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.

Saturday, May 17, 2025
Kids’ Fishing Tournament
May 17 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Julian Park

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.

Tackle The Tar, a 5K obstacle course
May 17 @ 8:45 am
Rocky Mount Sports Complex

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount is hosting the annual TACKLE THE TAR 5K Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Day at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.  Our first heat begins with our Kid’s 1-mile fun run at 8:45 A.M. and festivities will continue until noon.

All proceeds from this event go directly to the funding of college scholarships for deserving students in the Rocky Mount Area.  Since 2016, thanks to you, we have raised and awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to youth in our community. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of so many!

Tackle the Tar is a 5K Obstacle Course Race that begins at the Rocky Mount Sports complex and courses through historic Battle Park and the E.B. Grain Company property.  It comes complete with a MUD PIT and 15+ OBSTACLES to overcome.  All racers will receive: T-shirt, medal, one free beer (if over 21), and goodie bag

Saluda Arts Festival
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Saluda

The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art media is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metal work, woodwork, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more. Live music, Children’s Tent, Family Fun. Event is held on Historic Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, May 17, 2025, 10am to 4pm.

Sunday, May 18, 2025
“Empty Bowls” Benefiting Flat Rock Backpack Program
May 18 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
St. John in the Wilderness.  

Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the 8th year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area. On Sunday, May 18, Empty Bowls, a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm. Attendees of the event may come any time during their seating window. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemade cookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Limited tickets may be available at the door on the day of the event.

The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church building, at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, write to [email protected]. Click the button below to get your Empty Bowls tickets today!

Thursday, May 22, 2025
City Dance
May 22 @ 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, May 24, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 24 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 25 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Monday, May 26, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 26 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 27 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 28 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 29 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 30 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Saturday, May 31, 2025
Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour
May 31 – Jun 1 all-day
Grovewood Village

During this event, the resident artists at Grovewood Village in Asheville will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. This is a free, self-guided, explore-at-your-own-pace tour.

Additionally, these creatives will have pieces available for purchase at the adjacent Grovewood Gallery, which is offering a 10% discount on nearly all items and complimentary libations from Metro Wines.

Grovewood Village is home to eight working artist studios and a yoga studio, located in a historic building originally constructed for the weaving operations of Biltmore Industries. Once a key player in the Appalachian Craft Revival of the early 20th century, Biltmore Industries was renowned for producing the celebrated Biltmore Handwoven Homespun. Today, these same workshops are alive with creativity, as resident artists craft jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and more, honoring the legacy of craftsmanship that began here over a century ago.

Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Rhododendron Ramble
May 31 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
Jun 1 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Friday, June 6, 2025
Nature Photography Weekend
Jun 6 @ 8:00 am – Jun 8 @ 3:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours.

This revamped version of the popular weekend will include changes to better welcome all levels of photographers, making it more fun and engaging for all – while better connecting participants with the wonders and unique ecology of Grandfather Mountain. This year, more than ever, we hope to not only help participants learn about photography, but to also inspire them to preserve the natural world. Activities begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday midday.

June 6, 2025 @8:00 am – June 8, 2025 @3:00 pm

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Animal Birthday Party
Jun 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Join us to celebrate the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park’s wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants. Millie the Bear, the mountain’s mascot, will make special appearances throughout the day. Events begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. Join for one activity or all. Included with admission.

Thursday, June 26, 2025
 Courage in Bloom
Jun 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing
Save the date for Courage in Bloom , Our Voice’s first annual celebration of resilience, community, and hope. This special event honors the strength of survivors, the dedication of our community partners, and the collective effort to end sexual violence and human trafficking.
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Where: Highland Brewing, 6–9 PM
Enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a heartfelt awards ceremony.
Early bird tickets go on sale March 2025. Stay tuned for event updates and news!
Want to make a difference? Learn about sponsorship and silent auction opportunities by emailing [email protected] .
Together, we can uplift survivors, prevent violence, and create a future where compassion and safety thrive.
City Dance
Jun 26 @ 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.

Thursday, July 24, 2025
City Dance
Jul 24 @ 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.