Check out our WNC Parent Calendar for May: Celebrations and plenty to do outside!
Find weekly updates and highlights online at wncparent.com. Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com.
Bloom with a View is May 1 – 14 at the North Carolina Arboretum. This immersive, expertly designed floral installation features hydrangeas, lilies, calla lilies and more throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, walkways and promenades. While the exhibit is on display, parking for the Arboretum will be $30 per personal vehicle, purchased at the gate, and provides access to all gardens, trails and indoor exhibits. For more information, including upcoming special programs, please visit ncbloomwithaview.com.
Tuesday, May 2
A Cinco de Mayo Celebration is at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day, free with admission, and include a story, craft and more. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Teen Creative Writing Club for grades 6 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Join other teens interested in creative writing, storytelling, connecting with other teen writers, and getting feedback on your work. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library or email clindsey@hendersoncountync.gov.
Wednesday, May 3
A Cinco de Mayo Celebration is at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day, free with admission, and include a story, craft and more. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Pre-K Story and Craft time is at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library. Call 828-250-6480 or email leicester.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 4
A Cinco de Mayo Celebration is at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day, free with admission, and include a story, craft and more. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Bouncing Babies (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) is at 11:15 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/skyland-south-buncombe.aspx.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 after 5 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friday, May 5
A Cinco de Mayo Celebration is at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day, free with admission, and include a story, craft and more. Visit handsonwnc.org.
“Shrek the Musical” is presented by Asheville Performing Arts Academy at 7 p.m. at Asheville High School Theatre. For tickets, visit theapaa.com/events/upcoming.
A Cinco De Mayo Fiesta is at 6 p.m. at the Burton Street Center. For details, call 828-254-1942 or visit ashevillenc.gov/parks.
View the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Overnight options are offered. For details, visit pari.edu.
Saturday, May 6
Space Day is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Celebrate PARI’s 24th anniversary. Planetarium show tickets are $5 each. Events include van site tours, gallery tours, safely observing the Sun through an optical telescope, Galaxy Walk, kid friendly activities, music, and book signings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lunch and other refreshments available for purchase from local vendor Local Harvester. For details, visit pari.edu.
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
Asheville Outlets hosts a Kid’s Day and Summer Camp Expo benefiting Give to the Music, a local nonprofit funding music lessons for kids in need, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 6. The family friendly event will feature strolling magic, a face painter, live music and more. Admission is free. For details, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
“Shrek the Musical” is presented by Asheville Performing Arts Academy at 2 and 7 p.m. at Asheville High School Theatre. For tickets, visit theapaa.com/events/upcoming.
Sunday, May 7
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
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.
“Shrek the Musical” is presented by Asheville Performing Arts Academy at 2 p.m. at Asheville High School Theatre. For tickets, visit theapaa.com/events/upcoming.
Monday, May 8
Celebrate Teachers at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day and free with admission. Write a letter of appreciation and create a lady bug craft. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Garden Club is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Help plant and take care of the library’s sensory garden. Grades K – 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, May 9
Celebrate Teachers at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day and free with admission. Write a letter of appreciation and create a lady bug craft. Visit handsonwnc.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.
Book Bandits Book Club for grades 3 – 6 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Do you love to read? Do you enjoy talking about books? Join the Book Bandits to meet new friends and share recommendations. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, May 10
Celebrate Teachers at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Events are all day and free with admission. Write a letter of appreciation and create a lady bug craft. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
PAWS for Reading is at 3:30 p.m. at the Mills River Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library or call 828-890-1850.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the McDowell County Public Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit mcdowellpubliclibrary.org.
Thursday, May 11
Asheville Amadeus festival events open today and continue through May 20. For a schedule and details, visit ashevillesymphony.org/asheville-amadeus.
A Mother’s Day Celebration is at 9:30 a.m. at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Create a flower craft and hear a story. Visit handsonwnc.org.
Bouncing Babies (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) is at 11:15 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Puppet Story Time is 3:30 – 4 p.m. at the North Asheville Library. For details, call 828-250-4752 or email northasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
Teen Anime Club for grades 6 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Enjoy anime watching, manga discussions, games, creating, and more.For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 after 5 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Friday, May 12
Artisphere is in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Kidsphere events include crafts and music throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org/exhibit/kidsphere.
Brews and Bears is 5:30 – 8 p.m. at WNC Nature Center. Brews and Bears is an after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand. There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa. For details, visit wildwnc.org/brews-and-bears.
Saturday, May 13
The 3rd Annual Jump Off Rock Half Marathon and 10K are in Hendersonville. For details and registration, visit jumpoffrockhalfmarathon.com.
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 in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Kidsphere events include crafts and music throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org/exhibit/kidsphere.
PAWS for Reading is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library or call 828-697-4725.
Makerspace: Second Saturday is 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Asheville Art Museum. Free for members or included with museum admission. Registration is not required. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). To ensure all participants have time and space to create, participants may be asked to limit time. For details, visit ashevilleart.org.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Mozartissimo, part of the Asheville Amadeus Festival, is presented at 3 p.m. in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Tickets are $20 each for general admission, $15 each for Friends members, $5 each for students, and free for ages 6 and younger. Visit blueridgeorchestra.org.
Sunday, May 14
Mother’s Morning In is at We Rock the Spectrum. For details, visit werockthespectrumasheville.com.
Mothers Free Day at Adventure Center of Asheville – Moms can climb the Treetops Park or Zip the KidZip for free with paying family members. Use code “Mom” when booking. Reservations are suggested. Call 877-247-5539 or visit adventureavl.com.
Artisphere is in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Kidsphere events include crafts and music throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org/exhibit/kidsphere.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Mozartissimo, part of the Asheville Amadeus Festival, is presented at 3 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $20 each for general admission, $15 each for Friends members, $5 each for students, and free for ages 6 and younger. Visit blueridgeorchestra.org.
Tuesday, May 16
LEGO Builders Club is at 3:30 p.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. Call 828-250-4700 or email 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.
Wednesday, May 17
Pre-K Story and Craft time is at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library. Call 828-250-6480 or email leicester.library@buncombecounty.org.
Thursday, May 18
Bouncing Babies (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) is at 11:15 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Teen Craft: Paint Your Own Tote Bag is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the Leicester Public Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/leicester.aspx.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 after 5 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Time Machine Dance Party featuring The Royal Suits and benefitting Asheville Music School is at Salvage Station. For details and tickets, visit ashevillemusicschool.org/sound-effects-benefit-concert.
Makerspace: Third Thursday is 5 – 8 p.m. at Asheville Art Museum. Free for members or included with museum admission. Registration is not required. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). To ensure all participants have time and space to create, participants may be asked to limit time. For details, visit ashevilleart.org.
Friday, May 19
Party for the Planet is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at WNC Nature Center. With a focus on native Southern Appalachian wildlife, the WNC Nature Center will honor the American Red Wolf for Endangered Species Day. Team up with Wands for Wildlife to create a Red Wolf mural out of repurposed mascara brushes Visit to contribute to the mural and show your support for the American Red Wolf. For details, visit wildwnc.org/event-details/endangered-species-day.
Downtown After 5 is on North Lexington Avenue with live music and more. The event is free and open to the public. For details, visit ashevilledowntown.org/downtown-after-5.
Saturday, May 20
PAWS for Reading is at 10 a.m. at the Fletcher Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library or call 828-687-1218.
The US Navy Blue Angels headline the Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. For tickets, details and schedule, visit wingsoverwayneairshow.com.
Tanglewood Youth Production Classes present Bright Star Young Performers at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $5 each for ages 17 and younger and $12 each for adults and are available online at ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828-254-1320 or in person at the ACT Box Office.
Sunday, May 21
The US Navy Blue Angels headline the Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. For tickets, details and schedule, visit wingsoverwayneairshow.com.
Tanglewood Youth Production Classes present Bright Star Young Performers at 6:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $5 each for ages 17 and younger and $12 each for adults and are available online at ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828-254-1320 or in person at the ACT Box Office.
Monday, May 22
PAWS for Reading is at the Etowah Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library or call 828-891-6577.
Tuesday, May 23
LEGO Builders Club is at 3:30 p.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. Call 828-250-4700 or email library@buncombecounty.org.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the Saluda Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit polklibrary.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.
Wednesday, May 24
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/swannanoa.aspx.
Thursday, May 25
Bouncing Babies (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) is at 11:15 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with ecoEXPLORE is at 4 p.m. at the East Asheville Library. Join this educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina home. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/east-asheville.aspx.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 after 5 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Saturday, May 27
Asheville Junior Theater presents “Finding Nemo Jr.” at 2 and 6 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre. For tickets and details, visit ashevillejuniortheater.com/upcoming-shows.
Sunday, May 28
Asheville Junior Theater presents “Finding Nemo Jr.” at 2 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre. For tickets and details, visit ashevillejuniortheater.com/upcoming-shows.
Tuesday, May 30
LEGO Builders Club is at 3:30 p.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. Call 828-250-4700 or email library@buncombecounty.org.
Wednesday, May 31
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.
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.
ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE
The Highlands Nature Center is open for spring hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free. Visit highlandsbiological.org. Summer hours are scheduled to begin May 29.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark, a 50-acre outdoor waterpark in Sevierville, Tennessee, opens for the 2023 season on May 13 and 14, and then daily starting May 20. For more information visit SoakyMountainWaterpark.com.
Biltmore Blooms continues through May 25. For events and details, visit biltmore.com.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival is open through June 11. For details, visit dollywood.com.
Italian Renaissance Alive is open at Biltmore Estate. The multi-sensory experience immerses guests in the beauty and brilliance of the greatest artistic period in history as it comes to life all around you. Large-scale projections with 360-degree views set to a powerful operatic score tell the story of artists and the time periods within which they lived. Italian Renaissance Alive features Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio and more. It continues through Jan. 7, 2024. For details and ticket information, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/italian-renaissance-alive.
Homeschool Group Field Trip Discounts, Weekdays through May 26 – Choose one or more adventure activities for ages 4 and older: Asheville Treetops Adventure Park (ages 4 and older), KidZip (ages 4 – 10), Kolo Bike Park (all ages who can ride a mountain bike) with optional STEM NC/SC curriculum programs, Wilderness Skills Programs and team bonding facilitated group games. Reservations are required. For details, visit https://ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/groups/home-school-discount-days.
Register now for Zipping for Autism – June 4. All proceeds will be donated to Camp Lakey Gap, which offers recreational and therapeutic programs to children with autism, vocational training opportunities for adults with autism, educational presentations and respite opportunities for parents and families, and scholarships for summer camp programs. For details and registration, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/zipping-for-autism.
Buncombe County farmers markets are shifting back to regular season hours. May opening dates and locations include:
Black Mountain Tailgate Market: May 6, 9 a.m. – noon, 130 Montreat Road
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market: May 4, 3 – 6 p.m., 1465 Sand Hill Road
Southside Community Farmers Market: May 7, 1st Sundays, noon – 3 p.m., 133 Livingston St.
The Way I’m Wired: Artist Reflections on Neurodiversity is at The WCU Fine Art Museum through May 5. In this exhibition, artists share their experiences with neurodiversity and how these experiences have impacted their creative practice. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/wired.
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.
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8K Oct. 8 in Hendersonville. For details, visit blackbearhalfmarathon.com.
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.
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.
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 is now booking for 2023 adventure trips. For details, visit noc.com.
SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
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.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Check out our WNC Parent Calendar for May: Plenty to celebrate!
