Check out some local offerings for Mother’s Day under our Local Deals page or click here.

At Buncombe County Library (see locations below)

May 10. 4p – 5:30p. at Weaverville Library (41 N Main St, Weaverville 28787. 828.250.6482) Teen Awesome Group: Who’s Line is it Anyway? Ages: 12 – 18. Cost: Free. Calling all teens! Don’t miss our May TAG event, Who’s Line is it, Anyway?: A Teen Comedy and Improv Night. Come add your own spin to our evening of comedy and improv games, snacks and lots of fun!

May 13-17. various times and locations (see below). Dollywood’s Penguin Players’ presents Tony Buzzeo’s One Cool Friend. Ages: Preschool+. Cost: Free. This year’s new musical production brings us the delightful antics that result when young Elliot takes a penguin home from the aquarium. One Cool Friend is a lively 20-minute production filled with sing-along songs, including music written especially for the Penguin Players by Dolly Parton.
May 13, 10:30a. at Pack Memorial Library (67 Haywood St, Asheville 28801. 828.250.4700)
May 13, 3:30p. at Black Mountain Library (105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain 28711. 828.250.4756)
May 14, 11a. at Leicester Library (1561 Alexander Rd, Leicester 28748. 828.250.6480)
May 14, 4p. at Weaverville Library (41 N Main St, Weaverville 28787. 828.250.6482)
May 15, 10:30a. at Enka-Candler Library (1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler 28715. 828.250.4758)
May 15, 3:30p. at North-Asheville Library (1030 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 28804. 828.250.4752)
May 16, 10:30a. at Skyland/South Buncombe Library (260 Overlook Rd, Asheville 28803. 828.250.6488)
May 16, 3p. at Oakley/South Asheville Library (749 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803. 828.250.4754)
May 17, 11a. at West Asheville Library (942 Haywood Rd, Asheville 28806. 828.250.4750)
May 17, 2:30p. at East Asheville Library (902 Tunnel Rd, Asheville 28805. 828.250.4738)

May 19. 2p – 3p. at Fairview Library (1 Taylor Rd, Fairview 28730. 828.250.6484) Stories and Songs by Becky Stone. Ages: All. Cost: Free. Fairview’s own Becky Stone will present a program of stories and songs. Becky will share folk tales, African-American tales and lead a sing-along – a good old variety hour for all ages! This free program will include refreshments served afterwards.

At the Diana Wortham Theatre (2 South Pack Sq, Asheville 28801. 828.257.4530)

May 7-8, 10a & 12p. Click, Clack, Moo! Ages: 2 years – Grade 4. Cost: $7 (group rates available. 1 free teacher ticket per 10 students). ”Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing?” Farmer Brown cries. A hilariously “mooooo-ving” new musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.

Festival Season (let the festivities begin!)

Asheville Herb Festival (WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd, Asheville. 828.301.8968)
May 3-5. 9a – 5p (3rd & 4th), 10a – 3p (5th). Ages: All welcome, but note (from personal experience), this is primarily a shopping expedition and can be very crowded, so judge your child’s interest level accordingly. Cost: Whatever your budget can afford. Whether you’re looking for herbal medicine, holistic treatment, herbal soaps and shampoos, gourmet cooking herbs, cookbooks, or organic gardening information, you’ll find the products and experts you need. The annual festival has become an important annual gathering for herb enthusiasts and professionals from throughout the southeast.

Big Love Fest (Pack Square Park, Asheville. online contact form here)
May 5. 1p – 8p. Ages: All. Cost: Free, but plenty of locally crafted items to purchase. The Big Crafty and Asheville Grown Business Alliance are putting on a celebration of unchained and independent Asheville. This festival is sponsored and made possible by local and independent businesses, crafters, artists, restaurants, breweries & non profits.

French Broad River Festival (Hot Springs 28743. online contact form here)
May 3-5. Gates open 8a on the 3rd. Ages: All. Cost: $90. Children under 11 get in free. Tickets include camping, music, registration fees for whitewater and biking events (if you have your own boat/bike), one raffle ticket, festival schwag, and good times.

Lake Eden Arts Festival (377 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain 28711. 828.686.8742, info@theleaf.org)
May 9-12. Check website for appropriate check-in times. Ages: All. Cost: varies depending on day/weekend/camping/commuting… One of the most awesome music, arts, dancing, fun times to be had. Note: you must purchase advance tickets.

Mountain Sports Festival (Carrier Park, Asheville. msfasheville@gmail.com or 828.989.3587)
May 24-26. Ages: All. Cost: Bring your family and friends and join us at Carrier Park for the outdoor music and sports event of the year! From competitions to demonstrations to music to kid’s activities. MSF Kids Events are a fantastic way to your little ones involved, including the free climbing wall and the KEEN Iron Kids Competitions.

National Day of Puppetry

May 4. 11a – 3p. Roger McGuire Green, Downtown Asheville. The Asheville Puppetry Alliance celebrates the National Day of Puppetry. Cost: Free performances, fee for games and concessions. Performers include: Red Herring Puppets, Mountain Marionettes, The Empire Strikes Brass Band, and Whee Ahh Faerie Kin Stiltwalkers. Participate in the Giant Puppet Parade, make a puppet of your own, and more.

Stroller Strides of Asheville Celebrates Moms (Carrier Park, Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Asheville. susannewillis@fit4mom.com or 828.407.0274)

May 8. 9:30a – 10:30a fitness time, play date after. Cost: Free. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. As a  Mother’s Day celebration, Stroller Strides of Asheville will hold a special class, free to all moms, with a post-class play date for the little ones with games and crafts, and special treats for all the moms.

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Special Offer: April 17 -21. Kids’ tickets only $5 at NC Stage’s production of SHIPWRECKED! An Entertainment: The Amazing of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself). For this production only, receive a $5 student/child ticket for every adult ticket purchased. Performances Wed – Sat, 7:30p, and Sun, 2p. [Ticket Giveaway! Enter to win four tickets for Friday's performance: enter on our facebook page or email us - ashevillefamilyresource@gmail.com. Deadline is noon on Friday.]

And before or after the show, be sure to get a photo with our fun photo stand-in! Your kid can pose as a giant octopus, a friendly pooch, or Queen Victoria herself—all characters in this delightful play the Asheville Citizen Times has declared “grand fun,” a production that “is everything the title promises, and more.” Audience members say, “don’t miss charming, delightful, adventurous SHIPWRECKED!” and “highly recommend SHIPWRECKED!to all ages.”

For tickets, call 828.239.0263 or visit our website at www.ncstage.org.

Special Event of Interest: An Evening with Ina May Gaskin: ‘Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives’.

April 6, 5:30p – 10:30p. A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium, Victoria Rd, Asheville. Cost: $25 in advance/$30 at door. For more information and tickets, click here. All proceeds to benefit Start from Seed, a non-profit that provides comprehensive birth services in Buncombe County.

Asheville Earth Day (Lexington Ave, Asheville)

April 20, 12p – 10p. Ages: All. Cost: Free. A fun, entertaining setting to educate and promote conscious awareness and green living for the families and individuals of the Asheville community. This year’s event will feature an amazing array of main stage talent, arts, local food and environmental education.

At Buncombe County Library (see locations below)

Learn to Be a Backyard Scientist at the Library! The North Carolina Arboretum will bring tools, animals, and the help we need to practice a science project. Get out the magnifying glasses and join the fun! All ages. Free.
April 2, 5:30p, at West Asheville Library (942 Haywood Rd, Asheville 28806. 828.250.4750)
April 3, 3:30p, at Pack Memorial Library (67 Haywood St, Asheville 28801. 828.250.4700)
April 11, 4p, at Swannanoa Library (101 W Charleston St, Swannanoa 28778. 828.250.6486)

At the Diana Wortham Theatre (2 South Pack Sq, Asheville 28801. 828.257.4530)

April 5, 6:30p. Sing Together: Campfire Songs. Ages: All. Instructor: Beth Magill. Cost: $8 adults/$5 children 12 and under (children 2 and under free). Few childhood memories are better than those of times spent singing under the stars by the campfire. Spend an hour around a fire pit in the Rhino courtyard learning traditional campfire songs that everyone can sing. Bring the whole family and munch on s‘mores. At the end of the night, each family will receive a song book to take home. Sign-up: contact Rae Geoffrey at 828.210.9837 or rae@dwtheatre.com.

At The North Carolina Arboretum (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 28806. 828.665.2492)

April 13, 10a – 5p. Mountain Science Expo. The Mountain Science Expo 2013 theme is Citizen Science so come spend the day learning how you can get involved in your favorite science topics. This year’s event will feature an expanded Experimentation Station where young visitors can practice some problem solving of their own with an introduction to the Scientific Method. We will also have special presentations from guest Dawn Cusick, author of youth and family science books such as Animal Tongues, Get the Scoop on Animal Poop, and Bug Butts.

At Odyssey Community School (90 Zillicoa, Asheville 28801. 828.259.3653)

April 17, 5:30p – 7:30p. Open House for Pre-K through High School. Learn about the school’s philosophy, meet with the teachers, and tour the campus.  Children welcome to attend. Contact: Telle King.

At The Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville 28801. info@theorangepeel.net)

April 13, 4p. Hobey Ford’s Animalia. All ages show. Smart Start of Buncombe County is pleased to bring Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets to Asheville in a performance of Animalia, a child-friendly show that explores the inner workings of the natural world with a performance by a wide variety of carved foam animal puppets, set to the music of Paul Winter Consort.

April 20, The Great Cloth Diaper Change (various locations, times dependent on locations, see below).

Ready, set, change those nappies! The 2013 Great Cloth Diaper Change is a world-wide event to demonstrate the ease of cloth diapering and provide collective support. Event organizers hope to break last year’s record of 8251 changes in 189 locations! So here’s your chance to participate in a Guinness World Record event that exhibits environmentally-conscious choices… And, being Asheville, we have three locations to choose from:

The i play store, 233 Liberty St, Asheville. RSVP via facebook or by calling 828.575.2617. Lots of great things are in the works for this event including great businesses partnering together (Smarty Pants Diaper Service, Mod Sprog, Busy Bottoms Diaper Service) to make this the most successful GCDC event yet! Complimentary gift bags for participants and activities for children of all ages. Starts: 10a.

The Littlest Birds, 647 Haywood Road Asheville 28806. RSVP via facebook or by calling 828.253.4747. We have tons of gifts and goodies for participants from some of the biggest names in cloth diapers including our own local diaper super stars Babee Greens! Starts: 10a.

Nest Organics, 51 North Lexington Ave, Asheville. RSVP to nestorganics@gmail.com or call 828.258.1901. Bring your baby and a cloth diaper to change him/her into, and get ready to meet new people and have a great time! We’ll serve complimentary refreshments as well as have a drawing for door prizes! Taking place on our street on the same day is the Asheville Earth Day celebration, so come on downtown with the family and make a day of it! Starts: 10:45a.

Healthy Kids Day (Pack Square Park, Asheville)

April 13, 11a – 5p. Ages: All. Cost: Free. A kid’s parade, fun run, bike rodeo, human hamster balls, climbing wall, music, and more! For more info, contact Virginia Maziarka at 828.210.9622 or vmaziarka@ymcawnc.org.

Looking Ahead…

At the Diana Wortham Theatre (2 South Pack Sq, Asheville 28801. 828.257.4530)

May 7-8, 10a & 12p. Click, Clack, Moo! Ages: 2 years – Grade 4. Cost: $7 (group rates available. 1 free teacher ticket per 10 students).

Lake Eden Arts Festival (377 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain 28711. 828.686.8742, info@theleaf.org)

May 9 -12. Ages: All. Cost: varies depending on day/weekend/camping/commuting… One of the most awesome music, arts, dancing, fun times to be had. Note: you must purchase advance tickets.

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Special Event of Interest: “Top Health Tips for All Ages” featuring Dr. William Sears, Pediatrician.

March 15, 7p. Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, 43 Town Square Blvd, Asheville.For more information: contact Shannon Ledford, 707.391.3344 or 828.475.8803, sledfordjuiceplus@yahoo.com.

At Asheville Art Museum (2 South Pack Square, Asheville 28802)

March 19, 10:30a. Tot Time. For Pre-school children accompanied by an adult. Pre-school age children are invited to discover the art of play in our interactive Art PLAYce for Children, located in the Museum’s East Wing, where tiny tots will enjoy guided activities designed especially for the youngest visitors to the Museum. For more information, contact Sharon McRorie at 828.253.3227, x122 or smcrorie@ashevilleart.org. Children under 5 admitted free to the Museum everyday.

At Buncombe County Library - Enka-Candler (1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler 28715. 828.250.4758)

March 27, 2p. Learn to Be a Backyard Scientist at the Library! The North Carolina Arboretum will bring tools, animals, and the help we need to practice a science project. Get out the magnifying glasses and join the fun! All ages. Free.

At Buncombe County Library – Pack Memorial (67 Haywood St, Asheville 28801, 828.250.4700)

March 6, 3:30p. Reading Corner Story Time. Ages six – twelve. Stories and kite making! Fun!

At Fired Up! Creative Lounge (26 Wall St, Asheville, 828.253.8181)

March 8, 6p – 9p. Parent’s Night Out. Ages five – twelve. $25 for 1 child, $20 each for 2 or more children. Includes pottery painting, pizza, and games. Make reservations by calling 828.253.8181.

At Nest Organics (51 North Lexington, Asheville, 828.258.1901)

March 9, 11a – 12p, Sleep Sense:  To help parents solve infant and child sleep problems. Taught by Meggan Hartman M.A., CLE, who is a sleep consultant and educator.

March 23, 1p – 3p, Prenatal Breastfeeding: Find out why moms and babies were made for each other. Breast milk is living nourishment that is all baby needs for food. Breastfeeding classes are taught by IBCLC and La Leche League Leader Jaime Brownlee. $75

March 30, 2p – 4p, Nesting Party:  Cloth diapering, baby wearing, chemicals to avoid and much more. Free!

Call to register - 828.258.1901.

At YWCA (185 S French Broad Ave, Asheville 28801)

March 9, Clothing Drop 10:00-11:30am/Swapping 12:00-3:00pm. Baby Clothing Swap to Benefit for the YWCA MotherLove Program. New & Gently Used Clothing. Note location: Mission Hospital Breastfeeding Center, 2 Medical Park Dr, Ste 201, Asheville. Sliding Scale $5.00-$20.00 donation to MotherLove to participate (cash only).

March 25 – 28. Spring Break Camp: Fun field trips are planned for that week as well as an Egg Hunt. Register at the YWCA or by calling 828.254.7206 x111.

March 29, 4p – 8p. Kids’ Night Out: Kids ages 4 & up can enjoy swimming & a movie with the YWCA aquatics staff! Childcare is also available for children ages 6 months – 4 years. Preregistration required and non-members welcome! $10 per child with a $30 max per family.

March 30, 11a – 3p. Community Swim Day: The whole family can swim for just $5. Free swim lessons ages 6 months – 7 yrs, 3p -4p. For inquiries or to register, call 828.254.7206 x110.

Easter Egg Hunts (boy, the Easter Bunny must like it around here!)

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services Annual Egg Hunt and Indoor Swim, Zeugner Center (behind TC Roberson High School), 50 Springside Dr, Asheville
Saturday, March 23, 1p. The hunt begins at 1p. After the Egg Hunt, all participants are invited to play games, visit with the Easter Bunny, and then swim in the indoor pool (open to swimmers from 2p – 4p). Don’t forget to bring your egg collecting basket and a swim suit. Admission: Free for the egg hunt and activities afterward. Admission to the indoor pool: $2.00 per person plus a can of food for MANNA Food Bank. Contact: The Zeugner Center at 828.684.5072.

Bojangles Easter Eggstravaganza, Carrier Park – 220 Amboy Road, Asheville
Saturday, March 23, 2p – 4:30p. Bring the family to the annual Bojangles Easter Eggstravaganza produced by the City of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department.  Activities include inflatables, entertainment by the Mountain Thunder Cloggers, crafts by Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab, facepainting, educational programs by the Western North Carolina Nature Center and free BoBerry biscuits by Bojangles of WNC.  Easter egg hunts for toddlers through 11 years old will be held at 4p and all children will receive a free goody bag. Free.

Stecoah Valley Center Easter Egg Hunt, 121 Schoolhouse Rd, Robbinsville 28771 (no, not in Asheville, but a beautiful drive nonetheless. Make a day of it at Fontana, Tsali, or other great attractions nearby.)
Saturday, March 23, 11a – 1p. Hunts by age group, bonnet contests, visit with the Easter Bunny, deviled egg contest, punch and Easter cupcakes. “Peeps in the Creek” duck race open to adults and children for $1 per chance. Prizes will be awarded for the first duck across the finish line in both adult and youth categories. Fun for all ages. Free.

YMCA of WNC (Corpening YMCA) Easter Egg Hunt, Corpening Memorial YMCA, 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion 28752. 828.659.9622.
Saturday, March 23, 11a. Come join Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny tomorrow at the Corpening YMCA at 11am. We will have an Easter bonnet contest and parade, the Easter Egg Hunt and then crafts and games. Come join the fun rain or shine!

Easter on the Green, Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park, One West Pack Square, Asheville 28801
Saturday, March 30, 2p – 5p. A family-friendly celebration of Easter traditions. Easter egg hunt, egg roll, inflatable giant slide, obstacle course and bounce house and more. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos and will hand out golden eggs filled with special prizes. Make an Easter bonnet and enter the Easter Parade with prizes for the best handmade Easter bonnet. Music and the Bunny Hop plus lots more games, giveaways and prizes. Popcorn, cotton candy and beverages will be available. Free.

Sunday, March 31, 9:30a, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ and Kenilworth Presbyterian Church Easter Service and Egg Hunt, 123 Kenilworth Rd, Asheville.
The churches will be combining Easter morning to have a potluck breakfast (9:30a), followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids (10:15a), then a worship service (11a).  It’s going to be a beautiful service with incredible music. Please feel free to join us!

Biltmore Estate Annual Easter Egg Hunt, front lawn of the Biltmore Estate
Sunday, March 31, 9a – 3:30p. The Easter Rabbit makes his annual appearance on Biltmore’s Front Lawn on Easter Sunday, along with special children’s entertainment including magic shows, music and storytelling. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts at 11a, 1p and 3p. Day-of registration is required. Bring your own basket or bag to collect your eggs. Children ages 2 to 9 may attend the hunt for free when accompanied by an estate pass holder or a ticketed adult.

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December’s Not-to-be-missed List! 

This Month at Mod Sprog:  Don’t miss Parent’s night out on December 10th and Paint Your Own Pottery Parties- check out this flyer> for more info!

• There’s also a great list of events happening at Nest Organics this month, including :

December 5- Minding your ‘pees’ and ‘poos’, an introduction to infant potty training with Andrea Olson. You will learn when to start potty training, how long it should take, and what happens if you wait to long. This class will give you an overview of gentle options to break diaper dependence and achieve potty independence at any age.  You will learn some history, myths, facts, and psychological issues around potty training as well as what techniques to use with children of different ages. Also, you will get an overview of elimination communication!  This class is FREE at Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  2-4pm Please call to register: 828.258.1901

December 15- Join Meggan Hartman, MA & infant sleep consultant, as she leads you through the uncertainties of infant sleep. This class will help you understand your child’s changing sleep patterns and will teach you gentle tips for developing healthy sleep habits. Time: 11-12. Location: Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  Call for more info #828.258.1901

December 15- Join us for our monthly Nesting Party where you will learn about cloth diapering, baby wearing, and the importance of chemical free living for you and your family. FREE! Time: 2-4. Location: Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  Call for more info #828.258.1901

December 12- Elimination Communication Fundamentals. Join Andrea Olson, a NC diaper free baby mentor, as she teaches you about elimination communication and how to have a diaper free baby! This is a gentle and non-coercive method of encouraging your babies to be diaper free! Time: 2-4. Cost: $25. Location: Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  Call for more info #828.258.1901

Holiday Shopping:  Every Saturday in December we will have a FREE arts and crafts table for kids to enjoy while their parents shop! Come let your little one’s have fun while you keep your holiday shopping local! Saturday’s in December from 12-5!

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Asheville Community Design Lab After-school Programs offer a creative and stimulating after school option for students.  Their mission is to engage students in academics, critical thinking and innovation through principles of design, community enrichment, language, and movement.   ACDL is currently seeking sponsors to ensure that all children in our community have access to their amazing programs, regardless of income or other barriers.   Please check out this inspiring video for more information!

 NOVEMBER EVENTS IN ASHEVILLE

•  “Paint Your Own Pottery Parties”for you and your children are coming up soon!
  Held at Mod Sprog, this will be a great time to have fun and make a lasting memento, e.g. a beautifully decorated plate with your child’s handprint. And with normal studio fees waived by Fired Up!, you can’t beat this deal on creating treasured pottery pieces! Register now to reserve your space - 828.333.5142 or modsprog@gmail.com. 
  
  

• Nest Organics has a great list of classes and gatherings this month! All classes held at Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave. Call to register: 828.258.1901.

Nov 14- Minding your ‘pees’ and ‘poos’, an introduction to infant potty training with Andrea Olson.  This class is FREE 2-4pm

Nov 15- Tips for Successful Pumping. Join Michelle Shelfer, IBCLC as she walks you through how to successfully pump so that your little one can always enjoy mama’s milk! Time: 12-1pm. Cost: $25.

Nov 17- Join Meggan Hartman, MA & infant sleep consultant, as she leads you through the uncertainties of infant sleep. Time: 11-12.

Nov 17- Monthly Nesting Party where you will learn about cloth diapering, baby wearing, and the importance of chemical free living for you and your family. FREE! Time: 2-4.

Nov 28- Elimination Communication Fundamentals. Join Andrea Olson, a NC diaper free baby mentor, as she teaches you about elimination communication and how to have a diaper free baby! Time: 2-4. Cost: $25.

• has a variety of great entertainment as well– check out Indie Folk Trio the Wilhelm McKay show on the 13th at the Hop on Merrimon!
  

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October’s Not-to-be-missed-list- plus more..

• The third annual Joyful Birth and Breastfeeding Expo- November 3rd-an all-day FREE educational extravaganza at the Blue Ridge Mall.  Featuring Ina May
  

  Ina May Gaskin

  Gaskin, internationally known midwife, speaker and author, inspiring birth films, dozens of mother-friendly  exhibitors, and speakers about healthy birth and breastfeeding. There will also be a maternity fashion show, a kid’s activity area and lots of giveaways. Located at the Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville, NC.

• Saturday, October 6th is Hey Day at the WNC Nature Center from 10-4, featuring live music and performers, crafts and games for kids, special animal encounters, and more!

• Baby/Toddler sign language class begins October 7th at Nest Organics.  Go to mysmarthandsasheville.com for more information.

• Musicare at Mod Sprog begins October 6th, and will be held the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.  9:30-10 am, $5/child.

• Infant Massage classes will also be held this month at Mod Sprog.  $50 for 4 week session.  830 Hendersonville Rd, Ste 2 Asheville, North Carolina 28803 828.333.5142

October 11th is Ninja Night at Earth Fare Family Night–  brought to you by Asheville Ninja Kids Club 5:30-6:30 pm.  Also check out their grand opening October 27th from 2-6 on Merrimon Ave next to Zen Sushi.

October 10- Minding your ‘pees’ and ‘poos’, an introduction to infant potty training with Andrea Olson. You will learn some history, myths, facts, and psychological issues around potty training as well as what techniques to use with children of different ages. Also, you will get an overview of elimination communication!  This class is FREE at Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  2-4pm Please call to register: 828.258.1901

• LEAF is October 18th-22nd at Lake Eden in Black Mountain.  A family friendly fabulously fun festival. 

• The 5^thAnnual “One Stop Christmas Shop” will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 10am till 4pm, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.  Thirty-six local businesses and artisans will come together, selling their handmade gifts at this indoor market. Find gifts for everyone on your list, from homemade foods, to unique crafts, to handmade stationary, to fine art, to baby gifts, and everything in between.  For more information on vendors, or to reserve a booth, go to:  www.onestopchristmasshopasheville.com
  more to come… thanks so much for visiting!!

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Superb September events– plus some things to look forward to!

• The third annual Joyful Birth and Breastfeeding Expo- November 3rd-an all
  

  Ina May Gaskin

  day FREE educational extravaganza at the Blue Ridge Mall.  Featuring Ina May Gaskin, internationally known midwife, speaker and author, inspiring birth films, dozens of mother-friendly  exhibitors, and speakers about healthy birth and breastfeeding. There will also be a maternity fashion show, a kid’s activity area and lots of giveaways. Located at the Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville, NC.

• Nest Organics is hosting a Nesting Party,  Saturday, September 29th from 2-4pm, 51 N. Lexington Ave.  FREE.  Learn about cloth diapering and baby wearing at this complimentary class.  To register call 828.258.1901 or email nestorganics@gmail.com

• The Toy Boat Circus School is gearing up for its fall session! Lots of kids, preteen, teen and adult classes! Trapeze, Silks, Juggling, Acrobatics, Magic, Improv, Mask making, Percussion Ensemble and so much more! You can check it out and register online at http://www.toyboatcommunityartspace.com/

• For all those whose children attend Asheville City Schools: Coming soon: several community meetings about whether or not to include a year-round/balanced school calendar in our district’s new 3-year strategic plan. First meeting: Mon, Sept 17, 5:30-7 PM, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center auditorium, 285 Livingston Street. New Community Center located around the corner from Depot Street and the newer properties in the River Arts District.

• Baby Sleep Work Shop – prenatal to 12 months at Nest Organics, Saturday, September 22, 11am – 12pm.  Learn sleep solutions for all styles of parenting, hosted by Meggan Hartman [M.A., CLE] a parent educator, infant/child sleep consultant and lactation educator.Visit her website for more classes and registration info.

• September 15th at the Tree House– a women’s clothing swap!  FREE! And clothing drop off is Friday the 14th (not necessary though, you can still bring clothes Saturday too).   11am-5pm

• The Munchkin Market consignment sale is September 22nd-25th at the Biltmore Square Mall.  Child/maternity gear, and much more!

• The ASAP farm tour is September 22 and 23, 2012 from 1-6 pm.  Over this late September weekend, the gates and barns of WNC farms will open to the public – even those farms that don’t normally allow visitors. Learn how food grows, taste farm-fresh treats, interact with farm animals, and meet the community’s food producers.

• more to come, stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Asheville kid events–Not to be missed!– August 2012

• The Asheville Tourists have home games all this week 8/1-8/6.  Visit their facebook page for a special promotion for tonight’s game!

• Stroller Strides club is having a promotion to benefit Manna Food Bank– classes are free with a donation of 2 cans of food per class. Visit their site for more info-meets Wednesdays from 10-11 am.

• This Saturday, August 4th, celebrate the one year anniversary of the “new” Downtown Market.  Featuring henna tattoos, face painting, live music, puppet shows and much more.  Festivities are all day– 45 South French Broad, downtown.

Joyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center announces the first annual “Joyful Noise Jubilee!”, taking place Friday, August 10th from 5:30 – 7:30 at First Presbyterian Church, 30 Alabama Avenue, Weaverville. Admission is Free. All ages invited! Activities include a dancing cake walk, puppet-making, and much more.

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  Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

  Tuesday, August 14th is The Hop’s Ice Cream Cafe’s 34th Birthday Bash at the Hop on Merrimon! 6:30-7:30pm featuring Secret Agent 23 Skidoo!!  woot!

• The bi-annual Wee Trade consignment sale is August 11 and 12th and 17th and 18 at the Ag Center.  There is truly a ludicrous amount of kid, baby and maternity items there.  Sign up to consign or volunteer to get early shopping hours.

• All through the month of August, free storytime at 5pm Thursday at the Oakley Farmers Market at 607 Fairview Road in Asheville. The Oakley Farmers Market also always has a kids tent set up with art and craft activities, games and other fun stuff for the little ones.

• The 31st annual Goombay! festival is August 24th-26th downtown.  The 3-day African-Caribbean festival is held around Eagle St. downtown and features multiple stages of entertainment, street vendors, and a kids’ area.

• There will be an open house at The Tree House on August 31st– 6-8 pm, featuring ice cream from The Hop, raffles, games, face painting, and more.

Thanks for visiting, it would be great if you want to vote for us in best local blog/website in the MountainX best of WNC poll!!  Vote now through August 22nd.

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Family Friendly Asheville Events in July

4th of July Events– click here for romantic asheville’s comprehensive listing of 4th of July events!

Saturday July 7th at 2pm – Family movie matinee: Guardians of Ga’Hoole. All ages. Pack Memorial Library

July 13th and 14th is Toubab Krewe’s Carnivalito, a two-day family friendly festival hosted

Asheville’s Own Toubab Krewe

at Pisgah Brewing. Kids 10 and under are free with a ticketed adult!  TK will donate one dollar from every Carnavalito ticket purchased to Instruments for Africa, a not-for-profit organization that aims to empower underprivileged and at-risk youth in Mali through the preservation of traditional music and arts.  Artists include 23 Skidoo, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, DJ Chalice, and of course Toubab Krewe!

Saturday July 14th-  2-4pm – “Movie Matinee at the Library:” Night at the Museum. Hosted at the East Asheville Library.

Check out The Moozic Lady At Spellbound Book Shop through 7/28- 10:30-11am – A Tap-n-Shake music program for preschoolers hosted by Sonia Brooks.  Preregistration required.

Register Now for The Baby Steps to Parenthood class held by Meggan Hartmann at Nest Organics.  The 6 week session will cover sleep issues, breastfeeding, playful parenting, and much more and begins August 28th.  To register visit www.megganhartman.com

Much more to come, visit often and leave us a message!!

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