Outdoor Events
Hendersonville’s outdoor wonders lend themselves to breathtaking adventures.
A celebration of bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and other species that help pollinate more than 1,200 crops and about 90% of all flowering plants that rely on pollinators for the survival of their species. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, and support other wildlife. During June, people of all ages can learn more about the interdependence between humans and pollinators. Especially in our agricultural area, this is a subject of interest related to the food we eat and the economically important crops we raise.
Pollinator Month activities range from gardening tips, free seeds, honey-tastings, walks along nature trails, and valuable information about bees and beekeeping. A complete schedule of events is available at here. For questions about Pollinator Month or to volunteer, contact [email protected].
Hendersonville’s Pollinator Month events are coordinated by Bee City USA-Hendersonville, a program of Bullington Gardens and Hendersonville Tree Board.
Pollinator Trail
A brand new self-guided tour of eco-friendly gardens, green spaces, farms, garden centers, restaurants, breweries, and other local destinations that highlight the importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is now available at www.hendersonvillenc.gov/pollinator-trail. If you have established a new pollinator garden, to be considered for inclusion in the next edition of the Trail, please get in touch with us prior to Pollinator Month in June.
Honey Tasting and Live Honey Bees
Saturday, June 3, 8am – 1pm
Presented by HoneyBee Bliss, Randy and Pam Knowles.
Location: Hendersonville Farmers Market at the Historic Train Depot, 650 Maple Street
Cost: no charge; no registration required
At this vendor’s booth, taste pure, raw, local honey, and safely observe a live honey bee hive.
Lewis Creek Preserve Nature Walk
Wednesday, June 7, 9am – 11am
Presented by MountainTrue and Conserving Carolina
Location: Edneyville Community Center, 15 Ida Rogers Drive, Edneyville
Cost: no charge; registration required at https://mountaintrue.org/event/lewis-creek-preserve-nature-walk-in-hendersonville-nc-6-7-23/
Bob Gale, MountainTrue’s Ecologist & Public Lands Director, will lead a slow hike along the nature trail and boardwalk, interpreting plant life, wildflowers, a rare Southern Appalachian Bog ecosystem, and the value of pollinators on this property. From the community center parking lot, the group will go to Lewis Creek Preserve trailhead a short distance away. Suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Native Plant Identification Walk
Saturday, June 10, 9am
Presented by Rachel Meriwether and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway
Location: Patton Park, 1730 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Meet at the pavilion next to the basketball courts. Rachel will lead a pleasant walk on the Oklawaha Greenway suitable for all ages, identifying plants along the way. Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For more information visit OkGr-Events- (friendsofoklawaha.org)
Returning a Meadow to Pollinators
Saturday, June 10, 9am – 4pm
Presented by Echo Hill Farm
Location: Echo Hill Farm, 529 Pace Rd., Hendersonville
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Explore the emerging pollinator meadow reconstruction, looking for native plants and identifying invasives with input from Snow Creek Landscaping. Appropriate for all ages. Visit https://www.facebook.com/echohillfarmnc for more information
Garden Club
Monday, June 12, 4– 5pm
Presented by Henderson County Public Library
Location: Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington Street, Hendersonville
Cost: no charge; no registration required
This is a special Garden Club event for families and children grades K – 5. Play Pollinator Jeopardy and make pollinator-friendly waterers for the library gardens.
Visit https://hendersonpl.libcal.com/event/10515952 for more information.
Green River Bee Company Installation Event
Saturday, June 17, 2023
9:00 AM 1:00 PM
Presented by: Jon Gleman – Green River Bee Company
Installation of a Trailhead, Pollinator Habitats and an Educational Board at Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC . We will have a Q & A session during each install. Green River Bee Company Events.
Audience Served: All Ages
Cost: Free
Registration: None Required
Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series – Making Your Garden a True Home for Pollinators
June 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Free.
Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve
Speaker: Kim Bailey, avid wildlife habitat gardener, environmental educator, and owner of Milkweed Meadows Farm
Explore the life cycles and habitat needs of our native bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds while learning to create a garden that’s not just friendly to pollinators, but irresistible! Kim Bailey (AKA nectar bartender and pollinator chef at Milkweed Meadows Farm) will share secret ingredients and recipes for serving up a bountiful buffet from spring through fall. The key is not just providing nectar-producing plants to attract adult pollinators who will fly by “the bar” for a quick sip then move along. You also want to offer a kids’ menu to entice pollinators to stick around and make your garden their home. This means growing critical “baby food” plants (such as milkweed!) and flowers with “carryout pollen” to cater to picky eaters!
**Kim will be bringing a selection of native plants to for sale following the presentation!
An avid wildlife habitat gardener and environmental educator for over 25 years, Kim Bailey has a true passion for pollinators. In 2014, she moved to family property in Fruitland, NC and founded Milkweed Meadows Farm. Generations ago, the property was a working dairy farm. Today, instead of producing milk, the farm grows milkweed as well as native wildflower seeds, open-pollinated heirloom vegetable seeds, pollinator-friendly potted plants, cut flowers, and specialty fruits. Living tunnels of passionvines, pipevines, and climbing milkweeds benefit a diversity of butterfly species while an orchard of over 100 pawpaw trees specifically nurture zebra swallowtails. Kim not only enjoys gardening for bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other wildlife at the farm, but loves sharing knowledge about creating pollinator habitats with others by regularly teaching classes and giving presentations.
In order to make this an enjoyable and educational experience for participants, space is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required.
*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
Bee Wise
Saturday, June 24, 10am – 2pm
Presented by Caregivers of Mother Earth and Horse Shoe Gap Village
Location: Horse Shoe Gap Village, 3636 Brevard Rd., Horse Shoe
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Local author Elle Travis shares stories from her children’s books, including Bee Wise. A scavenger hunt with prizes, potted pollinator flowers for sale, an educational bee experience by a local honeybee expert, and much more will be offered.
Nature Walk and Talk: Bees and Beekeeping
Saturday, June 24, 10 – 11:30am
Presented by The Park at Flat Rock
Location: The Park at Flat Rock, 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock
Cost: no charge; no registration required
Park volunteer and beekeeper Will Garvey will discuss how the park supports bees, and how bees support the park … and how the park’s wildflower meadow, pollinator garden, native bees, and beehives work together to create healthy ecosystems. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pollinator events are also scheduled in Asheville. Visit ashevillegreenworks.org to learn more.
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Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens
For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.
Pick-up location:
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.
Cost: no charge
Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.
Take a daily, short, guided stroll at 2 PM that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet by the Butterfly Garden at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will a display inside Wilson Center. Read more about our species of rhododendron.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
We can’t believe it’s been ten years since the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge came onto the Lake Lure scene! The Bridge is a premier garden destination that draws visitors from around the world. From the beginning, our volunteers have lovingly created and maintained the gardens and delighted in sharing information and their passion with all who visit.
Whether we’re chatting with visitors as they walk the gardens or making presentations in more formal sessions, we love talking shop. To mark this special occasion, we are hosting a special FUNraising and FUNDraising event.
As part of commemorating the anniversary, we are growing and enhancing our education program. Currently, all classes are conducted “open air,” which means we sometimes have to cancel or move a class due to rain or excessive wind or do our best to provide shelter from the hot sun. To grow our vision and attract even more visitors to our beautiful area, we need a structure where we can safely conduct classes and events and where our schedule is not weather-dependent. All proceeds from the anniversary party will go toward building and operating our new Education Center. Make plans now to join in the fun and support the cause.
Tickets – $80 per person
Includes:
- Live music by Johnnie Blackwell
- Three-course dinner buffet & dessert
- Cash bar
- Silent Auction – get ready to purchase items for your garden and more!
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Hedrick Industries!
Join a group of like-minded female paddlers for a weekend festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about fostering community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on different rivers and lakes representing a range of skill levels, and are open to all women in all watercraft!
Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, and also benefits the Live Like Maria Fund.
New for 2023!
Lake Paddle Guided Excursion– Join professional women instructors for a guided lake excursion paddle with a stand up paddleboard or sit on top kayak, included with the activity! If you’re newer to paddling or not quite ready for whitewater, select a lake paddle and also enjoy the rest of the festivities.
Paddlefest Scholarship- This year, we are offering scholarships for BIPOC women to attend and stay onsite. See below for details and to apply.
2023 Weekend Schedule
Schedule is subject to change and will be updated here.
Paddlefest Scholarship
NOC and Mind Body Paddle want to make a more equitable outdoors for all. We would like to offer scholarships for this event to support a more accessible outdoor community where all are welcome. Three BIPOC women will be chosen to receive the following scholarship:
- Admission to the weekend of events
- Event T-shirt
- Group lake paddle with all equipment provided (if applicable)
- Saturday Evening Dinner
- Friday and Saturday Lodging Accommodations in NOC’s Basecamp
Interested participants must apply HERE by May 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please email them to [email protected]
Enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed at this outdoor class led by Namaste in Nature. Enjoy a practice suitable for all levels of expertise as you overlook Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. You won’t find a view like this in any studio! Lightweight yoga mats will be provided by your certified yoga teacher.
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
Written and Directed by Skyler Goff
This World Premiere was penned by local playwright Skyler Goff and tells of the continuing adventures of our favorite Lost Boy. A fantastical way to kick off our season!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
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Cost: no charge; no registration required
At this vendor’s booth, taste pure, raw, local honey, and safely observe a live honey bee hive.
Presented by HoneyBee Bliss, Randy and Pam Knowles.
Join us for this 5K Run for Life event hosted by Open Arms Pregnancy Center to help support women and teens facing unplanned pregnancies. This will be a run/walk-timed event to be held at The Park at Flat Rock located at 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock, NC US 28731 June 3,2023 with a start time of 8:30 AM.
Runners should register by May 14 to secure a T-shirt for the race.
Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/FlatRock/Run4for5k
Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact Open Arms Pregnancy Center by May 15th to learn more. (Marlies Zerressen at [email protected] or Lydia Bright at 864-921-5770)
Open Arms’ ministry is love, our aim: to support and guide, our purpose: to serve God and preserve life. We provide a safe and supportive place for pregnancy related needs with ultrasounds, material and emotional support for those facing difficult circumstances or perhaps the loss of a child.
All are services are Free and Confidential.
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens
For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.
Pick-up location:
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.
Cost: no charge
Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.
Float down Mud Creek between N. Main Street and Balfour Road, cleaning up trash. Can provide canoes for eight people but encourages anyone who has their own canoe or kayak to bring them
