There will be inflatables, food, sno cones, dunk tank, games, and more!
Archives
MARSHALL: 5th Annual Freedom Festival
We are back for our 5th Annual Freedom Festival!
Join us on Saturday, July 5th for a fun filled day for the whole family. We will start the day with a 5K Road Race and end the evening with a wonderful display of fireworks.
Here are the details:
- 5K Road Races starts at 9AM. Learn more and register here: https://forms.gle/QviHEzSyAFuHop5TA
- Gates Open at 5:30 with Live Music Starting at 6PM. We have two fantastic bands lined up: Appalachian Heartstrings and Paint Rock. We’ll have hot dogs and hamburgers for sale along with snow cones and watermelon. Sprinklers and water balloons for the kids. Volleyball, corn hole, giant Jenga and Tic-Tac-Toe. Duck Race with a top prize of $250 cash! And RAFFLES! We will be selling raffle tickets starting soon for a handful of wonderful prizes.
- Fireworks at dark! So, bring out your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening of good ol’ fashion family fun.
In previous years, we have had the generous support of so many local small businesses, particularly in downtown Marshall and Hot Springs. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we are not asking these businesses for donations. Instead we are asking for YOUR help to join us in supporting their rebuild efforts. Proceeds from our Raffle ticket sales will go back into downtown Hot Springs and Marshall small businesses!
So, join us for our 5th year of coming together and celebrating the 4th of July right here in beautiful Laurel. You’ll be glad you did!
Visit the Twelve Oversized Troll Sculptures Art Exhibit
Daily, Nov 15th-Feb 17th
Something extraordinary is here in Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to host TROLLS: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, twelve oversized troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum’s formal gardens and along its trails, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.
Canton Lions Carnival
July 2nd-6th, 2025
OPERATING HOURS:
Wed-Fri 6:00pm-10:00pm
Sat & Sun 1:00pm-10:00pm
The carnival will shut down 30 minutes prior to and during the fireworks on July 5th for Canton’s signature July 4 Plus 1 event in Sorrells Park.
The Canton Lions will be hosting a Carnival at Sorrells Park in Canton this July! Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fried oreos, and more. There is a new carnival operator this year which promises more and larger rides and larger than last year’s carnival! 
Wristbands for unlimited rides will be $30, but local businesses will have coupons offering $5 off closer to the start date of the event. This is a fundraiser for The Canton Lion’s Club, who get a percentage of the ticket sales to help support their community service mission, which includes providing eye examinations and glasses for youth in need.
🚜 ASHEVILLE AREA FARMERS MARKETS 🚜
We are so lucky to have a bounty of Farmers Markets to choose from in beautiful Asheville and the surrounding area! What better way to teach kids how to eat healthfully than to surround them with fresh grown fruits and vegetables and meats from our local farmers, making the connection between what they eat and where it comes from.
In addition to local foods, many of our markets have local crafts, live music, and family friendly entertainment and activities, as well, so be sure to check their socials and sites for what’s happening before you go, to make the most of your day!
See our comprehensive list for ALL of your farmers market options at the link above
Smurftastic Day of Fun
Get ready for a BIG blue adventure with skating, smiles, and smurfy surprises! Meet & Greet PAPA SMURF at 3PM! Bring the whole family and make magical memories—only at Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Smoky Mountain Sk8way & FUN ZONEZone!
Enjoy:
Smurf-Themed Photo Ops- Smurf Snacks
- Smurf Skate Games
- Plus All Our Regular Attractions: Skating, Inflatables, Crazy Golf & More!
Admission Options:
$8 General Admission- $20 Fun Pass (Skating + Skate Rental + Inflatables + Crazy Golf)
- $99 Family Fun Pass – Includes up to 5 People, Fun Pass Activities, 1 Large Pizza & a Pitcher of Drink!
Don’t forget your camera—Papa Smurf is ready to pose!
National Night Out with Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
National Night Out is back on August 5th at 5 PM at Jackson Park and it’s bigger and better than ever!
Join us for an evening of family fun, community connection, and awesome activities, including:
FREE Pelican’s Snowballs
Fairy Hair
Face Painting
Meet-and-greets with all the amazing local agencies we partner with every day , Fire, EMS, Police, Rescue Squad, SBI, and more!
This annual event grows every year, and we can’t wait to see you there!
RUTHERFORDTON: 4th of July Fireworks
Join us Thursday, July 3rd at Kiwanis Park for fireworks, a DJ, and amazing food from Cousins Maine Lobster, Kona Ice, and Botanas Place!
Fireworks start at 9:30 PM!
WAYNESVILLE: Art After Dark – 4th of July edition Featuring Smashing Mouths
Join us this 4th of July for an Art After Dark to remember! Our pals from Smashing Mouths will be playing all of your favorite 90’s tunes from 6-9pm! Swing by, grab a beer & an icecream sandwich and get ready to watch the local fireworks!
Artistic Adventures for Toddlers (2-5yrs w/Adult)
Wednesdays July 9th & July 23rd | 2 – 2:30pm | Ages: 2-5 w/adult
Ignite the creative spark of children in a safe and engaging environment to explore wonders of art through messy masterpieces and imaginative exploration.