Community Calendar

Join us for a celebration of our region’s elusive Blue Ghost Firefly and the unique ecology of Western North Carolina. The southern Appalachian mountains are home to a number of unique species, but the fireflies are truly a magical spring and summertime treat. Blue Ghosts really do glow blue, and hover dimly in forested areas. These creatures are extremely sensitive, and are only visible for about 6 weeks of the year in late spring or early summer.

Enjoy a FREE family-friendly afternoon with a presentation from Josh Kelly, Resilient Forests Program Director at MountainTrue, who will share his knowledge of our region’s ecological treasures, and how to tread lightly when heading out to view the Blue Ghosts.

Activities for kids will be provided during the presentation. This event celebrates the RAD Brewing Co’s May round-up contributions to MountainTrue and Blue Ghost Strength + Yoga’s Community Spotlight, which will donate $1 for every student in a class to MountainTrue for the month of June.

Blue Ghost Strength + Yoga is a new fitness studio in the bottom floor of The Wyre apartments in the RAD, offering heated and non-heated classes that blend kettlebell-based strength training, vinyasa flow, mobility, and breathwork for all levels.

Schedule:
4 to 5:30 Kid activities outside (bubbles, chalk, etc.) hosted by Blue Ghost staff
4:30 20 min presentation from Josh Kelly of MountainTrue

HOLLAND NEGATIVE & THE BOG W/ SPECIAL GUEST DOUG MCELVY Leaning heavily on Southern-gothic themes and with an all-star of local musicians, Holland Negative draws on his experiences growing up in WNC to shape his songwriting. His debut EP Live! Uninvited! was released in 2025 and his second, Break Even, was released in 2026.

The 30th Annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival in beautiful Falls Park in downtown Greenville, SC features A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM opening May 21st, 2026 and runs through June 21st, followed by THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN running July 9th – 25th. This is not your English teacher's Shakespeare! Bring your dog, your kids, your cousin's wife's best friend, or a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. Admission is free and open to the public, and donations are greatly appreciated. Performances are Thursdays - Sundays at 7pm and run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, weather permitting.

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

See the Fine Art That Ignites the Floral Designs

Before the flowers arrive, immerse yourself in the fine art that serves as the heartbeat of the 20th Annual Art in Bloom. From June 1–17 (10 am – 5 pm), our gallery features a curated collection of works from WNC’s top talent. This exhibit is the essential first chapter of the series, allowing you to see the specific paintings and sculptures that our floral designers will soon interpret into living arrangements.

Come join us to celebrate summer and reading and learn about all of the exciting library programs happening in Rutherford County! Children and their families are invited to join us for games and prizes and get a balloon creation from Marcie the Balloon Fairy! There will be food trucks, a scavenger hunt, and the splash pad. Watch out for dinosaurs!

June 8th - 12th
6-8:30pm
Vacation Bible School

The 30th Annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival in beautiful Falls Park in downtown Greenville, SC features A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM opening May 21st, 2026 and runs through June 21st, followed by THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN running July 9th – 25th. This is not your English teacher's Shakespeare! Bring your dog, your kids, your cousin's wife's best friend, or a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. Admission is free and open to the public, and donations are greatly appreciated. Performances are Thursdays - Sundays at 7pm and run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, weather permitting.

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

See the Fine Art That Ignites the Floral Designs

Before the flowers arrive, immerse yourself in the fine art that serves as the heartbeat of the 20th Annual Art in Bloom. From June 1–17 (10 am – 5 pm), our gallery features a curated collection of works from WNC’s top talent. This exhibit is the essential first chapter of the series, allowing you to see the specific paintings and sculptures that our floral designers will soon interpret into living arrangements.