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.

Sunday, September 28, 2025
Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Sep 28 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Native America: In Translation
Oct 1 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Thursday, October 2, 2025
Native America: In Translation
Oct 2 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Friday, October 3, 2025
Sharon Louden Opening Reception and Book Signing
Oct 3 all-day
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Please join us for an exhibition walkthrough and book signing for artist Sharon Louden from 5-6pm. An opening reception for Barriers & Boundaries will follow from 6-8pm.

Exhibition – Sharon Louden: Barriers & Boundaries
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 am
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.

Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.

Native America: In Translation
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 3 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Hearth & Anvil: An Appalachian Open-Flame Cooking Celebration
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Join us on October 3, 2025, 6:00-8:30 pm, for an unforgettable outdoor experience on Tryon Arts & Crafts School’s (TACS) west campus, commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Helene with a celebration of Appalachian tradition. Ticket sales to TACS’ Hearth & Anvil fundraiser will support the school, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing us to continue providing opportunities such as the Helene Relief Artist in Residency Program. While fortunate compared to some, TACS and neighboring Harmon Field were significantly impacted by the storm with property damage, temporary closure, and cancellation of key events and programs. Hearth & Anvil is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and support the school, while enjoying traditional open-flame cooking and interactive art demonstrations alongside our new Terra Flora sculpture. The sculpture was constructed using natural and found materials from the aftermath of the hurricane.

The 13th Annual Haunted Trail at The Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

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

Blue Ridge Asheville Drag Bingo
Oct 3 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hilltop Event Center

Blue Ridge Asheville Drag Bingo is back! The first ball drops at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd at the Hilltop Event Center. Tickets start at $20, include bingo cards, and are available at https://BeardedLadyProductions.org. Ages 21+.

Category: Community | Bingo

Price:
General Admission: USD 20.00

Saturday, October 4, 2025
Art in the Park
Oct 4 all-day
Pack Square Park
October 4, 11, 18 2025

At the event you are sure to find the finest in handcrafted art that Asheville Area Artists have to offer. Skilled workers of Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal make their shops open to display to the public at every market. Positioned in the center of downtown Asheville the market has created over $1M in needed income for area artists. Many artists return to the market to welcome customers each year. Asheville is known as the hub of artistic activity that radiates throughout the area. Not only does Western North Carolina boast many excellent craft education programs, but it also plays host to many tourist each year. The vacationers marvel at the city as it’s arts and culture oozes out of every side of the artcentric mountainous region. Come start your next artistic adventure in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park this June and October and take home some of the wondrous bounty that is Asheville Art.

Admission:
Free to attend.
Hendersonville Farmers Market- GO PINK DAY!
Oct 4 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Train Depot

Discover the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong
A vibrant weekly gathering at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville. Running every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 local vendors within a 60-mile radius. From farm-fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Join us from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of food, farms, and family in a lively community atmosphere.

Farm City Day 2025
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This FREE event features many educational hands-on activities including a farm animal petting zoo, old-time craft demonstrations and a fishing pond. There are many children’s games and a wagon ride though the park. Planned entertainment includes the WTZQ Radio’s Local Artist Showcase Stage showcasing musicians performing throughout the day. Food vendors and displays cover 50 acres of Jackson Park the first Saturday of October annually.
Farm City Day Started in 1955 as a collaboration between Henderson County Cooperative Extension and Kiwanis. Today, Farm City Day celebrates Henderson County agriculture and promotes agricultural awareness to kids.
Exhibition – Sharon Louden: Barriers & Boundaries
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 am
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.

Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.

Native America: In Translation
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Oktoberfest
Oct 4 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park
October 04, 2025
01:00PM – 06:00PM

Raise a stein in the heart of Downtown! Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park for a full day of music, games, and German-inspired flare—this year the event is free and open to the public.

Taste the region: More than 20 Western North Carolina breweries and beverage producers are joining us, each bringing up to three styles—that’s 60+ beverages to explore.

Level up with a Prost Pass: Upgrade your day with a commemorative tasting cup + 20 tastes from participating breweries. Quantities are limited. (21+ only; valid ID required.)

On stage & in the park: Enjoy classic oompah energy from Lagerhosen and a hometown set from The Hillclimbers. Test your skills (or cheer from the sidelines) at the crowd-favorite Oktoberfest Games, sponsored by Aloft + Moxy Hotels.

Eat like you mean it: Your favorite food trucks will be serving German flavors—look for Haus Heidelberg and more.

Good to know: Entry is free; purchases required for food and the Prost Pass tasting experience. Family-friendly atmosphere; please drink responsibly.

Prost! See you in Pack Square Park on October 4.

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 4 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Opening Reception: “Raw + Unfiltered”
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

One year after being destroyed by Hurricane Helene in Black Mountain, the Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is reviving its visual art program! With the help of numerous volunteers, Flood Gallery was able to launch the new location by December of 2024, and quickly renewed the True Home Open Mic Thursdays, and then added Flooded Poetry Mondays, and Foreign Film Fridays. Salvaged art went up on the walls for a  “Flooded Art” Show. “RAW + unfiltered” kicks off an open, unjuried, exhibition series, that will be dynamic, current and communal. The first 25 artists to submit up to 2 pieces, inspired by the title’s theme, will be in the show, encompassing all perspectives, styles, & media of the local artist community. The art will be for sale, to help support the artists and continue Flood Gallery’s eclectic programs and events.

Like all events at the Flood Gallery, this exhibition is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and food will be available. Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and educates, encourages, challenges and inspires the community through music, film, literary, and contemporary art.

Located off I-240 Exit 8, River Ridge Business Center, Suite 1200, 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 (behind Hamrick’s and Sun Soo Martial Arts, next to Asheville Dance Theater)

Show runs Oct. 4 – Nov. 7

Flood Gallery plans to hold these open art call exhibitions every couple of months. The next submission drop-off date will be Nov. 8, and opening date will be Nov. 15.

The 13th Annual Haunted Trail at The Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

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

Sunday, October 5, 2025
Native America: In Translation
Oct 5 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Blue Ridge Roller Derby Home Team Season Opener – Triple Header Bout!
Oct 5 @ 2:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Event Center

Blue Ridge Roller Derby is kicking off our Home Team Season with a TRIPLE HEADER you don’t want to miss! Join us for an action-packed afternoon of hard hits, fast skates, and friendly rivalry as our three home teams take the track:

🦇 Black Balsam Batties
🐝 The Swarm
🐍 Copperhead Outlaws

Each team will face off in a series of 30-minute mini-bouts (Bats vs. Bees, Bees vs. Snakes, Snakes vs. Bats), bringing you 90 minutes of wild, family-friendly roller derby fun!

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, our Home Team Season is a great chance to see new skaters shine and seasoned skaters throw down in the name of bragging rights and team spirit.

💖 Giving Back: A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cornbread & Roses, a 2SLGBTQIA+-led nonprofit supporting rural Western NC through therapy services, a food pantry, and educational programs. Learn more: www.cbrcounseling.org

🎉 Expect halftime games, tasty eats from local vendors, and a fun-filled afternoon of roller derby just 30 minutes from Asheville!

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 5 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
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.

Exhibition – Sharon Louden: Barriers & Boundaries
Oct 8 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 am
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.

Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.

Native America: In Translation
Oct 8 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Mega Networking 2025
Oct 9 @ 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Embassy Suites
 
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown
192 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.

Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.

You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.

Helpful tips:

  • *     Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
  • *     Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
  • *     Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
  • *     If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
  • *     Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.

Cost is $50 per Chamber member, $85 for other attendees. 

Exhibition – Sharon Louden: Barriers & Boundaries
Oct 9 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 am
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.

Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.

Native America: In Translation
Oct 9 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Friday, October 10, 2025
Exhibition – Sharon Louden: Barriers & Boundaries
Oct 10 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 am
Tracey Morgan Gallery

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.

Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.

Native America: In Translation
Oct 10 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.