Family events in Asheville, NC

Alice in Wonderland Jr. brings Lewis Carroll’s curious world to the stage, inspired by the 1951 Disney film as well as the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. This 60-minute production features songs by Danny Elfman, Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coben, Michael Abbott and Sarah Weeks, and Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston. The score is adapted and arranged with additional music and lyrics by Bryan Louiselle, with further arrangements and orchestrations by Patrick Sulken, and the book with additional lyrics is by David Simpatico. Education Season Sponsor: Alice, Bex and Evan CranMike.

This community gathering brings families and friends together for an Ultimate Frisbee game at Asheville Middle School in connection with Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp. The event centers on friendly play and shared time on the field.

At AyurPrana Listening Room, Rosette Chamber Concerts teams up with Asheville Music School for an old time workshop led by musicians from the New Amsterdam String Band. This hands on session centers on Squirrel Hunters, a well known Appalachian tune carried through the Southern mountains, and welcomes players of any age or skill level. Bring a fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, or another instrument, and learn directly from the ensemble as they offer guidance along with brief performances that illuminate the style, history, and traditions behind the music. Admission is $8. Students attend free, and one accompanying parent or chaperone is also admitted at no cost. Participants should bring their own instruments, and listeners are welcome. The featured group is a New York based ensemble of Juilliard trained musicians who explore the connections between European Baroque music and American traditional music.

Settle in on Reynolds Green, also known as the Mini-Quad, for the finale of UNC Asheville’s Movies on the Green summer series. This outdoor screening is free and open to all, and blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged. Before the film, enjoy casual lawn games and music, and look for Hilltop Ice Cream with treats available for purchase. The feature is School of Rock (2003), in which an aspiring rocker impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of buttoned-up students into a band with the Battle of the Bands in their sights. Guests may bring their own food, however alcohol is not allowed. Nearby lots P27, P13, and P28 offer free parking. Accessibility accommodations, including ASL interpreting, captioning, Braille, or electronic text, are available upon request by contacting Stephanie Bullick at sbullick@unca.edu or (828) 251-6292.

Celebrate the return to school with an afternoon of shopping, games, giveaways, music, and activities for all ages at Tanger Outlets, Asheville. Get set for the classroom with back-to-school savings from brands like Nike Factory Store, Vineyard Vines, J.Crew Factory, Under Armour, The Children's Place, and Old Navy Outlet. A lively way to refresh wardrobes and enjoy time together.

Meet adoptable cats at PetSmart during a dedicated adoption event. Each feline has been spayed or neutered, is up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, tested for FELV/FIV, dewormed, and started on monthly flea prevention. Before attending, browse the available cats to read foster-written bios, view photos, check adoption fees, and, if a particular kitty seems like the right match, submit an adoption application in advance to be among the first considered.

This relaxing art session invites kids to combine the soothing benefits of coloring with the comfort of spending time among cats. Children 13 and under can use provided coloring books and markers, then choose to take their finished artwork home or display it on the shop altar dedicated to Bastet. Tickets are $15 for one child with one accompanying adult, and proceeds help fund the care of the resident panthers. To keep the atmosphere peaceful for everyone, families are asked to follow all cat lounge rules. A separate adults-only session is also offered.

This adoption event spotlights a range of pets ready for loving homes. Attendees can spend time with the animals, share some affection, and consider welcoming one into their family. Mercy Fund Animal Rescue, Inc. is an all-volunteer, foster-based organization that pledges lifelong care to the animals it takes in. The team works to rescue pets in need, place them in safe and caring homes, and support families so animals can remain with the people who love them. Founded in 2006 by Joy Harklerode, a longtime resident of Marion in McDowell County, the rescue grew from a community need to address animal welfare, overpopulation, and dignified care for pets. Animals live with foster caregivers until they are ready for adoption, and those who cannot be placed are supported through a permanent foster network. Guided by a simple purpose to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, warm those in the cold, heal the sick, and find the lost, the organization relies on a small, dedicated network working together for animals.

Sprout & Bloom presents another installment of Plant Bingo. Play 10 rounds for a chance to take home plant prizes, with entry set at $15. Drink specials will be available, and the event is open to all ages.

Part of a summer series of themed weeks, this session at Blue Ridge TaeKwonDo centers on The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and welcomes children ages 6 to 13. Camp activities keep learning engaging while helping participants build discipline, focus, respect, and confidence. The experience blends adventure with education so campers have fun as they grow. Before and after care is available, and a $99 deposit secures a spot.

A preschool story time with Mr. Keith features books, songs, and rhymes for children ages 3 to 5. Hosted at the Enka-Candler Branch Library, the session encourages curiosity and a sense of wonder.

A monthly story hour at the Woodfin Youth Development Center features a different guest reader. In collaboration with the Buncombe County Library’s Preschool Outreach Program, the event presents a rotating selection of stories aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s anti-bias education values. The selections are intended to encourage inclusion, representation, and meaningful conversations among young learners.

At Play-Doh Club, you can build your own creation with Play-Doh.