With summer vacations winding down, long periods of daylight, and ripening apples, figs, and peaches, August is a great month to explore, connect, discover in the North Carolina mountains. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has hundreds of leisure time and active living opportunities each week in addition to parks, greenways, playgrounds, and unique spaces throughout the city.
Find highlights below and check out these resources for more programs and activities including free games and clubs, exercise and sports, and arts and crafts throughout the month:
- July-August Programs at a Glance: English | español
- Thrive 50+: July-August Programs for Active Adults
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Monthly Newsletter
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation Programs Online
Festivals & Special Events
- Check out art displays and performances from APR’s summer campers at Pack Square Park on August 3 from 5-6 p.m. You’ve Got Talent! showcases the unparalleled creativity of local kids and teens alongside face painting, inflatable slides and bounce houses, a dunk tank, Rec n Roll, and more.
- Celebrate the spirit of a neighborhood on August 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. at a block party and ribbon cutting as Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center shows off its new gym, swimming pool, and other areas.
- Cheer on young triathletes as they bike, run, and splash through the Tiny Tykes Triathlon course in Pack Square Park on August 6 starting at 9:15 a.m.
- Taking a cue from “Barbenheimer,” August 11 brings an opportunity to enjoy a double feature with Grant Southside Center’s showing of Remember the Titans at 6 p.m. and Movies in the Park: Little Giants in Pack Square Park at 8 p.m.
- Find treasures from around the globe at Grove Street Community Center’s Pop Up Market on August 19 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reserve your own table for $5 by August 17 to sell some of your own.
- Grab a homemade fried fish sandwich with chips for $5 at Grove Street’s annual Fish Fry on August 25 from 3-5 p.m. Orders must be placed by August 23.
Sports & Outdoors
Looking for some friendly competition? Check out Asheville adult sports:
- Over 40 Basketball League, register by August 24
- Grass Volleyball Tournament, registration opens August 7
- Tennis Clinic, registration opens August 23
- Flag Football, registration opens August 30
- Team sports leagues for teens and kids are great ways to learn how to work with others, make friends, and stay active outside of school:
- Flag Football, register by August 30
- Softball Clinic, register by September 3
- Basketball League, registration opens August 14
- Explore below the surface of mountain streams:
- Adult River Snorkeling on August 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Family River Snorkeling on August 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Games & Gaming
- Check out weekly and month bid whist, pinochle, billiards, canasta, Scrabble, and more in APR’s Program Guide.
- Cribbage in West Asheville Park returns on August 8 from 5-7 p.m.
- Young adults ages 12-15 are invited to Montford Gaming Night for Madden, 2K, and other games on August 18 from 6:30-8 p.m.
- Harvest House Community Center’s monthly Mexican Train Dominoes play day is scheduled for August 30 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
These are just highlights of under-the-radar fun for little to no cost. If you don’t want to miss a moment, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.