Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina! April 2024
All month: The Spring 2024 "One Book, One Buncombe" selection is “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb. Pages in the Parks and other events are planned. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/default.aspx for details.
Monday, April 1
Tuesday, April 2
Teen Creative Writing Club for grades 6 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Teens in middle school or high school interested in creative writing, storytelling, connecting with other teen writers, and getting feedback on their work are welcome. For questions, contact Caitlin at [email protected]. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, April 3
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email [email protected].
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email [email protected].
A Solar Eclipse Party is at 3:30 p.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. The event includes story time and crafts. Make a pinhole camera and shadow puppet. Materials provided. Solar eclipse glasses will be distributed at the end of the program while supplies last. One per attendee. Call 828-250-4720 or email [email protected] for details.
Thursday, April 4
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 from 5 – 8 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friday, April 5
Race-O-Rama is 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Leicester Library. Build race tracks and explore motion. Call 828-250-6480 or email [email protected].
Parents Night Out is 5:15 – 9 p.m. at Asheville YMCA (30 Woodfin St.). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact Jenn Lawing, [email protected], 828-552-3605.
Saturday, April 6
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
Kolo Bike Park Spring Shred Sessions are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. These sessions are for intermediate-advanced riders ages 8 – 15. The cost is $100 each. Shred sessions are an opportunity to ride the park under the supervision of skilled coaches. Pumping, cornering, roll downs, and a variety of other skills will be practiced and drilled. Riders should feel comfortable riding blue-level trails and be excited about jumping. Reservations are required. Online bookings will incur a 7.5 percent processing fee. Reserve by phone to save the fee. Call 828-225-2921 or visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friends of the Skyland Library Book Sale is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. For details, call 828-250-6488 or email [email protected].
Community Day: The New Salon is noon – 5 p.m. at the Asheville Art Museum. Admission is free. The event includes a full afternoon of activities, including a chalk walk (noon – 5 p.m.), Makerspace: Nail Salon (noon – 4 p.m. – all ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult) and more. Visit ashevilleart.org.
Sunday, April 7
Mountain Biking 101 Clinic is 1 – 3 p.m. at Kolo Bike Park. This is an introduction to mountain biking focusing on the fundamental skills, designed to keep you safe and get you out on the trails having fun. The class is ideal for riders ages 15 and older. The cost is $75 each or $100 each if a bike rental is needed. Reservations are required. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
Monday, April 8
Watch the eclipse at Nantahala Outdoor Center. For details, visit noc.com/events.
Watch the eclipse at PARI. For a full schedule and details, visit pari.edu/calendar.
The Great American Eclipse is at the North Carolina Arboretum. For details, visit ncarboretum.org/event/great-american-eclipse.
NCA Society of Physics Students Extravagant Eclipse Viewing Day is at UNC Asheville. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org/events/unca-society-physics-students-extravagant-eclipse-viewing-day.
Eclipse Day is at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte and Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville. For details, visit discoveryplace.org.
Tuesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 10
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email [email protected].
Tot Time with Musical Artist Kylie Brown is 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Asheville Art Museum. Free for Members or included with museum general admission (admission for children under 6 is free). Space is limited; online registration recommended. Drop-in registration is first come, first served. For details, visit ashevilleart.org. For tickets, visit shop.ashevilleart.org/collections/event-tickets/products/tot-time-april-10.
Four O’Clock Club: DIY Book Craft is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. Use damaged books to make a hedgehog. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
One Book, One Buncombe: Sound Lab with Junior Appalachian Musicians is 4 – 5 p.m. at the Black Mountain Library. For details, call 828-250-4756 or email [email protected].
Thursday, April 11
Teen Anime Club is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades 6 – 12. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 from 5 – 8 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friday, April 12
The 23rd Asheville Orchid Festival is at The North Carolina Arboretum. Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5 each for everyone over the age of 12 years, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society Members. A regular Arboretum parking fee applies for all attendees with the exception of Arboretum Members. All orchid exhibits, orchid programs, and educational lectures are included with admission fee, and children 12 and under can enter free. All admission proceeds benefit the Western North Carolina Orchid Society. For more formation, visit wncos.org or ncarboretum.org.
Clay Day for ages 5 – 12 is at 3:30 p.m. at the Fairview Library. Call 828-250-6484 or email [email protected].
Parents Night Out is 5 – 8:45 p.m.
Ferguson Family YMCA (31 Westridge Market Place, Candler) – Kathy Lehman, [email protected], 828-575-2929.
Hendersonville Family YMCA (810 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville) – Adriana Argueta, [email protected], 828-697-9622
Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville) – Brittney Gasperson, [email protected], 828-210-2263
If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Saturday, April 13
PAWS for Reading is at the Henderson County Main Library. Children can sign-up to read to a therapy dog. Registration is required. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
The 23rd Asheville Orchid Festival is at The North Carolina Arboretum. Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5 each for everyone over the age of 12 years, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society Members. A regular Arboretum parking fee applies for all attendees with the exception of Arboretum Members. All orchid exhibits, orchid programs, and educational lectures are included with admission fee, and children 12 and under can enter free. All admission proceeds benefit the Western North Carolina Orchid Society. For more formation, visit wncos.org or ncarboretum.org.
Junior Wild Walk is 9:30 – 11 a.m. at WNC Nature Center. Children go behind the scenes of the WNC Nature Center and learn how keepers feed and care for the animals, see an animal enrichment session, and ask questions. For details and registration, visit www.wildwnc.org/events.
Second Saturday arts events are in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
Asheville Maker Faire is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at A-B Tech. The day includes a wide variety of events, including children’s activities. Register for free tickets at asheville.makerfaire.com.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Parents Night Out is 4 – 7:45 p.m. at Black Mountain YMCA (25 Jane Jacobs Road, Black Mountain). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact: Lizzy Wheeler, [email protected], 828-552-3624.
Senior Night: Warren Wilson College Women's Lacrosse vs Western Carolina – 4:30 p.m. at the Hank Steinbrecher Sports Complex at Warren Wilson College. Admission is free. Visit warrenwilsonowls.com.
“On Golden Pond” is presented at Hendersonville Theatre. Rated PG due to adult situations and mild language. For tickets and details, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/on-golden-pond.
Sunday, April 14
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
The 23rd Asheville Orchid Festival is at The North Carolina Arboretum. Admission to the Asheville Orchid Festival is $5 each for everyone over the age of 12 years, and free for Western North Carolina Orchid Society Members. A regular Arboretum parking fee applies for all attendees with the exception of Arboretum Members. All orchid exhibits, orchid programs, and educational lectures are included with admission fee, and children 12 and under can enter free. All admission proceeds benefit the Western North Carolina Orchid Society. For more formation, visit wncos.org or ncarboretum.org.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
“On Golden Pond” is presented at Hendersonville Theatre. Rated PG due to adult situations and mild language. For tickets and details, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/on-golden-pond.
Monday, April 15
Tuesday, April 16
“Matilda the Musical” school matinee is at 9 a.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Family Book Club is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Family Book Club is for families who love reading and talking about books. Selections are intended for families of children grades K – 5. This month, read and discuss “Aven Green: Sleuthing Machine” by Dusti Bowling. Pick up a copy of the book at the Main Library Youth Services Desk. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Read with Flora the Golden Retriever 4 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Library. All participants must register and sign a waiver to take part. Call the library at 828-250-4738 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Wednesday, April 17
Story Time is 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at the Asheville YMCA (30 Woodfin St.). Join in for story time with Jen from the Leicester Library. Each month features a new theme with stories, crafts, songs, and interactive activities. This is a free event located in the Youth Development Center. Questions? Contact Jenn Lawing, [email protected], 828-552-3605.
Dungeons and Dragons is 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades 6 – 12. Registration is required. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Four O’Clock Club: Weaving is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
ecoEXPLORE – The Amazing World of Plants is at 4 p.m. at the West Asheville Library. Sign up and get details at ecoexplore.net.
Thursday, April 18
Teen Book Club: “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades 9 – 12. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 from 5 – 8 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
“Trailblazing Women of Country – A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly” is at 7:30 p.m. at Bardo Arts Center. Ticket Prices: $15 for any non-WCU Student, $25 for Adults, and $20 for Adults 65 and older. For tickets and details, visit arts.wcu.edu/trailblazing.
Friday, April 19
One Book, One Buncombe: Instrumental Sing-along with Musician Bronwyn Cronin is at 10:30 a.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. All ages. Call 828-250-4720 or email [email protected].
A Taylor Swift Party for all ages is 3 – 4:30 p.m. in the Children's Auditorium
at the Henderson County Main Library. Celebrate a new album with a Taylor Swift Party including snacks, a selfie station, friendship bracelets, and more. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Parents Night Out is 5:15 – 9 p.m. at Asheville YMCA (30 Woodfin St.). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30., nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact Jenn Lawing, [email protected], 828-552-3605.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Saturday, April 20
Spring Fling 2024 is at Nantahala Outdoor Center. The event includes live music, demos, giveaways and more. For details, visit noc.com/events.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
Parents Morning Out is 9 a.m. – noon at Woodfin YMCA (40 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 101, Asheville). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30., nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact Jessica Raymor, [email protected], 828-575-2926.
Healthy Kids Day is 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial YMCA and 3 – 5:30 p.m. at Mills River Park (hosted by Hendersonville Family YMCA). Visit ymcawnc.org.
Celebrate Earth Day with Hendo Earth Fest 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville. For details, visit teamecco.org and hvlnc.gov/HENDOEARTHFEST.
Kolo Bike Park Spring Shred Sessions are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. These sessions are for intermediate-advanced riders ages 8 – 15. The cost is $100 each. Shred sessions are an opportunity to ride the park under the supervision of skilled coaches. Pumping, cornering, roll downs, and a variety of other skills will be practiced and drilled. Riders should feel comfortable riding blue-level trails and be excited about jumping. Reservations are required. Online bookings will incur a 7.5 percent processing fee. Reserve by phone to save the fee. Call 828-225-2921 or visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Kids’ Night Out is 6 – 10 p.m. at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts. The April theme is springtime. It features crafts, games, a movie and pizza. For elementary ages. Open to the public. Register online at martialartsasheville.com/kids-night-out-2.
Sunday, April 21
Running of the Goats 5K & Nature Walk is 7:30 – 10 a.m. at WNC Nature Center. This is a family friendly event. Visit www.wildwnc.org/runwild for more information and to register.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Monday, April 22
Tuesday, April 23
An information session about Blue Ridge Community College is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. The program is for families of students in grades 11 – 12. Learn about the enrollment process, 200+ program pathways at Blue Ridge, apprenticeships, continuing education, FAFSA, scholarships, admission and more. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, April 24
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email [email protected].
The YMCA Mobile Market is in the Leicester Library parking lot from 2 – 3 p.m. Bring grocery bags and get fresh food for your family. All are welcome, regardless of income or family size. Distributions are free and no paperwork is required. Call 828-250-6480 or email [email protected].
Four O’Clock Club: Rainbow STEM is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. Explore the science of rainbows. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Thursday, April 25
Reception for “Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition” is 5 – 7 p.m. at Bardo Arts Center. Admission is free. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/spark.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 from 5 – 8 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friday, April 26
Teen Knitting & Stitching is 4 – 5 p.m. at the Weaverville Library. This is a new group for crafty teens ages 12 – 18. Participants may bring their own projects to work on together, or help knit and crochet items to donate locally. Instruction can be provided and there are supplies to share. Registration is required. Call 828-250-6482 to register. The library is also accepting donations of yarn and knitting or crochet needles.
Parents Night Out is 5 – 8:45 p.m.
Ferguson Family YMCA (31 Westridge Market Place, Candler) – Kathy Lehman, [email protected], 828-575-2929.
Hendersonville Family YMCA (810 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville) – Adriana Argueta, [email protected], 828-697-9622
Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville) – Brittney Gasperson, [email protected], 828-210-2263
If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50.
The Moppets One Act Festival is at Attic Salt Theater. For tickets and details, visit our.show/moppetsoneacts24.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Saturday, April 27
Space Day is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at PARI: Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The event is free and open to the public. The event includes kid-friendly activities, a galaxy walk and more. Tickets for planetarium shows are $5 each. For details, visit pari.edu.
Mountain Science Expo is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the North Carolina Arboretum. This full day of family-friendly science and fun features hands-on demonstrations, guided programs and local STEAM exhibitors. Meet local wildlife, design your own inventions, and explore the art and science of azaleas. The event is free with a parking fee of $20 (free for members). Get a parking waiver at local participating libraries by checking out a science book while supplies last. Visit ncarboretum.org.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
Eyes on the Solar System with Asheville Museum of Science is 1 – 3 p.m. at the Fairview Library. Ages 8 – 15. Students will live a day in the life of our solar system through interactive play and inquiry-based exploration with the inflatable planetarium. Call 828-250-6484 or email [email protected].
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Spring Fourth concert is at 3 p.m. at the Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville. General admission: $20, Friends of the Orchestra: $15, and students: $5. Visit blueridgeorchestra.org/spring-fourth-april-24.
Parents Night Out is 4 – 7:45 p.m. at Black Mountain YMCA (25 Jane Jacobs Road, Black Mountain). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact: Lizzy Wheeler, [email protected], 828-552-3624.
The Moppets One Act Festival is at Attic Salt Theater. For tickets and details, visit our.show/moppetsoneacts24.
Sunday, April 28
Sunday Funday, presented by Asheville Music School, is noon – 5 p.m. at Salvage Station. The event is for all ages and features AMS student bands and solo performances. General Admission – sliding scale donation at the door. Visit ashevillemusicschool.org.
NC SciFest – Innovation Stations are at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org and ncsciencefestival.org.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Spring Fourth concert is at 3 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. General admission: $21, Friends of the Orchestra (promo code applies): $15, and students: $5. Visit blueridgeorchestra.org/spring-fourth-april-24.
The Moppets One Act Festival is at Attic Salt Theater. For tickets and details, visit our.show/moppetsoneacts24.
Monday, April 29
“Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical” is at 10 a.m. and noon at the Diana Wortham Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 each ($11 each for groups of 11 or more). Visit worthamarts.org/events/cat-kid-comic-club-the-musical-student-series.
Tuesday, April 30
“Matilda the Musical” school matinee is at 9 a.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
“Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical” is at 10 a.m. and noon at the Diana Wortham Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 each ($11 each for groups of 11 or more). Visit worthamarts.org/events/cat-kid-comic-club-the-musical-student-series.
Wednesday, May 1
Four O’Clock Club: Let’s Build It is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE
Youth Acting: Basic to Intermediate is April 8 – May 13 at Hendersonville Theatre. Students learn the basics of stage (and film) acting, from simple stage directions and vocal projection to monologue, cold readings, improv techniques, and more. Ages 11– 17 (middle and high school students). For details, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/youth-acting-basic-to-intermediate.
Register now for School's Out Day Camp with XP League Asheville. The program is $70 per day, 8 – 4 p.m., bring your own lunch – April 1 – 5, May 27. Register online at asheville.xpl.gg/home.
Spring Break Camp is April 1 – 5 at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts. For details, visit martialartsasheville.com/summer-camps.
Forest Floor Wilderness Programs – Saturday Blacksmithing Series Spring 2024 – Gain a foundation in the art of creating useful tools by heating metal in the forge and shaping it on the anvil. Many techniques will be explored, and students will come home with beautiful and functional hand-made items. Participation is capped at just 10 students, and the class is run by two skilled blacksmiths who are also trained nature-connection mentors. Ages 12 – 16. The classes are 10 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. inclusive of drop-off and pick-up window. Parent/Child Blacksmithing is April 27 and May 4, 11, and 18. The cost is $540 total for 1 adult and 1 child. Visit forestfloorasheville.com/blacksmithing.
A Babysitting class is offered at YMCA locations in Asheville (May), Black Mountain (July), and Reuter. For details and registration, visit ymcawnc.org/activity-finder?step=results&searchKeywords=babysit.
Registration is open for The Montford Moppets summer programs: "The Winter's Tale" rehearsals start June 17. Visit themontfordmoppets.org/what-we-do/the-winters-tale-2024. "Much Ado About Nothing" rehearsals start July 15. Visit themontfordmoppets.org/what-we-do/much-ado-about-nothing-2024.
“Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson” is open through June 28 at Bardo Arts Center. Admission is free. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/spark.
“Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition” is open April 9 – June 28 at Bardo Arts Center. Admission is free. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/spark.
May is Hike On month at Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes and giveaways at the Visitor’s Center. Get trail, waterfall, lodging and other details at beechmtn.com/hiking.
Theater Classes are offered at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Kolo Bike Park Afterschool Club for ages 6 – 14 meets 3 – 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in April. Sign up for each month individually. This club is not to teach children how to ride. It is a requirement that they enjoy biking and can successfully ride their bike off-road before joining. The cost is $350 per month. Reservations are required. Online bookings will incur a 7.5 percent processing fee. Reserve by phone to save the fee. Call 828-225-2921 or visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Spring Homeschool Classes are offered by Forest Floor Asheville. Classes include Mountain Mondays, Crafty Critters, Wild Crafting, Blacksmithing, Bramblehurst School of Bushcraft & Wizardry, and much more. For classes and details, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
Small-scale Kids Art + Design Classes for ages 5 – 10 are offered by Ginger Huebner at the R+W Creative Campus from 4 – 5:15 p.m. April 24, May 1, 8, and 15. Custom lessons and Create and Connect Workshops are also offered for families, retreats, celebrations and more. Small scale classes explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media in various scales each class. Classes are limited to 6 students. All materials included. For details and registration, visit gingerhuebner.com/art-education.
Dogs! A Science Tail is open at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte through May 5. Experience first-hand how dogs see, hear and smell the world. For details, visit discoveryplace.org/things-to-do/exhibitions/dogs-a-science-tail.
Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition, is open at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolia through June 16. The 2,000 square-foot exhibition features an 18-foot fiberglass model of an adult male narwhal suspended from the ceiling. The model is surrounded by banners, graphic panels, object cases, and physical and digital interactives that engage audiences of all ages in the narwhal story. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn 5 years old, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading. For details and registration, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
YMCA afterschool programs have a few spots available. For details, visit ymcawnc.org/programs/children-teens/childcare/afterschool or call 828-251-5910.
Parents Time Out events are offered by the YMCA of Western North Carolina. These events take place at various times and locations. There are options for both members and non-members with no commitments. Learn more about drop-off childcare here or find dates and times to register here.
Highlands Nature Center is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday. Visit highlandsbiological.org.
Group tours for grades pre-K – 12 are offered at Asheville Art Museum. For details and registration, visit ashevilleart.org.
Hands On! Children’s Museum offers free admission to families who present their adult WIC card. Zoom passes from the Hendersonville Library have limited day passes as well. For details, visit handsonwnc.org.
Story Times are offered at Henderson County Public Libraries. Get full details at hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Mills River and Edneyville (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Mondays
Etowah (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Preschool story time at Main (ages 3 – 5) – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays
Fletcher (families welcome) and Toddler Time at Main (ages 18 months – 3) – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Green River (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Thursdays
Music and Movement at Main (families welcome) – 10:30 a.m. Thursdays
Bouncing Babies at Main (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) – 11:15 a.m. Thursdays
Story times are offered at Buncombe County Libraries. Get full details at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/services/story-times.aspx.
Baby Story Time – ages 4 – 18 months:
Oakley/South Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Leicester Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Weaverville Library – Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Toddler Story Time – ages 18 months – 3 years:
North Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Fairview Library and Leicester Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Enka-Candler Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time – ages 3 – 5 years:
East Asheville Library and West Asheville Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Swannanoa Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Fairview Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Black Mountain Library and Weaverville Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Pack Memorial Library – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Hora Del Cuento/Story Time
Skyland/South Buncombe Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Oakley/South Asheville Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Zoom D&D with Raj for teens is 3 – 6 p.m. Saturdays through the Buncombe County Library. Sign-up is required. Email Raj at [email protected] to request attendance.
Kindermusik for ages birth – 5 is offered at We Rock the Spectrum. For details, visit kindermusik.com/studio/58207.
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers adventure trips. 2024 trips are booking now. For details, visit noc.com.
SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn is offered in-person for children 0-5 and their parents/caregivers in Buncombe County. KPL in-person is a once-a-week, 90 minute adult-child group that features a mix of free play, outdoor play (where available), and group activities/circle time. It is free and open to 0-5 year olds who reside in Buncombe County and are not enrolled in licensed child care. Parents/caregivers attend with the child and support them in the activities. There are currently spaces in these preschool groups for 3-5 year olds: Mondays from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Johnston Elementary School or Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 –11:30 a.m. at Burton Street Community Center (West Asheville). Families attend one day per week. Registration is required before attendance and registration is ongoing, either by email to [email protected] or calling 828-350-2904. In-person infant and toddler classes are currently full.
Community Connections: Free Parenting Resource meets noon – 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at We Rock the Spectrum Asheville. Ask questions, talk and build community. For challenges with toddlerhood, potty training, socialization, school or learning, challenging behaviors, wanting to increase connectivity to others, and experiences, supporting meaningful communication, etc. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4na43kcp.
Perinatal Loss Support Group – Homegrown Families Perinatal Bereavement Parent Support Group is for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. For details, visit ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.
The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an evidence-based program that gives parents confidence and in turn, helps them raise confident children. Local parents and caregivers have access to this free, positive parenting course online. Access Triple P resources at triplepwnc.com or triplep-parenting.com.
GET READY FOR BABY
Mission Health offers prenatal classes, including a childbirth and hospital orientation class and a breastfeeding class. For details and registration, visit missionhealth.org/services-treatments/maternity-care/labor-delivery-mission.
Homegrown Families offers a variety of childbirth and prenatal classes. Learn more and register at ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.
Prenatal Classes and a mom group are offered by Haywood Regional Medical Center. Call 828-552-8440 or visit myhaywoodregional.com/events.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina! April 2024
