The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions—Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
What’s in Store This Year?
Each evening includes watching live enrichment activities for Uno and Ursa, the Nature Center’s resident black bears. Plus, guests can learn how to help protect wild bears with BearWise education and discover efforts to make wildlife travel safer through Safe Passage Wildlife Crossing education.
Ticket Info – order yours online
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$15 – Nature Center Members
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$20 – Non-members
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$10 – Children ages 3–12
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Free – Children 2 and under
Advance drink token purchases save you $1 per drink, and stations accept both cash and credit on-site.
Upgrade your experience with a VIP option, which includes:
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A Nature Center Centennial lapel pin & magnet pack
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Skip-the-line access for drinks
Wild Encounters – A Centennial Exclusive!
To celebrate the Nature Center’s Centennial, guests can now add on a Wild Encounter to their evening. This up-close animal experience includes:
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A visit with one of our animal ambassadors
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Priority parking
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A dedicated entrance to skip check-in lines
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A free drink token
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One Centennial koozie per adult ticket
Note: Wild Encounters are adult-only—except for the June event, which is family-friendly! Tickets are limited.
2025 Brews and Bears Lineup
May 9
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Beer: Highland Brewing
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Cider: Appalachian Mountain Brewery
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Wine: Metro Wines Asheville
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Other Beverages: Devil’s Foot NA, DSSOLVR Gluten-Free Sour
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Food: Cecilia’s Kitchen, Bigfoot-Longs Hot Dogs, Kona Ice
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Music: Appalacheros
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Education: Black bear enrichment, bobcat education, BearWise & Safe Passage
June 13
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Food: Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Bigfoot-Longs, Kona Ice
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Music: The Realtorz
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Animal focus: Black bears & gray wolves
July 11
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Food: Cecilia’s Kitchen, Bigfoot-Longs, Kona Ice
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Music: Elizabeth McCorvey
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Animal focus: Black bears & cougars
August 8
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Food: Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Bigfoot-Longs, Kona Ice
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Music: Cactus Kate & The Pricks
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Animal focus: Black bears & otters
Special Thanks to the Sponsors
We’re grateful for the generous support of our Corporate Friends partners and sponsors, including:
White Oak Financial Management, Grimes Teich Anderson LLP, First Citizens Bank, Sona Pharmacy, Park National Bank, Appalachian Realty Associates, First Bank, B. Allen Construction, The Critter Depot, Kona Ice, Junior League of Asheville, Highland Brewing, WNC Farmers Market, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Asheville City Soccer, Champions for Wildlife, Appalachian Golf Cars, Polaris of Waynesville, and Metro Wines.