Friends Over Dinner, May 22nd

Come wind down the week with a curated dinner and help us grow this community-centric way of dining.

Time & Location

May 22, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Treska's on Highland Lake, 211 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA

Tickets: https://www.highlandlakecove.com/event-details/friends-over-dinner-may-22nd?utm_campaign=1d85bbc1-7914-4e34-857f-02c167ea8fd4&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=af68fb72-021d-4918-8582-b4fcd29bf18a

Join Kate Stockman as she discusses one of her favorite topics: Nature! As we talk about Nature's gifts, we will focus on one of her most magical creations: bees! Kate will give you all the buzz about those blessed bees, hive culture, the queen, and what goes into the creation of beeswax. You’ll leave with a finished candle and resources for how to create more. Blessed Bee!

Learn More and Register Here

Hendersonville Gardening will host its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at the Blue Ridge Community College Library, featuring a program on mushrooms presented by Greg Carter of Deep Woods Mushrooms. The presentation will explore the fascinating world of fungi and their role in gardening and the natural environment. The program is open to gardening enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about mushrooms and sustainable growing practices.

A Night with the Improvables

Date & Time: Mon, May 18. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Location
2700D Greenville Hwy
Flat Rock, NC

Doors at 6:00
Show at 7:00

Western North Carolina’s premier short-form improv team is back with new games and new faces. Join us as we take your suggestions and turn them into comedy gold. 

https://www.flatrockcinema.com/product/THEIMPROVABLES/286

Sunday, May 17th, from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM, all are welcome to this evolving monthly gathering designed for movement, dance, and fellowship. Come as you are to flow, find stillness, or move freely—creating space for authentic expression in community.

This week’s gathering will feature live music from special guest musicians Peter Kutt and Alex Nuesse! Fresh water and snacks offered. Donations of $10–$15 are greatly appreciated and help us continue offering this gathering to the community each month.

Facilitated by Move in Yah - Katrina Thissen

Studio 116

Greeting Card Workshop

Spring Blooms Greeting Card Workshop
with Eliana Kotsias

May 17 • 2 - 4:30p

$90

In this workshop, you will learn how to use real plants and interesting textures to create colorful handmade greeting cards. Eliana Kotsias has seven years of fine art experience through education and creating her own work, as well as almost ten years of experience teaching art. She will guide you through the process of mixing ink pigments to create colors, rolling that ink onto a gelli plate, and layering textures to create an interesting, one-of-a-kind image. All supplies are included and you will leave the workshop with several unique greeting cards or bookmarks printed entirely by you!

Eliana is a visual artist located and working in Asheville and Hendersonville, North Carolina. Fascinated by the natural world, she creates whimsical and dreamlike portrayals of growth through youth, its connection to nature, and the growth of flora and fauna.

9th Annual Empty Bowls

Supporting the Flat Rock Backpack Program

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Two Seating Windows: 12:00-2:00pm | 4:00-6:00pm

Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the 9th year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area. On Sunday, May 17, Empty Bowls, a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness. 

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm. Attendees of the event may come any time during their seating window. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemade cookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.

Tickets are $30 per person. Children under 12 eat free. Limited tickets may be available at the door on the day of the event. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.stjohnflatrock.org/empty-bowls.

Debby Staton, Flat Rock Backpack Program Coordinator, said, “We are deeply appreciative of our community who keep us on their radar, always willing to pitch in as we continue meeting the needs of those who are food insecure.”

Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the year. The Flat Rock Backpack Program has 501c-3 non-profit status, with 100% of money collected going to feed children in six schools every weekend.

The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church building, at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, write to emptybowls@stjohnflatrock.org.

**The pre-sale of tickets will close on Friday, May 15, at 4:00 pm.**

The Park at Flat Rock

Sunday, May 17th

Pollinator Garden Tour

12:00 pm

Kick off National Pollinator Week with the Park’s Garden Volunteers, who will be giving a tour of their hard work cultivating the beautiful native pollinators beloved by bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and people!

Gather for a morning of reflection and intention in the woods of Kanuga.

Forest Bathing is a gentle, guided practice of slowing down and re-entering relationship with the natural world—not as visitors, but as participants who belong.

Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku and shaped by contemplative and nature-based wisdom, this experience invites you to move at the pace of the forest, awaken your senses, and listen for what the land is offering. Through simple prompts, quiet wandering, and moments of shared reflection, we practice receiving—breath, beauty, texture, sound—and noticing how care and attention naturally flow back in return.

This is not a hike, a workout, or a performance. There is no destination to reach and nothing to accomplish. Chairs, rest, and spacious pauses are always welcome. You are invited just as you are.

Forest Bathing at Kanuga is an invitation to remember:

• that you are part of the living ecosystem

• that the land is not a backdrop, but a companion

• that reciprocity begins with attention and gratitude

Come as you are. Leave with a softened nervous system, a steadier heart, and a renewed sense of belonging—to yourself, to the land, and to the wider web of life.

All bodies and backgrounds welcome. No prior experience required.

Aimée Bostwick is a spiritual director whose work is rooted in The Episcopal Church and shaped by interspiritual, embodied practices. She holds a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from the Seminary of the Southwest, with additional formation in forest bathing, interfaith and interspiritual chaplaincy through the Order of Hildegard, and yoga (200-hour YTT in progress). She serves Kanuga as Senior Advisor for Program Innovation, cultivating experiences that invite connection to self, community, the natural world, and the Sacred.

Learn More Here

Music in the Vines returns this Spring for its highly anticipated second year. Join us for a fresh lineup of live music, exceptional wine, and unforgettable vineyard evenings as we once again partner with the Hendersonville Symphony.

Our crush pad transforms into an inviting, open-air music experience, with Skyward opening at 5:30pm and each performance beginning at 6:30pm—perfect for sipping, socializing, and settling in before the music begins.

Tickets Here

Hot Club of Asheville

May 15th, 6:30 PM at the Crush Pad, Marked Tree Vineyard. The Hot Club of Asheville, is a collective of Asheville’s finest professional musicians, coming together with a shared love of Gypsy Jazz music. The band honors the traditional Gypsy Swing in the styles of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli from the 1930-50’s, while infusing the tradition with more modern qualities of jazz expression. The Hot Club of Asheville is Phil Alley and Leo Johnson on guitars with Bob Songster on bass. They are a unique instrumental band, holding the audience’s attention with classy melodic lines, vibrant improvisations and spirited rhythms.

Join Chef Lesley Milhas for a three‑course Cajun‑style dinner featuring some of your favorite Blue Ruby Kitchen dishes, each paired with a thoughtfully selected wine. If you’ve been missing her unforgettable cooking, now’s the perfect time to get your fix — and if you’re new to Lesley’s creations, you’re in for a treat! Please note that, due to the pre‑set menu style, allergies and food sensitivities cannot be accommodated for this event.

Time & Location

May 14, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Treska's on Highland Lake, 211 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA

This special dinner has limited seats! Pre-purchase your ticket below:

Tickets

Genealogy Society at Flat Rock

An Ireland to America Adoption Story of Family Reunification

Everything changed for Joyce Parker in 2019 as a long dormant curiosity about her origins was sparked by a simple Ancestry DNA result. Joyce will share her beginnings in Ireland and her journey to finding her biological family. She went from being raised in a very small Irish American family to being a member of a huge Irish clan that even includes the Archbishop of Northern Ireland! Photographs, videos, log entries and certificates will document the journey. Not all ancestral journeys end well, but Joyce has been blessed with a very welcoming Irish family.

May 11, 2025 @ 1:30PM

Flat Rock Village Hall

Friends of Music & the Arts of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness presents a special Mother’s Day concert featuring the Blue Ridge Ringers.

Friends of Music & the Arts of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness presents a special Mother’s Day concert featuring the Blue Ridge Ringers.  The handbell ensemble concert will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 in the church’s Parish Hall at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.

The spring 2026 concert of the Blue Ridge Ringers will feature a program of all popular hits. Pieces will include jazz standards, pop and rock hits and patriotic songs.

Ed Tompkins, Organist & Director of Music at St. John in the Wilderness said, “It's quite a different experience to hear a bell choir present songs such as "Fly Me to the Moon," "Hey Jude" and "We Are the Champions!" I hope lots of area residents come and enjoy a Mother's Day concert of easy listening.”

The Blue Ridge Ringers is an auditioned community handbell ensemble founded by Connie Engle in September 1995 in Hendersonville.  They are a diverse group of ringers from across the region.  Many also direct or ring with their church handbell groups or other ensembles.

The group ring five octaves of Malmark and Schulmerich handbells and five octaves of Malmark choirchimes.  They practice weekly at Hendersonville First United Methodist Church.  

The concert is free but donations will be gladly accepted to support Friends of Music & the Arts continuing series.   

For more information visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

Last chance to find out what the buzz is all about. . .

A year ago, no one expected The Many Lives of Carl Sandburg would be performed nineteen times to audiences totaling 1,360. It has been quite the run. Audiences have responded warmly, often with standing ovations.
Join us at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm for the final performances.

The free sixty-minute show takes place in the garage next to the Sandburg home. Audiences learn about Sandburg’s amazing life story as told by six actors who give dramatic and humorous readings from his poetry and prose and sing songs from Sandburg’s American Songbag. The play is informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Many say they are surprised by the range of Sandburg’s life and struck by how his belief in democracy and social justice still resonates.

Playwright John Quinley is also the author of the book Discovering Carl Sandburg. The troupe includes director Karen Moore and cast members Eric Young, David Leader, Meredith Kuhn, CC Blackburn, Judi Ingram Adkins, Butch Adkins, Lyn Morton, Mark Zedella, and Phil Moore.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., STEVE ROBINSON & STEVE KIRKLAND with Special Guest EMMA ROBINSON will perform in the #ListeningRoom at Flat Rock Cinema.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 6:00 Doors - 7:00 Concert

About The Musicians

Originally from Northern England, Robinson relocated to Florida in the mid 80’s and became part of The Headlights, a popular Tampa Bay area folk-rock band, whose sound soon caught the ear of legendary Byrds frontman, Roger McGuinn, who asked the lads to be his backing band for a Tonight Show appearance and subsequent US tour. 

After his departure from the Headlights, Steve spent the next couple of decades as a solo artist, writing, recording and releasing a succession of albums that garnered considerable praise for their modern melodic spin on the post Beatles and Byrds era and beyond: 

"Robinson’s regal melodies offer the essence of a timeless treasure.” - Goldmine Magazine

“Robinson's songs are an almost perfect melding of British pop with modern folky Americana.” - babysue/LMNOP

Co-conspirator and backing guitarist Steve Kirkland retired locally from the nonprofit world in 2018 and has concentrated his efforts on his “labor of love”, providing atmosphere and supportive layers to former band Stepchild, and currently as lead guitarist in Jeff Michels Folkadelic Jam. Kirkland thinks “life is better with slide guitar” and is chuffed about his happy accident of meeting Robinson and their resulting collaborative performances.

Emma Robinson is Steve’s talented daughter whose exquisite vocals have adorned Steve’s records since she was ten years old. Effortlessly and seamlessly switching from chest to head-voice, her distinctive singing-style has even caught the attention of esteemed producers Brian Eno (Bowie/Talking Heads) and Mark Ronson (Bruno Mars/Amy Winehouse) each of whom have discussed her unique voice on their respective podcasts and TV shows.

Flat Rock Cinema is an experience destination with New Movies, Classic Film Anniversaries, and Improv Comedy. Guests enjoy entertainment experiences paired with an elevated cinema dining menu, craft beer & cider, wine, and seltzer.

STEVE ROBINSON & STEVE KIRKLAND with Special Guest EMMA ROBINSON

Shred And Pill Drop Off Day

May 7, 10 - 12

 The Village of Flat Rock is sponsoring a Shred Day/Pill Drop-off on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Village Hall parking lot.

Please do NOT use plastic bags to hold your shred items. Suggested items to shred (limit of 3 regular-sized boxes per family):

* Financial statements
* Cancelled checks
* Credit card statements
* Payroll stubs
* Insurance forms
* Old tax returns
* Forms from doctors' offices

You can also drop off your expired/unused medications to representatives from Hope RX and the Sheriff's Department.

Items accepted:

* Prescription medication
* Over-the-counter medication
* Vitamins
* Ointments
* Patches

Items NOT accepted:

* Chemotherapy drugs
* Needles
* EpiPens

Marked Tree

WNC Cheese Trail Spring Cheese FEST

Sunday, May 3rd at 12-5pm

This spring is your chance to impress your mom (Mother's Day is May 10th), mother-in -law, parents, and best friends with a presentation of fabulous North Carolina cheeses and locally sourced artisanal foods! So much cheese to select from! Bring a BIG bag! WNC Cheese makers and food artisans may include: White Tree Farm, Round MTN Creamery, Goat Lady Dairy, Spinning Spider Creamery, Three Sisters Cheese and Provisions, Ali Rae, Blue Goat Diary, Blue Ridge Creamery, DJ's Pickles, Fermenti Farms, Roots and Branches Crackers, Blunt Pretzels and more! AND YES! you can try cheese with a glass of Marked Tree Wine! So sophisticated. Tres Chic!

The Park at Flat Rock

Forest Energy Class with Roger Bass

First Sunday of the month @ 12:00 pm

12:00 pm (First Sunday of each month starting May 2026):

Formerly Forest Bathing, Roger Bass returns to share “Treegong” exercises to exchange energy with trees, listen and co-create with the forest and rewild ourselves. Bring a cup for foraged forest tea, bring an open mind and step into the forest.

Join us for an authentic dining experience at one of our signature holiday events. Reservations are required. 

Menu: https://hliresort.com/seasons/menu/cider-buffet/

Trey Hensley Returns!

Saturday, May 2nd doors open 5pm

Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is proud to present the latest edition of Music in the Vines at Marked Tree Vineyard. This spring’s lineup features the return of GRAMMY® Award Winner Trey Hensley to the Crush Pad following his sold-out performance in February.

The GRAMMY® award winner and guitar virtuoso is known for his jaw-dropping musicianship and soulful storytelling, earning praise as “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine, “a guitar-slinging superhero” by Bluegrass Today, and “the Swiss army knife of roots music” by WMOT Radio’s Craig Havighurst

Stay tuned, many other great musicians will be announced over the next few weeks...

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

https://hendersonvillesymphony.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200522214

Drum Circle at Treskas

Time & Location

May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:10 PM

Treska's on Highland Lake, 211 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA

About the event

A Rhythmic Journey: Group Empowerment Drumming

Join us for an uplifting experience as we explore the healing benefits and vibrant energy of group drumming. Since the beginning of time, indigenous cultures have gathered in circles to connect through rhythm. Now, you are invited to experience firsthand how drumming builds community, enhances wellbeing, and brings genuine joy to the soul.

No prior drumming experience is necessary—all you need is an open mind and a willingness to have fun!

Marked Tree Vineyard

Spring Wine Dinner

Friday, May 1st 6pm 

Come experience a stunning spring sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains at our 2026 Spring Wine Dinner. We’re excited to collaborate with Western North Carolina's James Beard Semi-Finalist Chef Taylor Montgomery of Montgomery Sky Farms, alongside the WNC Cheese Trail, to create an unforgettable multi-course wine dinner thoughtfully paired with our signature Marked Tree wines.

Spring Wine Dinner with James Beard Nominated Chef Taylor Montgomery at MarkeD Tree!

Friday, May 1st 6:00pm

Come experience a stunning spring sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains at our 2026 Spring Wine Dinner. We’re excited to collaborate with Western North Carolina's James Beard Semi-Finalist Chef Taylor Montgomery of Montgomery Sky Farms, alongside the WNC Cheese Trail, to create an unforgettable multi-course wine dinner thoughtfully paired with our signature Marked Tree wines.

This intimate evening brings together seasonal flavors, exceptional wines, and sweeping mountain views for a truly elevated dining experience. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your place early. Menu will be available closer to the event as chef utilizes ingredients grown on the farm! Please reach out to Hannah with any dietary restrictions or allergies at hannah@markedtreevineyard.com. Ticket price includes gratuity. Tickets available on March 1oth

Tickets:  https://markedtreevineyard.orderport.net/wines/events

Latte Class & Experience at ShareWell Coffee
Thursday, April 30 | 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Spend an afternoon at ShareWell Coffee Co. & Roastery learning the art of the perfect latte. Led by head barista Randy, this hands-on class offers a fun, approachable introduction to espresso and milk techniques—ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or simply enjoy the craft of a well-made cup.

Space is limited to keep the experience personal, so early registration is recommended.

More Info and Tickets

Time & Location

Apr 30, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

ShareWell Coffee Co. & Roastery, 2698c Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA

https://www.sharewellcoffee.com/event-details/latte-class-experience

Sunday, April 26th, from 5pm - 6:30pm, all are welcome to this evolving monthly gathering, designed for movement, dance, and fellowship. Come as you are to flow, find stillness, or move freely, creating space for authentic expression in community.

Studio 116 is located at 116 W. Blue Ridge Rd., East Flat Rock, NC, 28726. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information on Studio 116, upcoming events, and artist studio rentals, visit studio116nc.com. On Instagram and Facebook: @studio116nc.