Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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Spring Break Day Camps: This year, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is offering a new spring break day camp program for youth ages 8-12. These day camps will take place on April 2 at Charles D. Owen Park and on April 4 at Lake Julian Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These nine-hour days will be filled with various workshops and skills courses by Asheville Sailing Club, Buncombe County’s Environmental Educators, and Parks & Recreation staff. Workshops vary by location and date. The cost per day camp is $10. Pre-registration is required. While snacks and beverages are provided, students must bring their own lunch. Registration opens on March 4 and closes on March 27.
We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:
Camps run Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm |
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Finding Nemo WorkshopJune 17-21, 2024July 8-12, 2024July 29- Aug 2, 2024 |
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Moana WorkshopJune 24-28, 2024July 15-19, 2024August 5-9, 2024 |
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Pirate Palooza WorkshopJuly 1-5, 2024 |
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The Little Mermaid WorkshopJuly 22-26, 2024 |
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Our Musical Theatre Workshop camps center around favorite stage musicals, where students will learn musical numbers and perform a shortened production at the end of each week. Campers will not only perform in many dance numbers and scenes but will work on the technical aspects that all productions need, like sets, props, and costumes. |
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!
Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.
SUMMER CAMPS
• June 17-21 – World Dance
• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food
• July 8-12 – Blues
• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti
• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*
• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation
• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*
• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art
*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th
Experience the magic of Saint Patrick’s Day weekend at Omni Grove Park Inn! Join us for a celebration steeped in Irish tradition, featuring live bagpipe performances that will set the mood for an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the flavors of Ireland with our special culinary offerings, sip on festive libations, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the holiday. As a special treat, we’re giving away exclusive gift baskets filled with Irish delights to a few lucky attendees. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate in style and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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Imaginative kids can create, explore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts. Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited. A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply. Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected]. |
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CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.
$185 in February ($205 after March 1)
PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.
$185 in February ($205 after March 1)
CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.
$290 in February ($310 after March 1)
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.
$290 in February ($310 after March 1)
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
Spring Break Day Camps: This year, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is offering a new spring break day camp program for youth ages 8-12. These day camps will take place on April 2 at Charles D. Owen Park and on April 4 at Lake Julian Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These nine-hour days will be filled with various workshops and skills courses by Asheville Sailing Club, Buncombe County’s Environmental Educators, and Parks & Recreation staff. Workshops vary by location and date. The cost per day camp is $10. Pre-registration is required. While snacks and beverages are provided, students must bring their own lunch. Registration opens on March 4 and closes on March 27.
What is Forest Floor?
Forest Floor is a place where kids:
- Are free to be kids; to play, laugh, shout, and run wild the way we did when we were kids.
- Can find others who love nature as much as they do and find support and friendship in peers.
- Can spend time with adults who really care about their developmental journey and want to hear their stories.
- Can explore who they really are and be celebrated for being themselves.
Forest Floor provides high quality Nature-Connection Mentoring programs with lasting benefits for health, concentration, and emotional well-being.
We get your kids outdoors to think, connect, learn, make, and move.
And most importantly, to have fun!
We use a proven mentoring system and have small classes with mentor-camper ratios of just 1 to 7. Your kids will get more than just outdoor activity, they will be subtly coached and encouraged to reach their greatest potential.
New to Forest Floor? Check out our must-see videos below to get a sense of what we’re all about: A Day at Forest Floor, and Why Nature Connection?
Upcoming Asheville Camps & Homeschool Programs
Summer Camps
Summer Camp registration will proceed under a limited lottery system thru February 5. On February 6, open enrollment without limits will commence.
Summer Camps are back for another big season in the field, forest, and smithy. Camps fill quickly and we suggest you pre-register and take part in the lottery system. We have a new shuttle van registration system as well.
Spring Homeschool Programs
Spring Homeschool programs are now open for registration.
We’re back with a full slate of varied weekday programs for Ages 6-16 running Monday-Friday, beginning February 26. And we have added a 2nd program location, in the Leicester/Sandy Mush area.
Spring Blacksmithing Saturdays
Blacksmithing Saturdays Spring sessions are now open for registration, and Parent/Child Blacksmithing is back! The Winter session is now in progress and registration is closed.
Our Spring 2024 season includes a five week session in March/April for teens, and a Parent & Child session meeting four times in April/May.
Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls
We invite you to get inspired by the French Broad River and her watershed. Show off your creativity by submitting 2D art, 3D art, and poetry that reflect your connection with nature. Your work serves as a reminder of the beauty of Western NC and the impact it can have on us all.
We are now accepting submissions for our 17th annual Voices of the River Art and Poetry Contest. Children in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creative works that reflect their personal experiences, observations, and/or feelings regarding the river.
2024 Theme | “What is your favorite memory from beside the river or in the water?”
Local environmental advocates, artists, and poets will review entries and select three winners from each category and age group. The winners will receive prizes from some generous local businesses. All submissions will be displayed at a special gallery event on May 11 from 10 AM – 1 PM at Black Wall Street AVL.
Submission Deadline | April 19,2024
XP League Camps are designed to engage kids at many different levels. Not only do kids get to meet new friends and improve their skills in the games they love to play, but they will learn about teamwork, communications, sportsmanship, esports health, nutrition, esports psychology, stretching and exercise, mindset and motivation, boosting focus, and so much more.
Led by trained coaches and staff
Designed with on-screen and off-screen activities that focus on teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership, and critical thinking
Open to all gamers regardless of skill level
Open to gamers ages 7 to 17
CHOOSE XP LEAGUE
WE BUILD CHARACTER, NOT AVATARS.
XP League’s professional coaches teach important skills such as sportsmanship and strategic thinking. Our gamer athletes experience all the benefits of being a part of a youth sports team. XP League is the first esports program to partner with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to ensure that our coaches set the highest standard for competitive youth gaming.
ALL ABILITIES WELCOME
Our programs are designed to fit athletes at all levels. From recreational players to advanced competitive teams, all athletes receive the positive influence and guidance of our experienced coaches.
DOUBLE-GOAL CERTIFIED COACHES
Our coaches aren’t just focused on winning. They want their teams to learn important life lessons as well. Our partnership with PCA, and XP League’s proprietary coach training certification process, equip our coaches with the tools to coach better play while being positive role models for our athletes.
PLAY LIKE THE PROS
All our programs include pro-level game training on professional equipment. We’re the real deal even down to our jerseys.
ACCOUNTABLE, NOT ANONYMOUS
Our athletes are coached to respect the rules and their fellow players. Forget about that anonymous player hiding behind their avatar. We compete hard AND compete fair.
THE HOTTEST GAMES. EPIC EXPERIENCES.
OUR CAMPS
ESPORTS ENTRPRENEUR: RUN YOUR OWN ESPORTS EVENT
Run your own esports event from plan to production and learn how to organize brackets, plan events, create marketing materials, and stream!
MINECRAFT REDSTONE ENGINEERING
Learn how redstone works in Minecraft and how it connects to electrical engineering in real life by building devices!
GAME DESIGN WITH FORTNITE CREATIVE
Learn game design concepts like collision, functions, and conditionals by building games using Fortnite’s Creative mode.
CONTENT CREATION FOR YOUTUBE & TWITCH
Learn how to record and edit video, create your own stream overlays, and learn how to write a script to turn your awesome video ideas into reality!
ESPORTS BOOTCAMP: BETTER PLAYER, BETTER PERSON
Learn the psychology behind rapid improvement and growth while gaining confidence in your skills in your favorite game.
DATES
JUNE 17-21 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Fortnite)*
JULY 8-12 = Esports Entrepreneur: Run your own Esports Event*
JULY 15-19 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Rocket League)*
JULY 22-26 = Game Design with Fortnite Creative*
AUGUST 5-9 = Content Creation for YouTube & Twitch*
AUGUST 12-16 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Fortnite)*
AUGUST 19-23 = Minecraft Redstone Engineering*
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO DEMAND
$199 for 5 days of a HALF-DAY morning camp: 8am-12pm
$199 for 5 days of a HALF-DAY afternoon camp: 12:00pm-4:00pm
$349 for 5 days of a FULL-DAY camp – save $50! 8am-4:00pm, bring their own lunch!
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.
By Joe Tracz, Music by Rob Rokicki
Directed by Shelia Sumpter
Lloyd Main Stage
Unleash the power of the Gods.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a high-voltage adventure that brings the beloved best-selling novel to life on stage. Join Percy Jackson, the teenage demigod, on an epic quest filled with humor, mythological marvels, and catchy rock-infused songs. With themes of friendship, self-discovery, and embracing uniqueness, this electrifying musical is a must-see for all ages. Mark your calendars now and be prepared to be swept away into a world where legends come to life!
Suitable for all Audiences.
Guests will meet at Dssolvr (63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow St. Patrick’s Day themed clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!
The hunt involves walking a up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.
Old Farmer’s Ball hosts family dances and waltzes at the Harvest House Community Center.
Celebrate Pi Day at UNC Asheville’s annual fun-run on March 17, starting at 3:14 p.m. sharp. Whether you prefer to run, walk, skip, or trot the 3.14-mile distance, come take part in honoring the mathematical marvel that is Pi at Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd Asheville, NC 28806.
This event is open to all members of the public, with a registration fee of $10 for students and $20 for all other participants. Beginning and concluding at the Picnic Shelter in Carrier Park, participants will be greeted with delicious Pi(e) at the finish line!
All proceeds from the event will support the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville, including the Marvelous Math Club. The Marvelous Math Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community, and provide a space where elementary school students can grow academically and socially. Join us for a day of fun and meaningful support for math education in our community!
Accessibility
UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.
Visitor Parking
Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here
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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!
Spring Break Day Camps: This year, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is offering a new spring break day camp program for youth ages 8-12. These day camps will take place on April 2 at Charles D. Owen Park and on April 4 at Lake Julian Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These nine-hour days will be filled with various workshops and skills courses by Asheville Sailing Club, Buncombe County’s Environmental Educators, and Parks & Recreation staff. Workshops vary by location and date. The cost per day camp is $10. Pre-registration is required. While snacks and beverages are provided, students must bring their own lunch. Registration opens on March 4 and closes on March 27.
Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls
We invite you to get inspired by the French Broad River and her watershed. Show off your creativity by submitting 2D art, 3D art, and poetry that reflect your connection with nature. Your work serves as a reminder of the beauty of Western NC and the impact it can have on us all.
We are now accepting submissions for our 17th annual Voices of the River Art and Poetry Contest. Children in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creative works that reflect their personal experiences, observations, and/or feelings regarding the river.
2024 Theme | “What is your favorite memory from beside the river or in the water?”
Local environmental advocates, artists, and poets will review entries and select three winners from each category and age group. The winners will receive prizes from some generous local businesses. All submissions will be displayed at a special gallery event on May 11 from 10 AM – 1 PM at Black Wall Street AVL.
Submission Deadline | April 19,2024
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.
Spring Musical
Finding Nemo KIDS
2nd-4th Grades
Mondays
2:30pm-4:00pm
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
*No Class 4/1/2024
Dress Rehearsal: 4/22 2:30-4:00pm
Performance: 4/29/2024 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 Weaverville Elementary School
129 S Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787
We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:
Camps run Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm |
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Finding Nemo WorkshopJune 17-21, 2024July 8-12, 2024July 29- Aug 2, 2024 |
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Moana WorkshopJune 24-28, 2024July 15-19, 2024August 5-9, 2024 |
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Pirate Palooza WorkshopJuly 1-5, 2024 |
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The Little Mermaid WorkshopJuly 22-26, 2024 |
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Our Musical Theatre Workshop camps center around favorite stage musicals, where students will learn musical numbers and perform a shortened production at the end of each week. Campers will not only perform in many dance numbers and scenes but will work on the technical aspects that all productions need, like sets, props, and costumes. |
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!
Spring Break Day Camps: This year, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is offering a new spring break day camp program for youth ages 8-12. These day camps will take place on April 2 at Charles D. Owen Park and on April 4 at Lake Julian Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These nine-hour days will be filled with various workshops and skills courses by Asheville Sailing Club, Buncombe County’s Environmental Educators, and Parks & Recreation staff. Workshops vary by location and date. The cost per day camp is $10. Pre-registration is required. While snacks and beverages are provided, students must bring their own lunch. Registration opens on March 4 and closes on March 27.
What is Forest Floor?
Forest Floor is a place where kids:
- Are free to be kids; to play, laugh, shout, and run wild the way we did when we were kids.
- Can find others who love nature as much as they do and find support and friendship in peers.
- Can spend time with adults who really care about their developmental journey and want to hear their stories.
- Can explore who they really are and be celebrated for being themselves.
Forest Floor provides high quality Nature-Connection Mentoring programs with lasting benefits for health, concentration, and emotional well-being.
We get your kids outdoors to think, connect, learn, make, and move.
And most importantly, to have fun!
We use a proven mentoring system and have small classes with mentor-camper ratios of just 1 to 7. Your kids will get more than just outdoor activity, they will be subtly coached and encouraged to reach their greatest potential.
New to Forest Floor? Check out our must-see videos below to get a sense of what we’re all about: A Day at Forest Floor, and Why Nature Connection?
Upcoming Asheville Camps & Homeschool Programs
Summer Camps
Summer Camp registration will proceed under a limited lottery system thru February 5. On February 6, open enrollment without limits will commence.
Summer Camps are back for another big season in the field, forest, and smithy. Camps fill quickly and we suggest you pre-register and take part in the lottery system. We have a new shuttle van registration system as well.
Spring Homeschool Programs
Spring Homeschool programs are now open for registration.
We’re back with a full slate of varied weekday programs for Ages 6-16 running Monday-Friday, beginning February 26. And we have added a 2nd program location, in the Leicester/Sandy Mush area.
Spring Blacksmithing Saturdays
Blacksmithing Saturdays Spring sessions are now open for registration, and Parent/Child Blacksmithing is back! The Winter session is now in progress and registration is closed.
Our Spring 2024 season includes a five week session in March/April for teens, and a Parent & Child session meeting four times in April/May.
Calling All Young Artists, Poets, and Creative Souls
We invite you to get inspired by the French Broad River and her watershed. Show off your creativity by submitting 2D art, 3D art, and poetry that reflect your connection with nature. Your work serves as a reminder of the beauty of Western NC and the impact it can have on us all.
We are now accepting submissions for our 17th annual Voices of the River Art and Poetry Contest. Children in grades K-12 are invited to submit original creative works that reflect their personal experiences, observations, and/or feelings regarding the river.
2024 Theme | “What is your favorite memory from beside the river or in the water?”
Local environmental advocates, artists, and poets will review entries and select three winners from each category and age group. The winners will receive prizes from some generous local businesses. All submissions will be displayed at a special gallery event on May 11 from 10 AM – 1 PM at Black Wall Street AVL.
Submission Deadline | April 19,2024