Calendar of Events

“The Thorn,” a powerful and popular live theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this spring at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church. Watch the trailer here.  For more information, please visit TheThorn.com

Author John Bolin created the show over 25 years ago to convey the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death to a group of young people who knew little about the story of Jesus’ suffering but were familiar with pain through their own practice of cutting and self-harm.

The show has evolved ever since, with the current live version returning to the original format featuring St. John, “the beloved disciple,” recalling his many amazing encounters with Jesus.

“It’s a story full of love, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, and redemption,” said Bolin.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion with MountainTrue

Thursday, April 3  |  5 – 8pm

Join MountainTrue and a panel of experts to discuss recovery in our area after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Panelists will address the impacts of natural disasters, what recovery means for our region, and how the community can support these efforts.

This event is free of charge, but if you feel moved to make a donation to support critical work in our area, we invite you to do so when you register. The North Carolina Arboretum is generously donating use of the Education Auditorium for this event. All donations associated with the registration of this event will be split 50/50 with the NC Arboretum.

The event will kick-off with social time from 5:30 to 6 pm with snacks and beverages provided for attendees. The panel will run from 6 to 7:30 pm.

New York. 1950s. When David Wilkerson senses the call of God to minister to the gangs of New York, he could never have imagined the challenges and struggles he was going to face along the way. The violence, drugs, and despair that plagues the gang members seem to overwhelm his every effort, but soon, through God’s work in the life of one young man named Nicky Cruz, David begins to see that the transformation he is working for comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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.

New York. 1950s. When David Wilkerson senses the call of God to minister to the gangs of New York, he could never have imagined the challenges and struggles he was going to face along the way. The violence, drugs, and despair that plagues the gang members seem to overwhelm his every effort, but soon, through God’s work in the life of one young man named Nicky Cruz, David begins to see that the transformation he is working for comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Co-Existing with Black Bears with Tanya Poole

Wednesday, April 9  |  5 – 6 pm

It’s spring and you know what that means. Warmer temperatures, beautiful flowers and trees blooming, people venturing out to enjoy it all. And it turns out black bears are coming out in large numbers to enjoy the same things that humans enjoy. Learn about the conditions that contribute to the black bear population continuing to thrive in Western North Carolina in proximity to so many people. Tanya Poole, Conservation Initiatives Engagement Coordinator with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, discusses BearWise strategies recommended by wildlife experts that will help people better coexist with these amazing animals.

New York. 1950s. When David Wilkerson senses the call of God to minister to the gangs of New York, he could never have imagined the challenges and struggles he was going to face along the way. The violence, drugs, and despair that plagues the gang members seem to overwhelm his every effort, but soon, through God’s work in the life of one young man named Nicky Cruz, David begins to see that the transformation he is working for comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

New York. 1950s. When David Wilkerson senses the call of God to minister to the gangs of New York, he could never have imagined the challenges and struggles he was going to face along the way. The violence, drugs, and despair that plagues the gang members seem to overwhelm his every effort, but soon, through God’s work in the life of one young man named Nicky Cruz, David begins to see that the transformation he is working for comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Grab your four-legged friend and come out for some fun and friendly competition at the Buncombe County Sports Park Dog Park.  There will be a small and large dog division and division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. Free, Registration Required.

New York. 1950s. When David Wilkerson senses the call of God to minister to the gangs of New York, he could never have imagined the challenges and struggles he was going to face along the way. The violence, drugs, and despair that plagues the gang members seem to overwhelm his every effort, but soon, through God’s work in the life of one young man named Nicky Cruz, David begins to see that the transformation he is working for comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of the Hendo Earth Fest is to promote community education for all ages on environmental and sustainable practices, inspire action, and renew and expand commitments to protect our planet. Local and regional environmental allies focus on participation/hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to educate, renew and expand action to protect our Western North Carolina environment and natural resources. In our first inaugural 2023 festival, we saw approximately 2,000+ participants!

Give back this Earth Day with Buncombe County Parks and Recreation.  Volunteers are invited to assist in clean-up and service projects.  Volunteers groups are limited in capacity so Volunteer Registration is required.  All tools and materials will be provided.   More details coming soon!

Wortham Presents The Magic of Jeki Yoo

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.

In collaboration with Pardee Hospital Foundation and Hunter Subaru, we are thrilled to present the 2nd Annual She Slays 5K. This event is all about celebrating the strength, courage, and fierce determination of women fighting cancer. Whether you walk or run, you’re making a difference for those who are in the midst of this battle. This event aims to empower people to take charge of their health and well-being, while also raising funds for Hendersonville women who are fighting cancer.

While this event supports women with cancer, everyone is welcome to participate!

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.

Join us as we celebrate Earth Day and spring!  More details coming soon

This exciting and creative recital featuring the students of The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory will include several original cuttings from some of your favorite books and stories of all time! Don’t miss this opportunity to get a glimpse into our unique, hands-on conservatory program. Your attendance will encourage and show your support of each student’s hard work and achievements! Mark your calendar and reserve your seats today!

This exciting and creative recital featuring the students of The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory will include several original cuttings from some of your favorite books and stories of all time! Don’t miss this opportunity to get a glimpse into our unique, hands-on conservatory program. Your attendance will encourage and show your support of each student’s hard work and achievements! Mark your calendar and reserve your seats today!

This event is open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups (0-5, 6-10, and 11-15) with prizes in each for Biggest Fish (GRAND PRIZE), Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught.
This is a catch and release tournament. Each fish that is caught must be brought one at a time to the measuring station. After each fish has been measured, they will be released back into the lake. Your $10 registration fee includes a bucket, bait, plus snacks and drinks. You must be in the measuring station line before the horn goes off at 11:00 am to have your fish measured. Competitors must bring their own fishing poles and tackle.