Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals that some consider creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to trick-or-treat on the mountain and then watch special Halloween enrichments be given to the animals. Included with admission.
Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price. Children coming in costume do not need to make advance admission ticket reservations online. The discount will be given at the Entrance Gate. Those planning to visit the park not in costume are strongly encouraged to make advance ticket reservations online at grandfather.com/tickets.
Naturalist Niche: Fall Color Hike
Experience fall color in Chimney Rock at its best on this guided hike with a local naturalist. Explore stunning fall views throughout the park and learn what natural processes are behind these gorgeous autumn displays each year.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.
Event Schedule:
1:30pm – 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic
2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike

Pumpkin Fest is a fun, family friendly and fantastic artistic event or great date night with 18 beautiful artist-designed lighted carved pumpkin displays on a newly-paved short walking trail. The event includes talented local musicians, food trucks and coffee house, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, games, dress ups, and the Silvermont historic mansion and second floor museum open for tours.
Admission $7 per person (ages 13 and over), $5 ages 3-12, and 2 and under free. We accept cards, cash or check with ID.
Onsite parking cost is $5 per car (cash preferred). Free parking is available offsite on nearby streets and Comporium and church parking lots 1 block away. Handicap sticker- free parking onsite.
Animal Haven of Asheville Annual Fall Fundraiser
📅 Sunday, October 26 | 2–6 PM 📍 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd, Asheville, NC
Celebrate compassion and community at our annual fundraiser! Enjoy a full vegan buffet, drinks, live music by Southern Style Band, a silent auction, and interactive animal stations. All proceeds support our animals and help build a memorial barn honoring co-founder Barb Bellows.
🎟️ Early-bird tickets: $37.50 (until Oct 19) | $45 after 👧 Kids under 12 attend free 🚐 Parking and shuttle service provided
Ticket URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fundraiser-5
Reserve your spot and help us raise the barn!\
After being cancelled last year due to Helene, our annual fundraiser Walk For Your Neighbor is BACK! Please join us on Sunday, October 26 at First Baptist Church of Swannanoa for a walk and block party! There will be music, as well as food and drink! The walk will start at 2pm, with the block party continuing until 5pm.
To register for Walk for Your Neighbor, just scan the QR code on this flyer, or follow the link below. Registration is by donation only, but we are encouraging a $20 minimum donation for those who are able. You can also ask family and friends to sponsor your walk using the donation link you receive when you register. To be cost and environmentally conscious, we will be using last year’s t-shirts.
Our valley is still recovering and needs remain high. The more we raise through this walk, the more we can tangibly share the love of Christ with neighbors in need through food, clothing, baby supplies, healthcare, home repairs, and so much more! We hope you’ll give generously, lace up those sneakers, and come walk with us!

Join us for a spooktacular evening at Aloft Asheville & Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue’s Howl-O-Ween dog-friendly costume party. Come for cocktails, costumes, and community — all to support a great cause. The event takes place Sunday, October 26 from 4-7 pm at SPLASH, the outdoor pool deck at Aloft Asheville, with a $5 entry fee. Guests can look forward to dog and human costume contests, a one-night staycation raffle, music from DJ Molly Parti, and more. Dress up, sip up, and let your pups strut their stuff!

The Sheep Dog Club of WHHS is having this event for the community to earn money for our scholarship at the end of the year to a Senior who is entering Law Enforcement Training, Fire, EMS, or the military. We have secured food trucks to be available beginning at 10 am and craft vendors to sell their goods. Please join us to help our community of future leaders. The event is free to attend and purchase goods, and vendor tables are $25 each for up to two tables. Alternatively, you can bring your own tables and rent a space for $40.

I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)
Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.
3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!
6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.
6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.
The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!
Hike with a Naturalist
Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.
Save the date for this year’s annual Handcrafted Holiday Market! This year’s show will run from November 7 through December 18, with the reception planned for Thursday, November 6, 5:30 – 7pm. Regional artists will fill the TACS Gallery with fine and handcrafted goods, rotating their inventory with each week and providing you with ample opportunities for holiday shopping! Stay tuned for more information regarding participating artists.
Our Li’l Angels Tree is filled with ornaments donated by area artists each year. By purchasing one of these ornaments, you are supporting our Youth Scholarship Fund, providing equal opportunities to creative kids!
TACS will be hosting a collection for Thermal Belt Outreach (TBO)! Items being donated will be distributed by TBO this holiday season.
Naturalist Niche: Ridge Hike
Step off the beaten path and join one of our favorite hikes of the year led by a local naturalist. This special trek explores areas of the park normally closed to the public, offering rare views and rich insights into the landscape. With most of the leaves fallen, you’ll be treated to sweeping, long-range vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge. Please note, this hike goes off trail and is considered moderately strenuous.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Hike with a Naturalist
Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.
Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans
Hike with a Naturalist
Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.
Join us for a night of fabulous music for a fantastic cause. Our hurricane-relief concert series BLUE RIDGE HOLLER is coming to Asheville’s Wortham Center on Nov. 21!
Hosted by the multi-talented Josh Goforth, the concert features:
David LaMotte
Carolina Detour
Newfound Gap
Pythagoras
All proceeds will go toward our continued work rebuilding western North Carolina parks and recreational facilities destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Annual Passholder Exclusive: Llamapalooza
Save the drama, hang out with a llama! Spend a whimsical day hiking with these quirky, woolly companions on the 0.4-mile Great Woodland Adventure Trail. Along the way, you’ll strike a pose for fun photo ops and learn all about what makes llamas so unique. The Great Woodland Adventure is an easy trail, but please note it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. This event is for Annual Passholder only. No additional guests please.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.
Hike with a Naturalist
Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.
To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.
Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.
Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and creativity! Meet local actors, directors, and producers, share stories, and discover you next great project.
Free Headshots — 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Silent Auction featuring selected local artworks
Screening of 3 International Award-winning 48HFP Shorts — 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Special DJ Set & Appearance by “Mirror Man” — 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Suggested Contribution: $10
Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.
28th Annual Santa on the Chimney
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Santa will be back in the park this year for his Christmas trial run rappelling down Chimney Rock. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.
28th Annual Santa on the Chimney
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Santa will be back in the park this year for his Christmas trial run rappelling down Chimney Rock. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.
Mark your calendars — December 5, 2025, through January 5, 2026 — the beloved Deck the Trees holiday tradition is back, bigger and brighter than ever!
Now celebrating 15 years, Deck the Trees will once again bring holiday wonder to Black Mountain and Swannanoa, all for a great cause. This cherished fundraiser benefits the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, which helps neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter.
This year’s theme, “Christmas in Music & Song,” will inspire more than 50 beautifully decorated trees across town. You’ll find many of them at Peri Social House, Tyson Furniture Company, and White Horse Black Mountain, plus dozens of other local businesses decked out for the season.
How It Works:
From December 5 to January 5, you can vote for your favorite tree(s) by donating $1 per vote. Vote as many times as you’d like. Every dollar goes directly to the SVCM Fuel Fund. Voting is easy:
-Scan the QR code at each tree to donate online
-Or drop cash or checks in the donation box next to the tree
(Online donations encouraged.)
Can’t Visit in Person?
A full list of locations — plus photos of every tree — will be posted soon on the SVCM Deck the Trees website so you can vote from anywhere.
Follow the Festivities:
Stay updated on this year’s dazzling displays and special moments by following SVCM on Facebook (facebook.com/svcmcares) and Instagram (@svcmwnc).
This holiday season, let your heart and your votes warm homes across our valley!
