June 2024: Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina!
Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com.
Saturday, June 1
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to the Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
Do Tell Story Fest with music and storytelling is 2 – 5 p.m. at Unity of the Blue Ridge in Mills River, North Carolina. The event is free and includes children’s activities. Feel free to bring a picnic. For details, visit steap.net/do-tell-storyfest-music-2024.
Legally Blonde JR is presented at 2:30 and 7 p.m. at Asheville Performing Arts Academy. For tickets and details, visit theapaa.com.
Kids’ Night Out is 6 – 10 p.m. at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts. 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, June 2
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to the Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
Asheville Family Adventure Fest is 1 – 4 p.m. at the Adventure Center of Asheville. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com.
Legally Blonde JR is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Performing Arts Academy. For tickets and details, visit theapaa.com.
Monday, June 3
Nature Time Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at Highlands Nature Center. This free program is geared towards elementary ages, but all nature explorers are welcome. For details, visit highlandsbiological.org/nature-center.
Summer Reading Kick Off Party is 1 – 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Drop in for games, face painting and more. If you can’t make the event, pick up a reading card at any Henderson County Library or get started online at hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, June 4
Feelin’ Froggy is at 8:30 p.m. at Highlands Nature Center. Learn to identify frogs and toads by sign and by sound, and join educators in the Botanical Garden to search for local amphibians. This free program is weather-dependent. Registration is required. Visit highlandsbiological.org.
Wednesday, June 5
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.
Thursday, June 6
Summer Reading: Gravity Check Juggling performs at 11 a.m. at the Fletcher Library and at 2 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Friday, June 7
Movies in the Park is at East Flat Rock Park. Tonight’s movie is “Trolls: Band Together.” For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/recreation/page/movies-park-2024.
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.
Saturday, June 8
Second Saturday arts events are in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
The 54th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale is 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Boshamer Gym at Brevard College. Proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls in grades 5 – 12 and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Visit brevard-nc.aauw.net/book-sale.
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, June 9
The RAD Half Marathon and 10K are in downtown Asheville. For details and registration, visit idaph.net/radhalfmarathon.
The 54th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale is noon – 7 p.m. at the Boshamer Gym at Brevard College. Proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls in grades 5 – 12 and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Visit brevard-nc.aauw.net/book-sale.
Monday, June 10
Rec ‘n’ Roll – Monday Imagination Day is 10 a.m. – noon at Jake Rusher Park. Ages 1 – 5 with an adult. The event is free. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/parks.
The 54th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale is 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Boshamer Gym at Brevard College. Proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls in grades 5 – 12 and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Visit brevard-nc.aauw.net/book-sale.
Dynamic Characters, Real and Imagined with Shannon Hitchcock and Constance Lombardo is at 6 p.m., virtual or in person, at Malaprops Bookstore. Books featured include “Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman–Writer, Historian, Environmentalist” (ages 6 – 9) and “Itty Bitty Betty Blob” (ages 4 – 8). For details and registration, visit malaprops.com/event.
Tuesday, June 11
The 54th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale is 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (half-price day) at the Boshamer Gym at Brevard College. Proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls in grades 5 – 12 and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Visit brevard-nc.aauw.net/book-sale.
Owls: Masters of the Night is at 6:30 p.m. at Highlands Nature Center. Meet some live owls and learn about their fascinating lives and unique adaptations. This free program is weather-dependent. Registration is required. Visit highlandsbiological.org.
Wednesday, June 12
The 54th Annual Brevard AAUW Book Sale is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (fill a box for $5) at the Boshamer Gym at Brevard College. Proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls in grades 5 – 12 and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Visit brevard-nc.aauw.net/book-sale.
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.
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, June 13
Tiny Tots Yoga with Ms. Brandon is at 10:15 and 11:15 at the Weaverville Library. Ages 1 – 3. Registration is required. Stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482 to reserve your space.
Friday, June 14
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.
Movies in the Park: “Barbie” 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, June 15
“Finding the Force…Awakening an Empire,”a Star Wars exhibition, opens today at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina. The exhibition brings together a unique presentation of the history, the costuming, the creatives, and the characters, highlighting the legends and legacies of this storied franchise, and providing insight into the elements that have consistently connected us to a galaxy far, far away for over 45 years. It continues through Nov. 3. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.
Asheville Junior Theater presents “Frozen JR.”at 2 and 6 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. This is a 60-minute version of the Broadway hit, perfect for audiences of all ages. For ticket information and more details, visit worthamarts.org/events/frozen-jr.
“Camp Prodigy” Book Signing with Caroline Palmer at The Hop Ice Cream (640 Merrimon Ave.) is 2 – 4 p.m. This is a drop in event. The book is recommended for ages 8 – 12 and grades 3 – 7. Visit malaprops.com/event to learn more.
Sunday, June 16
Asheville Junior Theater presents “Frozen JR.”at 2 and 6 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. This is a 60-minute version of the Broadway hit, perfect for audiences of all ages. For ticket information and more details, visit worthamarts.org/events/frozen-jr.
Monday, June 17
Rec ‘n’ Roll – Monday Imagination Day is 10 a.m. – noon at Weaver Park. Ages 1 – 5 with an adult. The event is free. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/parks.
Nature Time Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at Highlands Nature Center. This free program is geared towards elementary ages, but all nature explorers are welcome. For details, visit highlandsbiological.org/nature-center.
Summer Reading: Porkchop Productions presents “The Totally Twisted Tale of the Three Little Pigs” at 11 a.m. at the Fletcher Library and at 2 p.m. at the Edneyville Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, June 18
Spider Search is at 8:30 p.m. at Highlands Nature Center. This free program is weather-dependent. Registration is required. Visit highlandsbiological.org.
Wednesday, June 19
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.
Thursday, June 20
Friday, June 21
Sensory Play Hour is 10 – 11 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Children ages birth – 5 years and their caregivers are invited to experience play using all of their senses. Drop in between 10 and 11a.m. Dress accordingly – sensory play might be messy. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
RSVP by June 21 – Family Group Night from St. Gerard House is 5:15 – 7 p.m. June 25 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville. This is a free event for families with special needs children. It includes a meal, time with other parents and childcare. To register, visit stgerardhouse.org/familygroupnight.
Movies in the Park is at Tuxedo Park. Tonight’s movie is “Cars.” For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/recreation/page/movies-park-2024.
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.
Saturday, June 22
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, June 23
Monday, June 24
Rec ‘n’ Roll – Monday Imagination Day is 10 a.m. – noon at West Asheville Park. Ages 1 – 5 with an adult. The event is free. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/parks.
Summer Reading: Golden Rod Puppets with master puppeteer Hobey Ford performs at 11 a.m. at the Etowah Library and at 2 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, June 25
Celebrate the opening of the City of Asheville’s first all-abilities playground at 1:30 p.m. at Murphy-Oakley Community Center. Open play time will follow a short ceremony with remarks from D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. Attendees can also enjoy treats from Annie B’s Homemade Ice Cream courtesy of the City of Asheville. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/news/asheville-parks-recreation-celebrates-grand-opening-of-citys-first-all-abilities-playground-on-june-25.
“What Bat is That?” is at 9 p.m. at Highlands Nature Center. Tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area. Join naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight. This free program is weather-dependent. Registration is required. Visit highlandsbiological.org.
Wednesday, June 26
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.
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, June 27
Tiny Tots Yoga with Ms. Brandon is at 10:15 and 11:15 at the Weaverville Library. Ages 1 – 3. Registration is required. Stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482 to reserve your space.
Friday, June 28
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.
Saturday, June 29
Community Day: Shifting Perceptions is noon – 5 p.m. at the Asheville Art Museum. For schedule and details, visit ashevilleart.org/event/community-day-shifting-perceptions.
Sunday, June 30
Enjoy Story Time, Family Fun and More
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.
Note: Story Times may change during summer reading programming. 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
Note: Story Times may change during summer reading programming. 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 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. For details and registration, visit gingerhuebner.com/art-education.
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.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! is open 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.
Wings in the Air is open at TCMU-Greenville (South Carolina). Soar to new heights and explore the cultural corner, where guests will embark on an adventurous journey to Colombia. Visit tcmupstate.org.
SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
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.