If your summer bucket list looks like it’s going to break the bank, it’s time to write a new draft. To help you out, we’ve gathered 20+ free activities for maximizing fun and minimizing spending. Let’s dive in.
Visit a museum
Learn something new at the Folk Art Center, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, or Asheville Radio Museum, which all offer free admission.
Bonus: The Asheville Art Museum is currently offering pay-what-you-wish admission for Buncombe County residents (but you must pay something to support the arts). Plus, check the calendar for Community Days, where you can enjoy exhibits and themed activities free of charge.
Take a tour
Lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement to learn more about our city’s history. The Asheville Urban Trail, Asheville Architecture Trail, and Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail are all self-guided tours. If you want a guide to lead the way, embark on an excursion with Asheville Free Walking Tours (just be kind and make sure to leave a tip).
Show the library some love
Your library card is the ticket to lots of free resources, like board games and seed packets. It also gets you access to plenty of free online perks, like movies to stream through Kanopy or language lessons through Transparent Language Online.
We’d also recommend utilizing ZOOM passes, where you can use your library card to reserve free admission to all kinds of local attractions. This summer, you can score tickets to Asheville Community Theatre’s “The Little Mermaid,” passes to Buncombe County pools, and admission to the Asheville Museum of Science, Cradle of Forestry, NC Arboretum, and more.
Join a club
From book clubs to astronomy clubs, there are plenty of groups you can join to hone in on a hobby and connect with new friends. Pro tip: Check out the local groups on Meetup for even more ways to get connected.
Explore the great outdoors
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here in the Land of the Sky. Pack a picnic and set off to a scenic spot, hit a local hiking trail, or play a round of disc golf at a nearby park. For something a bit more out-of-the-box, you can go foraging for berries, nuts, and fruits using the Asheville Edibles Map. If you’re looking to break a sweat, go the extra mile by joining a local running club.
Put niche knowledge to work
Whether your specialty is pop culture or sports stats, there’s a trivia night nearly every night of the week where you can gather your friends and compete for prizes.
Geocaching
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt, and see Asheville in a whole new way. Participants use GPS coordinates to locate caches — think: hidden containers filled with small, tradeable knick-knacks that can be found in outdoor public spaces. Learn how to get started.
Volunteer with a local organization
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. It’s free to get involved, and the giving spirit is in year-round.
Immerse yourself in the arts
Get in tune with the local music scene, where artists are always lighting up the stage — check out Live Music Asheville for a comprehensive list of shows, many of which are free. If theater arts are more your scene, admission is free for the Montford Park Players’ summer season — the troupe’s 2025 season, “A Season of Lunatics, Lovers, & Poets,” runs through late October.
Tap into Parks and Rec programming
Asheville Parks and Recreation hosts a plethora of events at community centers and sites across the city. From family movie nights and craft classes to open mics and dance lessons. Search the program guide for happenings this winter through spring.
Pro tip: There are always plenty of unique, fun, and (best of all) free, events posted on our events calendar.
