Family Night on the Blue Ridge Parkway - 7-5-12

July 5   Family Night on the Blue Ridge Parkway   7 PM - 8:30 PM   Join rangers at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center  for a twilight stroll through the ever-darkening forest. Learn about the Parkway creatures that lurk in the shadows of the night.  Registration is required. Call (828)298-5330, ext 304 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Magic Love Bus Journey has Grand Finale in Asheville

July 1, 3 PM - 10 PM at Pack Square in Downtown Asheville NC    The Love Bus Journey, celebrating heart conscious evolution makes an appearance in Asheville for one day. The group of "LovEvolutionaries" share  food, drumming, campfires, movies, discussions, dancing, music, yoga and love parades.

The Coast-to-coast journey began in April in San Francisco and concludes with the grand finale in Asheville. The event includes a variety of music artist and acts all designed to promote the mission of healing divisions and providing a platform for free expression and a vehicle for personal and group transformation.

Shindig on the Green begins 2012 season this weekend

June 30    Shindig on the Green    Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays.

River Music Concert Series begins this weekend

June 29, 5 PM, 144 Riverside Drive at the RiverLInk Sculpture and Performance Plaza in the River Arts District.   River Music  - Dance under the stars next to the beautiful French Broad River at Asheville's new summer concert series hosted by New Belgium Brewing and RiverLink. 

There will be New Belgium beer, a variety of good eats provided by your favorite Asheville food trucks and the waters of the beautiful French Broad flowing right by the stage. Best of all, these events are FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the view of the French Broad River at RiverMUSIC!

2012 River Music Concert Schedule:

June 29: From Brooklyn, NY, the 10-piece styling of Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, with special guests The Krektones and the Mad Tea Party.

July 13: Bluegrass on the river with Sanctum Sully and special guests Bobby Miller & The Virginia Daredevils.

August 3: An evening with The 42nd Street Jazz Band.

August 24: Sirius B. with special guests The Blood Gypsies.

September 14: Purveyors of the funk, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band with special guests The Fritz.

Shindig on the Green Kicks off with a 5K Fundraiser

June 30   5K Run for Shindig on the Green   A special fundraising benefit for Shindig on the Green, the race kicks off the first Shindig evening of 2012. Hosted by the Folk Heritage Committee, the Run will help fund the celebrated heritage event, now in its 46th year.

The two overall race winners will be recognized at this year's first Shindig. The overall male and female winners of the 5K will each receive a beautiful mug with the Folk Heritage Committee logo crafted by Mangum Pottery in Weaverville, N.C.

There will be additional awards for the winners of the Fun Walk/Run and age divisions of the 5K race. Parking is limited to 280 spaces at the Park and carpooling is recommended.  There will be no food vendors but post-race snacks and water will be available. Online registration for this race closed June 9, 2012. T-Shirts will be available only for pre-registered 5K participants.

Last Summer Art in the Park this Weekend

June 30   Art in the Park Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Don't miss th opportunity to find the finest in handcrafted art that Asheville Area Artists have to offer. Skilled workers of Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal make their shops open to display to the public at every market.

Asheville Hosts Community Unity Concert

June 29, 2 PM - 10 PM    Community Unity One Love Concert  in Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.  The theme of the event a is message of Life Appreciation and promotion of Unity and Love between all people.  The musical line-up includes The Upliftas, Chuck Beattie, Jonathan Santos, Hope Griffin, De Ja Fuze and Laura Reed featuring Shannon Sanders.

Kids Visit Biltmore FREE this Summer

May 23 - September 3, 2012 Biltmore is offering FREE admission for children 16 years old and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket. "America's Castle" has always been a Family Friendly environment from touring a real castle, to playing in the 8,000-acre backyard, or exploring the farmyard filled everyone's favorite animals.  

Every Biltmore restaurant features a children's menu and a helpful wait staff ready with high chairs or other assistance.  The Winery tour includes complimentary grape juice available for kids. Lightweight travel strollers or child backpack carriers are permitted and allow navigation of the house's stairs without overly tiring ease little feet. 

Biltmore's website offers a "Family Fun Itinerary" to assist with getting the most out of your family's visit. Get a link for the Outdoor Adventure Center with Bike rentals, Segway tours, fly-fishing classes, and river float trips provide the opportunity to explore hidden areas of the estate.  If you have family members who love horses there are Carriage rides and guided horseback trail rides which showcase the remarkable pastures, valleys, and panoramic views.

Kids of all ages enjoy a visit to a farm and Biltmore's Farm in Antler Hill Village has something for everyone. The usual barnyard animals are present along with farm equipment, games and demonstrations from Biltmore's history. During the summer, there are daily crafts for youngsters who want to explore their creativity.

Get a link to buy Biltmore tickets online at a discount and learn more about visiting the Estate on the NC Attraction Guide.

Getaway this Weekend in Asheville - 6-22-12

Asheville mountain lodge with WOW views - 3 bds , 3 baths, sleeps up to 11. 3 decks face west for spectacular sunsets with 50 mile views. Fireplace, grill, HDTV, WIFI, community fitness center. Rates include cleaning, taxes. $300-$325 night, $1950 week. See rental photos and availability

Get links for Asheville restaurants, attractions and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Art in the Park this Saturday in Asheville

June 23   Art in the Park   Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Family Night Tonight on the Blue Ridge Parkway

June 21   Family Night on the Blue Ridge Parkway   7 PM - 8:30 PM learn about the different survival strategies that Parkway animals use and play interactive predator-prey games. Registration is required. Call (828)298-5330, ext 304 for more information and to reserve your spot.

The event is held at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 384 in Asheville NC.

Asheville Design Center Hosts Kickin' it old School Fundraiser

June 21, 6-9 PM   The Asheville Affiliates and Asheville Design Center invite you to "Kickin' it Old School"  at Celine and Company's On Broadway. This event is the largest fundraiser to date for the Asheville Design Center and is hosted by the Asheville Affiliates and sponsored by Charlotte Street Computers.

The Asheville Design Center is a nonprofit agency dedicated to engaging citizens in creative design that promotes healthy, thriving and equitable communities. Proceeds from the event will go towards ADC’s Klondyke Playground project. With the help of volunteer designers this summer, ADC volunteers will design and build a new playground for the over 200 children who live there.  Located at the end of Montford Avenue, the Klondyke Apartments currently lacks a safe place for children to play.  Working with Klondyke residents through all phases of the process, ADC’s volunteer professionals will design and build a new space that encourages a sense of ownership, respect and pride for the neighborhood.

At “Kickin’ it Old School!” there will be an amazing array of entertainment, food and drinks guaranteed to last all night. Come dressed in your favorite 80’s and 90’s fashions and dance the night away to the old school sounds of DJ Marley Carroll. Food from Mark Rosenstein’s kitchen ready GO program includes an all you can eat Tot’s bar with sauces from Crooked Condiments. Catawba Brewing will provide the kegs, with wine from Skyland Distributing. There will also be a raffle.

Tickets are only $25 if you RSVP in advance via the Asheville Affiliates Facebook event page or $30 at the door, if tickets remain. “On Broadway” is located downtown at 49 Broadway Street.

Asheville Art Museum Hosts Fine Art Print Fair

June 22-24   Fine Art Print Fair  Hosted by the Asheville Art Museum the Fair will showcase dealers from around the United States and will appeal to both beginning collectors as well as more seasoned ones. Dealers will offer something for every taste or budget, from old master prints to contemporary photographs. A Preview Reception: Friday June 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ($35 Museum Members,  $45 non-Members)

30th Annual Piedmont Classic This Week

June 21 - 24  Asheville Alive 2012  The Piedmont Classic Paso Fino Horse Show has become the most anticipated and talked about events in the Asheville and equine communities. Special Youth activities featuring TEAM USA competing in the World Cup Games in July 2012 in Miami. The four-day competition features the best riders and Paso Fino horses from around the country, including past and present Grand National Champions competing for the prestigious honor of taking home the Blue Ribbons at Asheville ALIVE 2012.

The “Vendor Village” at Asheville ALIVE 2012 combines the arts, culture and culinary experiences of both the Asheville community and the Paso Fino horse community to provide unique shopping experience for all ages.

Asheville offers iPad Contest for Fans

Are you an Asheville Fan? You can "Share the Love" in Asheville's new contest for a chance to win an iPad. Through the Bomcombe County TDA (Tourist Development Authority) Asheville is offering a contest exclusively for their Facebook Fans. In the contest Fans simply watch a video unveiling a mountain masterpiece and share it with a friend for a chance to win the iPad.  CLICK HERE to enter.

Biltmore Father's Day Special

Free admission to Biltmore for all dads on Father's Day with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket at the Reservation and Ticket Center. Valid June 17, 2012.

Biltmore America's "Castle" was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery with tastings and a wine shop; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn; and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to see all that Biltmore has to offer.

Get a link for the Father's Day Biltmore Special and other NC mountain ticket specials on the Specials and Discounts Directory.

Asheville's Downtown after 5 Features Space Capone

June 15 from 5-9 PM   Downtown After 5 The Asheville Downtown Association brings together some of the best musicians in the area and throughout the Southeast. This Friday Space Capone and The Secret B-sides will perform.

Inspired by 70’s funk, soul and R&B, Space Capone blends horns, electronics and a tight rhythm section to bring a modern twist to their music. The band’s energy and stage presence are sure to whip the crowd into a dancing frenzy. Asheville locals, The Secret B-Sides, mix old and new-school funk and R&B, making them a perfect opener for Space Capone.

To purchase alcohol attendees will need to show a valid picture ID and buy a $2 wristband. Proceeds from wristband sales for June’s event support Katy’s Kids. Katy's Kids works with MANNA FoodBank to provide in-need schoolchildren a backpack of food to take home for the weekend.

Find more Asheville events, festivals and information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Hosts Family Night

June 14, 7:00 -8:30 PM   at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 384 in Asheville, NC.  Join rangers for a night of family fun and education. Discover some of the old timey foxfire games that entertained families back in the day when school was out and the chores were done. Registration is required. Call (828)298-5330, ext 304 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Summer Solsrice Celebration at The Compleat Naturalist

June 21, 6:30-8:00PM - The Compleat Naturalist celebrates the first full day of summer. There will be FREE drinks and refreshments and a variety of entertaining activities that will bring out the naturalist in all of us. Meet the new Program Specialist, Sharon Mammoser . Attendees will have the chance to win prizes (beautiful prints and DVD of Sharon's fantastic photography), plus items from The Compleat Naturalist. Click here for more information about the prints and DVD. Bring your friends and family (all ages welcome) for a night that won't be ordinary... but it will be fun! Activities start at 6:30 pm. 

Email and RSVP at info@compleatnaturalist.com or call 828-274-5430.

Art in the Park this Weekend in Asheville

June 16   Art in the Park Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Get a link for Asheville's Art in the Park and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Vacation Rental Available for 4th of July

Vacation cottage on a horse farm - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Hot tub, fishing pond, wood-burning fireplace, gas grill, Video games, WIFI, row boat for guest use. Watch the horses graze and relax with nature. Located minutes from Biltmore and other Asheville Attractions. $195 night, $1325 week.   See cottage photos and rental availability

Get more local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

West Asheville Studio Stroll This Weekend

June 9-10    West Asheville Studio Stroll   A behind-the-scenes look at the vibrant arts community in West Asheville which is quickly becoming one of the city's most vibrant arts centers. The tour begins at the east end of Haywood Road (just up the hill from the River Arts District) and continues along the street to the Interstate bridge.

Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association Spring Inn Tour

June 9-10   Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association Spring Inn Tour   Tour  historic residences as well and enjoy delicious culinary treats along the way. Each Inn will partner with a local independent restaurant or caterer, who is committed to using fresh local ingredients.

Tour 15 inns  this year with 8 open on Saturday and 7 open on Sunday. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Appalachian Sustainability Agriculture Project (ASAP).

River Arts District Studio Stroll this weekend

June 9-10   Studio Stroll at the River Arts District   The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. There will be artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend. 

There is plenty of parking and you can catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from Clingman Café.

Pritchard Park Art Market includes live music

June 9   Ooh La La Curiosity Market  An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas.

In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up to three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

Special Music and food event at Diana Wortham Theatre

 June 9   A Taste of Opera   The Diana Wortham Theatre hosts an evening of food, wine and music ofr a "grand feast of the world". Cuisine from from an array of Asheville restaurants with wine are paired with an exclusive on stage concert at Diana Wortham Theatre featuring performances of opera’s past, present and future vocal stars.

First Annual Asheville Percussion Festival

June 8 - 10   Asheville Percussion Festival The first annual Asheville Percussion Festival will take place at the Creative Technology and Arts Center, the Odyssey School, 90 Zillicoa in Asheville, NC. The mission is to provide a creative environment where percussionists of all traditions gather to explore, create and innovate. The festival will be hosted by Asheville's ambassador to rhythm River Guerguerian.

Workshop topics for all levels include performing, improvising, and composing taught by world-renowned teachers such as Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon's percussionist), David Cossin (who tours with STING) and other local and regional teachers. Following the workshops will be concerts for the community on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm.

Get a link for the Asheville Percussion Festival and other Asheville events and festivals on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Appalachian Breakdown Bluegrass Festival

June 9, 2 PM - 8:30 PM at Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, in Asheville NC. Appalachian Breakdown Bluegrass Festival is a  day of bluegrass and beer in Highland Brewing Company's meadow. Live music performances will include the Kruger Brothers, Sons of Ralph, Buncombe Turnpike, Sanctum Sully and Southern Crescent.

Asheville Vacation Rental with view of Downtown

Enjoy the incredible views of downtown Asheville - 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sleeps up to 8. Deck with outdoor fireplace and wonderful views, 2 inside wood-burning fireplaces, 2 TVs, whirlpool bathtub, phone, Pet Friendly. $557 - $622 night, $1988 - $2377 week.  See rental photos and check availability

Find more information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

The First Annual Green Swan Fest Today at Warren Wilson College

June 2, 11 AM - 9 PM at Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa, NC. The Green Swan Fest is  a full day of music with local and national performers on the main stage. There's something for the entire family with both children's events and environmental activities, plus raffles for great door prizes, local food trucks and micro-brews.

The event celebrates and encourages the work of Asheville GreenWorks, a local environmental non-profit, working diligently for 38 years to "clean & green" Buncombe County.

5th Annual Sculpture in the Garden opens this Weekend at Grovewood Gallery

June 2 - December 31 at the Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road in Asheville NC:  An outdoor sculpture invitational featuring contemporary sculptures by nationally-recognized artists. Sculptures range from playful pieces suitable for the home or garden, to works for public spaces and corporate settings.

This year's participants include Ralph Berger, Stefan Steebo Bonitz, Grace Cathey, Cricket Forge & Don Drumm, Jeff Hackney, Roger Martin, Royal Miree, Sean Pace, Dale Rogers, Lyman Whitaker, and Charles McBride White.