Apples on the shoulder: Plan your week ahead with WNC Parent

This week we are in that wonderful but unpredictable shoulder season between the last summer days and the glimpses of fall to come. It’s apple time, festivals are in full swing and you can find plenty of free activities, too. Look for WNC Parent’s September content online at wncparent.com. Get the basics of baby’s first hike, encouragement to try a yoga class, some laughs, great books, back-to-school safety reminders, and even a locally created recipe.

Stay in touch on social media @wncparent, and get your organization’s family-friendly events on our calendar by emailing chris@worthyplace.com.

The North Carolina Apple Festival is Sept. 2 – 5 in Hendersonville. For a full schedule of events, visit ncapplefestival.org.

Toddler Water Day is 10 a.m. – noon Sept. 3 at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/news/community-members-can-stay-cool-at-asheville-parks-recreations-free-water-events.

Bubble Brigade Foam Party is at 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Fairview Library. For details, call 828-250-6484 or email fairview.library@buncombecounty.org.

Make a pencil desk organizer Sept. 3 in select Home Depot stores. Details for this event and virtual field trips are online at homedepot.com/c/kids.

Mile High Kite Festival is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 4 in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Kite clubs will be on hand to demonstrate flying techniques and run kid-friendly contests. Free kites will be given to the first 100 children under the age of 13 each day. Other activities include races with kids pulling parachute kites, face painting, kiddie rides, live music, and a variety of craft and food vendors. Admission is free. Parking is $5. For details, visit beechmtn.com/event/mile-high-kite-festival-2.

Star Stories with Star Guy Gary is at 2, 2:45 and 3:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Asheville Museum of Science. Seating is first-come, first-served. Laminated tickets are available at the front desk. The program is included with admission. Visit ashevillescience.org.

Kolo Bike Park – $10 Sunday Fundays are Sept. 4 – March 26. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

Dark Sky Astronomy Night is at 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The event is for astronomers of all experience levels. For details and registration information, visit pari.edu.

A stuffed animal sleep over story time and drop-off is at 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Henderson County Main Library. Have you ever wondered what happens at the library when it's closed? Let your stuffed animal friends at our sleepover to find out. One toy per child. Reserve your space at the Main Library Youth Services Desk. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

Looking ahead:

Autumn at Oz Festival is Sept. 9 – 11, Sept. 16 – 18, and Sept. 23 – 25 at Land of Oz in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. This “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” event includes live performances, food, the “Over The Rainbow” overlook that showcases a five-state view, refurbished set pieces and more. For tickets visit landofoznc.com.

Women's Kayak Retreat is Sept. 9 – 11 at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Join a group of women paddlers for a weekend of paddling, yoga, and companionship. Visit noc.com/courses/womens-kayak-retreat.

Bike Rodeo and Safety Day is 9 a.m. – noon Sept. 10 at the Buncombe County Training Facility at 20 Canoe Lane, Woodfin. The event is free and open to all ages and features K9 Kora and Marshall from Paw Patrol, free hot dogs, skills course and more. Visit buncombecounty.org.

Olivette Riverside Community and Farm’s HarvestFest is 3 – 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at Olivette’s Riverside Park. The event is a benefit show in support of ASAP’s (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. HarvestFest is a celebration of local farmers, community and music. It includes games, live music and more. All farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. Tickets are $25 each. For details and tickets, visit bit.ly/3K9Dosv.

Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day is Sept. 17 at participating museums and cultural institutions across the country. Entry is free entry with a Museum Day ticket. For a list of museums and to receive a ticket, visit smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2022.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC Parent Family Weekend Calendar September 2-4