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.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 22 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Growing Minds: “I Tried Local…” free virtual toolkit
Feb 22 all-day
online

Growing Minds has published “I Tried Local…” a Toolkit for Engaging Kids with Local Food and Farms. This resource—intended for early care and education through second grade classrooms—offers an immersive curriculum designed around 10 crops grown in North Carolina. The print toolkit is currently available to educators in North Carolina who participate in a virtual training with Growing Minds. A free digital version is also available to anyone on the Growing Minds website.

Each unit includes an overview of a North Carolina–grown crop, lesson plans, recipes, coloring pages, book recommendations, discussion prompts, and a link to the “Meet Your Farmer” video series featuring North Carolina farmers. The toolkit also offers resources for implementing the core elements of farm to school—gardens, classroom cooking and taste tests, farm field trips and farmer visits, and local foods in meals or snacks.
Growing Minds will host a series of virtual training to support educators interested in using the toolkit. The first will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Register here or contact [email protected] for more information.
Registration for Tanglewood Youth Theatre Classes
Feb 22 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Tanglewood Summer has long been a successful and inspirational part of children’s creative education in Western North Carolina. Our theatre camp has been extremely popular and is well-suited for any young person interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre. Our faculty represents some of the finest talent in the area, and we are thrilled to have them at Tanglewood Summer.

We have something for every kid this summer – whether it’s your first or one-hundred-and-first time trying theatre, Tanglewood Summer is the place for YOU!

Friday, February 23, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 23 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Registration for Tanglewood Youth Theatre Classes
Feb 23 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Tanglewood Summer has long been a successful and inspirational part of children’s creative education in Western North Carolina. Our theatre camp has been extremely popular and is well-suited for any young person interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre. Our faculty represents some of the finest talent in the area, and we are thrilled to have them at Tanglewood Summer.

We have something for every kid this summer – whether it’s your first or one-hundred-and-first time trying theatre, Tanglewood Summer is the place for YOU!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Baby Story Time with Ms. Kate
Feb 23 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

These early literacy programs for kids and their caregivers are designed to develop a joy for learning through books, songs, and activities.

Story time takes place in our library community room. This is not a ticketed event.

Avery’s Creek Elementary School: Spring Musical Finding Nemo KIDS
Feb 23 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Avery's Creek Elementary School

Spring Musical

Finding Nemo KIDS

2nd-4th Grades

Fridays

2:30pm-4:00pm

2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

No Class: 3/1 TWD, 3/29 Early Release, 4/5 Spring Break

Dress Rehearsal: 5/3 2:30-4:00pm

Performance: 5/10/2024 3:30pm

Tuition: $270

Students will learn all about teamwork as they work together with their classmates and a professional Teaching Artist to perform scenes and songs from a short musical. Each actor will receive their own part with lines and songs to learn. Class time will be used for rehearsal and a performance complete with costumes and props will take place on the final class day.

In Person at Avery’s Creek Elementary School

15 Park S Blvd, Arden, NC 28704

Acoustic Jam Session
Feb 23 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

Wofford Terriers vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
Feb 23 @ 5:30 pm
Russell C. King Field

Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball

Saturday, February 24, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 24 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
9 Panel Allstar Jam Cheer + Dance Competition
Feb 24 all-day
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

TEAM AWARDS:

  • Team Placement Banner for 1st-3rd placements.

  • Finalist Placement Banner for all other placements.

  • 1st place athletes will receive a medal.

  • Level Champion Winners- Awarded to the highest scoring team in each of the following divisions:

    • Allstar Prep​ (D1 and D2)

    • Allstar Elite (Levels 1-6, D1 and D2)

    • Dance

    • Recreation

  • Super Grand Champion- Awarded to the highest scoring D1 and D2 teams of the day. Each team will receive an electric guitar.

  • All Exhibition team receive recognition and a team banner.

SPECIALTY AWARDS: Specialty Awards chosen by 9 Panel Staff.

  • Best Sportsmanship

  • Most Spirited Fans

PRICING INFORMATION

Please contact for pricing information.

EVENT INFORMATION

SPECTATOR PRICING: $20

PARKING INFORMATION: Parking is limited in the downtown area. Please allow plenty of time to secure a parking spot and allow for walking to the venue.

FLOORING / WARM UP:

  • 54 x 42 SPRING FLOOR PERFORMANCE

  • 54 x 42 FOAM FLOOR WARM UP

  • SPRING TUMBLE STRIP WARM UP

  • FOAM STRETCH / STUNT AREA WARM UP

  • ​WATER STATION

ADDITIONAL EVENT/VENUE INFORMATION:​​

  • QUALIFIED AND TRAINED JUDGES

  • TRAINED & KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF to help you throughout the event

  • USASF SAFETY CERTIFIED JUDGES

  • EMT / MEDICAL TRAINER ON SITE

Registration open:The Summer Family Musical theatre camp style production
Feb 24 all-day
online

Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings of all ages are invited to participate in this family theatre camp style production! There are roles for kids, teenagers and adults of all ages. Current, past, and new Playground Stage Families are invited to join!

Show Title: To be revealed at the 5 Year Birthday Celebration!
Dates and Times
Info Sessions & Auditions:

(Participants must choose one date to attend an info session) (Speaking role auditions are optional)

June 12, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

or

June 19, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

Rehearsals:

Evenings July 22nd – August 2nd

Located at Avery’s Creek Community Center

899 Glenn Bridge Rd SE, Arden, NC

Evenings August 5th-8th

Located at Asheville High School Theatre

Performances: August 9th & 10th

Asheville High School Theatre

Optional music learning rehearsals will take place every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm throughout the summer starting June 26th 2024

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

North Buncombe Middle School Chilly Challenge 8K + 1-Mile Chili Chase
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
North Buncombe Middle School

Lace up your running shoes, grab your winter hat, and join us for the 9th Annual Chilly Challenge 8K & 1-Mile Chili Chase on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Run or walk with us to benefit North Buncombe Middle School!

Wee Trade Children’s Consignment
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am
WNC Ag. Center

Asheville’s BIGGEST + BEST Consignment Event

SATURDAY, February 24th

  • 10 AM: Open to Public
  • 5 PM: Close
  • 6:30 PM: DISCOUNT PRESALE (registered consignors & their family only with wristband)
  • 8:30 PM: Close
  • 9:00 PM: BUILDING LOCKED

SUNDAY, February 25th:

  • 10 AM – Open to the Public (Items marked DISCOUNT are 50% OFF)
  • 1PM: POWER HOUR: Items marked “DONATE” will be  75% Off for the FINAL HOUR OF THE SALE
  • 2:00 PM: Close
  • 8:00 PM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
  • 9:00 PM: Building Locked

MONDAY, February 26th

  • 10:00 AM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
  • 12:00 PM: Close, all items left in the building will be donated
  • 2:00 PM: FOSTER FAMILY FREE SHOP (requires pre-registration)

TUESDAY, February 27th

  • DONATION DAY

 

Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Feb 24 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
Furman Paladins vs Wofford Terriers
Feb 24 @ 2:00 pm
Timmons Arena
Wofford Terriers vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
Feb 24 @ 2:00 pm
Russell C. King Field

Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball

Military Appreciation Night: Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Rapid City Rush
Feb 24 @ 7:05 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Military Appreciation Night
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Rapid City Rush

Military Appreciation Night

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Dallas Stars
Feb 24 @ 8:00 pm
PNC Arena

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Dallas Stars

Sunday, February 25, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 25 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Registration open:The Summer Family Musical theatre camp style production
Feb 25 all-day
online

Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings of all ages are invited to participate in this family theatre camp style production! There are roles for kids, teenagers and adults of all ages. Current, past, and new Playground Stage Families are invited to join!

Show Title: To be revealed at the 5 Year Birthday Celebration!
Dates and Times
Info Sessions & Auditions:

(Participants must choose one date to attend an info session) (Speaking role auditions are optional)

June 12, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

or

June 19, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

Rehearsals:

Evenings July 22nd – August 2nd

Located at Avery’s Creek Community Center

899 Glenn Bridge Rd SE, Arden, NC

Evenings August 5th-8th

Located at Asheville High School Theatre

Performances: August 9th & 10th

Asheville High School Theatre

Optional music learning rehearsals will take place every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm throughout the summer starting June 26th 2024

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Junior Wild Walk: A Junior Zookeeper Experience
Feb 25 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
WNC Nature Center

Embark on a wild adventure! Kids will meet an animal ambassador, take a peek behind-the-scenes, and step into the shoes of our animal keepers by helping to prepare and deliver enrichment for our animals during this immersive experience.

This program is for children ages 5-12. An adult is required to attend with the children in a group.  Tickets include admission for the day and a 10% discount coupon for the Gift Shop valid only for the day of the event.

Due to the narrow locations of some behind-the-scenes areas, strollers are not allowed for this program.

*Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be made 1 week prior to the event for a full refund.  If the event is cancelled due to weather concerns, full refunds will be issued to all participants.

Family Sessons at Asheville Salt Cave
Feb 25 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Salt Cave
Spend some quality time with your family Sundays @ 10AM
We have designed this special session, held every Sunday at 10am, so you and your young ones can enjoy the salt cave together. Some benefits, especially useful for children, include mental clarity for distracted youngsters as well as immune boosting, respiratory relief, and relief from skin conditions. Little ones, ages 0 to 11 years can only be registered for the Kids Quiet Play Sessions on Sundays at 10am, or you may buy out the room for a Private Session for you and your family. Accompanying adults must register as an Adult. In consideration of all our guests, PLEASE help children to be quiet and calm while in our space so we can keep these sessions open to our family friendly times. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be present and attentive to their child, as we have other spa/wellness services going on and do our best to have children in a calm and quiet setting. What to expect : We have a cave host who will help you enter the space and then once everyone is settled they will leave and you may enjoy the time together to chat and connect. They will return after about 40 minutes and have you all help pick up toys and books so kids learn how to be helpful with resetting the space. We have books, sand toys and some toys for kids to play with. You may bring additional toys or books as well, just please no food or liquids. To help maintain the atmosphere for all guests, we are having family sessions enter and exit though our lower entrance to help keep noise levels at a minimum so to not interrupt other guests services. If you are wanting to shop in our retail space please make sure children are mindful of their voice volume as noises drift easily in our space. . Adults $25, 4-12 years old $15, 3 and younger FREE!
Wee Trade Children’s Consignment
Feb 25 @ 10:00 am
WNC Ag. Center

Asheville’s BIGGEST + BEST Consignment Event

SATURDAY, February 24th

  • 10 AM: Open to Public
  • 5 PM: Close
  • 6:30 PM: DISCOUNT PRESALE (registered consignors & their family only with wristband)
  • 8:30 PM: Close
  • 9:00 PM: BUILDING LOCKED

SUNDAY, February 25th:

  • 10 AM – Open to the Public (Items marked DISCOUNT are 50% OFF)
  • 1PM: POWER HOUR: Items marked “DONATE” will be  75% Off for the FINAL HOUR OF THE SALE
  • 2:00 PM: Close
  • 8:00 PM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
  • 9:00 PM: Building Locked

MONDAY, February 26th

  • 10:00 AM: Unsold Item Pick-Up
  • 12:00 PM: Close, all items left in the building will be donated
  • 2:00 PM: FOSTER FAMILY FREE SHOP (requires pre-registration)

TUESDAY, February 27th

  • DONATION DAY

 

Wofford Terriers vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
Feb 25 @ 1:00 pm
Russell C. King Field

Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball

Wild Walk: A Behind the Scenes Tour
Feb 25 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

See the WNC Nature Center like never before – behind the scenes! During the tour, we’ll explore how we feed and care for our animals, experience an animal enrichment session, and have the opportunity to meet with some of our keepers. Ticket includes admission to the Nature Center for the day and a 10% discount coupon for the Gift Shop valid only for the day of the event.

The tour is for ages 16 and up.

*Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be made 1 week prior to the event for a full refund.  If the event is cancelled due to weather concerns, full refunds will be issued to all participants.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Rapid City Rush
Feb 25 @ 3:05 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Rapid City Rush
Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Rapid City Rush @ Greenville Swamp Rabbits