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.

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Step into Spring
Mar 18 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

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.

Scouting the First Signs of Spring
Mar 18 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Step into Spring
Mar 19 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

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.

Friday, March 21, 2025
Waves Dance Competition
Mar 21 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Learn more at https://www.wavesdancecompetition.com/ashevillenc

Masquerade
Mar 21 @ 10:00 am
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Wortham Center Student Series Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Grades 6–12 • Show Length: 60 min.

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. To reserve, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].

Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.

Leading a Nature Hike 101
Mar 21 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Leading a Nature Hike 101 with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Friday, March 21  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Capstone Credit

Leading a group on a hike in nature comes naturally to some people but for others it is a skill developed over time. In this class we will talk about best practices for how to safely and efficiently lead a group on a hike in nature as well as what planning is necessary before the day of the hike. We will discuss possible hazards to keep an eye on and what to do in case of an emergency in “front country” hiking areas such as many trails in the Asheville area.

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

Masquerade 
Mar 21 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Wortham Presents Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade 

Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.

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.

Saturday, March 22, 2025
Waves Dance Competition
Mar 22 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Learn more at https://www.wavesdancecompetition.com/ashevillenc

Soil Health for Gardeners
Mar 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Masquerade 
Mar 22 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Wortham Presents Koresh Dance Company presents Masquerade 

Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.

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.

Sunday, March 23, 2025
Waves Dance Competition
Mar 23 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Learn more at https://www.wavesdancecompetition.com/ashevillenc

Lunch + Learn: Wildfire Mitigation in Southern Appalachia
Mar 23 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Natural History Interpretation
Mar 25 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Introduction to Appalachian Ecology
Mar 26 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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, 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
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.

Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers
Mar 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Sunday, March 30, 2025
Early Spring Tree ID
Mar 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Birding for Beginners
Apr 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
The North Carolina Arboretum

Birding for Beginners with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Tuesday, April 1  |  9 – 10:30am

Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of a very common year round resident of North Carolina: Carolina Chickadee. We will take an in-depth look at these common feeder birds and also look for other early spring migrants. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Natural History Interpretation
Apr 1 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

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.