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.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Arboretum visitors will witness some of the most surprising animal behavior in the new National Geographic exhibition, “The Greatest Wildlife Photographs.” The very best wildlife pictures from the pages of National Geographic magazine have been chosen to be displayed in this exhibition. Curated by renowned nature picture editor, Kathy Moran, this exhibition is a celebratory look at wildlife with images taken by National Geographic’s most iconic photographers such as, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Steve Winter, Paul Nicklen, Beverly Joubert, David Doubilet and more. Showcasing the evolution of photography, the images convey how innovations such as camera traps, remote imaging, and underwater technology have granted photographers access to wildlife in their natural habitat.
For 115 years, National Geographic has pioneered and championed the art of wildlife photography, and captivated generations of engaged audiences with a steady stream of extraordinary images of animals in nature. From the very first such image to appear – a reindeer in 1903 – National Geographic Society’s publications have broken new ground and push the bar higher again and again, establishing an unmatched legacy of artistic, scientific, and technical achievement. These are the Greatest Wildlife Photographs. This is included with admission to NC Arboretum.
Birding for Beginners with Ben Bafaloukos
ON-SITE | Tuesday, March 4 | 9 – 10:30am
Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of a very common year round resident of North Carolina: Carolina wren. We will take an in-depth look at these noisy and “mousey” birds to observe their behaviors while also looking for other common winter bird species in our area. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.
This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.
As people all over the country start to grow their own gardens, plant prices continue to rise. These price increases quickly add up when growing your own garden. Starting your own seeds is a much more economical way to grow a large number of plants. Believe it or not many plants also do better when you grow them from a seed. Starting seeds can seem like a very scary task but it doesn’t have to be. Join our education coordinator, Isaac Wyatt, for a course all about starting your own seeds. From what you need to get started to how to get your seedlings in the garden.
*We will also have a selection of seeds to trade. Please feel free to bring any seeds you may be interested in trading!
March 4th, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm. Fee: $20.00.
Lunch & Learn: Hurricanes and Climate Change With NCICS scientists
ON-SITE | Wednesday, March 5 | 11 am – 1 pm
This Lunch & Learn session, led by Carl Schreck from the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, will begin with a presentation and discussion on hurricanes and climate change, with a focus on Hurricane Helene. Discussion topics will include hurricane-related trends, impacts, responses, and resilience. Participants will then head over to the Climate Reference Network (CRN) station on campus (weather permitting), where scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will describe the history and purpose of the CRN station, the instruments used to measure the weather, and answer any questions. Note that attendees can drive to the weather station, but a small amount of walking is necessary to access the equipment.
Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.
Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.
Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better! In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.
By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.
By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.
March 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.
Join AMOS Educators in the STEAM Lab March 7th-9th as we explore the science of basketball. What does it take to make the perfect shot? How can investigating material science make us better players? Can dissecting a basketball improve our dribble?
Find out more in this month’s STEAM Lab theme- Fun and Games!
Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.
Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.
Winter Warm-Up | Saturday, March 8 | 1-4 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Road, Arden | Bring your family, friends, and love for the outdoors to enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, crafts, play, and more and celebrate the changing season. The program is free, and no registration is required.
Hi Wire Biltmore Village is throwing a Mardi Gras bash you won’t want to miss! Join us on Saturday, March 8th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for a festive celebration filled with live music, themed cocktails, and plenty of good vibes.
Get ready to groove to the sounds of Commander Voodoo, serving up live jams that’ll have you dancing all afternoon. Sip on our brand-new Hurricane Sour—a party in a glass—and other themed cocktails, or enjoy your favorite Hi Wire beers.
Costumes are highly encouraged, so break out your beads, masks, and most colorful attire to get into the spirit of Mardi Gras! Whether you come with your krewe or fly solo, this is the place to be for a day of fun, flavor, and festivities
Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.
Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.
Bonsai Demo: Resurrection of the Chase Grove with Arthur Joura
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 9 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm
In 1997, the Arboretum received a donation of a bonsai tray landscape featuring Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress. The donation came from a well-known bonsai artist in Pennsylvania named Chase Rosade. This large and popular planting was often on display in the bonsai garden, until 2021 when it was taken off display because the unique fabricated container in which it was planted began to crumble. A new container has been made and now it’s time to rebuild the landscape and get it back on display.
Meadows don’t have to be massive to contribute to the biodiversity and beauty of a landscape. Many gardeners are learning how to incorporate meadow style plantings in their home or small business landscapes. Join us for our engaging workshop on creating a meadow style landscape feature. Learn from Crissy Dzielak, Vice President and co-owner of Landmark Landscapes about the plants, installation techniques, and maintenance practices that bring these vibrant, naturalistic landscapes to life.
Topics covered include:
Plant Selection: Understand which grasses, wildflowers, and perennials are ideal for meadow-style plantings, focusing on native and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our region.
Installation Techniques: Learn step-by-step methods for preparing your site, sowing seeds, and planting plugs to establish a thriving meadow.
Maintenance Practices: Gain insights into sustainable practices for managing weeds, supporting plant diversity, and maintaining the health and beauty of your meadow over time.
This talk is perfect for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts looking to create low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial, and visually stunning meadow landscapes. Join us to explore meadow style plantings and how they can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife and a feast for the eyes.
March 12, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Fishes of the Southern Appalachians with Carlton Burke
ON-SITE | Thursday, March 13 | 12 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Wildlife of the Blue Ridge Core Credit
The Southern Appalachian region is rich with a variety of fish species. These include not only the better known species of game fish that we love to catch for sport or food, but also include an incredible diversity of smaller, lesser-known non-game fish, which play an important role in the ecology of our aquatic mountain habitats. In this class we will discuss many of the fish species found in the mountain region and learn about their classification, habitat, life cycles, and their identifying features.
This program includes a lab portion of the class where students will see some features of fish hands on with real fish specimens.
Ignite Dance Competition doors open at 7am. Event starts at 8am.
Protecting our Native Hemlocks: Treatment Demonstration with Hemlock Restorative Initiative
ON-SITE | Friday, March 14 | 1 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Elective Credit
Join Hemlock Restoration Initiative staff for a demonstration and workshop in the Arboretum forest to learn the fundamentals of treating hemlock trees to protect them from the invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid. Designed for a general audience, this workshop is great for homeowners who steward hemlocks on their property or for anyone interested in learning treatment basics. Today hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than ever before!
Ignite Dance Competition doors open at 7am. Event starts at 8am.
Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil and folk artist Samara Jade honor the feast day of St. Patrick with an evening of Celtic music, story, lore and handcraft. In addition to the concert, guests can enjoy beverages, good company and a buffet — and try their hands at weaving St. Brigid’s cross for protection and well-being in the year to come. Tickets to the event are $30 for the concert and buffet or $15 for the concert.
Ignite Dance Competition doors open at 7am. Event starts at 8am.
Drawn to Nature with Matt Reyna
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 16 | 10am – 12:30pm
Join us for a Sunday morning reserved for creative self-care. Using basic mark-makers (pencils, graphite, etc) we’ll explore the instinctual, yet undervalued act of drawing–through the lens of nature. Choose your own focus – capture grand mountain views from our classroom, work on a collective nature still life, or hone in on the small details of nature on your own. Weather depending, students may choose to sketch outside.
Basic art materials, hot tea, and a welcoming atmosphere will be provided. All skill levels welcome! Feel free to bring your own materials, but kindly keep wet media (paints, etc) at home.
This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.