September is an amazing sweet spot between the balmy, bug-bitten days of August and the chilly, crisp nights of October. Friday night football games and apple picking return as our mountains begin a spectacular show of bright yellow, orange, and purple hues that mark autumn in the Asheville area. While out-of-town leaf peepers crowd well-known attractions, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a month of activities, special events, and classes for locals of all ages to explore, connect, and discover.
Asheville Parks & Recreation September 2024 Program Highlights
Visit ashevillenc.go/apr-guide or stop by an APR community center for a program guide with more opportunities. Spots fill up fast, so advance registration is highly recommended. For most activities, registration opens 30 days prior.
Don’t miss special events for all ages like A Wheelie Good Time Motorcycle Show, Swiftie Skate Night, Burton Street Agricultural Fair, Asheville Sneaker Ball, Shiloh Community Cleanup and Fish Fry, and B Street Three Point Competition.
Teens & Tweens
Enjoy science experiments you can eat like cloud bread and rock candy at Science of Eating- Get in the game with the Teen Three Point Knockout competition and register for youth basketball
- See mountain streams from a new perspective and learn the skill of River Snorkeling
- Unleash your inner artist using unconventional tools at Beyond Brushes
- Get moving with REC-cess for Homeschool Students
- High school students can use cardio equipment, exercise machines, and free weights with free fitness center memberships
Kids & Families
- Meet new friends at themed events in parks during Toddler Takeover and Toddler Craftin’ Outdoors or indoors at Toddler & Me Time and Tiny Tykes
- Wear white and neon to Youth Glow Night on the indoor climbing wall
- Relax and bod at Family Paint Night and Family Fishing Night
- Explore the magic of books with Rookie Readers
- Stephens-Lee Center calls it Kids Night In and Grant Southside Center calls it Kids Night Out, but kids in it call it all out fun
Adults
- Make homemade dog treats and create your own floral arrangement at Craft & Connect
- Unleash your inner arrowsmith with Adult Archery
- Exercise your mind with Forest Therapy and the Wild Reads Book Club
- Toss like a boss during the Grove Street Cornhole Tournament
- Celebrate sisterhood and empowerment at Girls Girl Brunch
- Learn the steps with West Coast Swing and Ballroom Dance classes or drop in for Rueda de Casino salsa afternoons
- Registration for adult flag football opens on September 3 (and closes for adult indoor and outdoor volleyball leagues on the same day)
- Active older adults hit Three Waterfalls Trail with Treks Hiking Club and have plenty of weekly clubs and classes to choose from at Harvest House, Grove Street, and other community centers
Therapeutic Recreation
For community members with developmental and/or physical disabilities who may thrive with extra support, the Therapeutic Recreation program offers:
- A trip to the Mountain State Fair
- Hiking at Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center and walking in Carrier Park
- Crafting and cooking on Tuesdays and morning movement on Wednesdays
- Adaptive bowling, tennis, and indoor rock climbing are on the way in October and November
Check Out All September-December Programs
APR’s current Program Guide is available in English and español (online and at community centers). Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities: