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, July 4, 2024
Annual July 4th Freedom Gala: Picnic and Ride
Jul 4 all-day
279 Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

We are so excited to celebrate once again on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, with good food for a great cause!

The continued political unrest and instability have brought devastating ongoing hardship to the people of Haiti. Despite all of this, our mission to help the children of Haiti with sustainable food, clean water, and medical care has not changed in fact we need your help now more than ever before!

You can be a part of helping our program children and have loads of fun while you’re at it!

Ride. Eat. Do Both. Or, donate.

Through the generosity of Siemens Family Law Group, the Patton Parker House, Downtown Asheville Racing Club (DARC), the Charlotte Street Business Association we are offering multiple bike ride options for both individuals and families.

  • Gravel Ride – starts at 8:30 am

  • Family Ride – starts at 10 am

  • You can purchase tickets to just ride or join us for our meal at 6:00 PM too.

  • All proceeds from this event will go to Consider Haiti to help us meet our yearly budget goals!

Our July 4th picnic starts at 6:00 pm on the Patton Parker House lawn. With gorgeous views of downtown Asheville’s skyline and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family under the stars.

The meal will be catered by the always fabulous Chop Shop Butchery and will include:

  • Pulled pork

  • Geraldine’s Buns

  • Baked beans (vegetarian)

  • Coleslaw (vegetarian)

  • Potato salad (vegetarian)

  • Salad(vegetarian)

Other Event Details:

  • This event is BYOB. Water and tea will be provided with your meal.

  • To ensure enough seating we suggest bringing your own lawn chairs and blankets although we will be providing seating as well.

  • There will be parking available just North of the Patton Parker House.

  • We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and tear-down for this event.

  • Please share this event with friends and family (click on the icons below).

Friday, July 5, 2024
2024 Yetzirah Jewish Poetry Conference
Jul 5 @ 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online
Yetzirah is hosting its second annual Jewish Poetry Conference, with readings and panel events open to the public. Tickets are avaliable for in-person and virtual attendance.
Yetzirah, the first national organization for Jewish poets, is pleased to announce the line-up for its second annual Jewish Poetry Conference featuring keynote speaker Eleanor Wilner, workshop faculty Dan Bellm, Jessica Greenbaum, and Dana Levin, and manuscript faculty Alicia Ostriker. In partnership with UNC-Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies, July 1-7, a cohort of 36 accomplished poets from across the world will gather in the mountains of Asheville, NC, for writing workshops, discussion panels, readings, and a shared celebration of Shabbat. Founded as a nonprofit dedicated to fostering and supporting a community space for Jewish poets, Yetzirah’s additional offerings include an annual online reading series, the Discover Jewish Poets searchable database, an extensive archive of readings and conversations, and relevant publishing and community resources. Poet Hila Ratzabi, a scholar at last year’s conference, will offer a series of generative workshops open to writers of all levels of experience July 2, 3, and 5. July 2nd-5th, poetry lovers of all traditions are invited to join us for our public events either in-person, or remotely via Zoom. In addition to being live-streamed, these events will be uploaded to Yetzirah’s online archives. Registration for events is available on Yetzirah’s website.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 14 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Sunday, July 28, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 28 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Friday, August 2, 2024
Light Up the Night 5K
Aug 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Carrier Park

The Light Up the Night 5K is a fundraising, glow-in-the-dark, night-time, walk or run and will be timed by Finish Well Timing. This will be Western Carolina Rescue Ministries’ 6th annual Light Up the Night 5k race to raise funds and spread awareness of the ministry’s community impact. This event will take place on Friday August 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Asheville’s Carrier Park, and all proceeds from this event will directly benefit WCRM.

Last year, your support gave a second chance to 26 moms and 46 babies in our Abba’s House Recovery Program. The success of these moms would not be possible without your valuable contribution.

As we embark on another year of service and outreach, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This year, we want to include you in playing an even greater role in our ministry. We will be pursuing funding for the need of life transformation across all our programs.

This event is one of the Ministry’s most significant opportunities to raise funds in support of our community and these funds will be directly used to break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in our region. For the past 43 years, WCRM has been serving the homeless community of Asheville providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to people in crisis. We care for our clients with dignity, providing help, hope, and opportunity for our ministry participants to reengage in society. Whether it’s a hot meal, a warm shelter, or recovery from addiction, our compassion shines on everyone we meet.

Thursday, August 15, 2024
Farm-to-Fork Dinner, Social, and Silent Auction
Aug 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Eliada Homes

WHY: To learn more about our mission and raise funds which will provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young adults at Eliada. Helping children and teens in crisis develop the skills they need to overcome life’s obstacles and become productive adults helps ensure the future of our community. But we cannot do it without your support.

MISSION: Helping Children Succeed

SERVICE AREA: State of North Carolina – Eliada serves more than 500 children annually through 5 key programs that provide a place to live, education, special education, food and clothing, and intensive therapy to children who need these services. While most children are from Buncombe and surrounding counties, Eliada serves children from all corners of NC.

Thank you for helping us share Eliada’s mission with the community!

Have an auction item you would like to donate? Please fill out the Auction Donation Form. We appreciate your helping making this event a success!

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Henderson County
Sep 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Historic Courthouse

There’s more to the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Henderson County than just walking. And even more reasons to join us. For a different future. For families. For more time. For treatments. We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. For more information or to register, visit act.alz.org/Hendersoncounty.

Blue Ridge Humane Society Fur Ball
Sep 21 @ 6:00 pm
The Main Event

Where elegance meets compassion. Fur Ball is an elevated gathering to celebrate our animals and the tireless efforts of those who advocate for their well-being.

Join us for an enchanting evening! The event is black-tie optional, and tickets include delicious international food stations, an open bar with signature cocktails, live music from Izzi Hughes, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. Guests will also enjoy a Puppy Love Room with adoptable dogs, a fun photo booth experience, exciting auction and raffle items, and an interactive 50/50. Special thanks to WLOS Meteorologist, Meghan Danahey, for being our emcee for the evening!

This year’s event is also dog friendly for dapper pups! A limited number of dog tickets will be available for furry guests to enjoy a Barkcuterie Bar, their own Doggie Dining Station, and each pup will receive a doggie bag to take home gifts (and leftovers!).

Together, we can create a brighter future for our beloved companions.

This event is for adults 21 and older. Ticket sales end August 31st. Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Sponsorships are available. Contact Events and Business Partnerships Manager, Jessica Chipriano, at [email protected] for more information.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
A Wild Night for Wildlife
Sep 26 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Mule/Devil's Foot Brweing

For the past decade, Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (AWR) has served as a crucial lifeline for injured and orphaned wildlife across Western North Carolina. With an impressive record of assisting more than 8,000 wild animals, the Candler-based nonprofit has ample cause for celebration and is hosting a party! The community is invited to join the festivities at its 10th anniversary event – A Wild Night for Wildlife — scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 6:30-9 pm, at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage at 131 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. Tickets at www.AppalachianWild.org

Thursday, October 3, 2024
A Taste of the Vineyard
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

If dancing and craft beer – and the opportunity to sample some fine bourbon – sound like fun, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraiser Oct. 3 at Point Lookout Vineyards will get your toes to tapping.

A Taste of the Vineyard, BBBS of Henderson County’s annual fundraiser now 11 years old,
has added a new twist – an optional specialty bourbon tasting. It’s all part of a night of fun, friendship, and fundraising for an organization that matches professionally vetted and supported “Bigs” with “Littles” looking for mentors who listen well and are up for fun.

The annual event will pair a sumptuous BBQ dinner with a cash bar accessing craft beer and wines by Point Lookout Vineyards (specialty bourbon tastings are an additional cost, except for package deals and sponsorships). A silent auction featuring unique experiences will accompany live music by Marley’s Chain. The dance floor opens up after the meal to continue the celebration of the power and potential of Henderson County youth.

“We are fortunate to have community support through sponsorships and ticket holders, allowing us to raise funds that are applied to keeping our dream alive,” said Joey Popp, a Henderson County Big Brother and former BBBS of Western North Carolina board member. “The annual event will provide valuable support for our volunteers as they mentor young people to help guide them to success.”

Admission is $75 per person. The $1,000 VIP package include eight event tickets and a complimentary bourbon tasting for each of the eight guests. Tickets are available at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/totv-bootsbourbon/event/totv-boots/. Several levels of sponsorship, with increasing benefits, are available at the website too.

Point Lookout Vineyards, with its extraordinary views, is at 408 Appleola Road, Hendersonville.

Sunday, October 6, 2024
Sawyer Springs Vineyard Fall Festival and Market
Oct 6 @ 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Sawyer Springs Vineyard

Our Annual Fall Festival is going to be a blast. There will be live music all day, Rumor Mill and Craig St John. Many local craft vendors-something for everyone! Also wine gift baskets will be raffled off with proceeds going to our Henderson County Guardian Ad Litem Program!

Blessing of the Animals
Oct 6 @ 4:00 pm
Parish Hall Parking Lot of St. John in the Wilderness

Flat Rock, N.C. – The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness will offer a “Blessing of the Animals” on Sunday, October 6, at 4pm in the back parking lot located behind the Parish Hall at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.

Furry and feathered companions are invited to this special service to receive a blessing. Cats,
dogs, snakes, chickens, horses, birds, goats, in fact all domestic animals, are welcome! As an option, a stuffed animal or pet photo may be presented to receive a blessing. Our outdoor meeting space will create a lively Eucharist for all creatures involved.

“The more time I spend in Creation, the more I feel connected to the plants and animals that surround us and the God who made it all,” said Rev. Josh Stephens, the Rector of the parish. “We know your pets and farm animals are members of your family so please come out for this special service that honors your animals and asks for God to bless and care for them as they bless and care for you.”

The service comes a few days after the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a man with a true
spirit of love and peace that could have only come from God. He turned the cerebral,
inward-leaning theology and scholasticism of the Middle Ages, on its head by his radical
commitment to living a life of poverty and service in the pattern of Jesus of Nazareth.

Those who encountered St. Francis were drawn into the peaceable Kingdom of God to know
more fully the Prince of Peace. Even animals, it is said, were attracted to his Christ-like
gentleness. In one story he preaches to a flock of birds. In another he makes peace with a wolf that had been terrorizing a village calling the creature “Brother Wolf” and reconciling him to the village.

As we thank God for the animals in our lives we pray that the reconciling work of Jesus Christ might extend beyond our relationship with God to include all creation. We hope you will join us with your animal companions for this fun outdoor worship service. In the event of rain, the service will be relocated inside the Parish Hall.

For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Blue Ridge Humane Society 4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic 7th Avenue Businesses

Join us for the 4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl, where dog owners and pet lovers come together for a fun experience and raise funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society. Participants purchase “Pawsports” and tour dog-friendly 7th Avenue District food and beverage businesses, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize.

Pawsports include a pet giveaway or treat and a unique, pet-themed activity at each location. Featured businesses this year are: The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, Celtic Creamery, Guidon Brewing Co., M&T Distilling, Southern Appalachian Brewery and White Duck Taco Shop. Vendors will also be on site at some locations.

Dogs must be leashed at all times and current on vaccinations. Event will be held rain or shine.

Pawsports will be on sale late August.

Pet-related vendors interested in participating, please contact [email protected].

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Strings of Hope Benefit Concert
Oct 26 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pisgah Brewing Co.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is hosting “Strings of Hope”, a concert to support local builders, suppliers, and industry professionals impacted by Hurricane Helene. The event, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, will feature live performances from Cuberow, The Asheville Mountain Boys, Red Clay Revival, and Fireside Collective. Suggested ticket donation: $10.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Great Smokies Eco-Adventure
Oct 29 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mark your calendar for an immersive Smokies experience like none other! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. Discover Life in America and partner A Walk in the Woods bring you a 3-day, 2-night adventure, with expert-led nature hikes, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting, mouth-watering, local food and drink, and much more. All proceeds from this fundraising event will help DLiA discover and conserve the rich biodiversity of the Smokies.

Saturday, November 2, 2024
6th Annual Rock the Village Benefit Concert
Nov 2 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
O' Neal Village

6th Annual Rock the Village with RANDOMONIUM supporting Defenders for Children!
When: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Where: ONV Town Square (25 Noble Street, Greer)
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Food trucks: 4 pm – 8 pm
Concert 5 pm – 8 pm
Intermission 6:15 pm
Simply Scan QR code and register or indicate “going” on our event. Only 1 registration is required.
O’Neal Village in partnership with TRG Properties and Welcome Home Upstate @ Realty One Group Freedom are hosting the 2024 Rock the Village Concert on the Village Square.
Our 2024 Concert is looking to be the biggest and best one yet. We have booked one of Greenville’s most popular bands for this event, Randomomium.
During intermission Defenders for Children Director, Toni Clark, will speak and offer an opportunity to meet her and some of their K9 handlers and ask questions.
We welcome ALL our neighbors to enjoy this opportunity to see Randomonium PERFORM LIVE and enjoy the food trucks by WHILE SUPPORTING Defenders for Children.
What’s happening:
3 hours for Free Music!!
Catering by Table 301
Multiple Food trucks
DFC Raffle with $1000’s in prizes
Hula Hoop Contest
Kazoo Sing-Along Lots of Vendors to talk to
We will be asking for donations toward this important organization throughout the evening. Multiple ways to give, Cash, Venmo, and raffle tickets
All proceeds of the concert go directly to Defenders for Children and we will announce totals as the evening progresses.

Thursday, November 14, 2024
NC Benefit Concert featuring Unspoken Tradition
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

The Blue Ridge Music Trails is hosting a benefit concert at White Horse in Black Mountain on November 14, 2024, at 7 p.m. We invite you to attend and support the traditional music artists in Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. 

Headlining the show will be Unspoken Tradition, a chart-topping quintet hailing from Western and Central North Carolina. Their music is influenced by their lives and roots in traditional and new grass music, as is evident in their quality catalog of unique songs. Several of their singles have topped the Billboard Bluegrass and Bluegrass Today charts. They took the stage at the 2024 IBMA Bluegrass Live! concert.

Unspoken Tradition has also been busy dedicating time and raising money for their home state the past month. We’re excited to have them play this event, bringing more joy to the region and providing hope and levity as we focus on lifting up this region’s rich and enduring music scene.

Tickets will be available in advance and at the door. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene this is a pay-what-you-can event. A portion of the proceeds will support the Blue Ridge Music Trails artists, with the other portion going towards charities of White Horse’s choice. Together, we continue to support our communities. If you cannot make the event but would like to help, please consider donating to the Blue Ridge Music Trails at: https://www.blueridgemusicnc.com/donate/

Friday, November 15, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 15 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 16 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 17, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 17 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.