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.

Thursday, October 19, 2023
World Trails Film Festival
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
UNC Asheville Lipinsky Hall

The World Trails Film Festival is a unique event showcasing the best short and feature films centering the stories of trails from around the globe. Join us as we bring it to UNC Asheville (premiering for the first time on the East Coast of the United States) to celebrate why trails matter.

This community-building event will support trails locally and globally by fundraising equally for two leading trail organizations, the first of which is the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a local nonprofit equipping people to steward our wild landscapes, and the World Trails Ambassadors, a program of the World Trails Network.

Doors open at 6 pm, Program begins at 7pm and entry will be limited after 7:15 pm, during the screening. Program will include an intermission and ends at 9:30 pm.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Outdoor games at the library
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Leicester Library
  Stop by and play a round of cornhole or badminton at the library any Saturday this fall.

We’ll have a variety of fun  games set up outside for anyone to  enjoy from open to close when the weather is clear.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful mountain views!

Carolina CiderFest
Oct 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
McCormick Field

We’re back! Carolina CiderFest, is Asheville’s premier cider festival! Join us on October 21st at McCormick Field as we celebrate the art of cider-making and the vibrant spirit of Asheville. Immerse yourself in a cider wonderland, where you can sample a wide selection of craft ciders, enjoy live music, and savor delicious local eats. From traditional favorites to innovative blends, this festival is a cider lover’s paradise. Don’t miss your chance to sip, savor, and celebrate the best of Asheville’s cider scene at Carolina CiderFest!

Farm Fun Day
Oct 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

Come out to Historic Johnson Farm for an afternoon of fun!
Admission is $20 per family and includes:
Crafts for kids
Scavenger hunt
Wagon rides
Popcorn and drinks
Historic farm house open
One room school house lessons
Visit the donkeys and goats
Caregivers of Mother Earth
AND….the return of the Johnson Family’s 1923 Model T. At 1:15 PM during the event, members of the Walker Family will return this historic vehicle back to the farm after 40 years away. The car will be available for guests to view and ask questions.
General parking will be across the street, and sheriff’s volunteers will help visitors cross. Handicapped parking will be available at the farm.

Sunday, October 22, 2023
LEAF Fall Festival “Legends of the Americas”
Oct 22 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

We cordially invite you to partake in LEAF’s 51st Fall Festival, Legends of The Americas!

This year, our festival aims to exalt and pay homage to First Nations, Indigenous, and LatinX communities as we journey through the captivating theme of the Legends of The Americas.

We chose this theme for the entire year because of the depth and beauty of this exploration. At our Spring Retreat, we planted seeds of discovery and learning. Many of the artists are returning with their full ensembles for fall. Artists such as Angela Gladue and John John Grant of The Cherokee are attending with their awe-inspiring groups to continue building relationships.

It’s a season of joyous commemoration; an opportunity to look back and appreciate those who came before us. It’s a celebration where wisdom, preserved over generations, is rekindled and shared. It’s an occasion to pay tribute to remarkable legacies, to cherish enduring narratives, and to immerse ourselves in respected traditions.

Join us as we journey into a realm where learning coexists with festivity, where history influences the present, and where together, we appreciate the rich fabric of our collective past. Join us for LEAF’s Fall Festival, Legends of The Americas, October 19-22. Tickets are on sale now!

The 51st LEAF Festival
Oct 22 all-day
Lake Eden

What: The 51st LEAF Festival
When: October 19-22, 2023
Where: Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC
Weekend Passes Range $164-$239, including camping; day tickets and work exchange available. theLEAF.org/tickets

LEAF Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Headlining artists for LEAF Festival include Martha Redbone (headliner), Son Rompe Pera (headliner), Supaman, Angela Gladue & First Nation Dancers, The Secret Agency with 23 Skidoo, and many more to be announced.

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Oct 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Monday, October 23, 2023
Weekly Ping Pong Tournament
Oct 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava

Asheville’s best ping-pong players join Asheville’s worst table-tennis players at Sovereign Kava every Thursday at 7 p.m. to battle for glory and a $50 bar tab. No charge.
Whether you learned to play in the basement as a kid, or in a prison as a young adult, or in a rehab facility as an older adult, this is the tournament for you.
Located just down the hill on the Asheville-side of Mission Hospital, we are convenient walking distance to medical help after you get your heart broken on our Butterfly table.
Bring your paddle or borrow one of ours. Open to all skill levels and clothing styles. Beginners welcome. Hell, we’re ALL rusty after not playing during the Pandemic so don’t let that stop you.
Our table-tennis table is open for play 7 days a week, noon to 11 p.m. unless there’s a music event.
Here’s a link to a video from our 2019 table tennis tourney:
https://youtu.be/w_1EFEzx9sA

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Ping-Pong Tuesday Tournament
Oct 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge

Players of all skill levels gather at Shakedown Kava Lounge (Hendersonville’s kava
bar) every Tuesday for the kava bar’s weekly Table Tennis Tournament, Games to 11, best of 3, double elimination, paddles
included, winner receives eternal glory and a $25 bar tab, Entry is free.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Trivia Night at The Draftsman
Oct 25 @ 8:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Featuring Not Rocket Science Trivia
Put those random facts and obscure obsessions to use at Trivia Night, every Wednesday at The Draftsman! Bring friends and make new ones while you fuel your brain with specials on signature cocktails and bar bites at our laidback basement bar. Bragging rights for the title of Trivia Champion are always up for grabs!

Saturday, October 28, 2023
Beaverdam Studio Tour
Oct 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beaverdam Studio Tour

Twenty-six artists and craftspeople—21 who live in Beaverdam Valley plus 5 invited guest artists—are excited to welcome visitors to view their handmade artwork. Media include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, book art, textiles, photography, glass, mixed media, and more. Visitors come from Asheville, from over 15 states, and from cities and towns all over North Carolina. What they have in common is an appreciation for art and craft.
This year we have multiple artists in several locations—26 artists in only 17 sites—making this tour easy to see and easy to navigate. We hope you come out and visit all the talented artists. All studios are off Beaverdam Road, reached from Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. This summer, tour maps will be available online and in our brochure. Visitors can learn more about our two-day, self-directed, geographically convenient tour, and view artists’ work on our website, in our brochure, in print and online advertising, and in articles. A downloadable map is available on the website.

Halloweenfest – Brevard NC
Oct 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Heart of Brevard

Count Dracula may not live full time in Transylvania County, but we’re pretty sure he clears his schedule every year for Heart of Brevard’s Halloweenfest, the trickiest, treat-iest, most spooktacular celebration around.

This “fang-tastic” event features FREE family-friendly fun, including bounce houses, our traditional costume competition and parade, the Magic Book Bus, a hula hoop dance party, the LEAF Easel Rider, food vendors and more. Join us for this amazing event and explore downtown Brevard’s businesses through a downtown Spooky Stroll Open House and downtown trick or treating!

This year’s event will be held on October 28th, 10am-5pm, in the Heart of Brevard.

The 13th Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival
Oct 28 @ 1:00 pm
Pack Square Green

🌙 Under the eerie light of the Full Lunar Eclipse, The Surreal Sirkus returns to Pack Square Park this Halloween weekend with The Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival! Join the Sirkus (you’ve always wanted to!) for a uniquely local experience of performance, art vendors, food, beer, spirits and more!

🎪 The Surreal Sirkus is a nonprofit performance art troupe with roots deep in Asheville history. Founded in 1996, its annual free Halloween festival was an institution in the city’s art scene. The Surreal Sirkus was laid to rest by a Viking funeral in 2005, and triumphantly resurrected in 2021 with a free all-day fair and evening performance in the city center, with thousands attending throughout the event’s duration.

Sunday, October 29, 2023
Beaverdam Studio Tour
Oct 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beaverdam Studio Tour

Twenty-six artists and craftspeople—21 who live in Beaverdam Valley plus 5 invited guest artists—are excited to welcome visitors to view their handmade artwork. Media include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, book art, textiles, photography, glass, mixed media, and more. Visitors come from Asheville, from over 15 states, and from cities and towns all over North Carolina. What they have in common is an appreciation for art and craft.
This year we have multiple artists in several locations—26 artists in only 17 sites—making this tour easy to see and easy to navigate. We hope you come out and visit all the talented artists. All studios are off Beaverdam Road, reached from Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. This summer, tour maps will be available online and in our brochure. Visitors can learn more about our two-day, self-directed, geographically convenient tour, and view artists’ work on our website, in our brochure, in print and online advertising, and in articles. A downloadable map is available on the website.

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Oct 29 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Monday, October 30, 2023
Weekly Ping Pong Tournament
Oct 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava

Asheville’s best ping-pong players join Asheville’s worst table-tennis players at Sovereign Kava every Thursday at 7 p.m. to battle for glory and a $50 bar tab. No charge.
Whether you learned to play in the basement as a kid, or in a prison as a young adult, or in a rehab facility as an older adult, this is the tournament for you.
Located just down the hill on the Asheville-side of Mission Hospital, we are convenient walking distance to medical help after you get your heart broken on our Butterfly table.
Bring your paddle or borrow one of ours. Open to all skill levels and clothing styles. Beginners welcome. Hell, we’re ALL rusty after not playing during the Pandemic so don’t let that stop you.
Our table-tennis table is open for play 7 days a week, noon to 11 p.m. unless there’s a music event.
Here’s a link to a video from our 2019 table tennis tourney:
https://youtu.be/w_1EFEzx9sA

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Halloween Open House
Oct 31 @ 2:00 pm
AlignLife Chiropractic of Spartanburg west

*Open to the Public* – we will have food, games and prizes! Learn about chiropractic and nutritional health while you’re here from those who are passionate about what we do and how we do it differently. We can’t wait to meet everyone!

Halloween Bingo
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

Halloween Bingo: Free but registration required. Visit www.avlrec.com or call 828-254-1942.

Halloween Bingo 
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

 

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Prizes and fun await as you play for great prizes in your costume. For more info, call 828-507-9003.

Ping-Pong Tuesday Tournament
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge

Players of all skill levels gather at Shakedown Kava Lounge (Hendersonville’s kava
bar) every Tuesday for the kava bar’s weekly Table Tennis Tournament, Games to 11, best of 3, double elimination, paddles
included, winner receives eternal glory and a $25 bar tab, Entry is free.

The Haunted Farm
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Haunted Farm

Hendersonville, NC’s very own Haunted Farm is back for the 2023 Fall and Spooky Season! Bring your friends and family for a night, or more, of spooky and exciting fun that they’ll never forget! Come make memories in our NEW and movie quality sets that are sure to elevate your sense of fun and fear to extreme new heights! Check our website for Dates, Times, & Ticket Info!

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival Kick-Off Party
Nov 2 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
BBQ's Bears Smokehouse
Saturday, November 4, 2023
The 4th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival
Nov 4 @ 11:00 am
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

SATURDAY
11:00 AM Show Open
1:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
2:30 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
3:30 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
5:00 PM Tattoo Contests
7:00 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
7:45 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
8:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
9:15 PM Verona Fink Burlesque Sideshow and Suspension
10:00 PM Tattoo of the Day
11:00 PM Show Close

SUNDAY
11:00 AM Show Open
1:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
2:30 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
3:30 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
5:00 PM Tattoo Contests
7:00 PM Tattoo of the Day and Best of Show
8:00 PM Show Close

Sunday, November 5, 2023
The 4th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival
Nov 5 @ 11:00 am
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

SATURDAY
11:00 AM Show Open
1:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
2:30 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
3:30 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
5:00 PM Tattoo Contests
7:00 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
7:45 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
8:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
9:15 PM Verona Fink Burlesque Sideshow and Suspension
10:00 PM Tattoo of the Day
11:00 PM Show Close

SUNDAY
11:00 AM Show Open
1:30 PM Reggie Bügmüncher
2:30 PM Heavy Metal Magician Nigel Blackstorm
3:30 PM The Daredevil from Down Under Alakazam
5:00 PM Tattoo Contests
7:00 PM Tattoo of the Day and Best of Show
8:00 PM Show Close

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Monday, November 6, 2023
Weekly Ping Pong Tournament
Nov 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava

Asheville’s best ping-pong players join Asheville’s worst table-tennis players at Sovereign Kava every Thursday at 7 p.m. to battle for glory and a $50 bar tab. No charge.
Whether you learned to play in the basement as a kid, or in a prison as a young adult, or in a rehab facility as an older adult, this is the tournament for you.
Located just down the hill on the Asheville-side of Mission Hospital, we are convenient walking distance to medical help after you get your heart broken on our Butterfly table.
Bring your paddle or borrow one of ours. Open to all skill levels and clothing styles. Beginners welcome. Hell, we’re ALL rusty after not playing during the Pandemic so don’t let that stop you.
Our table-tennis table is open for play 7 days a week, noon to 11 p.m. unless there’s a music event.
Here’s a link to a video from our 2019 table tennis tourney:
https://youtu.be/w_1EFEzx9sA

Saturday, November 11, 2023
Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard FREE Holiday Farm Fest
Nov 11 @ 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Join us for the second Holiday Farm Fest at Ross Farm! 🎄🎁✨
Where: 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC, 28571
When: November 11th from 11:30 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free!

Come experience one heck of a unique venue! Our beautiful greenhouses will be transformed into a winter wonderland with unique plants, holiday music, hot beverages, goodies, and three greenhouses full of fantastic vendors ready to complete your holiday shopping list.

Join the holly jolly cheer with a community sing-a-long where Lauren Davis of @fiddyshadesofgreen and the rest of the Farm Fam will sing Christmas classics! This year, we’re singing Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ plus another classic.

We’ll be playing all of the holiday hits as you peruse our wonderful line-up of artisan craft and food vendors. Vendors include:
✨Your Mother’s Medicine
✨Cole Klutch Purses
✨Sabai Sabai
✨Mahila
✨New Moon Magic Studio
✨Yarned and Dangerous Crafts LLC
✨Appalachian Clay
✨Black Bear Woodworks
✨Pure Fire Foods
✨Jen Toledo Painting and Drawing
✨True Earth Herbs
✨Stray Cat Goods
✨Autumn & Olive Handmade
✨Mamaws Mudcrafts
✨Appalachian Wyld Botanicals
✨The Botany Garage
✨Early-Zald Photography
✨Max Trainque Glass
✨Machine Creek Studio
✨Fringe and Folly
✨Tree to Table Wood Works
✨Hemp3d
✨Silas Sauce
✨Lucent Heart Designs

Appalachian Standard will be there selling CBD, including our four brand new holiday boxes with exclusive releases in each just in time for the celebration.

We’ll also have a scavenger hunt for the kids and a few other surprises! Parking is available onsite but can be limited so we recommend that you carpool. This is an indoor event.

Stop by the farm for some holiday cheer!

Sunday, November 12, 2023
Sundays Traditional Game Day
Nov 12 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Monday, November 13, 2023
Weekly Ping Pong Tournament
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava

Asheville’s best ping-pong players join Asheville’s worst table-tennis players at Sovereign Kava every Thursday at 7 p.m. to battle for glory and a $50 bar tab. No charge.
Whether you learned to play in the basement as a kid, or in a prison as a young adult, or in a rehab facility as an older adult, this is the tournament for you.
Located just down the hill on the Asheville-side of Mission Hospital, we are convenient walking distance to medical help after you get your heart broken on our Butterfly table.
Bring your paddle or borrow one of ours. Open to all skill levels and clothing styles. Beginners welcome. Hell, we’re ALL rusty after not playing during the Pandemic so don’t let that stop you.
Our table-tennis table is open for play 7 days a week, noon to 11 p.m. unless there’s a music event.
Here’s a link to a video from our 2019 table tennis tourney:
https://youtu.be/w_1EFEzx9sA

Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Dungeons + Dragons
Nov 14 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weaverville Library
  Calling adventurous tweens/teens! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons at the Weaverville Library! This program is open to tweens and teens ages 12+.

All skill levels are welcome.

Space for this program is limited. Registration is required. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482