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, January 25, 2023
SAHC 3rd Annual Winter Hiking Challenge: January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!
Jan 25 all-day
outside:)
Hikers in winter
January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is starting off 2023 with a challenge to get folks out and about – hiking or walking to enjoy the great outdoors!

The SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1 to March 1, 2023). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 1.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. Those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge (after March 1).  Proceeds from the Challenge sign-ups support conservation work in the Southern Appalachians.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard. Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected]
Thursday, January 26, 2023
SAHC 3rd Annual Winter Hiking Challenge: January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!
Jan 26 all-day
outside:)
Hikers in winter
January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is starting off 2023 with a challenge to get folks out and about – hiking or walking to enjoy the great outdoors!

The SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1 to March 1, 2023). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 1.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. Those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge (after March 1).  Proceeds from the Challenge sign-ups support conservation work in the Southern Appalachians.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard. Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected]
Friday, January 27, 2023
Nantahala Outdoor Center 2023 Adventure travel trips
Jan 27 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Adventure is what we do.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.

If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.

We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.

 

We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning.

SAHC 3rd Annual Winter Hiking Challenge: January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!
Jan 27 all-day
outside:)
Hikers in winter
January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is starting off 2023 with a challenge to get folks out and about – hiking or walking to enjoy the great outdoors!

The SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1 to March 1, 2023). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 1.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. Those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge (after March 1).  Proceeds from the Challenge sign-ups support conservation work in the Southern Appalachians.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard. Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected]
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Nantahala Outdoor Center 2023 Adventure travel trips
Jan 28 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Adventure is what we do.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.

If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.

We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.

 

We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning.

SAHC 3rd Annual Winter Hiking Challenge: January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!
Jan 28 all-day
outside:)
Hikers in winter
January 1 to March 1, 2023 – 60 miles in 60 days!

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is starting off 2023 with a challenge to get folks out and about – hiking or walking to enjoy the great outdoors!

The SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1 to March 1, 2023). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 1.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. Those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge (after March 1).  Proceeds from the Challenge sign-ups support conservation work in the Southern Appalachians.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard. Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected]
Naturalist Niche: Winter Birding
Jan 28 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance registration required.

Though some of our feathered friends have migrated to warmer climates for the season, the Park is home to many year-round residents. Leafless trees are the perfect perches against which to spot many unique species from our spot on the N.C. Birding Trail. Join a local birding expert on this easy hike and learn why the early bird gets the worm.

The Montford Park Players annual winter cleanup at the Amphitheatre
Jan 28 @ 10:00 am
The Montford Park Players

It’s time for our annual winter cleanup at the Amphitheatre. We hope you’ll join us to help getting good stuff where it needs to go and not-good stuff into the dumpsters!

We’re in the process of repairing the lower stage, where a number of the supporting posts have rotted away. We plan to raise the stage about 30 inches, and make it last for a long time. We’ve removed a good deal of the existing stage and will put the not-good posts and boards in the dumpsters, along with leftover stuff from the 2022 season that we don’t have room for.

We’ll feed you(!) and hope you’ll join us this Saturday. Bring work gloves or use ours.

Activation in the Park
Jan 28 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
French Broad River Park
Activation in the Park

Activation in the Park

French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!

We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).

We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.

All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.

NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sunday, January 29, 2023
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club: Weekly B-Pace Ride
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
various locations

Time & loc varies, typical avg spd 15-17mph, dist 30-50mi. For weekly emails, update your profile: Hover on your name upper right; select “Profile”; under “Your website functions” click “Interests”; then check “B Pace Rides”. Leader [email protected]

Kolo Bike Park $10 Sunday Fundays
Jan 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kolo Bike Park

Join us on Sundays this Fall and Winter for $10 to ride Kolo Bike Park on over 125 acres beside Downtown Asheville!  Enjoy pump tracks, skills area, trails, skinnys, berms, table tops and much more! Littleville is also included for our youngest shredders. Rentals not included.

Reservations not required. Call for conditions: 828.225.2921.

Friday, February 3, 2023
MOUNTAIN RV + BOAT SHOW
Feb 3 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
Come see your favorite local Dealers with their latest product offerings. The show will showcase industry leading RV, Automotive, Recreation, and Marine Brands.

Mountain RV Boat Show
Hours
Friday: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 4, 2023
MOUNTAIN RV + BOAT SHOW
Feb 4 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
Come see your favorite local Dealers with their latest product offerings. The show will showcase industry leading RV, Automotive, Recreation, and Marine Brands.

Mountain RV Boat Show
Hours
Friday: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 5, 2023
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club: Weekly B-Pace Ride
Feb 5 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
various locations

Time & loc varies, typical avg spd 15-17mph, dist 30-50mi. For weekly emails, update your profile: Hover on your name upper right; select “Profile”; under “Your website functions” click “Interests”; then check “B Pace Rides”. Leader [email protected]

Kolo Bike Park $10 Sunday Fundays
Feb 5 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kolo Bike Park

Join us on Sundays this Fall and Winter for $10 to ride Kolo Bike Park on over 125 acres beside Downtown Asheville!  Enjoy pump tracks, skills area, trails, skinnys, berms, table tops and much more! Littleville is also included for our youngest shredders. Rentals not included.

Reservations not required. Call for conditions: 828.225.2921.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Passholder Experience: Old Growth Forest Expedition
Feb 8 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

Wednesday Fika
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm
Weaver Park

Maurice is hosting the Wednesday Fika at this lovely Asheville Park. We will meet in the rear of Weaver Park right near the parking area off Murdock Ave and Norwood Ave (not the front area along Merrimon with the tennis courts).

Look for our group in the grassy area near the pavilion, right near the parking. Or, we might be under the pavilion.

Please bring your own chair.

Bring your own coffee and snacks, or get take out from these places which are all less than five minutes away:

Green Sage Cafe North – 633 Merrimon Avenue at Edgewood Rd

City Bakery – 88 Charlotte St at Chestnut St

Geraldine’s Bakery – 840 Merrimon at Lakeshore Drive (brewed coffee only, no Espresso beverages)

High Five Coffee – 190 Broadway Street at Bordeau Place

There is parking in the parking area off of Murdock Avenue. If that’s full you can also park on a nearby side street.

Always check the meetup.com event page, your email or the meetup app the morning of the event in case there is a change.

Saturday, February 11, 2023
Blue Ridge Audubon monthly bird walk
Feb 11 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Jackson Park

Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned
birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street,
and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park.8-10:00am.
828-684-0812. Free.

Sunday, February 12, 2023
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club: Weekly B-Pace Ride
Feb 12 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
various locations

Time & loc varies, typical avg spd 15-17mph, dist 30-50mi. For weekly emails, update your profile: Hover on your name upper right; select “Profile”; under “Your website functions” click “Interests”; then check “B Pace Rides”. Leader [email protected]

Kolo Bike Park $10 Sunday Fundays
Feb 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kolo Bike Park

Join us on Sundays this Fall and Winter for $10 to ride Kolo Bike Park on over 125 acres beside Downtown Asheville!  Enjoy pump tracks, skills area, trails, skinnys, berms, table tops and much more! Littleville is also included for our youngest shredders. Rentals not included.

Reservations not required. Call for conditions: 828.225.2921.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Good Vibes: Poetry and sex positive storytelling
Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm
Getaway River Bar

Join us for a night of poetry and storytelling all about the pros, cons, and weirdness of sharing your body with others. All donations will be given directly to Asheville Prison Books. “Asheville Prison Books is a volunteer-run collective which has distributed free literature to people incarcerated in the southeast since 1999. We currently distribute books to North and South Carolina.

 

Fundraiser for Asheville Prison Books, Sliding scale $5-$25 Donation.

 

Time: Doors 7:00, Show 7:30PM

This event will be taking place in the covered outdoor space, so we suggest people dress warmly.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Winter Homeschool Day
Feb 15 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance Registration Required.

Experience the Park during our quieter months on Chimney Rock’s Winter Homeschool Day. Morning programs seasonally focused on winter in the natural world are designed to engage students through a variety of topics and hands-on learning. Plus, plan to stay after lunch for a guided hike or to explore the Park at your own pace.

Registration Closes February 11.

Saturday, February 18, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Feb 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Dark Horse Ultra 5 Mile – 25k – 50k – + Gravel Grinder Race
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am
Tryon Equestrian Center

Dark Horse Ultra

50k – 25k – 5 Mile – Gravel/Mountain Cycling Event

Tryon Equestrian Center

February 18th & 19th

Introducing our annual Dark Horse Ultra we are excited to bring runners to the amazing facilities that spread out over 200 acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Escape your day-to-day life and enjoy a romantic getaway in South Carolina’s beautiful Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge your senses with the natural beauty our lands have to offer while the normal hustle and bustle of your life fades away.
Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.
Upstate Race Series – Upcoming Events HERE
Join us for one of our 30 events throughout the year. With something for everyone we have races that extend throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. From Lake Hartwell through the Foothill Mountain Range. Locations that cover all of the State Park systems into the Streets of Anderson, Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. We have events that offer opportunity to every level of runner looking to take on their next challenge!

Events 

  • What: 5 Mile Midnight Race, 25k, 50k, Gravel Cycling Race
  • When: February 18th & 19th (See Schedule Below)
  • Where: Tryon Equestrian Center (Farm Location)
  • 2659 Sandy Plains Rd Tryon, NC 28782
  • Packet Pickup 1 Hour Prior to your race start time near starting line
  • Overall Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race
  • Age Group Awards will be recognized in the results tab and our point series.
  • Our Events Are
    • Walker Friendly
    • Dog Friendly

Participants Receive

  • Finisher Medal
  • Custom Race Logo Sticker
  • Upstate Ultra Sticker
  • Complimentary Race Photos
  • Camping Offered During Registration
  • Custom Race Bib
  • Upstate Race Series Crew Socks

Schedule

  • Friday
    • Camping Set Up for participants along the course will begin at 4pm=
  • Saturday
    • 50k – Saturday February 18th @ 9:00am
    • 25k – Saturday February 18th @ 9:00am
  • Sunday
    • 5 Mile Night Run @ Midnight (Sunday 12:00am) on September 25th
    • 50k Race Mountain/Gravel Cycling Event @ 10:00am
    • Introducing our annual Dark Horse Psychlo-X we are excited to bring mtb/gravel riders to the amazing facilities that spread out over hundreds of acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is the ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living and an active lifestyle.  Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment.
  • The Race is to complete as many 4.2 mile loops as you can in 4 hours.
    • 4 hrs: Noon-4pm
    • 4.2 miles / 426′ of gain
    • 60% hard pack – 35% gravel/grass – 5% road
    • Ideal set up: MTB/Gravel tubeless 40mm

The Course Description 

  • Course preview: HERE
  • Course Map HERE
  • The course consists of a 4.2 mile loop that has 426 feet of elevation per loop. The course consists of packed dirt, a few grass sections, and a series of service gravel paths around the lake. The course will have a series of directional arrows that will be placed at all intersections. Please follow all directional arrows to stay on course.

Great Backyard Bird Count Day
Feb 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
NC Arboretum

The Arboretum will celebrate its Great Backyard Bird Count Day with beginner bird walks, bird crafts and live bird demonstrations available to the public. This is in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, an international effort to encourage people of all ages to report their observations of birds to help scientists learn about their populations. This program is free; however, standard non-member parking fees apply.

 

10:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Indoor Exhibitors Education Center Lobby
10:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Bird Mist Netting Demonstration Bird-Friendly Garden
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Beginning Bird Walk 1 Starting at Education Center Lobby
2:30 p.m. Live Raptor Demonstration Locke Craig and Classroom 2
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Beginning Bird Walk 2 Starting at Education Center Lobby
Sunset at the Swinging Bridge
Feb 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

All Sunset at the Swinging Bridge participants will need to exit the park’s gates by 7 p.m. A picture-perfect sunset, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed.

Tickets go on sale below at 10 a.m. Monday, January 9:

  • Adult: $40
  • Child (4-12): $24
  • Bridge Club Member: $14

This event is limited to 150 guests. If the event is sold out, a waiting list will be available.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
The majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend this event, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out by Fri., Feb. 10. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, email [email protected] or call 828-733-2013, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation cancels the event due to inclement weather, full refunds will be given. If GMSF is to have to cancel the event, an announcement will be made by noon the day before (February 17).

Sunday, February 19, 2023
Summer Camp at Nantahala Outdoor Center Registration Open
Feb 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Teens at a kayak Summer Day Camp

Summer Day Camp is a great option for kids ages 9-17 with any skill level to learn and practice on the iconic rivers and lakes of Western North Carolina. Paddlers from beginner to advanced will receive high-quality instruction from our elite team while having fun and making friends.

 

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club: Weekly B-Pace Ride
Feb 19 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
various locations

Time & loc varies, typical avg spd 15-17mph, dist 30-50mi. For weekly emails, update your profile: Hover on your name upper right; select “Profile”; under “Your website functions” click “Interests”; then check “B Pace Rides”. Leader [email protected]

Dark Horse Ultra 5 Mile – 25k – 50k – + Gravel Grinder Race
Feb 19 @ 9:00 am
Tryon Equestrian Center

Dark Horse Ultra

50k – 25k – 5 Mile – Gravel/Mountain Cycling Event

Tryon Equestrian Center

February 18th & 19th

Introducing our annual Dark Horse Ultra we are excited to bring runners to the amazing facilities that spread out over 200 acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Escape your day-to-day life and enjoy a romantic getaway in South Carolina’s beautiful Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge your senses with the natural beauty our lands have to offer while the normal hustle and bustle of your life fades away.
Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.
Upstate Race Series – Upcoming Events HERE
Join us for one of our 30 events throughout the year. With something for everyone we have races that extend throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. From Lake Hartwell through the Foothill Mountain Range. Locations that cover all of the State Park systems into the Streets of Anderson, Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. We have events that offer opportunity to every level of runner looking to take on their next challenge!

Events 

  • What: 5 Mile Midnight Race, 25k, 50k, Gravel Cycling Race
  • When: February 18th & 19th (See Schedule Below)
  • Where: Tryon Equestrian Center (Farm Location)
  • 2659 Sandy Plains Rd Tryon, NC 28782
  • Packet Pickup 1 Hour Prior to your race start time near starting line
  • Overall Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race
  • Age Group Awards will be recognized in the results tab and our point series.
  • Our Events Are
    • Walker Friendly
    • Dog Friendly

Participants Receive

  • Finisher Medal
  • Custom Race Logo Sticker
  • Upstate Ultra Sticker
  • Complimentary Race Photos
  • Camping Offered During Registration
  • Custom Race Bib
  • Upstate Race Series Crew Socks

Schedule

  • Friday
    • Camping Set Up for participants along the course will begin at 4pm=
  • Saturday
    • 50k – Saturday February 18th @ 9:00am
    • 25k – Saturday February 18th @ 9:00am
  • Sunday
    • 5 Mile Night Run @ Midnight (Sunday 12:00am) on September 25th
    • 50k Race Mountain/Gravel Cycling Event @ 10:00am
    • Introducing our annual Dark Horse Psychlo-X we are excited to bring mtb/gravel riders to the amazing facilities that spread out over hundreds of acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is the ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living and an active lifestyle.  Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment.
  • The Race is to complete as many 4.2 mile loops as you can in 4 hours.
    • 4 hrs: Noon-4pm
    • 4.2 miles / 426′ of gain
    • 60% hard pack – 35% gravel/grass – 5% road
    • Ideal set up: MTB/Gravel tubeless 40mm

The Course Description 

  • Course preview: HERE
  • Course Map HERE
  • The course consists of a 4.2 mile loop that has 426 feet of elevation per loop. The course consists of packed dirt, a few grass sections, and a series of service gravel paths around the lake. The course will have a series of directional arrows that will be placed at all intersections. Please follow all directional arrows to stay on course.

Kolo Bike Park $10 Sunday Fundays
Feb 19 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kolo Bike Park

Join us on Sundays this Fall and Winter for $10 to ride Kolo Bike Park on over 125 acres beside Downtown Asheville!  Enjoy pump tracks, skills area, trails, skinnys, berms, table tops and much more! Littleville is also included for our youngest shredders. Rentals not included.

Reservations not required. Call for conditions: 828.225.2921.