kitten items are encouraged. Items requested include vital supplies like kitten formula and food, kitten warmers, bottles, and supplements that give foster kittens the needed boost to grow into healthy adult cats.

The full kitten supply list is available on the Blue Ridge Humane Society website at https://www.blueridgehumane.org/donate/wish-list/. There are also options available for items to be purchased online and shipped directly to Blue Ridge Humane.

As the weather warms up, the birds, bees, and cats get busy. Soon, kittens start to appear in local animal shelters, “rescued” by well-meaning animal lovers. “We are coming on that time of year when animal lovers begin finding kittens outside,” says Angela Prodrick, Blue Ridge Humane’s Executive Director. “It is important to remember that the amount of community or feral cats in our county far outnumbers the number of people living in our community. If all the kittens were brought to a local shelter, the shelter would quickly become overwhelmed.”

If you find a kitten, here are a few simple things you can do to help save lives:

Instead of immediately springing into action once kittens are found, wait and watch. If the kittens aren’t visibly sick or injured, move away from the nest and wait to see if the mother returns. If the mother returns, you can help her by providing food and shelter while she raises the kittens.

If you discover that mom isn’t returning, or if it appears that she is not coming back, then you should remove the kittens. This is crucial to the kittens’ survival. The best place for kittens to grow is with a dedicated foster. Blue Ridge Humane provides kitten kits to help kitten rescuers turn into kitten fosters.

Once kittens are about 6-8 weeks old, a finder can look to get them spayed or neutered and adopted into new homes. If you find kittens that need care and you need supplies or advice, contact the BRHS Foster and Community Outreach Team at [email protected] or (828) 393-5832. Animal lovers can also view additional resources about what to do when kittens are found at https://www.blueridgehumane.org/resources/lost-found/kittens/.

Blue Ridge Humane offers kitten care support for volunteers, as well as comprehensive training and support for fosters in the BRHS foster program. To learn more about fostering, visit https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/foster/ or contact Michaela Okuda, Foster Program Coordinator at [email protected].

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 and dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

If you believe in our cause, consider donating or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Waggin’ Weekend with the Swamp Rabbits
Apr 1 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Bark your calendars for the last Doggie-Date-Night of the season! Thanks to our friends at Noble Dog Hotel, Saturday, April 1st you can bring your four legged pooch to the Swamp Rabbits Game for a fun night of hockey!

Sunday, April 23, 2023
First Sunday Jam of 2023 and Outdoor Taproom Opening Day
Apr 23 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Co.

Pisgah Brewing Company officially kicks off its 2023 season with Black Mountain’s original Sunday Jam, hosted Spiro and Friends!

This jam features original jams and favorite covers. Bring your instrument! Sign-ups at the stage starting at 6:00 PM!

Pisgah Beer, Gluten Free and N/A options available. Family and dog friendly venue.

The taproom is open from 2:00 to 9:00 PM with music beginning at 6:30 PM.

Photo credit: David Simchock Photography

Saturday, April 29, 2023
Urban Orchard Dog Adoption Event
Apr 29 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Co. - South Slope
Are you ready for an event that combines the best of both worlds? Join us for a pawsome dog adoption event at Urban Orchard Cider on the South Slope on Saturday, April 29th from 1-4 pm.
We promise a howling good time as you sip on delicious ciders and meet some of the most adorable and adoptable dogs around. Our furry friends will be ready to steal your heart and find their fur-ever homes.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Uncommon Market Adoption Event
Apr 30 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Uncommon Market
The Uncommon Market is in its 8th season of gathering makers of art and handmade items as well as curators of antique & vintage finds. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and maybe even take home a new loved one!
We will be on sight all day, so “pup” on by to meet your new forever friend and shop local!
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Barks and Books at 12 Bones South
May 7 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
12 Bones South
We’ve got paws AND pages! Join us Sunday, May 7th, from 12p-3p for our Barks and Books event.
We have a “tail-wagging” line-up of excited pups waiting for their furever home. Bring 3 pre-loved books and $10 to Headquarters or Thrift Hound May 1st through May 5th to get a ticket to our book swap. Stop in May 7th to exchange your ticket for 3 new “tails” of your choosing!
Our event is open to everyone, whether you’re a dog lover, book lover, or both! Come and browse through our collection of books while cuddling up and reading to the cutest dogs in town.
So, mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this paw-some event. Spread the word, share with your friends and join us in celebrating the joy of reading and the love of dogs. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thursday, May 11, 2023
A Whale of a Good Adoption Event
May 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Whale :: A Craft Beer Collective
Join us for a surprise Pup Up Adoption Event at The Whale in West Asheville on Thursday, 5/11, from 5p-8pm.
Come meet our furry friends and snag some pawsome MPR merch! It’s sure to be a whale of a good time!
Friday, May 26, 2023
American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial
May 26 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023.  The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

 

Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.

 

Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog.  The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.

 

The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.

 

Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace.  Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.

 

AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.

 

The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.

Saturday, May 27, 2023
American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial
May 27 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023.  The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

 

Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.

 

Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog.  The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.

 

The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.

 

Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace.  Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.

 

AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.

 

The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.

Sunday, May 28, 2023
American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial
May 28 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023.  The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

 

Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.

 

Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog.  The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.

 

The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.

 

Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace.  Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.

 

AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.

 

The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.

Monday, May 29, 2023
American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial
May 29 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023.  The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

 

Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.

 

Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog.  The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.

 

The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.

 

Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace.  Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.

 

AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.

 

The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Conflict Resolution in the Henderson County Community
Jun 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom - link provided with registration

Conflict Resolution in the Henderson County Community: Discover how you can contribute to a more peaceful community and how your local community mediation center can help

Join The Mediation Center for a conflict resolutions skills training for Henderson County community members. The webinar will provide participants with an understanding of the nature of conflict as a normal part of everyday life. Participants will learn quick tips for identifying the underlying interests of people who are experiencing conflict. With these skills, participants will be better equipped to support collaboration. In addition to conflict resolution skill-building, participants will learn about The Mediation Center’s free community mediation services in Henderson County. Participants to leave the webinar with a deeper understanding of what The Mediation Center does, what community mediation can accomplish, and how individuals can access community mediation services in Henderson County.

This is a FREE one-hour training provided by The Mediation Center. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, June 8, 2023
A Narrative from the Inside: Hendersonville’s 9th Avenue School
Jun 8 @ 6:00 pm
Zoom

Join the Asheville Museum of History Thursday, June 8 at 6pm for this special program. This hybrid event is held in-person at OLLI at UNC Asheville and livestreamed via Zoom. It will also be recorded.

Hendersonville’s 9th Avenue School—a union school merging grades 1-12—served African American students from Polk, Transylvania, and Henderson counties from 1951-1965. When the Brown v Board decisions eventually went into effect, the school finally became integrated in 1966, bringing great change and some challenges.

The presentation will share information from both the students and teachers perspective about: busing from surrounding counties, education expectations and what has been learned from the teachers’ perspective, their education qualifications, where they were from and where they resided while teaching at the 9th Avenue School, and what happened after integration.

About the Speaker:

Ronnie Pepper grew up in Hendersonville and attended the 9th Avenue School. He served in the U.S. army before becoming a Head Start teacher. In addition to researching and telling the story of the Happy Land Kingdom, Ronnie serves his community on numerous boards. He also serves as the Chair of the Black History Research Committee of Henderson County. He has travelled abroad representing Henderson County groups, and has won several awards for his work including the Spirit of Diversity Award by the Latino Advocacy Coalition of Henderson County and the Scholastic Early Childhood Professional Award. Ronnie is currently a librarian at the Hendersonville County Public Library, and a storyteller in the region.

Tickets: $5 for AMoH and OLLI members/ $10 for General Admission. We also have no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Viewing: Registrants will receive a Zoom link with which to view the program. It will also be recorded and later available on our website.

In-Person Location: Reuter Center, 300 Campus View Rd, Asheville, NC 28804

(Images: The newly-completed Hendersonville 9th Avenue School and first incoming class, in The Tiger [Yearbook], 1952, courtesy Henderson County Public Library)

For questions, email Trevor Freeman at [email protected]

Friday, June 16, 2023
Inaugural Bark + Bolt: Dog-Friendly 5k, One Mile and 100 Meter Paw Pursuit
Jun 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Patton Park

Ready, Set…WOOF! Experience the inaugural event of the summer and join us at Patton Park for a truly unique experience on Friday, June 16th for the Inaugural Bark & Bolt presented by Hunter Subaru in Hendersonville, NC!

This family and pup-friendly event will feature the Bark & Bolt 5k, One Mile, and 100 meter Paw Pursuit. The race will be followed by a Top Dog Contest and a Bark in the Park Dog Fair with local pet friendly vendors.

We invite participants of all fitness levels to join us: whether you’re an avid runner looking to have your pup tag along with you or someone just looking for an enjoyable walk, our event is sure to provide something for everyone. Not only will it give you the chance to explore Hendersonville’s beautiful parks and greenways with your pet but also be part of a cause that helps rescue pups find loving homes.

Join us to help make this inaugural event an unforgettable success! Sign up today and get ready to bark and bolt your way through this summer event!

Event Schedule

  • 4:45 – 6:30pm – Registration & Packet Pickup
  • 5:00 – 8:00pm – Bark in the Park

  • 6:00pm – One Mile Fun Run/Walk

  • 6:30pm – Paw Pursuit 100m Dash

  • 6:45pm – Bark & Bolt 5k Race Start

  • 7:45pm – Awards Ceremony

Courses

5k:

The Bark & Bolt 5k starting and finishing at Patton Park in Hendersonville, NC is the paw-fect race for you and your pup! This course is made up of a flat, fast out and back section along the beautiful Oklawaha Greenway. It’s all on a paved surface, so no need to worry about muddy paws! Don’t be fooled though – one short, stinker of a hill will get you back to the finish line, so make sure you and your four-legged friend are ready for the challenge. With great views and plenty of spectator friendly spots along the way, this race will be ruff to resist! So grab your pup and join us – you won’t be barking up the wrong tree with this one!

Leashed (no retractable leashes allowed), vaccinated and friendly dogs are required!

5k course map – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42022755

 

One Mile: 

The Bark & Bolt One Mile course is a perfect way to get your pup and your feet moving! Starting at Patton Park in Hendersonville, NC you can enjoy a relaxing run along the Oklawaha Greenway, which has a paved surface that will keep your pup’s paws comfy throughout. A single stinker hill awaits you on the way back to the finish line, but don’t worry – it’s the only one on the route. The rest of the way is flat and fast, making this course a treat for runners (and their furry teammates) of all ages and abilities. So leash up those tail-wagging wonders and get ready to bark and bolt through this fun one-mile adventure!

Leashed (no retractable leashes allowed), vaccinated and friendly dogs are required!

One mile course map – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42023092

 

Paw Pursuit:

The Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash is the ultimate test of canine athleticism and speed! This competition is only for the most well-behaved pups, so it’s time to see who is Top Dog. Dogs will be divided into three weight classes: Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight.

This Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash promises lots of fur-ocious fun for pet owners looking to find out just who is Top Dog!

Let’s see which pup has what it takes to come out on top as the most paw-some pup in town! So, get excited and get your pup ready to run!

Dog owners are encouraged to run alongside their pup! 

We are thrilled to announce JAMBAR will be the official nutrition/energy bar partner of the race!

JAMBARS were created by the co-founder of the original PowerBar, Jennifer Maxwell. Jennifer worked for four and a half years to create the perfect bar. “Everything in a JAMBAR you could eat off a spoon!” JAMBAR is featured in this month’s Runner’s World magazine as one of the top bars of the year for their Mango flavor! JAMBARS are

  • Certified organic & non-GMO
  • Crafted in small batches in the company’s own facility
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free
  • Made with real fruit and/or fair trade chocolate
  • Sweetened with authentic sweeteners from nature
  •  Offer 10 grams of protein per bar

JAMBAR also donates 50% of all after-tax profits to qualified nonprofits to support music, active living and community connections! You’ll find JAMBAR at the water station. Be sure to stop by and pick one up! With four delicious flavors to choose from, you’ll definitely “Get your jam on!”

Bark + Bolt 5k, One Mile + 100m Paw Pursuit
Jun 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Patton Park

Ready, Set…WOOF! Experience the inaugural event of the summer and join us at Patton Park for a truly unique experience on Friday, June 16th for the Inaugural Bark and Bolt presented by Hunter Subaru in Hendersonville, NC!

This family and pup-friendly event will feature the Bark and Bolt 5k, One Mile, and 100 meter Paw Pursuit. The race will be followed by a Top Dog Contest and a Bark in the Park Dog Fair with local pet friendly vendors.

We invite participants of all fitness levels to join us: whether you’re an avid runner looking to have your pup tag along with you or someone just looking for an enjoyable walk, our event is sure to provide something for everyone. Not only will it give you the chance to explore Hendersonville’s beautiful parks and greenways with your pet but also be part of a cause that helps rescue pups find loving homes.

Join us to help make this inaugural event an unforgettable success! Sign up today and get ready to bark and bolt your way through this summer event!

All human finishers will receive a finisher ‘dog tag’ at the finish line and pups will receive a Bark and Bolt custom/commemorative bandana!

Saturday, June 24, 2023
Yappy Hour
Jun 24 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

FREE | Bring those four-legged canines over for some happy tail-wagging at our Summer Dog Pawty! Come out for a great time celebrating these furever friends of ours. Giveaways for all. Prizes for best dog costume, best dog trick, & best at guessing the right amount of treats in a jar! Refreshments are provided for both humans & canines! Dogs must be on a leash.

Hora Feliz para Mascotas
GRATIS | ¡Trae a esos perros de cuatro patas para que disfruten de una cola feliz en nuestra Fiesta de Verano para Perros! Ven y diviértete celebrando a nuestros amigos de cuatro patas. ¡Habrá obsequios para todos! Premios para el mejor disfraz de perro, el mejor truco de perro y el mejor adivinador de la cantidad correcta de golosinas en un frasco. ¡Se proporcionarán refrigerios tanto para humanos como para caninos! Los perros deben ir con correa.

Blue Ridge Humane Society: Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl
Jun 24 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic 7th Avenue District

During the Pup Crawl, participants will visit Guidon Brewing Company, M&T Distillery, Southern Appalachian Brewery, The Brandy Bar & Cocktails, and Celtic Creamery to enjoy food, drinks, and activities hosted by each business. As you stop for a drink and an activity, make sure to get your ‘pupport’ pass stamped at each bar. Once you collect all the stamps, check back in at the Blue Ridge Humane table at the last location you visit and enter the Grand Prize drawing with tons of swag and goodies from our hosts for you and your pup!

New this year, a pet-centric vendor fair will be hosted on Barker Street. Vendors will be onsite for participants to meet, learn about their businesses, and enjoy freebies or activities for themselves and their dogs. 

Pupport ticket sales will open May 1st until June 23 for $15 for one pet/$30 for multiple pets and day of registration on June 24th will have pupports available for $20 for one pet/$40 for multiple pets. Included in the pupport purchase price is also a 10% discount code for the event t-shirts. Shirts will only be available online, prior to Pup Crawl, and will not be available for purchase during the event. Visit www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/fundraising-events/pupcrawl/ for more information and to purchase your pupport. 

Saturday, July 22, 2023
Oodles of Doodles at The Whale
Jul 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Whale

Calling all Doodle owners! Considering the number of labradoodles, goldendoodles and other oodles of doodles out there. Let’s get our doodles together to socialize and make friends in between!

Our little guy, Gator is half mini poodle and socializes well with other doodles. Join us and tell us all about your doodle!

The Whale offers a roomy pet friendly patio but polite pets are also allowed inside. This craft beer collective pours brews from around the world plus wine, cider, mead & sake.

**West Asheville location**
https://thewhalecollective.com/west-asheville-nc/

Sunday, September 17, 2023
Magical Market + Black Cat Adoption Event
Sep 17 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
House of Black Cat Magic

Join us at Asheville’s newest cat cafe and metaphysical supplies shop , for a day of fun with local artists and makers, vendors, black cats and kittens, magic, delicious vegan dishes from Pasta Prana, and other hijinks!

We’ll have a dozen MAGICAL local vendors ready to sling their wares plus multiple tarot and intuitive readers! Oddities, tarot, local art, cat toys and trinkets, and much more will be available!

Binx’s Home for Black Cats will be having a “Find Your Familiar” black cat adoption event on site in our push to clear the shelters!!!

Pre-approved adopters will get access to the cat lounge for FREE!

Adoption applications can be submitted here —> https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BHBC/Cat

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the most magical of animals: the black cat!