ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for something to do this weekend in the Asheville area? From nature to quilts to music, there are plenty of options to keep you busy and having fun.
Friday, May 30
WNC Nature Center Day — 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville
As part of the center’s 100 Years of Wild centennial celebration, it has declared May 30 as WNC Nature Center Day. Honor a century of wild wonder with a full day of fun, discovery and community spirit. There will also be plenty of other fun activities and giveaways.
Spring Plant Sale and Market — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
The market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes more than 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music.
Stitched in Time: Quilt and Upholstery Show — 4 p.m., Beall Auditorium, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde
HCC honors the impact of quilt work and upholstery on the community. The event will include speakers and information to help illustrate the importance of the program at HCC and the community that has been around for more than 20 years.
RootStock Music Festival 2025 — 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard, 588 Chestnut Gap Road, Hendersonville
This three-day family-friendly event celebrates local bands, technicians, beer, food trucks and, of course, wine is happening at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.
The Sleeping Beauty — 6 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents “The Sleeping Beauty,” a full-length production of the classic ballet. Choreography after Marius Petipa with music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky. Featuring Ballet Tucson principal dancer, Hunter Solomon as Prince Desire, and Kansas City Ballet dancers, Audrey Lynn as Aurora and Jack Hindocha-Daniels as Prince Desire for the matinee, all alongside the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre-professional company.
Guys and Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night — 6:30 p.m., Asheville Junior Theater, 174 Bradley Branch Road, Arden
Guys & Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night Experience a fabulous night out with Guys and Dolls, the iconic Broadway musical that brings the glitz, glam and charm of 1950s New York City to life. Enjoy a full evening of entertainment with a professionally catered dinner, welcome reception with hors d’oeuvres and a decadent dessert grazing table.
Saturday, May 31
GRINDFest — 8 a.m.-11 p.m., 8 River Arts Place, Asheville
GrindFest 2025 is bigger than ever — taking over Asheville every Saturday and Sunday in May with high-energy events, inspiring conversations and can’t-miss experiences. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative or just here for a good time, there’s something for everyone.
Potter’s Yard Sale at Odyssey ClayWorks — 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 236 Clingman Avenue Ext., Asheville
At Potter’s Yard Sale at Odyssey ClayWorks, visitors will find a wide variety of items, including pottery wheels, kilns, brick, glazes, display items, tools and more at majorly discounted prices. Shoppers will also find complimentary doughnuts and mimosas.
Rebuilding the Gateway Trail — 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Camp Grier, 985 Camp Grier Road, Old Fort
Another wall is needed to stabilize the side slope. This will involve staging lumber, assembling the wall and digging. The project is expected to endure for many years.
French Broad River Clean-Up — Pisgah Forest River Access to Penrose Boating Access Area, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Apac Drive, Pisgah Forest
Volunteers are invited to help clean up trash with French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson and other members of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper team. The clean-up will be boat-based and focus on the French Broad River in Transylvania County between Pisgah Forest River Access and Penrose Boating Access Area.
Wild for Watercolor Wildflowers — 10:30 a.m.-noon, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain
Join artist Nate Barton for a watercolor class for all levels of experience. Learn a little bit about the medium and materials while creating paintings of wildflowers.
Paint Your Own Pot: Ice Cream Party — 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cold Mountain Art Collective, 33 Adams St., West Canton
The collective is honoring the history of its building when it was an Ice Cream Parlor during WWII through the 50s! Head over for an afternoon painting various ice cream-themed pots while enjoying treats and refreshments.
Skeletons in the Closet: Queer Horror Book Club — 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1022 Haywood Road, Asheville
This queer horror book club explores queerness from the magic to the truly macabre.
Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour — Noon-5 p.m., Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville
Experience the richness of local artistry during the Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour. This is your chance to peek into the studios of Grovewood’s resident artists, gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Additionally, these creatives will have pieces available for purchase at the adjacent Grovewood Gallery
Sunday, June 1
The Mule Family Block Party — Noon-7 p.m., The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville
The Mule is inviting the community to a family-style Sunday afternoon! There will be grilled dogs and burgers, sweet tunes from Sanctum Sully and games in the yard.
Cold Mountain Music Festival — Noon-10 p.m., Lake Logan Conference Center, 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton
Cold Mountain Music Festival will feature top-notch musical talent, amazing local food & drink vendors, family-friendly activities and more all in one of the most pristine settings imaginable. The centerpiece of the almost 300-acre property is a mile-long lake surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of Pisgah National Forest.
Drink & Draw — 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville
Grab a drink and unlock the art supplies. Get creative by drawing on the café tables covered with paper for participants to sketch, doodle or create their own masterpieces. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, this event is perfect for all skill levels.
Live NASCAR Every Sunday — 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Road, Weaverville
Rev up your Sundays with live NASCAR action at Eda’s Hide-a-Way! Join the folks at Eda’s every week for high-speed thrills, cold drinks and a crowd that loves racing as much as you do. We’ll have the race on the big screen, ice-cold beer and great food to keep you fueled from green flag to checkered.