Outdoor Events

Hendersonville’s outdoor wonders lend themselves to breathtaking adventures.

June – July 2022 Jun – Jul 2022
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Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Jun 29 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

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Categories: Art & Craft Fundraisers Outdoors
Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
Jun 29 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food. 

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

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Categories: Community Family Fun Fundraisers Outdoors Sports
Bullington Gardens: Fairy Trail
Jun 29 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

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Categories: Family Fun Garden Outdoors
S.A.S.Y. Art Camps Ages 8-12
Jun 29 @ 9:00 am – Jul 1 @ 2:15 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Our Summer Arts Camp is a one-week encounter with music, visual as well as performing arts. Our campers will be given the flexibility to choose their own art experience. They may want to dabble in the performing arts or take part in the visual arts or perhaps do a bit of both.

  • Origami: Susie Walker will teach you all the ins and outs of the folding world of Origami. In this hands-on class, you will not only learn the methods but you will learn all the practical applications of this ancient old world art. Time: 9:00 PM.

 

  • Drawing: Sharpen your skills with artist Ben Sellers. He will show us the how’s and why’s of pen and ink. Giving you the tools you need to be a better artist. Time: 9:00 AM.

 

  • Theater Camp: Lights, Camera, Action!!                                If acting is your thing or something you would like to explore theater camp will give you an opportunity to act live on stage. We will learn all the mechanics of the live stage.  On the first day, we will assign parts and begin practicing for our play that will be performed on Friday. Every child will have a speaking part, learn about blocking, and all the other aspects of stage performance. Teacher: Clara Rogers – Time: 9:00 AM-12:00  PM.

 

  • Selfies, portraits, and collage: For a total emersion into all the elements of the facial features and then sign up for this class. Teacher, Kendal Stoney’s expert know-how will make it easy to create wonderful portrait artwork. Time: 10:45 AM.

 

  • Mural Painting: Ben Sellers, our hometown professional artist, will lead our young artist in a group effort to create a mural. This colorful experience will be a wonderful creative adventure. Time: 10:45 AM

 

  • Music Camp: Our favorite musical teacher and entertainer, Woody Cowan, will be ready and willing to give you a fun-filled singing experience that will have you toe-tapping and hand-clapping all week long. On Friday afternoon you will join all the other performing artists to show what you know.Time: 1:00 PM.

 

  • Wild & Wonderful Abstract Art: Abstract artist Tina Durbin will impart her love and knowledge of abstract art through her favorite abstract artist- Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Jackson Pollack to name a few. Just have fun and let the world of color and line help you create your masterpiece!Time: 1:00 PM.
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Categories: Art & Craft Family Fun Music Outdoors
Make A Splash: Buncombe Swimming Pools Open
Jun 29 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Swimming Pools


Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.

Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.

Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.

For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.

Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.

Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Pool Locations

Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Like on Facebook

Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook

Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook

North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook

Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Like on Facebook

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Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
Summer Animal Encounters
Jun 29 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

Did you know our staff had a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important roles in the ecosystem. Some of our best teachers have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

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Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors
Volunteer Opportunities with Bountiful Cities
Jun 29 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pearson Garden and Nursery
If you would like to sign up to get regular updates about our volunteer opportunities please contact [email protected] or fill out this FORM.

 

You can also attend one of our weekly garden workday events:
Pearson Garden and Nursery Garden workdays Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Located at 408 Pearson Dr. in Montford. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Hall Fletcher Elementary School FEAST Garden Wednesdays 2:45-4:00pm, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Lucy Herring Elementary School Peace Garden (formerly Vance Elementary School) in West Asheville.  Workdays Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. The garden will again be closed to the public from 8 AM- 2:30 pm so that classes can use the garden for outdoor learning. Please contact  [email protected] for questions and to RSVP

**We give away free produce donated by Mother Earth Food every week at our Sharing Table Mondays after 3 pm

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Categories: Garden Outdoors Volunteers
Grandfather Glows: Bioluminescent Evenings on Grandfather Mountain
Jun 29 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Glows

New in 2022: Bioluminescent Evenings on Grandfather Mountain! Have the rare opportunity to see Synchronous Fireflies, Blue Ghost Fireflies and Glowworms, weather and conditions permitting (rain date is July 2). Grandfather Mountain is home to the Photinus carolinus, the only species of firefly in North America whose individuals can synchronize their lighting display, meaning they can flash in unison. Read more about them!

Grandfather Glows Schedule
7:00 p.m.: MacRae Meadows (Gate 3) opens for parking. Navigate to Grandfather Mountain (2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC). MacRae Meadows is just south of the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate on US 221.
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Educators roving to answer questions. Picnics are welcome, but please pack away all trash since we have bears in the park.
7:25 p.m: 20-minute fireflies program by park naturalists in parking area
8:00 p.m.: Begin walking or riding the shuttle to the viewing area
8:00-9:00 p.m.: Interpretive tables set up with information about night critters, astronomy and more, plus kid’s activities
8:25 p.m.: 20-minute program by park naturalists in viewing area
9:00-11:00 p.m.: Viewing time, sitting in your chair or on a blanket
11:00 p.m.: Walk or shuttle back to car. Those wanting to walk back to their car before 11 p.m. may do so.

Rain Date: July 2
When purchasing a ticket for a Grandfather Glows event date it is important to understand that your firefly viewing opportunity may occur on the event date or back-up rain date (the day immediately following the event date). If the July 2 back-up event was also canceled by GMSF you would receive a full refund for your ticket.

Event Admission
Tickets go on sale on this page on May 23 at 10 a.m.
Adult: $60
Child (4-12): $35
Bridge Club Adult: $51
Bridge Club Child: $29
Children under 4 are free and do not require a ticket.
Limited to 200 guests

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Categories: Education Family Fun Outdoors
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Jun 30 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Fundraisers Outdoors
Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
Jun 30 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food. 

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Fundraisers Outdoors Sports
Bullington Gardens: Fairy Trail
Jun 30 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring charming vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Garden Outdoors
Venomous Snakes of the Carolinas
Jun 30 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Learn to separate fact from fiction abut the various species of venomous snakes found in North and South Carolina. What to do when encountering venomous snakes in the wild and administering first aid for snakebites are covered. Students will have the chance to learn basic identification skills in this online class.

Read more
Categories: Education Outdoors
Make A Splash: Buncombe Swimming Pools Open
Jun 30 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Swimming Pools


Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.

Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.

Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.

For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.

Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.

Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Pool Locations

Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Like on Facebook

Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook

Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook

North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook

Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Like on Facebook

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
CENTENNIAL CULMINATION CELEBRATION
Jun 30 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Aston Park

This event marks our last opportunity to join together in recognition of our 100-year anniversary, celebrate the people and organizations who work to make our community a better place for all, and launch into the NEXT 100 years of community service.

Join us at historic Aston Park located across the street from United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s Community Services Building. We will gather and reimagine the future as a resilient community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives.

 

FREE EVENT FOR ALL | FOOD | LIVE DJ | PRIZES |
A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ASSEMBLING SUMMER ACTIVITY KITS FOR YOUT
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Categories: Community Family Fun Food & Drink Music Outdoors
ArborEvenings
Jun 30 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

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Categories: Food & Drink Garden Music Outdoors
The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Jun 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

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Categories: Music Outdoors Parks & Recreation
GREENVILLE CHORALE: LAKESIDE PATRIOTIC CONCERT
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm
Furman Amphitheater

To celebrate America’s Independence Day, the Chorale will join the Furman Lakeside Band for an uplifting, entertaining evening of music.

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Categories: Holiday Music Outdoors
Contra Dance At The OFB
Jun 30 @ 8:00 pm
Warren Wilson College

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.

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Categories: Dance Featured Parks & Recreation
Friday, July 1, 2022
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
Jul 1 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Fundraisers Outdoors
Free National Park Owner’s Guides
Jul 1 all-day
online

National Park Foundation Owners Guides

Thinking about your next national park experience? These free downloadable national park Owner’s Guides are filled with travel tips and helpful information. It’s your one-stop resource to discover all your national parks!

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Categories: Community Outdoors