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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 31 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Monday, January 6, 2025
Flooded Poetry
Jan 6 @ 6:30 pm
Flood Gallery

Every Monday, Ivy Rozen, Senior Editor of The Black Mountain Press, will host a poetry-specific open mic from 6:30pm-9pm. Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading (email Ivy at [email protected] if you’d like to be a featured poet)!

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers” series with Tony Robles
Jan 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar + Cocktails feature author Tony Robles as the next poet in their series “In the Company of Writers.” The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic are available at the entrance.

Born in San Francisco, Tony Robles now makes his home in Hendersonville. His latest poetry collection, Where the Warehouse Things was published in late 2024 by Redhawk Publications in Hickory, NC. This book focuses on masculinity, set against the backdrop of mechanical parts, tools, and the rough language of men. This, his fourth poetry collection, follows the 2023 collection Thrift Store Metamorphosis (Redhawk Publications). Among his honors, Tony was short-listed for Poet Laureate of San Francisco in 2017, named Carl Sandburg Writer in Residence by the Carl Sandburg Historic Home in 2020 and twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is working on his first novel.

Thursday, January 9, 2025
Blood Drive
Jan 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
AdventHealth

Blood Drive at AdventHealth Hendersonville

Thursday, January 9 | 10 am to 3 pm

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville

Look for The Blood Connection Mobile Donor Unit near the Valet parking lot.

All donors will receive $40 in rewards!

To make an appointment, visit thebloodconnection.org and search for the Sponsor Code 23AC.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Oak – The Tree of Civilization
Jan 14 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The genus of plants known as Oak (Quercus sp.) is at least as important to civilization as any food crop you can think of, maybe even more so. This class combines history and plant science to explore the history that oak trees and humans share from the end of the last ice age to the present.

Join us as Henderson County Extension Agent Steve Pettis will discuss acorns as a food source throughout history, the age of sail, ancient and modern industries based on oak, the oaks of western NC and much more.

Saturday, January 18, 2025
Grafting Japanese Maples: A Hands-On Workshop with Fritz McCall
Jan 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join us for an immersive experience in the art of grafting Japanese Maples, led by expert horticulturist Fritz McCall, owner of Blue Ridge Nursery and longtime Bullington supporter. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the intricate techniques of grafting and practice under Fritz’s guidance. You’ll have the opportunity to graft two beautiful maple varieties from the selections (Bloodgood, Inaba Shidare, Sango kaku, Seiryu, Tamukeyama, Viridis, Crimson Queen, and Japonicum) and take your grafted trees home. This class is perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners looking to expand their skills. Don’t miss this chance to create your own Japanese Maples and deepen your understanding of this ancient horticultural practice. Participants are asked to bring a sharp knife or Exacto knife.

$55 per ticket-class size limited to 14.

Saturday January 18, 2025.  10:00 a.m.– 12:30 pm

Thursday, January 23, 2025
Our Voice
Jan 23 @ 6:00 am
Hampton Inn Hotel and Suites
Our Voice, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, invites the community to participate in a series of free educational events in Buncombe, McDowell, and Transylvania Counties. This event is designed to empower participants with knowledge and tools to identify and respond to human trafficking in our region.
Attendees will gain:
An understanding of what human trafficking looks like in WNC.
Insights into red flags that may indicate trafficking situations.
Knowledge about traffickers and the vulnerabilities they exploit.
Information on resources and organizations available to help in our region.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy
Jan 25 all-day
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the pelvis and legs. We will be learning how to improve posture from the foundation up, releasing tension and creating flow.

Block Therapy combines sustained pressure and diaphragmatic breathing to dissolve fascial adhesions connected to the bone. Fascia, which grips bone at 2000 pounds per square inch, can lead to misalignment over time. This method reverses misalignment and promotes body symmetry as the ribcage often collapses into core causing a cascade of issues for alignment and organs and glands.

Factors like poor posture, repetitive movements, gravity, surgery, injury, and shallow chest breathing can compress and wind down the body. Adhesions form to support posture but can restrict blood and oxygen flow, impair detoxification, and cause inflammation and chronic pain.

By releasing fascia, the free flow of blood, oxygen, and life force energy is enabled to previously deprived areas of the body. Fascia not only holds physical tension but also stores trauma and negative emotions. This is a great practice for somatic experiencing, increasing range of motion, and creating freedom in the body.

Block Therapy effectively peels away layers of tension stored in the body over time, promoting self-healing and enhancing quality of life, detoxifying mind, body, and soul.

This is a great class for anyone aiming to improve posture, lymphatic cleansing, experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, athletes, or looking to improve overall health and aesthetics as Block Therapy has amazing anti-aging benefits.

We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. If you feel like you will need more, you can preorder a block for the workshops with this referral link https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/starterprogram/Renataosorio/ this includes a block buddy and 9 day starter package with daily videos to enhance your practice.

Plants Make the Garden
Jan 25 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join Amy Fahmy to understand the planting design principles that she has found most useful in 30 years of residential garden design experience. For both novice and experienced gardeners this class is about placing and growing plants for the most eye-catching effect. You’ll leave class knowing what to buy, and where to plant to transform your existing garden! Jan 25, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00. $20.00. Class limit 40.

Southeast Super Trucks Banquet
Jan 25 @ 5:00 pm
NC Agriculture Center (Virginia Boone Center)

Our 2024 Season Awards Banquet will be held back at the WNC Ag Center, in the Virginia C. Boone Building on Saturday January 25th. Please send a email with your RSVP to Diane at [email protected] to let her know how many are in your party.

All RSVP’s must be sent in by Thursday January 16th.

Doors will Open at 4:30
Opening Ceremonies at 5
Dinner at 6
Awards Ceremony 7
Address:
761 Boylston Hwy
Fletcher, NC 28732
Adults – $25
Children 12 & Under – $15

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Mountain Mushrooms Workshop: Fungus Among Us!
Jan 28 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join us for a spore-tacular time at the Mountain Mushrooms Workshop! We’ll teach you the fun-gamentals—it’s quite the ‘fun-guy’ activity! We’ll also explore the best wild mushrooms to forage in the forest, making sure you’re not in truffle when identifying them. This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned mycophiles alike. Don’t miss out on this morel of a good time!

January 28, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Thursday, January 30, 2025
No Man’s Land Film Festival coming to French Broad River Academy
Jan 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy-North Campus

French Broad River Academy (FBRA) invites you to a screening of the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF), a curated selection of adventure-based short films that celebrate the power, strength, and determination of women in the great outdoors. The films highlight inspiring stories of female adventurers from around the world, and are tailored for student and family viewing. The event is open to the public.

The evening starts at 5:30 pm with a panel discussion by Asheville-area community outdoor adventure enthusiasts, followed by screening of the short films at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person, available for purchase in advance at https://www.fbra-avl.org/no-mans-land/ or at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit FBRA and the school’s outdoor programming for students.

ABOUT NMLFF: Founded in 2015 in response to the lack of women-representation in the broader outdoor media, the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF) has grown to become the premier adventure film festival for women and gender non-conforming athletes, storytellers, and filmmakers. Learn more: https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/

ABOUT FBRA: French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is an independent middle school (grades 6-8) in Asheville, NC, with dual riverfront programs for boys and girls. We integrate rigorous academics with outdoor adventure, service learning, and international travel to help our students become confident, compassionate leaders, ready to take on the world. Learn more about FBRA: fbra-avl.org

Saturday, February 1, 2025
Block Therapy for Chronic Pain
Feb 1 all-day
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the shoulders, arms and head. We will be releasing tension and creating flow.

Block Therapy combines sustained pressure and diaphragmatic breathing to dissolve fascial adhesions connected to the bone. Fascia, which grips bone at 2000 pounds per square inch, can lead to misalignment over time. This method reverses misalignment and promotes body symmetry as the ribcage often collapses into core causing a cascade of issues for alignment and organs and glands.

Factors like poor posture, repetitive movements, gravity, surgery, injury, and shallow chest breathing can compress and wind down the body. Adhesions form to support posture but can restrict blood and oxygen flow, impair detoxification, and cause inflammation and chronic pain.

By releasing fascia, the free flow of blood, oxygen, and life force energy is enabled to previously deprived areas of the body. Fascia not only holds physical tension but also stores trauma and negative emotions. This is a great practice for somatic experiencing, increasing range of motion, and creating freedom in the body.

Block Therapy effectively peels away layers of tension stored in the body over time, promoting self-healing and enhancing quality of life, detoxifying mind, body, and soul.

This is a great class for anyone aiming to improve posture, lymphatic cleansing, experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, athletes, or looking to improve overall health and aesthetics as Block Therapy has amazing anti-aging benefits.

We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. If you feel like you will need more, you can preorder a block for the workshops with this referral link https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/starterprogram/Renataosorio/ this includes a block buddy and 9 day starter package with daily videos to enhance your practice.

Sound Healing with Himalayan Singing Bowls
Feb 1 @ 12:00 am
Somatic Sounds

Come immerse yourself in a somatic journey of sound and relaxation, , where ancient wisdom meets modern well-being. Imagine the soothing tones of Himalayan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.

Facilitated by Vivek, this sound journey features over 30 handcrafted singing bowls, each emitting a rich spectrum of intricate, highly somatic frequencies and overtones—offering more than just a sound bath. The harmonious and grounding sounds have the potential to deeply influence your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states of being.

This event is open to all levels—whether you’re a seasoned mindfulness enthusiast, exploring a novel path to relaxation, or simply seeking stress relief.

Essential Pruning Techniques for Healthy Plants
Feb 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Pruning is a crucial practice for promoting the health, productivity, and aesthetics of your plants and landscapes. Join us at Bullington Gardens for an informative and hands-on class led by horticulture expert John Murphy. In this course, you will learn essential pruning techniques that can help control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain the beauty of your garden.  The class will include a walk and demonstration in the gardens.

John Murphy will guide you through the basics of pruning, including the best times to prune different types of plants, proper tools and their maintenance, and step-by-step methods for achieving optimal plant health and appearance. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best pruning decisions for your garden. Questions and Answer session included.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your horticultural skills and ensure your plants thrive.

February 1, 2025, 2-4pm.

Sunday, February 2, 2025
Sound Healing with Himalayan Singing Bowls
Feb 2 @ 12:00 am
Somatic Sounds

Come immerse yourself in a somatic journey of sound and relaxation, , where ancient wisdom meets modern well-being. Imagine the soothing tones of Himalayan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.

Facilitated by Vivek, this sound journey features over 30 handcrafted singing bowls, each emitting a rich spectrum of intricate, highly somatic frequencies and overtones—offering more than just a sound bath. The harmonious and grounding sounds have the potential to deeply influence your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states of being.

This event is open to all levels—whether you’re a seasoned mindfulness enthusiast, exploring a novel path to relaxation, or simply seeking stress relief.

Saturday, February 8, 2025
Chronic Pain? Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy for Breast and Lungs
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the breast/chest and lung area.
Spending an hour on each breast/pec area is a game changer for the body as a whole. This will be invaluable to breast health, to improve your breath and lift the ribcage for overall upper body alignment. This is a must have for everyone! It is recommended to attend the other workshops or complete the 9 day starter program before doing this workshop. Please see referral link below if you would like to purchase a block and 9 day starter program.

Block Therapy combines sustained pressure and diaphragmatic breathing to dissolve fascial adhesions connected to the bone. Fascia, which grips bone at 2000 pounds per square inch, can lead to misalignment over time. This method reverses misalignment and promotes body symmetry as the ribcage often collapses into core causing a cascade of issues for alignment and organs and glands.

Join us Saturday 1-3 pm for a 2 hour fascia decompression workshop and tap into your body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Stealing from the Great Gardens
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

You’ve visited famous gardens and gone on amazing residential garden tours. Remember that sense of magic – like stepping into another world? How did they do it? Join Amy Fahmy to learn how she builds the structure of a residential garden using time honored techniques from the world’s great gardens. With 30 years of experience in renovating old gardens, and designing and building new residential gardens, Amy will share how she listens to clients, identifies priorities and sets affordable goals. Leave with specific ideas for the changes you know will fit your own garden!

Bio:

Amy is a licensed landscape architect with extensive horticultural knowledge. She has gardened for Plant Delights Nursery, Richmond Hill Inn and The Biltmore Estate. She is a certified professional plantsman, a certified permaculture designer, and a registered Landscape Contractor with 30 years of hands-on gardening experience. For the last 12 years she has managed a wide range of fine garden design commissions at Sitework Studios Landscape Architecture Studio in Asheville. She is currently transforming her own garden to include more native plants, and she is attempting to live exclusively off her own vegetable garden

Feb 8, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00pm. $20.00. Class limit 40.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Restoring Nature with Native Plants
Feb 11 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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.

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.

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!

February 11, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The Real Bonhoeffer: Theology for Faith In Times of Crisis
Feb 12 @ 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.