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, September 28, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 28 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Sep 28 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Field of Honor in Black Mountain
Sep 28 @ 11:00 am
Field of Honor

The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23

Friday, September 29, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 29 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Sep 29 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Farm Sale
Sep 29 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

After a year hiatus, the popular Farm Sale is back. Come out to the farm for a huge yard sale. All sorts of items await! Friday and Saturday from 8 AM-1 PM each day.

Fall Plant Sale and Market
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 29-30 for our annual Fall Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 25 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music.

On Saturday, September 30, we will be celebrating Monarch Butterfly Day, a fun, family-friendly event including create-and-make butterfly crafts and educational programming that focuses on monarchs’ fluctuating populations and opportunities to conserve their habitats.

On Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. you can also attend a complimentary Adult Education class Migrating Monarchs” with Dan Lazar and learn what you can do in your own landscapes to help the Monarch on its incredible journey for survival.

The Plant Sale and Market will take place outdoors in the Arboretum’s main parking lot. Rain or shine.

Members can attend for free and the standard $20 parking fee applies to all non-members. Interested in joining as a member? Join today!

 

Participating vendors include:

Bear Necessities Farm

Botanical Tortoise Co.

Bridge and Tunnel Coffee Co.

Camilla Calnan Photography

Christina Bendo Pottery

Conjure Craft Chocolate

Connections Gallery Gift Shop

Couple of Bees

Eden Evergreen Nursery

Finally Farm

Fjällräven Asheville

Flower Moon Nursery

Half Light Honey

High Country Nursery

Homegrown Tropicals

Imladris Farm

M.R. Gardens

Matcha Nude

Milkweed Meadows Farm

NC Ginseng & Goldenseal Co.

Offset Clarity

Plant Baby

Sandy Mush Herb Nursery

Saturnia Farm

The Farm Connection

The Turquoise Tortuga

Wehrloom Honey

Well Seasoned Table

Wildbud Natives

WilderKin Beekeeping

Western North Carolina Orchid Society

Woodswise Botanicals

and more!

Field of Honor in Black Mountain
Sep 29 @ 11:00 am
Field of Honor

The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 30 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Sep 30 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Henderson County
Sep 30 all-day
Historic Courthouse

There’s more to the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Henderson County than just walking. And even more reasons to join us. For a different future. For families. For more time. For treatments. We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. For more information or to register, visit act.alz.org/Hendersoncounty.

Farm Sale
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

After a year hiatus, the popular Farm Sale is back. Come out to the farm for a huge yard sale. All sorts of items await! Friday and Saturday from 8 AM-1 PM each day.

Fall Plant Sale and Market
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 29-30 for our annual Fall Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 25 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music.

On Saturday, September 30, we will be celebrating Monarch Butterfly Day, a fun, family-friendly event including create-and-make butterfly crafts and educational programming that focuses on monarchs’ fluctuating populations and opportunities to conserve their habitats.

On Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. you can also attend a complimentary Adult Education class Migrating Monarchs” with Dan Lazar and learn what you can do in your own landscapes to help the Monarch on its incredible journey for survival.

The Plant Sale and Market will take place outdoors in the Arboretum’s main parking lot. Rain or shine.

Members can attend for free and the standard $20 parking fee applies to all non-members. Interested in joining as a member? Join today!

 

Participating vendors include:

Bear Necessities Farm

Botanical Tortoise Co.

Bridge and Tunnel Coffee Co.

Camilla Calnan Photography

Christina Bendo Pottery

Conjure Craft Chocolate

Connections Gallery Gift Shop

Couple of Bees

Eden Evergreen Nursery

Finally Farm

Fjällräven Asheville

Flower Moon Nursery

Half Light Honey

High Country Nursery

Homegrown Tropicals

Imladris Farm

M.R. Gardens

Matcha Nude

Milkweed Meadows Farm

NC Ginseng & Goldenseal Co.

Offset Clarity

Plant Baby

Sandy Mush Herb Nursery

Saturnia Farm

The Farm Connection

The Turquoise Tortuga

Wehrloom Honey

Well Seasoned Table

Wildbud Natives

WilderKin Beekeeping

Western North Carolina Orchid Society

Woodswise Botanicals

and more!

Field of Honor in Black Mountain
Sep 30 @ 11:00 am
Field of Honor

The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23

AVL Fall Clothing Swap
Sep 30 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District

Part social gathering, part fashion, part fundraiser. Come to mingle, find a new favorite outfit, and raise money for reproductive justice.

The swap takes place on Saturday, September 30 from 1-4 at Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District. All profits from ticket sales and $1 from each flagship beer sale will be donated to Asheville’s Planned Parenthood and Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective.

Back for fall: VIP Tickets
You loved our VIP tickets this spring, so they’re back! This ticket option is very limited and includes 1-hour early entry to shop the swap.

How it works
Drop off clothes before Sept 30 at Hi-Wire RAD
Hi-Wire’s hours are below. Drop off your contribution during these times.

Monday–Thursday 3-10pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm-12am
Sunday 12-9pm
Accepted clothing:

Adult clothing and shoes are accepted
Sorry, no kid’s clothing or accessories
Items should be in good, clean condition
Bring 1-20+ items
Items will be organized by feminine and masculine styles, we anticipate receiving more feminine-style clothing based on previous events. The fundraiser is open to people of all genders and sizes.

On the day of the event
Arrive to swap the shop! You can leave with 15(ish) items
We’ll swap until we run out, so come on time for the best selection!
Unswapped clothing will be donated or kept for future swaps/reuse projects

Sunday, October 1, 2023
VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 1 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Blue Ridge Roller Derby Meet + Greet at The Hop
Oct 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe

Join us on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. for an official Meet & Greet with Blue Ridge Roller Derby! Grab some ice cream or bubble tea and meet your favorite local skaters. Learn more about the league and the unique sport of roller derby all while enjoying an afternoon treat!

Monday, October 2, 2023
VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 2 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 3 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 4 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Thursday, October 5, 2023
A Taste of the Vineyard ~ Roaring 20’s
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyard

Tickets for A Taste of the Vineyard Roaring 20’s 2023 are on sale now! Visit the website here to purchase tickets. The evening will include dinner by Amanda’s Catering, live music by Dinah’s Daydream, a complimentary glass of wine, and access to a silent auction!

Join us in our efforts to raise $30,000 to support our mission of igniting the power and promise in youth!

Friday, October 6, 2023
Home in One Golf Tournament
Oct 6 @ 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Cummings Cove Golf Course

Attention Golfers!

 

Please join the Housing Assistance Corporation for a day on the green to support workforce and affordable housing initiatives in Henderson County and surrounding areas.

Check-in will begin at 10:30am with a shotgun start at 11:30am

Lunch and after play snacks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and we have a fabulous door prize raffle.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
Swannanoa Community Yard Sale
Oct 7 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles parking lot

you’re itching to get out and do some bargain hunting, the Swannanoa Community Yard Sale is here to help! The twice-annual sale returns this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Swannanoa Ingles parking lot, 2299 US Hwy. 70. With dozens of sellers and hundreds of shoppers, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this area’s largest yard sale event!

Seller spaces are $15 each if paid in advance ($20 on the day of the sale), with a two space maximum per seller. Please bring your own tables. We’ve had an overwhelming response and are nearing seller capacity, so please check availability and register in advance by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 828-515-1840.

All proceeds from seller spaces help support Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) — an all-volunteer nonprofit organization — and the Swannanoa community. Thank you, and see you at the sale!

Highland Duds Pop Up Shop
Oct 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Provisions Mercantile - West Asheville location

Effortlessly stylish small business Highland Duds is coming to Asheville at Provisions Mercantile on 10/6 and 10/7! There will be an opportunity to meet the designer, Brandon Aldridge, sip a glass of wine or beer while you shop, and an exclusive gift with purchase!

We would love for you to stop by Friday, October 6th – Saturday, October 7th (10am – 5pm both days) to experience Highland Duds latest collections, along with their most popular styles.

Provisions Mercantile – West Asheville location
728 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806

Thursday, October 12, 2023
Antique and Collectible Book Sale
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, 250-4700

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Friday, October 13, 2023
Antique and Collectible Book Sale
Oct 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, 250-4700

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Stand Up For Veterans Healing Farm Fundraiser
Oct 13 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

A fundraising event for the Veterans Healing Farm. A fun filled evening to include Music, Comedy and More!

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Pack Library
Oct 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

The Solarium Autumn Market
Oct 14 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Shop, sip, and groove on The Restoration Asheville rooftop at our first-ever Solarium Autumn Market! Browse and buy from local artisans, sip on fresh cocktails from The Observatory, and listen to AVL.XLR dropping beats until the sun sets. The perfect start to fall in Asheville.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Flyin’ West Auditions
Oct 17 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre--online

Flyin’ West

Performance Dates: February 9-25, 2024
Auditions: October 17 & 24, 2023
Rehearsals: November 20, 2023
Directed by: Candace Taylor

About Flyin’ West: Dive into the rich narrative of Flyin’ West, a  compelling, crowd-pleasing drama by esteemed playwright Pearl Cleage. Set in the 1890s, the story unfolds in the historic town of Nicodemus, Kansas, one of the many all-black towns established in the American West following the Civil War. Through the eyes of four African-American women, the play delves into their journey of resilience and aspiration as they navigate their lives against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the frontier and the societal constraints of the era. With themes of community, racial pride, and female empowerment, Flyin’ West is a powerful portrayal of the determination and grit of black pioneers, offering audiences a captivating glimpse into an often overlooked chapter of American history.

Audition Form: These auditions will be held over Zoom. Please click HERE to fill out your audition form and select the day and time you would like to audition.

Audition Slides: Please choose the role that you feel most suited for and come to your audition prepared to perform a reading for that role. You may choose more than one role to prepare. Click HERE to view the audition slides.