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.

Thursday, March 27, 2025
City Dance
Mar 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 29, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 29 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

Boats and Birds
Mar 29 @ 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.

Bear’s Smokehouse Reopening Party
Mar 29 @ 5:00 pm
Bear's Smokehouse

After months of dedicated service providing over 1 million meals to Asheville and surrounding areas in partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ is gearing up for an exciting grand reopening on Saturday, March 29. As WCK operations wind down on their property, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ has fired up its own kitchen once again, welcoming guests back with its signature flavors and community-driven spirit.

To commemorate this milestone and bid farewell to the post-hurricane relief efforts, Bear’s Smokehouse is throwing an unforgettable event: “To Hell with Helene.” This free community celebration will feature an evening of live music, comedy, food, and fun as a way to reflect, release, and rebuild.

Event Highlights:

🎶 Live Performance by LYRIC – Kicking off at 5:00 PM
😂 Special Guest: Comedian Cayla Clark
🥧 Pie Eating Contest
🪓 Axe Throwing
🐂 Mechanical Bull Rides
🔥 Burning of Negativity – Guests can write down what they want to release from the hurricane’s aftermath and “burn” it on-site.
💃 DJ Set & Dance Party – Instructor-led dance party starts at 8:30 PM

Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 30 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

New Moon Serenity Sound Bath!
Mar 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Join me in honoring the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath! The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. (Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

The Thorn
Mar 30 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

“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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Empower Hour
Apr 1 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Thursday, April 3, 2025
Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion
Apr 3 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Friday, April 4, 2025
The Cross and the Switchblade
Apr 4 @ 7:00 pm
The Logos Theatre

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.

Saturday, April 5, 2025
Boats and Birds
Apr 5 @ 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.

Shrek Jr.
Apr 5 @ 4:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.

April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!

The Cross and the Switchblade
Apr 5 @ 7:00 pm
The Logos Theatre

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.

Sunday, April 6, 2025
Shrek Jr.
Apr 6 @ 4:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.

April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!

Co-Existing with Black Bears
Apr 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Thursday, April 10, 2025
The Cross and the Switchblade
Apr 10 @ 7:00 pm
The Logos Theatre

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.

Friday, April 11, 2025
The Cross and the Switchblade
Apr 11 @ 7:00 pm
The Logos Theatre

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.

Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dog Eggstravaganza
Apr 12 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

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.

The Cross and the Switchblade
Apr 12 @ 7:00 pm
The Logos Theatre

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.

Saturday, April 19, 2025
Hendo Earth Fest
Apr 19 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visitor Center

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!