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.
October 10 – 26
Grab your guitars and dust off your cowboy boots before heading out to the Playhouse Barn for Autumn at the Opry, Vol. 2. This popular country extravaganza is back with all new music and showcases everything from bluegrass to honky-tonk, tin pan alley to pop standards, and the blues to rock-n-roll. Join our world-class musicians and singers in this ode to The Grand Ole Opry. We guarantee a hand-clappin,’ foot-stompin’ good time.
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Asheville Vaudeville and special guest, Danbert Nobacon of the legendary anarcho-punk band, Chumbawamba, will collaborate in the upcoming installment of Asheville Vaudeville’s seasonal brunch time entertainment. The performance will feature Danbert Nobacon’s original acoustic music whilst a ragtag group of clowns and freaks come together to create an amusing array of mayhem and maybe even rescue democracy from the threat of a nefarious fascist regime by using their superpowers of comedy, comradery, common sense, sensuality, and an earnest exercising of their collective free-speech muscles. This is an 18+ show.
Asheville Vaudeville and special guest, Danbert Nobacon of the legendary
anarcho-punk band, Chumbawamba, will collaborate in the upcoming
installment of Asheville Vaudeville’s seasonal Sunday noon spectaculars. The
performance will feature Danbert Nobacon’s original acoustic music whilst a
ragtag group of clowns and freaks come together to create an amusing array of
mayhem and maybe even rescue democracy from the threat of a nefarious
fascist regime by using their superpowers of comedy, comradery, common
sense, sensuality, and an earnest exercising of their collective free-speech
muscles.
Asheville Vaudeville is WNC’s largest and longest-running variety show, known
for bringing together a revolving lineup of WNC’s best comedy, juggling, magic,
belly dance, burlesque, acrobatics, aerialists, clowns, short plays, sideshow,
puppetry, music, and more into entertaining Vaudeville revue-style
performances. The ever-evolving group of artists has been collaborating under
this banner since 2002, with notable long-time staples including Toybox,
America’s Favorite Cartoon Witch; Rigel the Clown; Claire Dima, Barefoot
Bellydancer Extraordinaire; and others.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
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!
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
October 16-26 , 2025
Thursday, 10/16 at 7:30 (pay what you can available 10/2)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Director: Jennifer Treadway
Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult situations, language, depictions of smoking, and alcohol use.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, and murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth–the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
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.
Bassoonist Rosalind Buda and Northumbrian smallpiper Dick Hensold perform a rollicking blend of traditional Celtic tunes and original music–all delivered with technical flair and joyful ease. Enjoy duets for smallpipes, songs with whistles, dance tunes on Scottish Border pipes and bombard, and the wonderful pairing of pipes and bassoon!
Rosalind Buda Scottish smallpipes, bassoon, bombarde, whistles, voice
Dick Hensold Northumbrian smallpipes, Scottish reel pipes, whistles, voice
As ever, PAN HARMONIA offers Donation-based, Pay-as-You-Can Community
Concerts. All are welcome! panharmonia.org
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th annual Haunted Trail; Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville is the host of this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Wortham Center Student Series Donna Washington: A Little Shiver
Tue, Oct 28 • 10 am
Grades 3–5
Show length: 60 minutes
Join internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington for a delightful session of fun, interactive, and not-so-scary ghost stories perfect for young audiences. Through the enchanting world of Swamp Stories rooted in African American traditions, students will not only enjoy the tales but also enhance their literary skills. Donna’s animated storytelling style, complete with vocal pyrotechnics and expressive characterizations, will captivate and inspire students, making this an unforgettable educational experience.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Tue, Oct 28 • 7 pm
Master storyteller Donna Washington delivers delightfully disquieting tales of skin-spinners, sweet-toothed child-eaters, undead lovers, and blood-hungry captains. Perfectly timed for the Halloween season, these stories will get under your skin and revisit you deep in the night.
Recommended for ages 18+
Spotlight on Donna Washington:
Called a “Walking Disney Movie” for her animated, spellbinding style
Consultant on the eerie video game South of Midnight
30+ national awards for storytelling and spoken word recordings
Performed at major festivals across the U.S., Australia, and beyond
For grown-up lovers of the strange, spooky, and spine-tingling—don’t miss it!
Originally formed in Byron Bay, Australia, back in 2014, Parcels now operate in a dual-location setup, with members scattered between Australia and Berlin, Germany. The band’s line-up consists of keyboardist Louie Swain, keyboardist/guitarist Patrick Hetherington, bassist Noah Hill, drummer Anatole “Toto” Serret, and guitarist Jules Crommelin.
With over a billion streams and a sold-out performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in 2024, Parcels are continuing their journey without missing a beat, always expanding the scope of their influence. 2025 promises to be even more exhilarating as the band hits the road again, showcasing their astounding and unique live prowess to audiences around the globe, accompanied by a wealth of new music. This fall, they embark on a significant North American tour, performing at major venues, reflecting their ever-growing impact.
With Special Guest Johnny Mullenax 
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
The Infamous Stringdusters are a celebrated American progressive bluegrass band known for their virtuosic musicianship, innovative arrangements, and genre-blending style. The GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet—Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], and Travis Book [double bass]—have musical influences that truly run the gamut, but their common denominator is certainly bluegrass— the sound that has in essence defined the course of their career.
The Infamous Stringdusters stand out as the rare group who can team up with contemporary artists on late night television one night and headline the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre the next, and have recently emerged as proprietors behind their newly found independent record label, Americana Vibes.
Songbird Holler is a captivating folk trio featuring three generations of mountain women dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Award-winning banjo player Bayla Davis, fifth-generation ballad singer Donna Ray Norton, and veteran Songbird Holler is a captivating folk trio featuring three generations of mountain women dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Award-winning banjo player Bayla Davis, fifth-generation ballad singer Donna Ray Norton, and veteran Appalachian old-time singer Cary Fridley have come together to share folk harmonies, ballads, and banjo tunes, weaving stories and melodies rooted in mountain heritage and authentic Appalachian spirit. Appalachian old-time singer Cary Fridley have come together to share folk harmonies, ballads, and banjo tunes, weaving stories and melodies rooted in mountain heritage and authentic Appalachian spirit.
Tickets at
https://whitehorseblackmountain.org/product/songbird-holler/
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at Asheville Masonic Temple under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Spooky season is almost here! Halloween special concerts are selling fast. Get your tickets before they fully SELL OUT!
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
Tentative Program
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Funeral March of a Marionette – Charles Gounod
String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto – Dmitri Shostakovich
Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) – Mike Oldfield
Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E
Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman
The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy
Halloween (Theme) – John Carpenter
Prelude from Psycho – Bernard Herrmann
Ghostbusters (Theme) – Ray Parker Jr.
Danse Macabre – Camille Saint-Saëns
Night on Bald Mountain – Modest Mussorgsky
Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley
Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman
WHERE: Third Room
WHEN: Friday October 31, 2025
DOORS: 8pm SHOW: 9pm
GENRE: jam / rock
TICKETS: $20
Join us on Friday October 31st at Third Room in Asheville for a night of sound, visuals and Halloween fun you won’t forget!
Kicking off the night: The J. Lloyd Mashups’ Tribute to Ozzy, a dark and groovy homage to the Prince of Darkness.
Then, Asheville’s own Auspicious Golden Fish takes the stage with their high-energy instrumental psychedelia, wrapped in immersive visuals, lights and Halloween magic.
Come dressed to impress for our Ozzy costume contest! We’re giving away prizes for the most epic, over-the-top Ozzy looks of the night. Think leather, eyeliner, crosses, bats… go wild. 🦇”
Auspicious Golden Fish:
Swimming in an ocean of sound, Auspicious Golden Fish weaves together searing guitar riffs, hypnotic synth textures, and deep funk grooves into a transcendent musical experience. Guitarist/producer Jamie Hendrickson (The Fritz/ElectroLust) assembles a revolving lineup of all-star musicians that bring his compositions to life. The result is a sonic journey—one that invites listeners to dissolve the ego, embrace the present moment, and dance into higher states of consciousness.
J. Lloyd Mashup:
The JLloyd MashUp explores different genres of music including Acid Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro Beat, Reggae, Break Beat, and Latin. Led and curated by Jonathan Lloyd (The Fritz/ Dubconscious/ Cadillac Jones), the band is made up of some of Asheville’s busiest and hardest working musicians on the scene.
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!
Sat, Nov 1 • 8 pm
One of the finest singer-songwriters of her generation, Bonoff’s ballads became hits for legends like Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt. Her live shows—spare, moving, and transformative—showcase a voice that works timeless magic and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
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.
Tues, Nov 4 2025 4 pm
The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power – in Concert with a special guest from the films, a symphonic orchestra and the Oscar-winning music of Ed Sheeran, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox, Enya, and more great composers.
The musical world of hobbits and elves from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of The Rings”, “The Hobbit” and “The Rings of Power” will be performed in a unique concert by a film orchestra, choir, and star soloists. The two-hour performance features an original guest star and the greatest music from the films, in an acoustic experience ranging from the threatening music of Mordor and the shrill sounds of the black riders to the beautiful lyrical melodies of the elves.
Coral Grief, on tour from Seattle, return to Asheville to play Static Age Records on November 4th. The band released their debut album, Air Between Us, on Suicide Squeeze and Anxiety Blanket Records on July 18 and will be touring the US in support of that record. Dubbed “a beautiful tightrope walk between hazy and meticulous, lush and sparse, atmospheric and melodic” by Seattle’s independent radio giant KEXP, the record has gone on to receive praise from Paste Magazine, Stereogum, Bandcamp and Gold Flake Paint. The band’s live show expands upon the recorded work, enlivening their sophisticated take on dream pop and shoegaze. Local artists Idle County and Star Anise support.
The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – A Celebration of Film Music
Tues, Nov 4 2025 8 pm
The symphonic world of Hans Zimmer with music from James Bond, The Lion King, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Top Gun, Dune and more!
The best music will be performed by the Hollywood Film Orchestra in an impressive show with light installations, laser projections, and selected film clips. Star soloists from the Original Broadway Production will perform excerpts from “The Lion King”, Zimmer’s most beloved box office smash hit.
No other composer has influenced the film world in the past two decades as much as the Oscar-, Globe- and Emmy-winning composer Hans Zimmer with his staggering compositions for films such as “James Bond”, “The Lion King”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Gladiator”, “The Dark Knight”, “Man of Steel”, “Inception”, and “Interstellar”.
Hans Zimmer wrote the film scores of more than 200 movies, won his second Oscar for “Dune” (2022), following his first Academy Award for “The Lion King” (1994). He named Ennio Morricone as his idol and role-model, whose work will be featured with excerpts from the films “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”. Zimmer followed Morricone’s example of composing the film music often before – instead of after – filming, and shaped the entire film. He changed the beginning of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” for example, and the world-famous director moved into the studio of Hans Zimmer.
Viagra Boys on Tuesday, November 04 at the Orange Peel.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
The Music of the Lion King In Concert
Wed, Nov 5 4pm
Step into the heart of the savanna for an unforgettable evening of music, emotion, and spectacle as The Lion King – Live in Concert takes the stage. This extraordinary event brings to life the beloved soundtrack of The Lion King in a breathtaking live performance featuring a full symphonic orchestra, dynamic percussionists, and soaring choral harmonies. From the iconic opening chant of “Circle of Life” to the uplifting joy of “Hakuna Matata” and the romantic beauty of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” this concert is a tribute to one of Disney’s most powerful and enduring stories.
Performed by star soloists from the original Broadway productions and accompanied by the renowned Broadway Symphonic Orchestra & Choir, this live concert experience captures every ounce of the emotion, majesty, and cultural richness of the original film and musical. But what truly sets this event apart is its immersive visual design. State-of-the-art lighting, vibrant projection mapping, and stunning visual effects transform the venue into a sweeping landscape of color and energy—taking you deep into the Pride Lands and beyond. These dynamic visuals are choreographed to the music, creating a multisensory experience that brings the spirit of Africa to life right before your eyes.
Whether you’re reliving the magic or discovering it for the first time, The Lion King – Live in Concert promises to be the most captivating concert event of the year. Highlights from the musical program include “He Lives in You,” “Battle for Pride Rock,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and the rhythmic pulse of “Nants’ Ingonyama” and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. With a perfect blend of timeless music, world-class performers, and dazzling visuals, this show is more than a concert—it’s a journey into the soul of a global phenomenon. Get your tickets now and experience the magic in a whole new light.
Join NC Stage Nov. 5th – Nov. 23rd for Is This A Room. Wed., Thurs., Sat. at 7:30pm; Fri. & Sun. at 2pm. (Friday 11/7 at 7:30pm)
June 3, 2017: A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking classified information to media sources. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Adult Tickets: $24-48
Student Tickets: $10
“Choose Your Price” Nights 11/5-11/7: $10-48
For over 20 years, Il Divo has embodied the power of music, brotherhood, and artistic evolution. Since their debut in 2004, the iconic quartet, formed today with —Urs Bühler (tenor, Switzerland), Sébastien Izambard (tenor, France), David Miller (tenor, USA), and Steven LaBrie (baritone, USA)—have redefined classical crossover, captivating audiences worldwide with their breathtaking vocals and electrifying performances.
With over 30 million albums sold, 50 #1 hits, and 160 Gold and Platinum certifications across 35 countries, their impact is undeniable. They have graced the world’s grandest stages, from the Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup to the Diamond Jubilee at Windsor and the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.