Southern Cinference Basketball Tournament Comes to Asheville NC

March 5 - 9, 2015   2015 Southern Conference Tournament   Downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament. Men and women's games will be played at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Kimmel Arena on the UNCA campus. Visit website or call for game days and times. 

Need lodging in Asheville for this event? Visit the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Celtic Weekend at Asheville's Historic Grove Park Inn

January 30 - February 1, 2015    Celtic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn    Passion, artistry and skill collide during this dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Join them as they celebrate the Scottish-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in music. 

In addition to the feature concerts with Seven Nations and Gaelic Storm, other weekend activities include Scottish Border Collie sheepdog trial demonstrations, Celtic vendors, a cooking demonstration, chair massages, guided history tours, and live Celtic music throughout the Inn 

The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - Renowned spa, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool, tennis, racquetball, training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques. This landmark Asheville mountain Inn hosts a variety of special events throughout the year for both guests and the general public.    

 Get current rates, availability or book online.

Visit Asheville Gardens this Weekend at The 5th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll

September 14   5th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll  This event showcases 15 gardens with this year's Stroll theme, "Garden to Table". Gardens on view will display a variety of gardening styles producing vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and flowers for the table. 11 AM to 4 PM, beginning at Hall Fletcher Elementary School , 60 Ridgelawn Avenue, at 10:30 with a short presentation by longtime residents about the role of gardening in the community's history.

NC 4th of July Events: Fireworks Dsiplay in Downtown Asheville

July 4   Ingles 4th of July Celebration in Pack Square   Enjoy live music from some of Asheville's most popular bands along with a variety of family activities. The event begins at 4 PM and concludes with an amazing fireworks display at 9:30 PM.

Rhododendron and Azalea Show this Weekend in Asheville

May 4-5    54th Annual Rhododendron and Azalea Show   Presented by the American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter, this yearly judged event features hundreds of blooms. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas some of the weekend favorites.

The North Carolina Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the collection, located along Bent Creek, representing nearly every species native to the United States.

Get a link for the Rhododrendon and Azalea Show and the NC Arboretum on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.  

St Patrick's Day at Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park

March 17 from 2 PM - 5 PM Join Asheville Greenworks for an Arbor Day Celebration and the Grand Re-Opening of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville. For the 33rd year Asheville will receive the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers can plant trees on this beautiful property overlooking downtown Asheville, as well as enjoy Buy One, Get One Free passes to the Adventure Park.
Register for the Arbor Day event on the Greenworks Facebook Page HERE

From 10 AM - 5 PM The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is offering Buy One Get One Deal for walk-ins only. Just mention ARBOR DAY to receive your free pass with the purchase of another pass. Both passes must be used on March 17th. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 50 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville.  

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park  has four different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.  While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group, like the canopy tour experience. The experience has been described as ski slopes in the trees and a true “Jungle Gym” for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels.

The Park's new technology provides security systems allowing attachments and monitors so that guest can explore freely in controlled safety.

A green Trail: offers easier challenges 12 to 15 feet above the forest floor for first timers, younger children, and more timid adventurers. There is no climbing once on the start platform,with  milder and more stable crossings attached to the lower trunks of the trees,  minimal movement and an easy finish back to the ground.

Learn more and get a link for Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Grove Park Inn 25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend

March 8-9   25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn Join the Grove Park Inn for two days and nights full of laughter as we celebrate our 25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend! Friday's show showcases Cy Amundson, Al Jackson, Julie Scoggins, David Crowe and Tom Cotter while Saturday's headliner will be comedianne Caroline Rhea.

Check Grove Park Inn availability and current rates HERE

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned. The Resort facilities include a scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites are available with varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques. 

Get local attractions, dining and information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Mardi Gras Begins this week in Asheville

This February the spirit of Mardi Gras invades Asheville with five days of parties, celebrations and Good Times.
Asheville offers a variety of events filled with music, dance and costumes.

February 7 -  LaZoom Mardi Gras Tour.   Get on the purple bus for a humorous twist on a city tour. The creators of LaZoom hail from New Orleans so they know first hand how to throw an authentic Mardi Gras celebration. Take part in one of two Mardi Gras tours where you can enjoy performances by David Earle and the PlowShares.

February 8 - Running of the Winos Asheville Mardi Gras annual traditions of “wine hopping” downtown to spread the Asheville Mardi Gras spirit!

February 9  - Zapow Gallery Steamboat Punk Carnival Show from 7-9 with music by The Extraordinary Contraptions.
Scandal’s Night Club – Krewe Party/Drag Show Party.
Toy Boat – Seduction Side Show with After Party to Follow.
Olive or Twist – Zydeco Dancing.

February 10 - Mardi Gras Grand Parade at 3:05 p.m. in downtown Asheville. This event will happen rain or shine. They'll be dancing in the streets of Asheville.

6th Annual Queen’s Ball: Immediately following the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room, Free and open to the public. Music by Bayou Diesel

Fat Tuesday February 12  - Mardi Gras Day


Get a link for details about Mardi Gras events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Celtic Celebration this Weekend at the Grove Park Inn

February 1-2  Celtic Adventure Weekend  Passion, artistry and skill collide during this dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Join the celebration of the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in music, including concerts by Solas and Gaelic Storm. Held at The Grove Park Inn and Spa. Get current rates and availability at The Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is located at 290 Macon Avenue in Asheville NC.

Asheville's Annual Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast

January 19   Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast  Asheville’s 32nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Grove Park Inn with guest speaker Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, founder and executive director of the Student African American Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood is a national organization with more than 250 chapters in 40 states whose mission is to help black youth in middle school and high school with support, guidance, and opportunities. The theme of the King Celebration events is “Marching Toward Justice,” and programs throughout the King Holiday observations will address the progress as well as setbacks that have defined the century and a half since President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1853.

Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa Annual Big Bands Weekend

January 18-20    Annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend -  If you love the Big Band Era of music and dance this is the place to be.  Event activities for package holders include dance instruction, an exclusive afternoon tea dance, and two nights full of amazing performances from Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.  Get current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa


Get a link for the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Events: Asheville Celebrates with Chocolate and Crafts

December 8  Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival   A multicultural arts event featuring performers, musicians and dancers from Asheville and beyond. Experience local artisans, baskets and basket weaving demonstrations by Gullah artisans, cultural arts and education by members of the Cherokee Nation, Bellydancing, African dance, Argentine Tango, Hip Hop, and local chocolate tasting by Asheville's finest chocolatiers and dessert-makers.

Performers will also be teaching classes in: Drumming, Bellydance, Tango, West African Dance, and digeridoo throughout the day which are all included in your ticket price. This is a family friendly event with Local children's performance artists Juan Halladay and the Secret B-sides, balloon twisting, face painting, and dance workshops. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Urban Arts Institute and Odyessy School to fund multicultural arts education for Asheville youth.

Learn more about Asheville Lodging, events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Event: Dickens Festival in Biltmore

November 30 - December 2   Biltmore Village Dickens Festival  begins today.  Historic Biltmore Village transforms itself into a quaint Victorian village with entertainment for every age and interest. The main stage will be filled continuously with musicians, choral groups, singers, dancers and the Montford Park Players.

This year the Festival will feature more than 300 performers who, after their stage segments, will rove throughout the Village entertaining on the streets and in the shops and restaurants.

 Friday and Saturday evenings will feature main stage concerts for the entire family. As dusk turns into evening, more than 250,000 white lights outlining the historic Village buildings will combine with the streetlights to enhance the ambiance.

Shops stay open evenings until 7 PM with many of the shopkeepers dressed in Victorian-era garb. In addition, there will be horse-drawn rides through the tree-lined Village streets all day Saturday and Sunday. Chestnuts roasted on an open fire by chestnut roaster Sakshi Gentenbein will be available next to the main stage.

Get a link for details about the Biltmore Dickens Festival on the
Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Events: Christmas Parade in Asheville

November 17    66th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade   The parade begins at 11 AM with bands, dancing, characters, and of course, our Olympic Silver Medalist Grand Marshals, Lauren Tamayo and Manteo Mitchell.

Look for the patriotic float sponsored by Deerfield Retirement Community. Santa Claus himself will close the parade atop his float sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

Asheville Hosts 66th Annual Antiques Fair

November 2-4   66th Annual Asheville Antiques Fair    The oldest antique fair in the Southeast is held this year at the at the Exposition Center of The Crowne Plaza Resort. 40 antique dealers from across the country will be participating.

This year's Fair will host the "Heirloom Road Show" with expert evaluations of antiques and an expert lecture series and exhibition celebrating the heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. The Asheville Antiques Fair is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers with proceeds donated to historical project within Buncombe County.

Learn more about Asheville lodging, Inns and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Antique Tractor and Engine Show in Asheville

October 25-27 Fall Harvest Days 27th Annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show   Held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. This is the largest show in Western NC and features crafters, demonstrations, farm tools, antique engines, antique tractor pulls and swap meet.

The Antique Engine and Tractor Show features antique tractors, hit n’ miss engines of all sizes, tractor pulls and lots of vendors selling parts. Three full days of activities include crafters, sawmill and hit n’ miss engines. More than 250 vendors/exhibitors with tools, antiques, collectibles, toys and odd stuff. There will be a Tractor Parade daily, weather permitting at 3:00 PM.

The event will be held rain or shine, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM with Admission of $8/day, Children under 12 free with paid adult.

Get a link for the Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show, nearby lodging and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Music and Wine this weekend at Biltmore

September 28-30   Music and Wine Weekend at Biltmore   Celebrate NC Wine month with festive, delicious, and fun events at Biltmore's Antler Village and Winery. Enjoy live music, grape stomps, and barrel tastings. This special event is included in your estate admission.

Live music this weekend at the Bandstand includes Red Hot Sugar Babies on Friday from 4:30 - 9:15 PM and on Saturday Stormy Weather Trio 12:00 PM–4:45 PM, Red Hot Sugar Babies 5:00 PM.–9:45 PM. Sunday from 1:15 - 6:15 PM the Bruce Lang Band performs.

Find more Biltmore information and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair Opens this week in Asheville

September 7-16   North Carolina Mountain State Fair   Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides. Get a link for tickets and details about the NC State Fair on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

SAVE 50%   by purchasing Advance Ride Tickets before September 7th. 

Fair entertainment includes:
 
PRCA Rodeo The original extreme sport comes to the fair Monday through Thursday night! Don’t miss the excitement of PRCA Rodeo. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. Monday - Thursday (nightly at 6:00) Stampede Corral.
 
Rocketman - Human Cannonball
Chachi Valencia, alias The Rocket Man, was a big shot at 2012 Olympics Closing Cememony in London as he flew in Olympic Stadium to a live crowd of 80 thousand spectators and 4 billion television viewers world wide. Straight from the Olympics to the NC Mountain State Fair, watch the human cannonball perform nightly September 7th - 16th. (Drew Exposition Midway)

Kenya Safari Acrobats
The Kenya Safari Acrobats offer a truly unique cultural experience. Hailing from the heart of Africa, this awe-inspiring and dynamic dance troupe takes acrobatics to exhilarating extremes. The group members learned acrobatics as children on the beaches of Kenya, as a means to break free from an impoverished country. Now they serve as artistic ambassadors for Kenya as they travel the globe, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. Friday - Sunday (11:00, 1:00, 4:00, 7:00) Monday - Thursday (4:00, 7:00) Davis Event Center

Josh Knotts & Lea - Extreme Illusions & Escapes
Josh Knotts has performed across the nation and in 6 countries bringing a high energy mix of illusions, theatre and comedy for a magic performance incomparable to other magicians. Josh and Lea pride themselves on their mix of Las Vegas style grand illusions, skillful edge of your seat escapes and audience participation-- they will even use audience members in some of their big illusions! Friday – Sunday (4:00, 6:00, 8:00) Monday – Thursday (6:00, 8:00) Got to be NC Stage

Mike Bishop - Comedy Hypnotist
Watch in absolute disbelief as your friends, family, co-workers and students forget their names, become Elvis impersonators, and freak out as the hypnotist actually vanishes before their eyes! This is the power of hypnotic suggestion. The show is clean comedy and appropriate for all audiences. Friday – Sunday (3:00, 5:00, 7:00) Monday – Thursday (5:00, 7:00) Got to be NC Stage

Michelle's Magical Poodles
Michelle's Magical Poodles is a show full of classic and traditional style dog tricks. These beautiful poodles can be seen jumping through hoops, dancing, assisting in magic tricks, carrying flowers and even demonstrating a fire safety routine. This show is family oriented, audience i 

StatueViva
"StatueViva" or "The Living Statue" creates a unique performance based on improvisation and audience participation... A LIVELY SHOW with European flair bound to bring laughter, fun and something for everyone. Performances Daily (Drew Exposition Midway)nteractive, educational as well as entertaining. Fun for all ages!! Performances Daily (4:30, 6:00) Davis Event Center


Exhibits and Demonstrations range from HCC Timber Sports Lumberjack Demonstrations to the Hogway Speedway to Wild Encounters with Carlton Burke, Bills Farm Adventure, Chainsaw Artist Mountain Dan Smathers, the Dixie Starlight Express and a Heritage Walk. 

 
 
Musical Lineup for the 2012 Fair includes:
 Nikki Talley, Nuthin Fancy, Leigh Glass Band, Old North State, Kayla McKinney, Buddy K Big Band, Michelle Leigh, Sharkadelics, Tom Fish, The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, Pick Your Switch, Ryan “RnB” Barber featuring Orange Krush, Blackjack, Unit 50, Caribbean Cowboys, Dashboard Blue, Carolina Rex, Crossridge, Tuxedo Junction, 96.5 Band, Paul Eldeman, Greywolf, Lee Whitaker, Brother West, Tom Brown, Free Flight, plus many more.

The NC State Fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher, NC (suburb of Asheville). 

Labor Day Weekend Event: LAAFF in Asheville

September 1-2      LAAFF  (Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival)   Once a year Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville is shut down for this all day, all local, all original street fair that has grown to be the largest independent street fest in the southeast.

This jam-packed day is filled with wild street performers, unique artwork, a wide variety of music, and just about everyone who wants to have some fun and celebrate in the streets of Asheville.

Get a link for LAAFF and other Labor Day Weekend Events in Asheville on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

GoomBay! Festival in Asheville

August 24-26   31st Annual Goombay Festival  A three day African-Caribbean festival, located in downtown Asheville, that lives up to its West African name, meaning rhythm or drum, with rhythmic sounds and colorful sights.

photo from
www.RomanticAsheville.com

The Goombay dancers wear colorful costumes and high headdresses topped with feathers. Located on Eagle Street in downtown Asheville.

Get a link for the Goombay Festival and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.