Calendar of Events
Looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? Whether you’re a local or just passing through we’ve got loads of great tips and events to help you find your perfect adventure.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Spring Volunteer Events
We are thrilled to be partnering with Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department to host litter cleanups in the Southside Community, once per month in April and May. Last month’s cleanup along Oakland Road resulted in a huge collection of trash! Please join us as we continue to tidy up the streets of the Southside Community.
Work days are scheduled for April 23 and May 28. For each, we will meet at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801) at 10:00 AM, working until around 12:00 PM.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger

- May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.
The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”
Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”
Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.
Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Come on out and Contra Dance with the Old Farmer’s Ball. Free lesson starts at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8.
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.
Come on out and Contra Dance with the Old Farmer’s Ball. Free lesson starts at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8.
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.
Come on out and Contra Dance with the Old Farmer’s Ball. Free lesson starts at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8.
Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!
– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.
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.
Come on out and Contra Dance with the Old Farmer’s Ball. Free lesson starts at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8.
Are you ready to get your camp on? Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a Campout at Lake Julian Park on Saturday, June 25. This annual event is part of the Great American Campout and is a great way for families, friends, and youth groups to come together and connect with nature for a fun and memorable night sleeping under the stars. “There is no better way to inspire a lifelong appreciation of and relationship with nature than to spend a night outdoors beneath the stars,” says Recreation Services’ Mac Stanley. “Camping is traditionally part of the summertime experience for many families but can get overlooked in these days of indoor childhood. We’re thrilled to provide an experience for all generations to connect with the natural world and one another.”
Campout details
While Lake Julian Park does not usually allow overnight camping, for one night the park will serve as an inspiring location for this nocturnal event. No prior camping experience is required as the event is designed as a low-frill backyard campout. Attendees should bring their own tents and sleeping bags. Campers can participate in a handful of planned activities including demonstrations by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and REI Outdoor & Sporting Goods, a birding excursion (Sunday morning), a traditional campfire with some singalongs, and – of course – s’mores. Also, participants may try out some products provided by our friends over at ENO. Recreation Services will provide dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning for participants. Campsites will be available at 1 p.m. on Saturday with on-site check-in at 1:30 p.m. Campers should be packed up by 1 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $20 per person, please see the link below for tickets and reservations:
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.
Come on out and Contra Dance with the Old Farmer’s Ball. Free lesson starts at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8.
Free Senior Yoga Classes
Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.
According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:
Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.
For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.