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.
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!
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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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
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!
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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)
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.
Join us at the Weaverville Library for Tiny Tots Yoga with Ms. Brandon. This program is designed for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers. Space for this program is limited. Registration is required for individual sessions and dates. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call (828) 250-6482 to reserve your space.
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
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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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Join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about the many different plants that call Western North Carolina their home! Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, find out what makes a plant a plant, how plants make their own food, where different plants can be found, plus much more
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Let’s read and discuss Braver: A Wombat’s Tale by Suzanne Selfors. Delve deep into ecology with a Tasmanian wilderness survival game. We will be making an adorable pompom wombat keychain. Refreshments will be served. Pick up a copy of your book at the Pack Juv desk or read or listen to it using the Libby app. Feel free to join us even if you don’t finish reading the whole book. We will vote on our book for next month on Thursday, April 25th. Open to 4th-6th graders. Juvenile fiction chapter books or graphic novels will be the focus of this book group. |
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Detroit Red Wings
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
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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
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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.
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!
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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)
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.
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.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
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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