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.
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.
The 44th annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, happening October 11-12 and 18-19, is a free, self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes by top builders throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, and beyond. Visitors can explore a wide variety of homes in person or take advantage of virtual tours. Whether you’re dreaming, designing, or actively building, the Parade offers inspiration at every price point. Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
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!
HOURS: ADMISSION:
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/
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.
Asheville Music School and The Mule have teamed up for a silent auction fundraiser to benefit Asheville Music School’s scholarship and outreach programs through the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund. Up for bidding will be luxury regional experiences, vacation getaways, wine tasting events, fine art, pampering packages, restaurant and wellness gift certificates, concert tickets and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Patrons can hit the cash bar serving wine, local beer, cocktails, and NA beverages, and dine on regional food by local chefs. The evening will also feature live music showcase performances by AMS students.
The funds we’re raising through this auction are going to help fund the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which provides need-based scholarships for music lessons and instruments, as well as music-based community outreach.
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]!
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.
HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/ HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/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!
The 44th annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, happening October 11-12 and 18-19, is a free, self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes by top builders throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, and beyond. Visitors can explore a wide variety of homes in person or take advantage of virtual tours. Whether you’re dreaming, designing, or actively building, the Parade offers inspiration at every price point. Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/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.
Hear from Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards and Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder at this re-envisioned Legislative Update event. You’ll gain insights on Buncombe County’s progress towards rebuilding and recovery along with envisioning the future. In this intimate conversation moderated by Chamber VP of Public Policy Casey Gilbert, our panelists will discuss how planning initiatives underway (such as parks, small area plans, infrastructure, childcare, housing and economic mobility) intertwine to build back a stronger, more resilient community.
Please join us to celebrate how far we’ve come – and to hear how the community’s feedback is shaping where we go from here.
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803
Marking Progress, Envisioning the Future: A Conversation with County Leaders
Hear from Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards and Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder at this re-envisioned Legislative Update event. You’ll gain insights on Buncombe County’s progress towards rebuilding and recovery along with envisioning the future. In this intimate conversation moderated by Chamber VP of Public Policy Casey Gilbert, our panelists will discuss how planning initiatives underway (such as parks, small area plans, infrastructure, childcare, housing and economic mobility) intertwine to build back a stronger, more resilient community.
Please join us to celebrate how far we’ve come – and to hear how the community’s feedback is shaping where we go from here.
3377 Sweeten Creek Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
Come join us for Business After Hours at B.B. Barns!
For 37 years, B.B. Barns has been at the heart of Asheville’s gardening community. What began as a humble outdoor outfitter in Oakley has grown into a 4.5-acre destination garden center on Sweeten Creek Road—and for the past 20 years, one of the region’s premier landscaping companies. From their welcoming shopping experience and expansive inventory of plants, garden supplies, and gifts, to their talented landscape design team and crews, they proudly bring beauty, creativity, and inspiration to homes and gardens across Western North Carolina.
During your visit, you’ll experience a magical transformation into a Christmas wonderland. Stroll through festive display trees, explore seasonal décor, and discover a wide selection of gifts—including garden-inspired treasures, locally crafted goods, and unique finds. Beyond the holiday shop, you’ll find their extensive nursery brimming with trees, shrubs, and perennials, seasonal annuals for year-round color, and one of the area’s best selections of houseplants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, B.B. Barns has everything you need to grow and thrive.
B.B. Barns excited to partner with their neighbors at The Flying Squirrel Pub, who will be providing delicious bites from their menu along with beer and wine for the evening. If you haven’t visited The Flying Squirrel before, prepare to be delighted by their fresh flavors, creative offerings, and lively atmosphere.”We can’t wait to welcome you to what so many of our guests fondly call their ‘happy place.'”
Ample parking is available on site for this event. Upon arrival, enter through the greenhouse doors on the right-hand side.
Pisgah Legal’s Justice Forum will be held at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville on Thursday, October 23rd. There will be a ticketed, pre-event reception at 5:30 pm followed by the free Justice Forum at 7:00 pm. There will be an option for live-streaming for those that prefer to join virtually and there will be several Regional Watch Parties in communities across WNC. Ticket sales and registration will be available August 13, 2025.
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!
HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/Join Banksy the Pug for his third annual Halloween photoshoot at Kimpton Hotel Arras benefitting the Asheville Humane Society! Enjoy complimentary professional photos of your dog (+ humans!), swag bags, and Halloween-themed dog treats. A fun, community-filled Kimpton Hotel Arras Social Hour you won’t want to miss!
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.
Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.
Event Schedule:
1:30pm – 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic
2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike
HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/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.
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.
Animal Haven of Asheville Annual Fall Fundraiser
📅 Sunday, October 26 | 2–6 PM 📍 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd, Asheville, NC
Celebrate compassion and community at our annual fundraiser! Enjoy a full vegan buffet, drinks, live music by Southern Style Band, a silent auction, and interactive animal stations. All proceeds support our animals and help build a memorial barn honoring co-founder Barb Bellows.
🎟️ Early-bird tickets: $37.50 (until Oct 19) | $45 after 👧 Kids under 12 attend free 🚐 Parking and shuttle service provided
Ticket URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fundraiser-5
Reserve your spot and help us raise the barn!\
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!
HOURS: ADMISSION: 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/