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.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Dark City LIT! Literary Festival
Oct 8 @ 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711

Saturday, November 8

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!

Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.

Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing research—whether historical, personal, or primary sources—to elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative efforts—from writers’ groups to small presses—are reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.

Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Biltmore Park Farmers Market
Oct 9 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Park Town Square

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

Saturday, October 11, 2025
Before & Afterparty
Oct 11 all-day
Center for Craft

BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30–11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all

I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.

Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!

Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.

Activation and music by Frisson Studios.

Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.

Winter Market 2025
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
WOLT

Winter Market 2025
Join us for our Winter Market filled with handmade treasures, unique vendors, and delicious food. Get ready for a fun and festive experience!
We still have a couple of vendor and food truck spots left. Please contact Third Day Design at [email protected] to reserve space at the Winter Market or any future event at WOLT. Vendor/Food truck fee is $20.

Autumn Rails 2025
Oct 11 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center
We hope to see you for Autumn Rails 2025,

ALL SCALES MODEL TRAIN SHOW

Friday, Oct. 10 12-6 pm

Saturday, Oct. 11 10 am-4 pm

Adults: $8

Children under 12: Free with an Adult

Scouts in Uniform: Free

Come see our Vendors, Layouts, Kids’ Play Zone, and win Door Prizes!
*Listen for the Train Whistle before the prize numbers*

27,000 sq ft of vendors, displays and TTraks to see! A canteen with an assortment of food to choose from.

Free Parking!

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Oct 11 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Greenwood Soccer Field at UNC-A

Big Game, Bright Ideas!
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is setting up shop at the UNC-Asheville Women’s Soccer Game for a special event full of team spirit and young talent!
Come cheer on the Bulldogs and shop from kid-run businesses offering everything from handmade crafts to sweet treats and creative products. It’s the perfect blend of community, creativity, and soccer excitement!
Let’s rally behind our young entrepreneurs and student-athletes all for one unforgettable afternoon!

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Pebble Jewelry Workshop with Molly Sharp
Oct 12 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

If you’ve ever collected small, perfectly smooth pebbles and wondered what to do with them, this two-day workshop is the perfect solution! Using diamond encrusted drill bits, students will drill through these materials and then fabricate sterling silver wire and sheet to create stunning jewelry which may include pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. Students will also learn about the soldering process, bezel and prong setting and a small amount of forging.

No experience is necessary but good eyesight or magnification is a must.

Students are asked to bring:
Small pebbles, ceramic shards, shells and sea glass if they have any (the instructor will bring some for their use as well)
Notebook and pen/pencil
Ultra fine tipped Sharpie pen
$399 plus materials
A materials list for students to purchase will be provided upon registration.

Thursday, October 16, 2025
Lunch and Learn with Carolina Memorial Sanctuary
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kanuga

Carolina Memorial Sanctuary leads a conversation about death preparation, home funerals, and the cathartic act of participating in a loved one’s burial, Thurs. October 16 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary presentation at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees). 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Biltmore Park Farmers Market
Oct 16 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Park Town Square

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Oct 18 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
J&M Farms

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to partner with J&M Farms at their vendor market day in October!

🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼

Come support young business minds as they showcase their creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit alongside your favorite local vendors.

Shop local and discover handmade crafts, delicious treats and unique finds from amazing vendors. It will be a day of family fun, and a perfect day to shop, explore, and be inspired by the next generation of innovators.

Thursday, October 23, 2025
Biltmore Park Farmers Market
Oct 23 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Park Town Square

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

Sunday, October 26, 2025
An Evening for All Souls: A Gathering of Song and Spirit
Oct 26 @ 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Kanuga

Enjoy an evening of community and music with An Evening for All Souls: A Gathering of Song and Spirit, Sunday, Oct. 26 at Kanuga. The evening begins at 4 p.m. at Kanuga Lake with a community choir workshop, followed by dinner and luminaria making on the Rocking Chair Porch Lawn at 5 p.m., and concludes with a concert by musical artist Roots Grown Deep at 6 p.m., with a luminaria release on the lake at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Cost: Concert only, $9.94; Concert & Dinner, $21.33. Location: 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Saturday, November 1, 2025
Journey Through the Seasons: Keeping a Garden Journal
Nov 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Library

Award-winning garden blogger, Lisa Wagner, encourages creative ways to plan, record, and reflect on your journeys through the seasons in your garden and landscape.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Nov 1 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Greenwood Soccer Field at UNC-A

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We are so excited to partner with UNC-Asheville Men’s Soccer Game for a day of goals and great ideas!

🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼

Come support the Bulldogs on the field and young entrepreneurs on the sidelines as kids run their very own businesses—selling everything from handcrafted goods to tasty snacks.
It’s a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates local talent and community spirit!

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Nov 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

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.

Saturday, November 8, 2025
Dark City LIT! Free Literary Festival in Black Mountain
Nov 8 all-day
Black Mountain Public Library

Saturday | Doors Open at 9:00 AM

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT!, a celebration of local literary talent. The day kicks off with the Write Local, Read Local Author Fair, featuring 20 local authors hand-selling their books.

🕛 Noon – 1:00 PM: Enjoy a dynamic Rapid-Read Hour, where authors share quick readings from their latest works.
📝 Afternoon Workshops: Dive into writing workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft.
🌟 Featured Author Tessa Fontaine closes the day with a powerful reading and book signing.

📍 Don’t miss this vibrant day of storytelling, creativity, and community!

Sunday, November 9, 2025
Jazz Is for Everyone – Swing: Always on Time
Nov 9 @ 3:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Sun, Nov 9 • 3 pm | 60 minutes

Swing is more than a rhythm—it’s a manifesto. From the lean precision of Count Basie to the buoyant lift of Fletcher Henderson, the world-weary elegance of Billie Holiday to the dazzling joy of Ella Fitzgerald, swing pulses with momentum and style. Not just a byword of the Big Band era, swing is how jazz moves—on time and on purpose.

Jazz Is for Everyone is a series of five one-hour sessions exploring jazz music. Come to one or join them all—each session stands on its own and welcomes listeners at any level.

What You’ll Experience:

Guided listening
Live music demonstrations
Stories that connect the music to people, places, and intent
A space for questions, curiosity, and shared discovery

Jeremy Walker launched Jazz Is for Everyone in 2004 at his Brilliant Corners Jazz Club, with Wynton Marsalis serving as Artistic Advisor. The program was developed as an Educational Affiliate with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, Walker’s been writing, composing, performing, producing, and speaking about why this music still matters.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
NC Medicinal Herb Grower and Buyer Event – 10 Year Celebration!
Nov 13 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center

Join medicinal herb farmers, buyers, and celebrate the season at the 10th Annual NC Medicinal Herb Grower Buyer Event in Mills River, NC!

Thursday, November 20, 2025
“Discovering a Sense of Place”
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Kanuga

Join naturalist and educator, Jessie Wilder, for a thoughtful conversation on the benefits of living a place-based life, Thurs. November 20 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the conversation with Jessie Wilder at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees=$24.74). KANUGA, 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Event registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-discovering-a-sense-of-place-with-jessie-wilder-tickets-1849253971409

Details:
10–11AM, Forest Bathing with Aimee Bostwick: Join Aimee for a time to ground ourselves by engaging our senses and tuning into our relationship with Nature. Dress comfortably for the weather and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We will end this time with a cup of tea and sharing.
11AM–12PM, Jessie Wilder on Sense of Place: Join us for a conversation with naturalist Jessie Wilder as she shares with us about our deep connection to place and how it forms us. Consider where you currently live and ask yourself this: I live here, but how much do I really know, love, and inhabit this place as home?
12–1:30PM, Lunch and Discussion in the Dining Hall

Friday, November 21, 2025
Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Nov 21 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Join us in Biltmore Park Town Square on Friday, November 21, 2025, for an enchanting start to your holiday season. The Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market promises to be an evening of magic and wonder.

Wander through the charming holiday market filled with over 35 local artisans, farmers, and craftspeople offering unique finds that will be perfect for gift-giving and holiday gatherings. You can even take home a freshly cut, Christmas tree from a local farm. Enjoy the warm, festive ambiance, sip on a rich cup of hot cocoa and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts.

Don’t miss the highlight of the evening – gather with family and friends to countdown for the lighting of the Biltmore Park Christmas tree at 6:30 pm! Experience the holiday cheer with the community, as twinkling lights illuminate the tree. The Christmas tree and the market will be surrounded by an abundance of festivities including a special holiday story time hosted by Barnes & Noble after the tree lighting, bringing joy to all ages.

Celebrate the season with the Biltmore Park community and make it a night to remember!

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard Holiday Market
Nov 22 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Get ready for holiday magic at Ross Farm, our sweet 22-greenhouse winter wonderland!
Join us for the Holiday Farm Market on November 22, 2025 (12-4pm) presented by Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard.
~Local craft vendors (Pottery, baking, and plants!!)
~Seasonal treats with a dessert food truck AND hot dogs
~Caroling & community sing-a-long (Get ready for Last Christmas 4.0!)
~Cozy holiday vibes
Find unique gifts, support local artisans, and celebrate the season with your neighbors amidst the stunning beauty that is Ross Farm.
~Ross Farm | 91 Holbrook Rd, Candler, NC 28715
Mark your calendars – this is THE place to be for Appalachian holiday cheer!

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Santa in the Square and Holiday Market
Dec 6 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Gather your family and friends Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a magical day in the heart of South Asheville where the holiday spirit truly comes alive. Biltmore Park Town Square can’t wait to welcome the community to this very special holiday tradition.

At the Town Square Green right in front of Reuter Family YMCA, children will have the unforgettable opportunity to meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for keepsake photos that will be treasured for years to come. Santa will be joined by Mrs. Claus and merry elves, all excited to greet families and spread holiday cheer. Children can even stop by the North Pole Express Station to write and send their very own letter to Santa, adding even more magic to magic to the day.

Visits with Santa will be surrounded by an array of family-friendly entertainment as the Town Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with whimsical stilt walkers, face painting, carolers, hot cocoa, festive treats, and so much more.

Along Town Square Boulevard, explore the Holiday Market with a vibrant selection of local vendors offering everything from artisan and crafts products to delicious seasonal foods and baked goods, jewelry, and handcrafted wooden toys. Whether you’re shopping for unique presents, savoring holiday flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate local makers and traditions among the warm glow of holiday lights. You can even take home a fresh-cut locally grown Christmas Tree – just in time for the season!

This cherished tradition brings the entire community together for a day of wonder, joy, and connection. Come be part of the magic at Biltmore Park Town Square and celebrate the holidays in true festive style!

Market Hours: 3-7PM
Where: Town Square Blvd

Visits with Santa: 3-6PM
Where: Town Square Green in front of Reuter Family YMCA

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to join with the Winter Wonder Walk for a one-of-a-kind Children’s Entrepreneur Market!
🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼

Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center-Winter Wonder Walk

Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.

Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand at the Winter Wonder Walk! As part of the Winter Wonder Walk you will be transported into the magical world of Winterland, where the pages will come to life with live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail.

📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.

Sunday, December 7, 2025
Woven Word Retreat
Dec 7 @ 12:00 am – 12:00 pm
House Boheme

Join us for the Woven Word Retreat – a cozy bohemian winter writing retreat for women nestled in the tranquil beauty of House Boheme. This is a transformative, creative, all-inclusive gathering designed to awaken your inner storyteller.

This 4-day, 3-night experience weaves poetry, movement, ritual, nourishment, and embodied storytelling to stir the creatrix within.

Guided by skilled and popular local facilitators who will help you explore your voice and connect deeply with yourself and others, you’ll have the space to write, reflect, and express your truth in a supportive, welcoming space.

Expect soul-nourishing practices like Yoga Nidra, writing workshops, yoga, and more, plus time to ground into nature and connect with a community of women.

Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned storyteller, you’ll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and more aligned with your creative spirit.

Learn more and secure your spot at www.wovenwordretreat.com

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Battery Park Hall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate & shop with us at our 11th annual Holiday Market. We’ll have vintage Christmas, art, plants, jewelry, homemade toys and gifts for those on your list.
The market will be held downtown at the beautiful Battery Park Hall, adjacent to the Haywood Park Hotel, 46 Haywood Street. Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is FREE! Park in metered street parking or in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Wall Street Parking Decks. Sunday metered parking is FREE.
Adoptable puppies with Mountain Pet Rescue will be here.
This is an INDOOR market and service dogs only are allowed.
Food & coffee onsite.

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Enamel a Silver Charm
Dec 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

Spend an hour +/- in the studio making a sterling silver and enamel charm.

Choose your charm shape and your favorite color(s) of enamel. You’ll sift the enamel onto the silver charm then fire it in a kiln to flow the glass enamel onto the silver, and repeat until your piece is complete!

Leave class with a finished charm you made yourself! Optional chain available for in-class purchase.

Level: Beginner Friendly

Wear comfortable clothing and arrive about 15 minutes ahead to sign a waiver and get settled. Our study is in downtown Asheville and there are 2 parking garages close by: Harrah’s and Rankin

Yule Tide Pride
Dec 13 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
AB Tech Mission Conference Center

So excited for Asheville Phoenix Fire Nonprofit’s 1st Annual – YULE TIDE PRIDE – Holiday Market Convention! We are bringing Pride into the festive season! Come get your holiday gifts, enjoy some local live music, coffee shop treats, connect with resources, take a holiday photo, sink in with community and more!

Sunday, December 14, 2025
Vegan Market Asheville
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bridge & Tunnel Cafe at A-B Tech Coman Center

A pop up vegan market featuring vegan vendors
Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmktThe event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Thursday, December 18, 2025
Drop In Simply Charmed and Copper Ornament Making
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

**Show up at Ignite Jewelry Studios anytime between 11am and 3pm to make your charms!

This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.

You can also choose a copper ornament to stamp on this day!

Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc.

$45 Base Price includes a brass charm and base metal chain or 1 copper ornament with thread loop. (Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!)

This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 5 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!