For more info, call 828-665-2492

Also see: Birds Exhibit | 2009 Garden Symposium | Folk Art Houses

January 17 through May 10, 2009: Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats
Explore Masters of the Night, a traveling exhibit at The North Carolina Arboretum that dispels popular misconceptions about bats, describes their ecological importance and gives visitors an appreciation of the true wonders of the bat world. Special effects, multi-sensory interactive displays, a Gothic castle and environmentally lifelike settings such as caves and rain forests present bats in mythic and real-life settings. A transitional area with bat portrait photography and a giant-screen video introduces visitors to the real world of bats as diverse, beneficial mammals with fascinating skills and extraordinary abilities. Visitors will also be able to explore bat plants in the demonstration greenhouse and see a giant bat sculpture created by Welding Unlimited. Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats was developed by AN Exhibition Group Inc. Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
March 27 and 28, 2009: WNC Orchid Show
The WNC Orchid Society will host its annual show at The North Carolina Arboretum. The popular juried plant show will also feature award-winning orchid vendors, many of whom are nationally recognized growers and hybridizers. Rare and unusual plants, specialty lighting and orchid supplies will be available for purchase. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
May 2 and 3, 2009: Rhododendron Show
The American Rhododendron Society’s Southeastern Chapter will host its annual show at The North Carolina Arboretum. Hundreds of blooms will be displayed at the Education Center during the show, including many favorite mountain plants. Azaleas as well as spring and summer blooming rhododendrons are among the most popular. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
May 30 and 31, 2009: Rose Show
The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will hold its annual exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum. Roses of every color and size will be featured during the exhibition. Knowledgeable society members, will be available to provide information about the selection, care and history of these magnificent garden plants. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
July 11 and 12, 2009: Bamboo Festival
The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter will host its third annual Bamboo Festival. Visitors will learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass during a weekend of lectures, demonstrations, crafts, plant sales and a raffle. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
August 7, 8 and 9, 2009: Asheville Quilt Guild Annual Show
The North Carolina hosts the Asheville Quilt Guild’s popular annual show, a juried event featuring more than 250 quilts of exceptional craftsmanship from across the U.S. and worldwide. The three-day show offers live demonstrations, a merchant’s mall and more! Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
September 26 and 27, 2009: Heritage Crafts Weekend
The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian traditions during Heritage Crafts Weekend. The event, now in its fourth year, features craft demonstrations, plant sales and musical performances in the Heritage Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).
 
October 10 and 11, 2009: 14th Annual Carolina Bonsai Expo
This two-day horticultural extravaganza, situated in the midst of the colorful mountains, features a display of bonsai from enthusiasts in a six-state region, live demonstrations, workshops, and a popular bonsai marketplace.  It’s also the perfect occasion to explore the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which offers a world-class display that innovatively establishes bonsai in the context of the Southern Appalachians. Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle).

October 17 and 18, 2009: NC Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show
The rewards of spring and summer come full bloom at The North Carolina Arboretum during the North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society’s annual show. Hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms in vibrant and varied colors will be on display. This judged exhibit highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers. The show is a perfect opportunity to learn more about how to grow display or show quality chrysanthemums.

The mission of The North Carolina Arboretum is to cultivate connections between people and plants.
The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 (previously Exit 2) and follow Blue Ridge Parkway signs for two miles to the entrance ramp. Arboretum grounds are open 7 days a week. Property hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., April-October and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., November-March. The Visitor Education Center and Bonsai Exhibition Garden are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. Parking Fees: $6 per personal motor vehicle, $25 commercial vans and $45 buses. No parking fee applies for NC Arboretum Society members. All day Tuesday, parking is free for all visitors.