Calendar of Events
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.
Scouting the First Signs of Spring with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Tuesday, March 18 | 2 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit
Spring is an exciting time of the year and even more so this year after the destruction following Tropical Storm Helene last year. Join Lauren on an exploration to find the first signs of spring! During this class we will also discuss the study of phenology and it is important to record the timing of spring’s events especially for climate scientists.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil is an ordained interfaith/inter-spiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion. As a sacred musician, spiritual mentor, and worship leader, he incorporates chant, ritual, poetry, storytelling, and mindful practice to create a space for profound connection and sacred witness. Simon provides music for worship, ceremony, and prayer in a wide variety of churches and non-religious spiritual communities. He particularly loves to create music for meditation, healing services, and rites of passage.
Simon is also an experienced workshop and retreat leader, drawing on 15 years of study, training, and practice that grew from his time living and working in Iona Abbey. Although influenced by many traditions, Simon’s spiritual path and teaching are deeply rooted in Celtic Christianity, the wisdom of the earth, and the Scottish land where he’s spent most of his life. simondevoil.com
Join Simon for his spring residency at Kanuga for this special retreat. With Kanuga’s beautiful forested landscape as our sanctuary, each day will include a blend of wisdom teachings in the Celtic tradition, contemplative practices including song, chanting, and silence, and personal time for reflection.
Other retreat highlights include:
*Daily Birdsong Vespers, an inclusive outdoor worship that welcomes the evening with song and prayer, online and in person
*Tools and practices to support finding our place in the web of creation
*Spring Equinox Concert in celebration of spring equinox: Thursday, March 20, 7:15 p.m.
As evening falls and birdsong gives way to starlight and the frog chorus, welcome the return of spring with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. Rain location: Chapel of The Transfiguration.
TICKETS & LODGING INFORMATION
Birdsong Vespers offers an inclusive, informal and earth-based evening service with Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil. Guests are invited to sing, share poetry and prayer and experience the gifts of birdsong and the sounds of nature as spring returns to the mountains. Experience this free event in person or online. Learn more at kanuga.org/celtic.
Spring can be a time where life starts to suddenly speed up as the winter chill melts away. Take some time for a guided mindful walk through the garden with short therapeutic horticulture activities incorporated throughout the walk. This class is great for anyone needing to take time to slow down, anyone curious about what therapeutic horticulture actually is, or anyone wishing to get to know Bullington Gardens better.
Two different dates to choose from!
Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00-11:00 or Wednesday, March 19th, 9:00-11:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.
Geology of the Blue Ridge I with Anton DuMars
ON-SITE | Wednesday, March 19 | 12 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Geology of the Blue Ridge Core Credit
This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with lecture presentations, discussions and self-guided explorations in the field. The course begins with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tectonics, progresses to a model for the formation of the southern Appalachians and then describes the surficial processes that generate the current mountain topography. Discussion will also include an overview of geologic processes that affect these mountains today: earthquakes, mass movements and floods.
The Spring Equinox Concert, held on Kanuga’s labyrinth, ushers in the season of renewal with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. As dusk falls to starlight and birdsong gives way to the frog chorus, Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil invites guests to honor the balance and energy of spring while immersed in nature under the open sky. The buffet-style dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the concert follows at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the concert and buffet or $10 for the concert only.
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.
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.
Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.
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.
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
Early Spring Tree ID with Lauren Lampley
ON-SITE | Sunday, March 30 | 10 am – 1 pm
Each tree species grows their new leaves in unique ways and each spring we are reminded of that fact as the tiny leaves emerge from their buds. The timing of the spring “leaf-out” depends on many different factors and the weather plays an important role in if those first leaves survive to the summer or if they are burned by a late frost or snow. In this class we will look at which trees are leafing out first and how those leaves compare to the summer leaves we know. We will also discuss how to identify different tree species based on their new leaves and their bark.
This program takes place outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
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,” 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.