May-jor fun is in store with Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s events, programs, and opportunities sure to inspire adventure and create community connections. Browse highlights below and use these links to find additional opportunities including free meetups and clubs, exercise and sports, arts and crafts, and more each week and throughout the month:
- Browse the Asheville Parks & Recreation Program Guide in English or español
- Weekly & Monthly Programs At-a-Glance
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation Programs Online
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Newsletters
- Visit Parks, Greenways, Playgrounds, and Unique Spaces Throughout Asheville
Special Events
Adults can show off showstopping hats at a Kentucky Derby Party on May 1, explore Gatlinburg during a Day Trip expedition on May 8, and try The Smokin’ Onion’s vegan fare at Lunch Bunch on May 16- Honor la cultura y la comunidad at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta a couple of days early on May 3
- Celebrate mothers and mother figures with Mother’s Day Brunch on the Town on May 9 and Team Us Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10
- Dive into adventure with the Chieftess of Motunui as she sets off to the lost island of Motufetu and reconnects the people of the ocean at Movies in the Park: Moana 2 on May 9
- Connect over a shared love of jams and jellies at Jam Sessions on May 14
- Beat the heat at Grant Southside Center Pool Opening Day on May 24
- Dance to the music, meet neighbors, and make memories at Shiloh Fun Day on May 25
- Find your purrfect companion or bring your pets to make new friends at Spring Into Adoption with Mountain Pet Rescue on May 31
Teens, Kids, and Toddlers
- Observe unique athletic prowess at the Toddler Kickball Extravaganza on May 3
- Celebrate the fun of discovery and whimsy at Tiny Tykes Day on May 4
- Watch little ones develop essential skills through engaging toddler gym games at Mini Movers on Wednesdays starting May 7
- Relish some alone time while the kids enjoy themed games, crafts, and special activities at Kids Night In on May 9 and Kids Night Out on May 30
- Wear white and neon clothing for a special blacklight night on the climbing wall at Youth Glow Climb on May 14
- Enjoy warmer days with outdoor fun at Toddler Takeover at Weaver Park on May 1, Malvern Hills Park on May 8, Murphy-Oakley Park on May 15, and West Asheville Park on May 22
- Plan a summer to remember at Summer Bucket List on May 30
Outdoors and Nature
- Cover Buck Spring Trail with Therapeutic Recreation Hiking on May 1 and Asheville Botanical Garden with Therapeutic Recreation Walking on May 5
- Learn the multitude of ways to grow food in small spaces including windowsills, containers, and repurposed convenience items at Unconventional Gardens on May 13
- Explore North Asheville with Greenway Walking Club: Glenn’s Creek and Reed Creek Greenways on May 21
- Discover a moderately challenging loop with other active older adults with Treks Hiking Club: Bailey Mountain Preserve on May 22
Games and Fitness
- Have fun like never B-4 at Southside Community Bingo on May 2, Field Bingo at Martin Luther King Jr. Park on May 15, and Stephens-Lee Community Bingo on May 17
- Learn the rules and develop a feel for the game at Beginner Pickleball Play on May 3
- Stimulate the mind and body with four corners, gaga ball, relay games, and karaoke at Therapeutic Recreation Adult Morning Movement on Wednesdays
- Make new friends at Therapeutic Recreation After Dark: Video Game Tournament on May 9
- Jump-start your fitness routine and learn how to use each machine at Intro to the Fitness Center on May 15
- Join other beginner to intermediate players to sharpen your skills at Tennis Clinics and Tournament starting May 20
- Rack ‘em up and break into some serious fun during the Grove Street Pool Tournament on May 22
- Check out a duo of new programs at Grant Southside Center: the monthly Community Improv Jam! starts May 22 and the weekly Southside After Praise starts May 25
Crafts and Culture
- Join engaging conversations at Colleen Hoover Book Discussions covering Verity on May 7 and It Ends with Us on May 21
- Design a beautiful piece of jewelry using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials at a Nature Bracelet workshop on May 14
- Unlock your phone’s features and apps that make everyday tasks easier at Getting to Know Your Android Phone on May 27
- Create artwork, bird feeders, sand art, and a memorable cookout at Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting & Cooking on Tuesdays
These are just a few highlights of springtime fun in Asheville for little to no cost. If you don’t want to miss a moment, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s newsletters or follow on Facebook and Instagram.