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.

Saturday, October 4, 2025
Asheville Community Square Dance
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Haw Creek Commons

Experience Appalachian music and dancing at this lively community gathering! Enjoy a live old-time string band as a caller leads fun, easy-to-follow dances—no partner or experience needed. Start the evening with a short flatfoot lesson and try your luck in the cake raffle. All ages are welcome!

Plenty of free parking is available at Haw Creek Elementary School (10 Bethesda Rd), just a short walk from the hall. Accessible spots are also available next to the dance hall at Haw Creek Commons.

Admission: $10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under. Pay at the door via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

Sign up for email updates below!

https://mailchi.mp/39798f75c04a/signup_asheville-community-square-dance

Sunday, October 5, 2025
Grease
Oct 5 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

Grease

September 19 – October 12, 2025

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Sponsored by: HomeTrust Bank

Bursting with high-octane fun and unforgettable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” Grease is the ultimate rock-and-roll celebration. Step back into the 1950s as Rydell High’s senior class navigates the ups and downs of love, identity, and teenage rebellion. One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease is a rollicking good time.

Supported by a live five-piece band!

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Oct 8 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Third Room

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Grease
Oct 9 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

Grease

September 19 – October 12, 2025

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Sponsored by: HomeTrust Bank

Bursting with high-octane fun and unforgettable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” Grease is the ultimate rock-and-roll celebration. Step back into the 1950s as Rydell High’s senior class navigates the ups and downs of love, identity, and teenage rebellion. One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease is a rollicking good time.

Supported by a live five-piece band!

Friday, October 10, 2025
Grease
Oct 10 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

Grease

September 19 – October 12, 2025

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Sponsored by: HomeTrust Bank

Bursting with high-octane fun and unforgettable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” Grease is the ultimate rock-and-roll celebration. Step back into the 1950s as Rydell High’s senior class navigates the ups and downs of love, identity, and teenage rebellion. One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease is a rollicking good time.

Supported by a live five-piece band!

Pilobolus
Oct 10 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Wortham Center Student Series Pilobolus

Fri, Oct 10 • 10 am

Grades 6–12
Show length: 60 minutes

Get ready for a high-energy journey through imagination and movement! Known for their athleticism, humor, and creativity, Pilobolus blends dance, storytelling, and visual surprises into a performance like no other. Students become part of the action with interactive engagement and enjoy laughter-filled moments that spark creativity and connection—leaving them amazed and inspired.

Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each

Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each

Matt Mathews Boujee On A Budget
Oct 10 @ 7:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, A SECOND PERFORMANCE TIME FOR THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR 9:30PM ON OCT. 10!

Come on out for a night of fun and laughter.

Pilobolus: Other Worlds Collection
Oct 10 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri & Sat, Oct 10 & 11 • 8 pm

Journey into an astonishing universe where Pilobolus transverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry. Explore the human condition as they fuse sensuality, humor, and physical prowess in a spellbinding performance.

“If we think we know what’s going to happen at a Pilobolus concert, we’d be wrong.” —Dance Magazine

“The men and women of Pilobolus have no interest in playing by the dance world’s rules” —Huffington Post

Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.

Spotlight on Pilobolus:

Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College; now hailed as an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure”
Performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic Games
Famous for the Hyundai “human car” TV commercial
120+ works performed across 65 countries with 100M+ social media views
Known for daring athleticism, inventive storytelling, and playful artistry

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.

Grease
Oct 11 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

Grease

September 19 – October 12, 2025

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Sponsored by: HomeTrust Bank

Bursting with high-octane fun and unforgettable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” Grease is the ultimate rock-and-roll celebration. Step back into the 1950s as Rydell High’s senior class navigates the ups and downs of love, identity, and teenage rebellion. One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease is a rollicking good time.

Supported by a live five-piece band!

John Crist: Jokes for Humans
Oct 11 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

With special guest Derrick Stroup

John Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, earning more than one billion video views, more than 7.5 million fans on social media, and sold-out shows from coast to coast — continuously charting as one of Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. John has sold out the majority of his 2025 U.S. ‘Jokes For Humans’ dates and continues to add multiple shows in select cities.

His latest comedy special John Crist: Emotional Support, released February 18, showcases his skills in delivering witty, pop culture commentary through clean humor. Filmed just six miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, GA, John Crist: Emotional Support sees the viral comedian diving into the ever-changing dynamics of growing up Christian in the 90s, navigating family group texts, mediating fights on the neighborhood Facebook page and more. In its first three weeks, the special earned more than 2.1 million stand-alone views, with social media clips surpassing 20 million views, as it continues to grow in viewership.

 

Pilobolus: Other Worlds Collection
Oct 11 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri & Sat, Oct 10 & 11 • 8 pm

Journey into an astonishing universe where Pilobolus transverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry. Explore the human condition as they fuse sensuality, humor, and physical prowess in a spellbinding performance.

“If we think we know what’s going to happen at a Pilobolus concert, we’d be wrong.” —Dance Magazine

“The men and women of Pilobolus have no interest in playing by the dance world’s rules” —Huffington Post

Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.

Spotlight on Pilobolus:

Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College; now hailed as an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure”
Performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic Games
Famous for the Hyundai “human car” TV commercial
120+ works performed across 65 countries with 100M+ social media views
Known for daring athleticism, inventive storytelling, and playful artistry

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Grease
Oct 12 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

Grease

September 19 – October 12, 2025

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Sponsored by: HomeTrust Bank

Bursting with high-octane fun and unforgettable songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” Grease is the ultimate rock-and-roll celebration. Step back into the 1950s as Rydell High’s senior class navigates the ups and downs of love, identity, and teenage rebellion. One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease is a rollicking good time.

Supported by a live five-piece band!

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Aphorisms: A Tribute to Ursula Mamlok
Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Performances on both Tuesday, October 14th AND Wednesday, October 15th.

Aphorisms is a tribute to composer and Black Mountain College student Ursula Mamlok, inspired by her life, art, and triumph over persecution and oppression. The performance is choreographed by Miro Magloire and performed by the Momenta Quartet, flutist Roberta Michel, and the New Chamber Ballet. Presented here as a new performance iteration created especially for Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, this event integrates live chamber music and dance to celebrate Mamlok’s work and legacy. BMCM+AC will present two evening performances (Oct. 14th and Oct. 15th) in the museum’s main level gallery, in conjunction with the exhibition Points in Space: Performance at Black Mountain College.

About the Performances:

Aphorisms presents six works by Ursula Mamlok, performed live, enriched by Miro Magloire’s contemporary ballet choreography. Magloire, a former composition student of Mauricio Kagel and the founder of the New York City-based New Chamber Ballet, has pioneered a captivating new form of music-and-dance collaboration: ‘unplugged’, without stage sets or theatrical lights, and with the audience seated around the stage and up close to the performers.

 

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Oct 15 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Third Room

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, October 16, 2025
Asheville Standup Comedy Contest
Oct 16 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Vote for your favorite comic of the night!!
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest – round 2
Thursday October 16, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Audience votes thru ballot. Comics on the show will do 4 minutes of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with winners from round one to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.
Want to compete? These limited spots go fast. Free to signup if room is still available. Contact Michele at [email protected]!

Aaron Foster “Mostly Jokes” – Stand Up Comedy
Oct 16 @ 8:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

Growing up with a bipolar father and a schizophrenic brother left Aaron Foster with a combination of survivor’s guilt, depression and anxiety that has invalidated his every accomplishment, destroyed his every relationship and invaded his every waking thought. A comedy!
“Mostly Jokes” was named ”Best Solo Show” at the Tucson Fringe Festival in January and has received reviews such as: “A laugh every twenty seconds.” “I’ve never laughed so hard about mental health.” “Subversively hilarious, laugh out loud gallows humor.”
Foster is the former host of HGTV’s FreeStyle who turned to stand up to manage his depression and anxiety. He has performed at clubs all over the West Coast and has been touring this show for the past year. Some of his main influences are Mike Birbiglia, Maria Bamford, Gary Gulman, Marc Maron, Taylor Tomlinson and Neal Brennan. Do with that information what you will.

Friday, October 17, 2025
Lightwire Theater: DINO-LIGHT
Oct 17 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri, Oct 17 • 7 pm

In this visually stunning adventure for all ages, a friendly dinosaur discovers a glowing world and the true meaning of love. Lightwire Theater blends puppetry, technology and dance to tell tender-hearted stories that spark childlike wonder and (literally) light up the darkness.

“What you see looks like magic” —CBS Sunday Morning

“absolutely incredible” —Rolling Stone

Spotlight on Lightwire Theater:

Semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent and winners of truTV’s Fake Off
Recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation Grant for DINO-LIGHT
Each puppet is hand-built from recycled materials like skateboards, dryer ducts, and fishing poles
Characters glow with electroluminescent (EL) wire, taking 200+ hours to create

Neon Dreams: Spooky Disco Edition
Oct 17 @ 8:00 pm – Oct 18 @ 2:00 am
One World Brewing West

Come get down to some spooky, groovy, and funky disco house tunes!

Feat. a stellar lineup of local talent:

– Sketchy Decks
– Earl Grae
– Interstellar Noise
– Double Helix

$10 entry. Don’t miss this one!

Saturday, October 18, 2025
Barn Dance with Zydeco Ya Ya
Oct 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Mon Cher let’s get to it! Most requested faves Zydeco Ya Ya are back in the Big Barn for zydeco, swamp pop, second line, and Cajun swing. These guys always provide a fabulous groove and engaging show that makes you want to hop out onto the floor- or bob and weave from your chair, cold one in hand.

  • HNG will be running a bar with local beers, NA beverage and snack cart.
  • Barn Door Ciderworks will provide some sweet and snappy sips of their legendary cider brewed right here in Fairview.
  • The Garden Foodtruck by chef Simone Jaramillo will be serving seasonal, sustainable, food-as-medicine MAGIC!
  • Pro tip: we have picnic tables, benches & patio sets, but always bring a backup folding chair or picnic blanket JUST in case. It can get packed!

By purchasing your ticket online you will be on our Will Call list, admission will be checked in at the Cabana!

Candice Guardino: Italian Bred
Oct 18 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Candice Guardino: Italian Bred

Saturday October 18, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

Candice Guardino’s Italian Bred is a “5 STAR ⭐ ” and “MUST SEE!” from New York
Critics to Chicago and Los Angeles. After selling out across the country, Candice visits
for one show only! Italian Bred is a hilarious and heartwarming theatrical comedy based
on true life events about growing up Italian Style. Candice slips in and out of multiple
family characters, story-tells hilarious childhood moments and sings songs that all make
this woman one incredible talent. A new take on solo shows is exactly what Candice
does best and it’s not to be missed!

 

Sunday, October 19, 2025
BMCA Fall Dance Day!
Oct 19 @ 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

BMCA Fall Dance Day!

Black Mountain Center for the Arts
October 19, 2025
03:30PM – 04:45PM

Celebrate the fall season with movement, creativity, and community at BMCA! Join us for a pay-what-you-can / free event featuring a performance of BMCA’s Dance Troupe’s new fall choreography in our theater, followed by festive activities upstairs in the dance studio. Families and kids can enjoy autumn-themed crafts, games, and activities.

It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon together—supporting local dancers, exploring the arts, and welcoming fall at BMCA.

Performance: 3:30–4:00 PM Studio Activities: 4:00–4:45 PM

Admission:
Free or Pay-What-You-Can All are welcome!
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Oct 22 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Third Room

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, October 23, 2025
Josh Blue: Berserker Tour
Oct 23 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Thur, Oct 23 • 7 pm

After winning Last Comic Standing, Josh Blue skyrocketed to fame, delivering knockout sets on The Tonight Show and earning 3rd place on America’s Got Talent. Headlining 200+ shows annually, he shatters stereotypes about disabilities through his hilarious, unforgettable performances worldwide.

“I think it’s the year of Josh Blue”—Howie Mandel, America’s Got Talent

Spotlight on Josh Blue:

First comedian to perform stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Represented Team USA in 8 countries as a Paralympic soccer player
His hit specials can be seen on Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, and Amazon
Featured in People Magazine, The New York Times, and on NPR’s Talk of the Nation
Asheville gets just one shot at this tour stop!

City Dance
Oct 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, October 24, 2025
The Comedy Zone: Orlando Leyba
Oct 24 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri & Sat, Oct 24 & 25 • 8 pm

Orlando Leyba is a stand-up comedian known for his animated storytelling and relatable humor. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, AGT18, MAX, TruTV, NBC, and his own special Adorable on Max. A finalist in NBC’s Stand Up Showcase, he’s also a regular at comedy festivals and clubs.

The Comedy Zone: Back with a fresh lineup of powerhouse talent, this hit comedy series features comics seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and more. Smart, fast, and fiercely funny—get ready to laugh out loud and leave smiling.

VIP table upgrades available.

Saturday, October 25, 2025
The Comedy Zone: Orlando Leyba
Oct 25 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri & Sat, Oct 24 & 25 • 8 pm
Orlando Leyba is a stand-up comedian known for his animated storytelling and relatable humor. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, AGT18, MAX, TruTV, NBC, and his own special Adorable on Max. A finalist in NBC’s Stand Up Showcase, he’s also a regular at comedy festivals and clubs.

The Comedy Zone: Back with a fresh lineup of powerhouse talent, this hit comedy series features comics seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and more. Smart, fast, and fiercely funny—get ready to laugh out loud and leave smiling.

VIP table upgrades available.

Sunday, October 26, 2025
ASHEVILLE VAUDEVILLE with DANBERT NOBACON
Oct 26 @ 12:00 pm
Sly Grog Lounge

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 with Danbert Nobacon- moved to SLY GROG!
Oct 26 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sly Grog Lounge

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.

 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Oct 29 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Third Room

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.