Calendar of Events

Inspire your future generation of creative thinkers with a show unlike anything they’ve seen before: a truly unique, intra-active theatrical dance work where reality and fiction intertwine.

Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each; groups (10 people or more): $11 each. Recommended for grades 6–12. The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

Wortham Center Student Series Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade

Immerse yourself in the space where reality and fiction intertwine in “Masquerade,” an intra-active, contemporary, operatic dance performance set to electronic symphonic music, sung live by soprano Sage DeAgro-Ruopp. A fan-favorite of seasons past, this internationally acclaimed, Philadelphia-based troupe artfully finds the line between beauty and innovation — then boldly dances on it — and this truly unique theatrical work is no exception, creating a world where truth belongs to the imagination of the beholder.

Connect with the art and artists in a dance master class and pre-show discussions.

Wortham Presents Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade 

Forest Bathing Retreat: Spring Awakening & Renewal with Asheville Wellness Tours

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 22  |  1 – 4 pm

The changing seasons are rich with wisdom and guidance. Winter is a time for rest and dreaming, followed by spring, ripe with opportunities for renewal and growth. Cultivate those winter dreams and invite them to birth into reality during this enlivening afternoon retreat. Let your most authentic Self emerge from within and flourish amidst the beauty of the early spring!

Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a gentle journey through the awakening forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the Spring Equinox in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Soil Health for Gardeners with Laura Lengnick

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 22  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Core

Learn why healthy soils are critical to the well being of our communities and how to cultivate landscapes that promote soil health. This practical, hands-on course will teach you how to conduct simple soil tests using tools you can find in your kitchen to monitor the health of your soil. Participants can bring a soil sample from their garden to test in this class.

Immerse yourself in the space where reality and fiction intertwine in “Masquerade,” an intra-active, contemporary, operatic dance performance set to electronic symphonic music, sung live by soprano Sage DeAgro-Ruopp. A fan-favorite of seasons past, this internationally acclaimed, Philadelphia-based troupe artfully finds the line between beauty and innovation — then boldly dances on it — and this truly unique theatrical work is no exception, creating a world where truth belongs to the imagination of the beholder.

Connect with the art and artists in a dance master class and pre-show discussions.

Wortham Presents Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade 

Lunch + Learn: Wildfire Mitigation in Southern Appalachia with Troy Harrison

Sunday, March 23  |  12pm – 1pm

The Southern Appalachian ecosystem is home to a diverse landscape filled with a unique combination of wildlife and vegetation.  It is hardly surprising that Western North Carolina is a popular destination for those seeking a pace to settle down or build a second home.  However, living in close proximity to nature can carry a risk of damage or loss from wildfire.  This program will explore a brief history of wildfire suppression in our area, along with specific measures anyone can take to reduce risk of property damage.

Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel

Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8  |  12 – 4 pm

Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.

Introduction to Appalachian Ecology with Dan Lazar

ON-SITE  |  Wednesday, March 26  |  1 – 4 pm

From the flood plain of the French Broad River to the summit of Mount Mitchel, we will explore the diverse ecological communities that make up the Blue Ridge Bioregion. We will learn why spruce trees are found only on the summits of our highest mountains: why the Southern Appalachians are the lungless salamander capital of the world; and how deer and ants determine where trilliums grow. Part illustrated lecture and part on-site field trip, this class serves as an introduction to all Special Topics in Ecology classes offered through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Program.

This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

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.

Discover the secrets to keeping your orchids thriving! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of orchid care, from proper watering techniques to ideal light conditions. We’ll guide you step-by-step through repotting your orchid into a provided terracotta pot with fresh potting media. Bring your own orchid, and leave with the skills and confidence to keep it blooming beautifully! Perfect for beginners and orchid enthusiasts alike. Let’s grow together!

Terracotta pot and potting media included.

March 28, 2:00-4:00. Maximum of 20 students.

24th Asheville Orchid Festival “Orchid Arcadia”

March 28, 2025 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

March 29 – 30, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Education Center

The Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS) and The North Carolina Arboretum will once again host one of Western North Carolina’s greatest annual plant shows: the 24th Asheville Orchid Festival “Orchid Arcadia” from March 28-30, 2025. This will be an American Orchid Society sanctioned judging event.

World-class orchid growers and breeders along with regional orchid societies will exhibit at the annual festival, with hundreds of orchids presented in carefully crafted displays.

Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5.00 for everyone over the age of 12 years old, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society members. A regular parking fee for The North Carolina Arboretum applies for all attendees with the exception of Arboretum Members.

Thousands of orchids will be for sale by vendors from Ecuador and across the United States. There will be something for all orchid lovers, and attendees should expect rare species and cutting-edge hybrids. All orchid exhibits, orchid programs, and educational lectures are included with the admission fee and children 12 and under can enter free. All admission proceeds benefit WNCOS, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and help expand the society’s mission of “sharing the excitement and joy of cultivating orchids and promoting orchid conservation

For more information, please visit wncos.org

24th Asheville Orchid Festival “Orchid Arcadia”

March 28, 2025 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

March 29 – 30, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Education Center

The Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS) and The North Carolina Arboretum will once again host one of Western North Carolina’s greatest annual plant shows: the 24th Asheville Orchid Festival “Orchid Arcadia” from March 28-30, 2025. This will be an American Orchid Society sanctioned judging event.

World-class orchid growers and breeders along with regional orchid societies will exhibit at the annual festival, with hundreds of orchids presented in carefully crafted displays.

Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5.00 for everyone over the age of 12 years old, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society members. A regular parking fee for The North Carolina Arboretum applies for all attendees with the exception of Arboretum Members.

Thousands of orchids will be for sale by vendors from Ecuador and across the United States. There will be something for all orchid lovers, and attendees should expect rare species and cutting-edge hybrids. All orchid exhibits, orchid programs, and educational lectures are included with the admission fee and children 12 and under can enter free. All admission proceeds benefit WNCOS, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and help expand the society’s mission of “sharing the excitement and joy of cultivating orchids and promoting orchid conservation

For more information, please visit wncos

Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers with Alexandra Holland

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 29  |  1 – 3 pm

Spring is here, and the natural world is waking from its winter rest! Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this wildflower walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of spring wildflowers emerging and in bloom. Learn some basics of wildflower ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of spring.

This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.