Brevard FREE music series 2018 on the first Mondays & Tuesdays of the month.
 
FREE First Tuesday Chamber Music Series by The Brevard Music Center in collaboration with Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:30pm. Other concerts on the first Tuesday in April and May.
First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville NC  (828) 862-2100
 
Also check out the FREE First Monday Concert Series held at the Brevard College campus. 

brevardmusic.org/festival/ccs/
 
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Come laugh at Asheville Community Theatre’s presentation of the entertaining musical “Working 9 to 5” this weekend!  You may remember the storyline from the move where “three female employees team up to dream up ways they could rid themselves of their horrible chauvinistic boss. These ladies live out their wildest fantasy to give him the boot and, while he is out of commission, take control of the company. There’s nothing these ladies can’t do!”
 
Friday, March 02, 2018:  7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 03, 2018 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday, March 04, 2018 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
 
35 E Walnut St, Asheville, NC  (828) 254-1320
http://ashevilletheatre.org/events/9-to-5-the-musical/
 
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Biltmore’s “Fashions from Titanic the Movie” is now on display throughout the Mansion until May 13, 2018. 

​Included in the price of admission, you can experience the glamour of 45 dazzling Titanic film costumes of this elegant era of the Vanderbilts.  In fact, George & Edith Vanderbilt had tickets for the maiden voyage of the Titanic but decided last minute to leave a week earlier on the sister ship Olympic.  Now is your chance to come see why this film earned 11 Oscars including Best Costume Design.  (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Discounted two-day Biltmore tickets are available to guests of Asheville Vacation Homes

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“A Vanderbilt Christmas in Asheville NC”

​There’s still time to experience the Biltmore House in its Christmas finery on display through January 7, 2018!  With thousands of lights, fantastically decorated trees, miles of garlands and live music, you can celebrate the holiday season exploring this 250 room mansion in style!  (Romantic Asheville photo of the Banquet Hall)
 
Guests of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com may purchase discounted daytime tickets good for two consecutive days!
 
www.Biltmore.com

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WINTER LIGHTS 2017 at the NC Arboretum is an awesome display of 500,000 LED lights! Stroll through their famous gardens of spectacular displays with a backdrop of holiday music. Weekends enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Arboretum’s Savory Thyme Café buffet (reservations required). Romantic Asheville photo.
Must buy tickets in advance!
Winter Lights Tickets $18; children $12. 
Open nightly from 6 to 10PM through Dec 31, 2017.
 
The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 and follow NC 191 South for two miles to the entrance on right.
 
www.ncarboretum.org/exhibits-events/winter-lights/

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Lake Julian Festival of Lights!  Through December 23, 2017 from 6-9 PM.
Enjoy 1000’s of lights as you drive through the 16th annual Christmas light show’s 50 animated and stationary light displays. (Romantic Asheville photo)
Location:  Julian Lake Park: 406 Overlook Road Extension in South Asheville off Long Shoals Road near Biltmore Park. 
$10 per passenger vehicle and $20/large vans motor coach & buses. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics.
Save on advance tickets ordered online:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-julian-festival-of-lights-tickets-38118264756

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Sweet!  Gingerbread House 25th Annual National Competition 2017 displayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn with amazing creative entries made entirely of edible materials (except for the base).  Judged on 1) Overall Appearance; 2) Originaligy & Creativity; 3) Difficulty; 4) Precision; 5) Consistence of Theme.  At least 75% must be gingerbread.
 
General public viewing is November 26, 2017 to January 4, 2018.  Exhibit is free to view, however, parking fee is $20 (half goes to local non-profits).  Pictured is the 2016 Grand Prize winner. (Romantic Asheville photo)  While at the Inn be sure to make reservations at one of the awesome restaurants.
 
290 Macon Ave, Asheville NC  (800) 438-5800

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/upcoming-events/national-gingerbread-competition
 
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Flat Rock Playhouse Live Theater Mainstage presents “Christmas Spectacular” music & dance with holiday favorites ranging from traditional carols to country Christmas classics. This festive show is for the WHOLE family! (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Beginning in 1940 with a few summer performances, it is now designated “The State Theatre of NC."  The FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE throughout the year offers a delightful variety of musicals, dramas, comedies and classics with wide appeal.  Considered one of the “Top Ten Theaters in the Country,” the Flat Rock Playhouse offers quality professional entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway. 
 
Nov 25 – Dec 22, 2017; Seats from $15 to $50
2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC  (828-693-0731)
www.flatrockplayhouse.org

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“Tis the Season” Holiday Fair 2017 with over 200 vendors at the WNC AG Center
Holiday shopping event with fabulous art, crafts, gifts home décor and tasty holiday food and NC wines.  Get a jump start and shop NOW for all those wonderful one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!  (Website photo)
Friday, Nov 17:  11 am – 6 pm
Saturday, Nov 18: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, Nov 19: 11 am – 5 pm
 
Adults $4; Children under 12 are free; FREE PARKING
WNC AG Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC (Davis Event Building; Gate #5)
 
https://www.wncholidayfair.net/

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“HOLIDAY MAGIC” is the theme of the annual downtown Asheville Parade on Saturday, Nov 18, 2017. An annual event for more than 70 years, this 90 minutes parade has 100 entries including marching bands, dance & cheer squads and delightful holiday floats!  (Romantic Asheville photo from 2016) 

Be sure to come plenty early for best viewing along the 1 mile route.  Parade begins at 11 AM. It travels up Biltmore Avenue from Charlotte Street toward Pack Square (the performance area), turns left on Patton Avenue and ends on French Broad Street. 
​
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Downtown Asheville’s WINTER LIGHTS extravaganza partners again with the NC Arboretum for a creative holiday light display in the heart of downtown’s Pack Square with even more pizazz than last year!  The theme “Holiday Magic” inspires downtown businesses to decorate their windows competing for prizes (winners announced Dec 6.)
Romantic Asheville photo.
 
Be on hand for the lighting ceremony at 6 PM on Saturday, Nov 18 and enjoy free hot chocolate from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge!  

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Canton Labor Day Festival 2017 – the biggest & best yet!  This is event has been held for one hundred eleven years!!! Great live entertainment, Handmade Craft Expo, Papertown Kids Village, Free Gospel Concert, Parade, Vintage Car Show, Historic Museum & More!
Buy advance tickets at Ingles stores!

Sunday, Sept 3 – Monday, 4, 2017:  noon – 9 PM
Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton, NC. 
http://www.cantonlaborday.com/
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Winged Wonders: Step into the World of Butterflies at the NC Arboretum in Asheville NC. See the miracle of metamorphosis!
On display now through October 29, 2017 (9 AM – 5 PM daily) inside the Baker Exhibit Center Greenhouse, this is an indoor butterfly exhibit featuring a chrysalis-rearing chamber and a walk-through butterfly house where visitors can meet a whole host of local butterfly species, including monarchs, swallowtails and more. Exhibit support provided in part by The NC Arboretum Society, and iHeartMedia Asheville.
 
Refer to website for directions, hours & pricing:
www.ncarboretum.org/
​
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FREE SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL in downtown Asheville’s PACK SQUARE PARK where you can experience a 99% eclipse!  Enjoy music, food and fun hands-on eclipse related activities with the Museum of Science and University of North Carolina from noon – 3 PM.  Come early to allow for traffic & parking!   

You can also experience the event at the NC ARBORETUM where the first 250 cars will get free eclipse glasses.  Explore the trails, gardens & exhibits while you wait. 
(Romantic Asheville photo) 
 
Monday, August 21, 2017:  Beginning to end, the eclipse is from 1 PM to 4 PM. 

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Asheville Comedy Festival 2017 is the largest comedy event in the Southeast!  
This 11th year event has over 50 comedians selected from 400+ applicants around the world performing their stand-up routines for 4 days. It’s aptly called: “Laugh Your Asheville Off!”  This is a special time for comedians, fans & TV network executives to gather. (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Wed, August 9 - Sat, Aug 12, 2017
For a list of performers, locations, times & to purchase tickets: www.AshevilleComedyFestival.com

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LEAF Festival in downtown Asheville NC is Friday & Saturday, August 4 – 5, 2017 in Pack Square Park!  FREE!
​Be prepared for an awesome time & come wearing your best funky attire!  Community diversity is celebrated in music, art, culture & food.  Enjoy the family-friendly workshops, fun activities, shop for local handcrafts & food from culinary artists. Three stages feature over 200 performers, 80+ local culinary and craft arts vendors, & the LEAF Art Dash 5K! 
 
www.theleaf.org/downtown/

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CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS is the biggest & best show of the year now in its 70th year!  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you explore over 200 craftspeople filling two levels of the Civic Center in downtown Asheville NC! The artists are from the Southern Highland Craft Guild which has a rigorous jury process for its members from the mountain counties of 7 states.  Meet & purchase directly from these remarkable artists!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
$8 Admission & children under 12 are free.
July 21 – 23, 2017 (10AM – 6PM & Sunday is 10 AM – 5 PM)
U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville NC  (828) 298-7928
www.craftguild.org  

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4th of July Lake Julian in South Asheville Fireworks Extravaganza are one of the largest around!  FREE. Fireworks starts at dark but come early & enjoy the day. Bring a lawn chair or blanket & find a spot along the lake. There are picnic tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, two horseshoe pits, boat rental and a playground. Bring a picnic! No pets please due to crowds.

​Park at Estes Elementary School on Long Shoals Road across from the lake. Daytime shuttle runs 8 AM-6 PM. From Asheville take I-26 East to Exit #37. Turn left at the light onto Long Shoals Road. (Buncombe County Recreation Services photo)

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Big 4th of July Celebration in downtown Asheville NC! 
Beginning at 2 PM – 6 PM in Pack Square Park is the Ingles Independence Day Celebration with the Splashville Fountain, children's activities including a bouncy house.
5 PM live music begins for the evening.  Food trucks on hand, restaurants are open, beer & wine will be available to purchase. 
​And, of course, FIREWORKS at 9:30 PM.   (No outside alcohol, coolers or pets in the park.)  (Romantic Asheville photo)

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Celebrate your 4th of July in Hendersonville NC! 

• Beginning at 11 AM in downtown is Independence Day Parade open to anyone who wants to participate decorated in red, white & blue ($10 entry fee). The parade lineup will start at Hendersonville High and will make its way down Main Street before ending at Badcock Furniture. A Fourth of July Celebration at the Historic Courthouse will immediately follow.
• 7 – 9 PM: Music On Main Concert at the Visitors Center on Main Street.  Bring a chair, enjoy live music & watch fireworks launched from Jackson Park.  West Sound, a four-piece band will play tunes from Motown, blues, country, R&B and the best of the ’60s.
• 7 PM Historic Courthouse Concert at 7 PM features 2 bluegrass bands, ice cream & drinks.
• Fireworks at Jackson Park after sundown will be visible from downtown Hendersonville (a large red balloon will be sent up in the morning – if you can see it, you can see the fireworks) Fireworks to be viewed at a distance & not in the park. 

For more information or a concert schedule, call the Henderson County Tourism at 828-693-9708, 800-828-4244 or www.visithendersonvillenc.org.

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