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.

Sunday, February 16, 2025
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Feb 16 @ 5:30 pm – 11:45 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect Antler Hill Village’s unique shops and restaurants. Also adorned with cheerful lights: our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await. Don’t miss this must-see part of the Biltmore evening experience!

Monday, February 17, 2025
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Feb 17 @ 5:30 pm – 11:45 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect Antler Hill Village’s unique shops and restaurants. Also adorned with cheerful lights: our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await. Don’t miss this must-see part of the Biltmore evening experience!

Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The Real Bonhoeffer: Theology for Faith In Times of Crisis
Feb 19 @ 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Gardening in the Mountains presents: Soil Health – Post Helene
Feb 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online

Depending on location, heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Helene impacted soils throughout WNC. Many gardeners have questions about how to address everything from sediment and rock deposition to potential contamination. Michael Rayburn, Urban Ag Extension Agent in Buncombe County will walk us through the process of determining how to move forward with addressing soil health post Helene.

The presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.

Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

The Learning Garden presents: Pruning Roses in Late Winter
Feb 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Buncombe County Extension Office — Learning Garden

Western North Carolina, roses are usually ‘hard pruned’ in the late winter or early spring. Dead or damaged canes are removed, and the plant is shaped for optimal growth and blooms. Many rose growers are uncertain of how to correctly prune their roses. This program unravels the mystery of pruning and will help you have healthy and happy roses.

This will be an in-person program at the Extension office at the address above. Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather. The classroom size is limited so register to reserve your seat!

Registration: The talk is free but registration via Eventbrite is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Saturday, February 22, 2025
8th Annual Six Hours on the Ridge
Feb 22 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center

Six Hours on the Ridge is back for its 8th year!  Are you up for the challenge?  This annual race features the 6 mile JFA trail with just over 800 feet of elevation gain and fast rolling single track making it the perfect setting for this endurance event. Riders will ride as many laps as they are able within the 6 hour time window.

This race has sold out the past two years so don’t delay sign up today!

THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

22nd annual Business of Farming Conference
Feb 22 @ 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

The 22nd annual Business of Farming Conference, presented by ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), will be held Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will take place at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, Henderson County, NC—which is a location change from A-B Tech, as originally announced. The A-B Tech Conference Center is undergoing repairs after serving as a disaster relief location during Hurricane Helene.

The conference focuses on the business side of farming, offering beginning and established farmers financial, legal, operational, and marketing tools to improve farm businesses and make professional connections. This year’s conference will also have a strong emphasis on resilience planning and resources for post-Helene recovery. More than a dozen workshops will be led by innovative farmers and specialists, including You Can’t Do It All: Hiring and Keeping a Productive Team and Planning for Farm Resiliency. A full list of workshops is at asapconnections.org.

Registration is now open at asapconnections.org. The cost is $75 by Feb. 1 and $95 after, with a discount for farm partners registering together. Scholarships are available for limited-resource and BIPOC farmers. The registration price includes a locally sourced breakfast and lunch. Lunch is sponsored by Farm Burger.

Support for the conference is provided in part by Dogwood Health Trust, NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Saturday Seminar presents: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Buncombe County Extension Office — Learning Garden

This is an in-person program, held at The
Learning Garden.
Time:
Session #1 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.*
Session #2 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule.

Program: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Presenters – EMG volunteers
Alan Wagner – Sharpening pruners and loppers
James Wade – Sharpening shovels
John Fieselman – Sharpening chainsaws

Description: Sharp gardening tools are key to successful pruning. This workshop will teach you how to clean and sharpen your tools.

Bring 1-2 tools that you will sharpen during the workshop. Pruners, loppers, or shovels, only. No handsaws, large shears, or pole pruners.

This workshop will also include a separate demonstration on sharpening chainsaws. This demonstration is intended for experienced chainsaw users. This is a demo only, so leave all chainsaws at home.

Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required.
Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Saturday Seminar presents: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Buncombe County Extension Office — Learning Garden

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden.
Time:
Session #1 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.*
Session #2 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule.

Program: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Presenters – EMG volunteers
Alan Wagner – Sharpening pruners and loppers
James Wade – Sharpening shovels
John Fieselman – Sharpening chainsaws

Description: Sharp gardening tools are key to successful pruning. This workshop will teach you how to clean and sharpen your tools.

Bring 1-2 tools that you will sharpen during the workshop. Pruners, loppers, or shovels, only. No handsaws, large shears, or pole pruners.

This workshop will also include a separate demonstration on sharpening chainsaws. This demonstration is intended for experienced chainsaw users. This is a demo only, so leave all chainsaws at home.

Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required.
Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Sunday, February 23, 2025
Southern Rodeo Association
Feb 23 all-day
NC Agriculture Center

The 50th Southern Finals Rodeo will be held February 21-23, 2025 (3 performances) in Asheville NC (Fletcher) at the WNC Agricultural Center.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The Real Bonhoeffer: Theology for Faith In Times of Crisis
Feb 26 @ 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Thursday, February 27, 2025
City Dance
Feb 27 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Saturday, March 1, 2025
Boats and Birds
Mar 1 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Lake Julian Park

Ages 5+

Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders

This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots!  We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat.  Free, Registration Required.  Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!

Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.

For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.

Sunday, March 2, 2025
EcoGardening: Principles in Practice
Mar 2 @ 10:00 am
The North Carolina Arboretum

EcoGardening: Principles in Practice (3 Sessions)

with Nina Shippen

ON-SITE  |  Sundays, February 16, 23, + March 2  |  10 am – 1 pm

Ecological gardening is a way of thinking in which gardens are no longer seen as a collection of plants, but as an interdependent community of plants, soils, environment and animals. The class introduces ecology-based methods employed in the design process of site assessment, design, installation, and maintenance. A variety of garden conditions are covered in this comprehensive overview. Gardeners of all levels of interest and ability will find this class valuable for learning ecologically-sustainable practices that can be adapted and applied in a variety of landscapes.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Birding for Beginners
Mar 4 @ 9:00 am
The North Carolina 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.

 

Starting Seeds- Sow It Begins
Mar 4 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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.

Starting Seeds-Sow It Begins
Mar 4 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Lunch & Learn: Hurricanes and Climate Change
Mar 5 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Thursday, March 6, 2025
Ingles Socon Basketball Championship
Mar 6 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.

In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.

 

National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs
Mar 6 @ 12:00 am – May 11 @ 7:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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.