event-calendar

Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or just watch a heck of a show, you can do it at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s annual Spring Fling. Adventurous paddlers will be interested in the narrow rapids and steep drops of Class IV/V Cascades and Upper Nantahala Releases. You can also enjoy an artisan market, live music, demo boats, and a plethora of paddlesports vendors. » Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 US-19; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; free; (828) 785-5082; www.noc.com

The Wildflower Pilgrimage Foundation, which is a nonprofit, is designed to connect people through the appreciation and curiousity of nature; their programming aims to be ecologically diverse and inclusive. The 75th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage greets the season with a multitude of professionally-guided walks, exhibits, and various learning opportunities that delve into the region’s natural abundance. » Great Smoky Mountains National Park, locations vary; Wednesday-Saturday, times vary; $150, $50 student; www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org

Americana, old-time, bluegrass, classic rock, country, and blues are the focus of this four-day event, which is widely considered to be one of the country’s premier music festivals. This year’s headliners include The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, The Dead South, Watchhouse, Wyatt Flores, I’m With Her, Leftover Salmon, and The War and Treaty. Attendees can catch the next generation of talent at the Acoustic Kids showcases, learn new techniques at Jam Camp, make bids on silent auction items, and more. » Wilkes Community College, 1328 S. Collegiate Dr.; Thursday-Sunday, times vary; 4 day pass $245-$345, 3 day pass $220-$240, 1 day pass $90-$120; (800) 343-7857; www.merlefest.org

Postponed due to Hurricane Helene, this multi-award-winning musical returns to North Carolina’s state theater this spring. Based on a collection of poetry by T.S. Eliot, the show follows a tribe of anthropomorphic felines deciding which one will make a life-changing journey. Don’t miss this local stage troupe’s take on one of Broadway’s most popular musicals.  » Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy.; days vary, 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; $60-$80, $32-$52 ages 17 & under; (828) 693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating community and connection between local food producers and consumers, and to supporting local farmers and healthy eating. This tapas-style group dinner serves up five plates (including desserts!) made with Western North Carolina ingredients. Diners can also get to know the chefs and farmers that create each dish. »  Yesterday Spaces, 305 Sluder Branch Rd.; Friday, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $145, $1000 for table; (828) 236-1282; www.asapconnections.org

With a theme of A Sense of Place, this festival celebrates the abundance and resilience of Western North Carolina. Take home pointers from experts, as well as breads, pastries, flours, and more during Saturday’s bread fair at New Belgium Brewery, which occurs alongside hands-on workshops and lectures at various locations. Proceeds from the festival will support relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. » Multiple locations in Asheville & Hendersonville; Saturday & Sunday, times vary; prices vary; www.ashevillebreadfestival.com

The Appalachian mountains make for a stunning backyard view, so it’s no surprise that they have so many jaw-dropping customized houses to show off. Go on self-guided tours of dozens of luxury respites scattered throughout the region, from cozy A-frames to modern châteaus and sprawling homesteads. Visitors will also get the chance to chat to some of the homes’ builders in person, or go online to tour last year’s locations virtually. » Multiple locations; Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 299-7001; www.wncparadeofhomes.com

When flower buds start to appear and the fresh greens of spring color the hillsides, it’s time for this street festival to return to downtown Sylva. Once dedicated to Earth Day, this free festival celebrates everything spring by welcoming thousands of onlookers each year. Heritage crafts, live music, traditionally-made food, and proximity to other scenic towns make this event all the more inviting.  » Historic Downtown Sylva; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 586-2719; www.mainstreetsylva.org

GET IN GEAR FEST

April 26  » Asheville

The Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC is hosting its annual Get in Gear Fest, an event that showcases a vast array of recreational gear along the French Broad River. Try out the latest outdoor products, shop sales and enter giveaways, and local food trucks galore. You can even participate in some fun activities from the venue, Adventure Center of Asheville. » Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr.; Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; free; outdoorbusinessalliance.org 

Jump into a ten-day celebration of music with the Asheville Symphony hosted in multiple venues across the city. Take in Americana sounds like bluegrass, pop, rock, and folk, while enjoying some of the country’s best musicians, artists, and breweries. Co-headliners Chris Thile and Time for Three will take you on an innovative musical journey as dynamic as the mountains. » Multiple locations; Thursdays & Saturdays, times vary; prices vary; (828) 254-7046; www.ashevillesymphony.org

Get your groove on at Oskar Blues’ spring music festival featuring the high-energy alt-rock headliner Big Something, as well as the R&B-house harmony of the septet Cool Cool Cool and the funky band Sneezy. Enjoy some of the taproom’s fresh brews—like the Hazy Blues, a fruity, velvety juicy IPA—and tasty food trucks during this free celebration of “good vibes and aural pleasure.” » Oskar Blues Taproom, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; free; (828) 883-2337; www.oskarblues.com

Caldwell County’s oldest continual town festival returns with arts, crafts, children’s games, and live entertainment. Stroll the streets of downtown Hudson and take in food and shopping, including jewelry, antiques, and pottery. The entertainment culminates with a live butterfly exhibit, where guests can feed the fluttering insects and learn about their biology and history. » Central Street; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; www.ncbutterflyfest.com

During its 24-year run, Black Mountain College developed a reputation for attracting and producing some of the most notable artists of the 20th century; the institution’s original campus on Lake Eden serves as the backdrop for this year’s artistic showcase. Now in its thirteenth year, {Re}HAPPENING offers installations, experiences, and performances from local and international artists that, like the college itself, push boundaries. » Camp Rockmont For Boys, 375 Lake Eden Rd.; Saturday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; $30, $37 after May 2, $15 ages 10-17 and students, $15 parking pass; (828) 350-8484; www.blackmountaincollege.org

During five days of trail stewardship programming on trail maintenance and more, join the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association for presentations and panels, workshops, networking and social events, and, of course, bike rides. New to the summit’s schedule this year is the WNC Bike Fest, a free evening of group rides, on-site demonstrations of the latest gear, bike industry leaders, live music, and food and drinks at Eucusta Brewing on May 10. » Multiple locations; Wednesday-Sunday, times vary; $250, $450-$1050 multi-person bundle, $75 day pass and banquet; www.sorba.org

Bred right here in Western North Carolina for over 300 years by the Plott family, the Plott Hound has been North Carolina’s state dog since 1989. This festival celebrates the breed—and our mountain culture—with a canine-centric day of crafts, concerts, food, and more. There will also be Plott dog competitions, as well as a bench show hosted by the United Kennel Club. » Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; $20, free for ages 12 and under, $10-$25 dog registration; www.mountainmemoriesproductions.com

Peruse three blocks worth of handmade art and crafts, including pottery, painting, sculpture, and metal, from local and regional artists. Enjoy live entertainment, artist  demonstrations, and food truck fare as well. » Historic Downtown Saluda; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 749-2351; www.saluda.com

Now in its 25th year, these races serve as the biggest fundraiser for the Asheville Kiwanis Club, which works to aid children and those in need. Both the 5k and 15k begin and end at the estate’s Antler HIll Village and are USATF certified. Entrance fees to the Estate are included in registration costs, so runners can check out the grounds after the race and until 1 p.m. Runners can also expect some nice race swag. » Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. 15k, 7:45 a.m. 5k; $65-$70 5k, $90-$95 15k; www.biltmorekiwanisclassic.com

In 1922, English archaeologist Howard Carter traveled to Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, where he unearthed the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, an 18th Dynasty ruler who took power at only nine years old. Along with King Tut’s tomb, many of the other artifacts Carter collected appear in this traveling exhibit, one of the most complete collections of Egyptian history in the world. While in Asheville, the collection also includes information about the connections between the famous excavation and the Vanderbilt-Cecil family. » Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St.; Daily, times vary; $132-$196 including house, exhibition & grounds, $383-$447 including exclusive tour, house, exhibition & grounds; (800) 411-3812; www.biltmore.com

Four times a year, the Historic Banner Elk School welcomes stellar regional artisans ready to sell their work; a variety of media such as metal, glass, ceramics, wood, watercolor, acrylics, and oil will be available for purchase. Although there is no admission fee, the sales proceeds go towards the restoration of the school. Built in 1939, the school is a community anchor, as it’s home to the Banner Elk Artists Gallery, Ensemble Stage professional theater, and other establishments. » Historic Banner Elk School, 185 Azalea Wy.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 898-5398; www.townofbannerelk.org

Celebrated as one of the largest gardening events in Western North Carolina, this fête draws plant and outdoor vendors and enthusiasts from near and far—more than 200 craft and plant vendors line Hendersonville’s downtown streets. Numerous nurseries will be selling non-flowering and flowering plants—even those not typically found when plant shopping—and gardening experts will be on hand to provide valuable tips. Additionally, shop for handmade crafts like soaps, pottery, birdhouses, furniture, and more. » Main Street; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 233-3216; www.hendersonvillenc.gov

It’s time to get outside, enjoy nature, and run with friends in this relay honoring Beer City. Kicking off in the River Arts District, you’ll run down the Greenway and make your way through the French Broad River Park before returning to partake in the afterparty or enjoy a finisher beer at New Belgium Brewing. A portion of every entry fee will be donated to Consider Haiti, an organization centered on promoting the health and well-being of children in the country. » New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.; Saturday, 9 a.m.; $50-$55 5k, $60-$65 10k, $50-$60 team members; Facebook: Beer City Relay

The renowned white squirrels of Brevard continue to elicit intrigue and charm, and for two decades, the community has honored these captivating creatures with a weekend event named after them. Expect a litany of family-friendly activities, with live music, a diverse array of vendors, arts and crafts, and libations from local breweries. Plus, have a photo taken with the White Squirrel mascot and enjoy the environs of this delightful mountain town. » Downtown Brevard; Friday-Sunday, times vary; free; (828) 884-3278; www.brevardnc.org

This music festival features three days of traditional and innovative sounds from more than 35 bands, including Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Coyote Ugly, Authentic Unlimited, and Malpass Brothers. Concessions and full camper hook-ups are available. » Happy Holiday RV Village, 1553 Wolfetown Rd.; Thursday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; $20-$110, free for ages 7 and under; Facebook: Cherokee Bluegrass Festival

The High Country of Western North Carolina has a rich tradition in fiber arts. Celebrate it at this festival, which not only features vendors selling artisan crafts, but offers many classes in topics including crochet, knitting, weaving, fiber dye techniques, and embroidery as well. » Justice Carlisle Higgins Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center, 1375 US-21; Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; free; (336) 648-9950; www.blueridgefiberfest.com

North Carolina science fiction and fantasy writer Manly Wade Wellman often drew inspiration from the Western North Carolina mountains in his writings (locals say these peaks are haunted, after all). The Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre reenacts the adventures of Silver John, one of Wellman’s most frequent protagonists, on his travels through the Appalachians toting a silver-stringed guitar. Indie-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Tyler Ramsey performs live music alongside the dance troupe for an unforgettable evening of mystery and fantasy come to life. » Diana Wortham Theater, 18 Biltmore Ave.; Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; $20-$50; (828) 257-4530; www.worthamarts.org

In its fourth year, the High Country Jazz Festival returns for three days of performances, film viewings, and celebrations at the Appalachian Theater. The main acts this year are the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, a tributary to the legendary trumpeter and composer, Grammy-winning vocalist Catherine Russell, and the witty and innovative duo Noel & Maria. Smaller shows, lectures, and gatherings will be held at various local venues, including late-night renditions at The Beacon Butcher Bar » Appalachian Theater of the High Country, 559 West King St.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday noon-5 p.m.; prices vary; (828) 865-3000; www.apptheatre.org

The Flatwoods Festival offers up a combination of bluegrass, folk, gospel, and country tunes from local artists like four-piece outfit The JackTown Ramblers—based in Morganton—and other regional acts like The New Primitive band and singer-songwriter Mark Stuart. The venue, Into the Wild Retreat, has food trucks on-site, and luxury glamping available for patrons. Bringing your own chair is recommended. » Into the Wild Retreat, 400 Flatwoods Rd.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $15-$20; (828) 406-2877; www.intothewildretreat.com