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.
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.
On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.
Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
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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.
3/27: How to Pack a Backpack Workshop
4/3: Hiking the Pilgrim’s Way: A Presentation with the WNC Camino Group
4/6: Backpacking Basics Presentation
4/11: Trailside Bike Maintenace Workshop
4/24: In-Store Map and Compass Workshop
5/1: Hiking the Camino de Santiago: An Introduction
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.
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Tryon Arts & Crafts School (TACS) is delighted to announce “Hearth & Anvil”, an open-flame dinner with acclaimed chef John Wilson, scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024, 6:00-8:30 pm. This ticketed outdoor event invites members of the community to embrace the rich traditions of Western North Carolina and Appalachian open-flame cooking. Combining the laid-back atmosphere of a casual mountain picnic with a touch of sophistication, the event will take place at TACS, offering attendees a unique and memorable experience.
Set against the backdrop of the scenic outdoors, long tables adorned with rustic linens will create the perfect setting for a communal feast. Renowned chef John Wilson, from Rural Seed Restaurant, will showcase his culinary expertise with a curated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including both meat and vegetable dishes. Notably, John will demonstrate open-flame cooking methods on TACS’ newly unveiled, custom-designed grill—crafted in the school’s forge and welding studios exclusively for this event.
As guests dine beneath the open sky, skilled artisans will captivate with live craft demonstrations, showcasing the intricacies of blacksmithing and flame-based crafts. Renowned bladesmith Gerry Drew from G. L. Drew Knives will share his forging techniques, while TACS instructor Jim Cullen will showcase the fiery processes of live raku pottery. The ambient tunes of traditional music, presented by the Will Trakas Trio, will elevate the overall experience, and complemented nicely with the fine wines from event sponsor, Biltmore Wines, and locally sourced craft beer.
Combining casual elegance with the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge foothills, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a perfect blend of culinary delight and artistic craftsmanship. Tickets for this exceptional event are priced at $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers.
TACS extends its gratitude to local farms and purveyors, including Caitlyn Farms, Anson Mills, and Twisted Fork, with more partners to be announced soon.
For enthusiasts of local farms, fresh food, and crafts, reservations for this unique experience can be made by visiting https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/hearth-and-anvil/ or by contacting Tryon Arts & Crafts School at [email protected] or 828-859-8323. Join us for a celebration of community, culture, and creativity at Hearth & Anvil.
3/27: How to Pack a Backpack Workshop
4/3: Hiking the Pilgrim’s Way: A Presentation with the WNC Camino Group
4/6: Backpacking Basics Presentation
4/11: Trailside Bike Maintenace Workshop
4/24: In-Store Map and Compass Workshop
5/1: Hiking the Camino de Santiago: An Introduction
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.
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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.
3/27: How to Pack a Backpack Workshop
4/3: Hiking the Pilgrim’s Way: A Presentation with the WNC Camino Group
4/6: Backpacking Basics Presentation
4/11: Trailside Bike Maintenace Workshop
4/24: In-Store Map and Compass Workshop
5/1: Hiking the Camino de Santiago: An Introduction
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.
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
Come join SAHC and folks from the Friends of Rocky Fork for a guided hike in this stunning Tennessee state park! This special hike will begin in the parking area, hike along crystal clear streams, traverse mountainsides, cross historic sites, and ultimately hit the Appalachian Trail before returning to our starting point. These trails are all beautifully designed and crafted by the Rocky Fork Gorillas and members of the Friends of Rocky Fork. These members have also volunteered to lead the way through this wild landscape and highlight historic events.
Rocky Fork State Park is named after the cool waters that run down its center and is located along the Appalachian Trail corridor and the Tennessee-North Carolina border, between Johnson City, TN and Asheville, NC. The property is adjacent to more than 22,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service-designated wilderness. Before Rocky Fork’s acquisition by The Conservation Fund and U.S. Forest Service, it was one of the largest unprotected tracts in the southern Appalachian Mountains. From 2006-2012, SAHC lobbied congress to secure funding to protect 10,000 acres of the Rocky Fork watershed that was previously slated for development. With help from Senator Lamar Alexander and many other partners, SAHC secured funding, and the property was acquired from a timbering company. Come join us for this hike as we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together!
Dog Eggstravaganza: Kicking off the 2024 event calendar is the Dog Eggstravaganza, which will be taking place at Buncombe County Sports Park’s dog park on March 23 at 12 p.m. This event will offer some springtime fun for our four-legged friends, and will consist of a small and large dog division. Each division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition to hidden treats, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. While admission is free, pre-registration is required as there are limited spots available. Registration opens on March 4 and closes March 20.
Kicking off our 2024 event calendar is the Dog Eggstravaganza, which will be taking place at Buncombe County Sports Park’s dog park on March 23 at 12 p.m. This event will offer some springtime fun for our four-legged friends and will consist of small and large dog divisions. Each division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition to hidden treats, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. While admission is free, pre-registration is required as there are limited spots available. Registration opens Monday, March 4. Pre-register here.
Spring Awakening & Renewal Forest Bathing Retreat | ONSITE | Saturday, March 9, 2 – 5 p.m. Or Saturday, March 23, 2 – 5 p.m.
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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.
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.
THERE IS ONLY ONE.
HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Recommended for ages 14+.
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.
The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!
Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.
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.
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.
Eclipses are one of the most spectacular wonders of nature and the total solar eclipse in April 2024 will be no exception. While the eclipse in western North Carolina will be partial, there will still be great interest in safely observing this unusual and beautiful event. In this timely and engaging class with Astronomer Stephan Martin, who has been involved in global eclipse studies over decades, we’ll explore why eclipses happen, what to look for during a total or partial solar eclipse, and how to observe them safely. Participants in the class will receive complementary NASA solar viewers (aka eclipse glasses) to view the eclipse and will learn about NASA eclipse participatory science projects. Weather permitting, we’ll head outside to get hands-on tips for safe viewing practices with naked-eye and telescope filters in preparation for a close-up look at our nearest star.
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.
TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.
Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our First Class dining menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!
Itinerary
| 30m before departure | Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot |
| See schedule for departure time | Depart Bryson City, NC |
| 1h 45m | Reach top of the line |
| 2h 00m | Begin return |
| 2h 30m—3h 30m | Layover |
| 3h 30m | Depart Layover |
| 4h 30m | Arrive at Bryson City Depot |
| Time from Departure | Activity |
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