April is Blooming in Asheville

Spring has arrived in Asheville, and we are so ready for it! Not only does April mean the start of warmer days and blooming trees and flowers, it also means more family-friendly activities throughout the city. If you missed us during winter, you must check out all that Asheville has to offer in the spring. From Easter gatherings with family and friends to hiking in our many forests and parks, this is a fantastic time to visit.

The Residences at Biltmore makes it easy to keep the whole family together with 3- and 2-bedroom suites with room for as many as 6 to sleep comfortably. Read on for our ideas for family fun in April.

Biltmore

There is always something for the entire family to enjoy at Biltmore, and this month is no exception. One of the most-visited sights at the estate is Biltmore Blooms, the annual explosion of color throughout the property and in the Walled Garden. Thousands of tulips, flowering cherry and magnolia trees, and many more blossoms create a kaleidoscope of sights and smells. Learn what specific flora is in bloom by visiting the online Bloom Report before you go.

When you're done with the flowers, delight the kids with a visit to the Antler Hill Farm barnyard for a peek at baby animals like goats, lambs, and calves. Or let the kids play, climb, and run around on the Pisgah Playground.

Don't forget Easter Sunday! Biltmore is mixing it up this year with an Easter Scavenger Hunt on April 19 and 20.

After hunting, the whole family is invited to the Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures event. The new exhibit explores the culture of ancient Egypt and the discovery and treasures of Tut’s tomb, and features nearly 1,000 replicas of the goods found with his tomb. The display is at the Amherst at Deerpark™ exhibition space. Admission to the exhibit is included as an addition to some ticket options.

Venture Out

For a unique spring celebration, head to one of the small towns on the outskirts of Asheville.

Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade

Each year, residents of the quirky town don their best hats and parade up and down the streets, starting from Town Hall. Hats will be judged in various categories, and will include adults, kids, and even dogs. It all starts with an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. on April 19, followed by the parade at 2 p.m. This year, the town is awarding a prize for the Best Animal in Show, as well.

Greening up the Mountains

The town of Sylva celebrates spring's arrival with Greening up the Mountains, an annual Downtown festival. This year's festival takes place April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features vendors, local artists, craft displays, youth talent contests, food, drinks, and more.

Annual Spring Herb Festival

The largest herb festival in the United States and Canada takes place at the WNC Agricultural Center Friday – Sunday, April 25-27. It will be a weekend full of education, plants, and local plant vendors. Food trucks will also be onsite.

Hours are Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and April 27, 10 a.m. – 3p.m. Admission, parking, and workshops are free.

Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene

Although it's not really a festival, the exhibition of artwork by artists who live and work in the Hurricane Helene-affected Appalachia region is a must-see and will be on display until May 4, 2025 at the Asheville Art Museum.

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

Asheville's cousin to the south, Hendersonville, will showcase its wineries and cideries May 2-4. The events on tap include tours, tastings, wine releases, food trucks, music, and plenty more activities over the two days. Find more information, including specific times, participating businesses and locations on the website. Most wineries and cideries have activities to keep the kids busy.