May 2024: Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina!
Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com.
RSVP by May 24 – Family Group Night from St. Gerard House is 5:15 – 7 p.m. May 28 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville. The topic is Transitions to Adulthood presented by Margaret Gaffney, A Special Needs Plan. Sponsored by Colton Groome. To register, visit stgerardhouse.org/familygroupnight.
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.
Thursday, May 2
Teen Creative Writing Club for grades 6 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Want to make a difference in teen programming at the library? Want to earn Volunteer hours? Want to meet new people? Join TAB! 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. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 7:30 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Friday, May 3
Forest Friday for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 is offered by Forest Floor Asheville. Spend a day in the forest with guided nature connection. For details and registration, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
Parents’ Night Out is 5 – 10 p.m. with XP League Asheville. Pizza dinner is included. The cost is $40 per child and $20 for each additional sibling Register online at asheville.xpl.gg/home.
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, jlawing@ymcawnc.org, 828-552-3605. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 7:30 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Saturday, May 4
Celebrate Star Wars Day with activities at Asheville Museum of Science. For details and schedule, visit ashevillescience.org/event/star-wars-day-may-the-fourth.
Celebrate Star Wars Day with activities at the Oakley/South Asheville Library. Call 828-250-4754 or email oakley.library@buncombecounty.org.
Kolo Bike Park Spring Shred Sessions for ages 8 – 15 are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shred sessions are an opportunity for your experienced shredder to ride the park under the supervision of our skilled coaches. This program is designed for intermediate-advanced young riders who are looking to improve upon their skills, and riders should feel comfortable riding blue-level trails and be excited about jumping. Online booking adds a 7.5 percent processing fee. Book online are call 828-225-2921. For details and registration, 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.
May the 4th Be With You is 4 – 10 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park. The event is free and includes entertainment options, including Star Wars trivia, crafts, photo opportunities with characters (costumes encouraged!), food trucks, and live entertainment. The full event schedule is at downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_may-the-4th-be-with-you.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 7:30 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Sunday, May 5
Girls on the Run Spring Season Celebratory 5K is 8 – 11 a.m. at Tanger Outlets Asheville. For details and registration, visit gotrwnc.org/5k.
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Tiny Tykes Day is 2 – 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The free family festival features events for ages 5 and younger including tumble and bounce houses, face painting, crafts, biking and more. Visit ashevillenc.gov/parks.
“Matilda the Musical” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 3 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Monday, May 6
Tuesday, May 7
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 clindsey@hendersoncountync.gov. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, May 8
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
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-with-musical-artist-kylie-brown-may-8.
Four O’Clock Club: Fairy Houses is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Read to Puptart, a tail-wagging robot dog, 4 – 5 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Library. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes. For details, call 828-250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, May 9
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. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
Lonely Parrots in concert at 7:30 p.m. in the garden at Asheville Salt Cave. The event is family friendly. Admission is free, with a $20 suggested donation. Visit ashevillesaltcave.com/events/lonely-parrots-band-in-our-peace-garden.
Friday, May 10
Forest Friday for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 is offered by Forest Floor Asheville. Spend a day in the forest with guided nature connection. For details and registration, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
Artisphere is noon – 8 p.m. in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The festival includes arts, food, music and more. Kidsphere activities, including crafts, music and more, are available throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org.
Parents Night Out is 5 – 8:45 p.m.
Ferguson Family YMCA (31 Westridge Market Place, Candler) – Kathy Lehman, klehman@ymcawnc.org, 828-575-2929.
Hendersonville Family YMCA (810 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville) – Adriana Argueta, aargueta@ymcawnc.org, 828-697-9622
Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville) – Brittney Gasperson, bgasperson@ymcawnc.org, 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.
For parents: Science on Screen: “The Breakfast Club” is in the Discovery Theatre at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte. For tickets and details, visit discoveryplace.org/things-to-do/events/science-on-screen.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.” is performed by Asheville Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. at Odyssey Community School. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 7:30 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Movies in the Park: “Wonka” is at Pack Square. The movie will begin about 8:45 p.m. For full details, visit ashevillenc.gov/news/what-to-know-about-asheville-parks-recreations-free-movies-in-the-park-series-starting-may-10.
Saturday, May 11
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.
Second Saturday arts events are in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
Artisphere is 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The festival includes arts, food, music and more. Kidsphere activities, including crafts, music and more, are available throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org.
Train Day at the Depot is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Hub City Railroad Museum in Spartanburg. For details, visit hubcityrrmuseum.org/train-day-2024-may-11.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.” is performed by Asheville Community Theatre at 2:30 p.m. at Odyssey Community School. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 3 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
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, lwheeler@ymcawnc.org, 828-552-3624. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Sunday, May 12
Moms Climb and Kidzip free for Mother’s Day – Moms Climb ATAP and/or KidZip free at Adventure Center of Asheville with paying family. Reservations are suggested and can be made online or by calling 828-225-2921 and using code “Mom.” Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/asheville-adventure-specials.
Artisphere is 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The festival includes arts, food, music and more. Kidsphere activities, including crafts, music and more, are available throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org.
Rose Ink Plant Pigment Workshop with Annie Kyla is noon – 2:30 p.m. at Art Garden AVL. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. For details and registration, visit anniekylabennettart.com.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.” is performed by Asheville Community Theatre at 2:30 p.m. at Odyssey Community School. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables is presented at 3 p.m. by Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Monday, May 13
FORE! The Kids Golf Classic Fundraiser, benefitting Kidsenses Children’s Museum, is at Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club. For details and registration, visit kidsenses.org/golf.
Tuesday, May 14
Expert Talk: Pregnancy and Postpartum is noon – 1 p.m. at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Join Zoe Martin, PT, DPT, AIB-VRC, as she discusses the changes to your body during and after pregnancy, and how you can take a more active approach to this time in your life in a safe, evidenced based way. This talk is for anyone who is pregnant, considering having a baby or just wants to know more information about changes to the body during pregnancy and into the postpartum period. This event is free and open to everyone. Questions? Contact Chris Lorenz at clorenz@ymcawnc.org or 828-575-2940 or visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/expert-talk-pregnancy-and-postpartum.
Wednesday, May 15
Spring Homeschool Day is 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Chimney Rock State Park. The day includes hands-on spring activities and programs led by the education team, then time to explore the park in the afternoon. For details and registration, visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/spring-homeschool-day-4.
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, jlawing@ymcawnc.org, 828-552-3605. Visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/story-time-1.
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
Four O’Clock Club: Homemade Ice Cream is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Read to Puptart, a tail-wagging robot dog, 4 – 5 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Library. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes. For details, call 828-250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, May 16
Stewart/Owen Dance: Student Series is at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Recommended for grades 6-12. The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families. Tickets are $12 each ($11 each for groups of 11 or more). Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A. Visit worthamarts.org/events/stewart-owen-dance-student-may9.
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. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
Friday, May 17
Forest Friday for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 is offered by Forest Floor Asheville. Spend a day in the forest with guided nature connection. For details and registration, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
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, jlawing@ymcawnc.org, 828-552-3605. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Disney's The Little Mermaid JR (Prep Program) is presented at 7 p.m. at Ira B. Jones Elementary School. For tickets and details, visit Asheville Performing Arts Academy at theapaa.com.
Disney’s “Descendants” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Cinema on the Square, Swannanoa’s outdoor movie series, returns to Grovemont Square (101 West Charleston Ave.) with a screening of “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (rated PG-13). The movie will begin around dusk; arrive by 7:45 p.m. to stake out your spot and enjoy the pre-movie festivities. Popcorn and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Cinema on the Square is sponsored by Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS), the Swannanoa Community Council, and Friends of the Swannanoa Library. For more information, call the library at 828-250-6486.
Saturday, May 18
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, jraymor@ymcawnc.org, 828-575-2926. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Kolo Bike Park Spring Shred Sessions for ages 8 – 15 are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shred sessions are an opportunity for your experienced shredder to ride the park under the supervision of our skilled coaches. This program is designed for intermediate-advanced young riders who are looking to improve upon their skills, and riders should feel comfortable riding blue-level trails and be excited about jumping. Online booking adds a 7.5 percent processing fee. Book online are call 828-225-2921. For details and registration, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Disney's The Little Mermaid JR (Prep Program) is presented at 2 p.m. at Ira B. Jones Elementary School. For tickets and details, visit Asheville Performing Arts Academy at theapaa.com.
Teen Craft: Stained Glass-Inspired Painting is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades 6 – 12. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Kids’ Night Out is 6 – 10 p.m. at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts. The May theme is space. It features crafts, games, a movie and pizza. For elementary ages. Open to the public. Register online at martialartsasheville.com/kids-night-out-2.
Disney's The Little Mermaid JR (MS Company & Community) is presented at 7 p.m. at Ira B. Jones Elementary School. For tickets and details, visit Asheville Performing Arts Academy at theapaa.com.
Disney’s “Descendants” is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Nature at Night is 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Chimney Rock State Park. Join a guide on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and learn who comes out in the park when the sun goes down. This moderate hike is the perfect time to learn more about some of the park’s rarely seen residents. Visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/nature-at-night-hike-12.
Sunday, May 19
Family Zumba is 11 a.m. – noon at Asheville YMCA. This event is free and open to everyone. Questions? Call 828-210-9622. Visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/family-zumba-3.
Disney's The Little Mermaid JR (MS Company & Community) is presented at 2 p.m. at Ira B. Jones Elementary School. For tickets and details, visit Asheville Performing Arts Academy at theapaa.com.
Disney’s “Descendants” is performed at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Tanglewood Teens Senior Showcase is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Monday, May 20
Tuesday, May 21
Wednesday, May 22
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
Read to Puptart, a tail-wagging robot dog, 4 – 5 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Library. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes. For details, call 828-250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, May 23
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. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
Friday, May 24
Forest Friday for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 is offered by Forest Floor Asheville. Spend a day in the forest with guided nature connection. For details and registration, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
Parents Night Out is 5 – 8:45 p.m.
Ferguson Family YMCA (31 Westridge Market Place, Candler) – Kathy Lehman, klehman@ymcawnc.org, 828-575-2929.
Hendersonville Family YMCA (810 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville) – Adriana Argueta, aargueta@ymcawnc.org, 828-697-9622
Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville) – Brittney Gasperson, bgasperson@ymcawnc.org, 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. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Saturday, May 25
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! opens today at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina. The exhibition is a hands-on, bilingual (English and Spanish), interactive learning experience, developed for children ages 2 – 8 and their caregivers. It continues through Oct. 6. For details, visit upcountryhistory.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, lwheeler@ymcawnc.org, 828-552-3624. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Sunday, May 26
Monday, May 27
School's Out Day Camp with XP League Asheville is 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The cost is $70 each. Register online at asheville.xpl.gg/home.
Tuesday, May 28
Wednesday, May 29
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
Read to Puptart, a tail-wagging robot dog, 4 – 5 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Library. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes. For details, call 828-250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, May 30
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. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
Friday, May 31
Legally Blonde JR is presented at 7 p.m. at Asheville Performing Arts Academy. For tickets and details, visit theapaa.com.
ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE
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.
Asheville Sailing Club offers Youth Sailing Classes through the summer using its fleet of boats. Classes begin in June. The goal is to teach the basics, build skill levels, promote accomplishment, and nurture a sense of self-esteem on the water. Scholarships are available. For details, visit ashevillesailing.org/summer-sailing.
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.
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” continues through June 28 at Bardo Arts Center. Admission is free. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/spark.
“Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition” continues through June 28 at Bardo Arts Center. Admission is free. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/spark.
Theater Classes are offered at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
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. 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.
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 raj.bowers-racine@buncombecounty.org 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
A free Mental Health Awareness Month Lunch and Learn series is offered throughout the month at Tryon International. Admission is free and anyone is welcome, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided. All Lunch and Learn events are noon – 1 p.m. Register at resort.tryon.com/press/may-is-mental-health-month.
May 16: Pavillon presents Bio-Hacking for Ultimate Mental Health Performance
May 23: CooperRiis - A guide to practicing Self Compassion for Perfectionists
May 30: St Luke's Mental Health and Wellness - Finding Your Balance: A Discussion on Mental Wellness.
In addition, “Every Brilliant Thing” will be presented at 7 p.m. May 9 – 10 at the Ridge, the third floor of the International Pavilion at Tryon International. This is a one-man show by Duncan MacMillian. While the show tackles the very serious topics of mental health, depression, and suicide, it is a show filled with humor, joy, and hope. Tickets are $20 per person, with $10 tickets available for all students. Each performance of “Every Brilliant Thing” will be followed by complimentary dessert and a panel discussion with mental health professionals from Pavillon, CooperRiis, and St. Luke’s Hospital Mental Health and Wellness. Get tickets here.
Babies Need Bottoms Diaper Bank: If your family needs diapers, call 2-1-1 for assistance with this and other resources. To help end diaper need in WNC, Babies Need Bottoms need volunteers to prepare diaper bundles, pick up from collection boxes, host diaper drives and more. Do you have leftover diapers? Donate them in collection boxes. Learn more at babiesneedbottoms.org.
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 marna.holland@acsgmail.net 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: May 2024: Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina!
