From neighborhood barbecues and community gardens to teen gaming nights and older adult hiking clubs, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) activities and special events are often at the heart of people’s lives. As our community recovers together, parks and recreation programs are coming back to help build connections, create new memories, and make life a little better.
Recreation Programs Create a Thriving Community
“Shortly before unprecedented destruction brought on by Tropical Storm Helene, our community created Recreate Asheville, a new 10-year parks and recreation plan focused on the future,” says APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “A top action item is equitable access to a wide variety of wellness, educational, and cultural experiences for all ages. That’s why the APR team worked hard to reopen parks and community centers – and to bring back many of your favorite programs, including basketball leagues, line dancing, holiday events, and more focused on cultivating belonging, well-being, and joy.”
- APR’s current program guide is available online in English and español and at community centers
- Please check avlrec.com or contact program locations as some previously scheduled activities have been postponed, canceled, or relocated
- Check out clubs, classes, and meetups that meet weekly or monthly
- Registration opens 30 days prior to most programs
- Until regular potable water delivery resumes, please bring your own filled water bottle
Sports & Outdoors
- Registration is open through November 20 for adult basketball and through December 1 for youth basketball
- Jump start a regular fitness routine at Intro to Fitness on November 21
Arts & Culture
- Get something off your chest at Wise Words Open Mic on November 19
- Create a holiday candle at Adult Candle Making on November 15 or Craft & Connect on November 21
- Bid farewell to the ordinary paintbrush with a focus on Frida Kahlo at Beyond Brushes on December 4 with separate youth and adult sessions
- Immerse yourself in the natural world through literature during Wild Reads Book Club on December 5
- Bad Art Night celebrates the beauty of imperfections with sessions for adults ages 60+ on December 9 and adults ages 35+ on December 13
Kids & Teens
- Teen Bake Off: Is It Cake? asks if you have what it takes to pass on November 22
- Learn to climb top roped routes during Youth Beginner Climbing, a three-week course that begins December 2
- Hit the wall for Youth Glow Climbing on December 6
- Let your kids work off extra energy at Fun Day Out on November 27, Kids Night In on December 6, and APR Holiday Camp starting December
- Put your IQ to the test at Teen Battle of the Brains on December 13
Toddlers
- Toddler Discovery Time returns with Turkey Treasures on November 26 and Noodling Around on December 10
- Toddler & Me Time Out play dates begin on November 15
- Foster your toddler’s love for reading at Rookie Readers starting November 18
- Join A Bluey Blast for all things Bluey starting November 20
Therapeutic Recreation
- TR Adult Crafting returns on November 12
- Learn about soccer and curling at TR Adult Morning Movement starting November 13
- Make unique art and new friends at TR After Dark: Sip & Paint on December 13
Holidays & Special Events
- See where you stand in the baking world with a Pie Baking Contest on November 11
- Gather for good company at the Friendsgiving Potluck Celebration on November 23
- APR’s annual Holly Jolly Holidays celebration begins on December 4 and includes a candy cane hunt, cookie contest, movies, festive lights, crafts, food, games, Breakfast with Santa, and more through December 23
- Race against the best at Puzzle Palooza on December 7
Explore, Connect, Discover
These events are just a sample! Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Browse APR’s program guide is in English and español
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation programs online
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter
- Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook
- List of closed parks and greenways available on ashevillenc.gov/parks