Community Calendar

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Watch enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Activities kick off at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and adjacent Wildlife Habitats. Included with admission.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

The 42nd Annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem show will be from July 26th to August 2nd, 2026. There will be over 60 worldwide vendors with all kinds of lapidary related items for sale. There are gemstones, minerals, jewelry, fossils, quartz, lapidary equipment and more for you to see and purchase.
The event is put on by the Parkway Fire and Rescue as a way to make money to purchase new equipment for the fire stations.
There is food available for purchase on site. There are many restaurants very close.
There are now regular restrooms and showers available.
The event is free to the public. Free parking and free admission.
Everyone is welcome. Well-mannered dogs are allowed but must be on a leash with the owner attached to the leash.
Dates are July 26th to August 2nd. Some vendors may be open on Saturday 25th. since they can set up quickly.
Hours are from 9 to 6 daily, with some vendors open earlier and later since they are camping in their booths.
Address is 136 Majestic View, on the hill above Skyview Circle. This is on the hill above the fire station on Hwy 226 South of Spruce Pine.
Contact information is:
http://grassycreekgemshow.org for more info and application.
Phone contact: 828-765-2117
Http://info@grassycreekgemshow.org
Donna Collis collisdonna@yahoo.com 828-765-5519
Roger Frye 828-766-6136

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.

A Month-Long Showcase of Regional Landscape Art

"From June 26 to July 24, visit the gallery Monday–Friday (10 am – 5 pm) for a professional fine art show featuring the landscapes and scenes captured during Art in Bloom.

Admission: Free and open to the public."

WHAT: Where's Waldo Brevard
WHEN: July 1st thru July 31st
WHERE: Highland Books & Downtown Brevard

Pick up a Where’s Waldo Passport at Highland Books starting July 1st! Search for Waldo in Brevard at 30+ local businesses and turn your passport in to Highland Books before the end of the month for a prize and a chance to win one of three stacks of Waldo books!

**Show up at Ignite Jewelry Studios anytime between 11pm and 3pm to make your charms!

This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.

Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc.

$45 Base Price includes a brass charm, gemstone drop, jump ring, and base metal chain. (Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!)

This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 6 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!

M4 (Music Movement Mountains Magic) 2026 is an interdisciplinary arts camp for adults - offering daily instrumental music classes (banjo, fiddle, keyboards, guitar, mandolin, folk cello) as well as dance workshops across genres (Contra Dance, Waltzing, African Dance, Reuda de Casino (Latin Contra!), Contact Improvisation, and Interplay (Storytelling and movement), and daily visual arts workshops. Daily evening contra dances, jam sessions, and mini-concerts open to the larger community.

Each day includes focused classes, shared meals, open jam time, and evenings devoted to dancing, music-making, collaborative performances and community. Classes adapted to all skill levels, from total beginners to advanced, in a welcoming environment.

The goal isn’t polish. It’s presence, practice, and joy in the creative process!

This is M4's inaugural event year. Mission/Goal: To provide experiential opportunities through the cultural arts to develop skills, expand creative expression, and model collaborative community. M4 is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is affiliated with other organizations of like-minded interest, including the Country Dance and Song Society.

Join us for a cozy, low-key evening designed for quiet company and good books. We call it Introvert Happy Hour! From 5pm to 7pm, bring your book or purchase one, bring your drink of choice, settle into our space, and enjoy uninterrupted reading time alongside fellow book lovers. For an unplugged evening, turn your phone in it at the counter, and as a thank you for participating, you'll receive 10% off any purchase made that night.

No RSVP or small talk required! Just good books, sips, and a peaceful bookstore vibe.

Guitarist/vocalist duo: Swing/Jazz renditions of popular tunes.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 17, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy onsite refreshments on the lawn.

Arbor Evenings is included with the Arboretum's regular parking fee of $25 per vehicle. Members get in free.