Say hello to Phoenix during Nature Center Day. | Photo via WNC Nature Center
One hundred years to the day it opened as Recreation Park Zoo, the WNC Nature Center is celebrating with a special centennial event: Nature Center Day this Friday, May 30. Here’s what you need to know about this wild time:
You might want to get there early. The first 100 non-member visitors will get in free, with gates opening at 10 a.m.
Attendees will be some of the first to see the center’s new mural on the side of the barn, as well as the reveal of a 1925 history panel — one of 12 that will be unveiled, telling the history of the Nature Center.
You’ll have to go to see the finished mural.
Photo via WNC Nature Center
Then, take the party to the Membership Office, where you can score free seed packets and special bingo cards provided by Friends of the WNC Nature Center. There will also be special discounts on symbolic adoptions (which include some adorable, snuggly plush animals).
Note: Getting to the Nature Center looks a little different with the loss of Gashes Creek Bridge. Find updated directions and parking info.
Events
Events
Tuesday, May 27
The HOPE Bus Ribbon Cutting | 4-5 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue | Free, RSVP | Welcome the bus back as it spreads messages of hope to help fund free counseling sessions for Asheville’s food service workers.
River Revival: A Celebration of Culture + Clean Water | 5:30-7 p.m. | A-B Tech/Mission Health Conference Center | Free | Spend the afternoon learning about environmental justice with a backdrop of live music, vendors, and entertainment.
Wednesday, May 28
Music Bingo with DJ Spence | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | See if you’re the human form of Shazam as you identify upbeat, family-friendly tracks with prizes on the line.
Thursday, May 29
Steep Canyon Rangers | 6-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Asheville’s hometown Americana heroes will rock the park with a free community concert.
Spring Plant Sale and Market | Friday, May 30-Saturday, May 31 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum | Price of purchase | Turn over a new leaf with flourishing flowers and glorious greenery from vendors like Blazing Star Flowers, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Blue Ridge Exotics, and many more.
Friends of the South Buncombe Library Book Sale | Friday, May 30-Saturday, May 31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Buncombe Library | Price of purchase | Load up on $1 paperback books while fundraising for your local library — plus, there are plenty of DVDs, puzzles, and children’s items to choose from.
Monday, June 2
One Mic: A Mercy in the Mountains Bluegrass Benefit Concert | 6 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | $15+ | Get tickets for a Bluegrass Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert with sets from Whitewater Bluegrass Co., Darren Nicholson Band, Unspoken Tradition, Laney and Bishop featuring Buddy Melton + Danny Bishop.*
You’ll learn how to identify, understand, and respond to someone who might be struggling or in crisis, where to find professional support and resources, and gain the confidence to speak up and step in.
The YMHFA course is entirely free and offered monthly in English and Spanish. Whether you’re a teen, parent, friend, or neighbor, registration is open + valuable to all.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available, and you’re not alone.
$48.1 million. That’s how much grant funding Mountain BizWorks has provided through its WNC Strong Helene Business Recovery Fund and Rebuilding Together program, assisting 1,000+ entrepreneurs across 27 counties. Businesses still needing support can apply by Monday, June 30. Learn more about the nonprofit’s impact in its 2024 Year in Review.
Open
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse’s seasonal sister restaurant, Hotbox, is back for the summer, serving up stunning smashburgers, loaded fries, and creative cocktails. Saddle up to the bar right next to Ukiah on Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 p.m.
Outdoors
New Mars Hill ski resort, Hatley Pointe, is making progress on its bike park. The resort has partnered with Asheville-based company, Elevated Trail Design, to create a network of trails for beginner to expert riders. Phase one is expected to be completed in spring 2026 with nine trails accessible by lift.
Try This
Filipino food truck Master BBQ and Salt Face Mule will co-host a lumpia rolling class this Thursday, May 29 to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Learn about the significance of the dish while preparing it. Tickets include 10 lumpia, a beer, and a round of mini golf.
Eat
Pretty-in-pink upscale diner Regina’s Westside is celebrating two years with a special dinner this Sunday, June 1. Expect creative dishes like spicy crab claws, lobster rolls, caviar-topped hot dogs, and the ultimate showstopper, the Bella Donna — a silver tower of grilled cabbage caesar salad, pecorino-dusted fries, and two Kat Martinis.
Transit
Beginning today, May 27, four ART bus routes will be adjusted due to staff shortages. WE1 eastbound, W6, and N3 will be reduced from once every 30 minutes to once an hour at each stop, and N2 will be canceled, with N1 now servicing its stops. Find more details on the changes.
Weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Noom has created millions of personalized plans — blending cutting-edge technology with expert coaching. Take a five-minute quiz and unlock your custom plan.*
The Buy
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Markdowns as high as 60% are on the table — here’s what we’re eyeing:
🛍️ This cozy, ultra-soft cardigan is 30% off and perfect for relaxing in.
🛍️ Get 30% off petite wide-leg linen pants that are breezy and light for summer.
🛍️ Take 60% off this blue wrap dress that can take you straight from the office to drinks out.
🛍️ These Nordstrom brand men’s chinos come in tan, grey, or navy — all are up to 40% off.
🛍️ This Tory Burch tote was recently marked down by 30% — we’re only a little obsessed with the print.
As May winds down and we begin gearing up for summer, tell us what you’re looking forward to this June in Asheville. We don’t want to miss a thing as we put together our June Plan Ahead, a roundup of all the biggest can’t-miss events of the month.
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