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, September 23, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Sep 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
City Dance
Sep 28 @ 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.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Sep 28 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

9.28.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday September 28, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
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!
Feature comic Julia Macias! An antenna for the unwell, Julia shares all the strange characters who filter through her life. She exploded into the Asheville comedy scene in late 2021 and has touring all over the Southeast. Her view video special will be released later this year.
Guest host for this show is the fantastically loved Ryan Cox! Slice is super happy to have him running the show. Ryan is a comedian’s comedian. He is also a comedian for people who aren’t comedians. Ryan has been performing stand-up around the Southeast since 2016, with jokes ranging from crafted one-liners to twisted parenting tales to the ghost of Kmart.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus a comedy open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table].
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Friday, September 29, 2023
Beer City Comic Con
Sep 29 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

A Convention Unlike Any Other…

Calling all science nerds, comic fans, cosplay enthusiasts, and those curious about our scene, the inaugural Asheville Beer City Comic Con will exceed your expectations and delight all your senses. This dynamic event will be marvelous thanks to exciting comic book and pop culture vendors, brave local artists, magnificently big brained speakers, and yummylicious beer from Western North Carolina’s best craft breweries. We’re packing into one weekend a super amount of musts, including:

  • Intellectual seminars with renowned brainiacs from comic, academic, and civic circles discussing the Con community’s role in keeping our planet safe from harm!
  • Panel discussions about the psychology of comic book characters and their influence on modern culture!
  • Pop-up dance and costume events with DJs for all you freaks and geeks!
  • Fancy philosophical conversations about the ontological themes of sci-fi, comics, and human nature!
  • Shamazing artwork from locals you won’t find anywhere else!
  • Speciality batch beers made only for BCCC—slurp!

Come to Asheville. Let’s get WEIRDER and WISER! We’ll have the best of the comic con community in a city that is welcoming and celebrates its own distinct uniqueness. This con will only be one once. (Imagine how great the t-shirts will look wrapped in polyethylene one day!)

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Beer City Comic Con
Sep 30 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

A Convention Unlike Any Other…

Calling all science nerds, comic fans, cosplay enthusiasts, and those curious about our scene, the inaugural Asheville Beer City Comic Con will exceed your expectations and delight all your senses. This dynamic event will be marvelous thanks to exciting comic book and pop culture vendors, brave local artists, magnificently big brained speakers, and yummylicious beer from Western North Carolina’s best craft breweries. We’re packing into one weekend a super amount of musts, including:

  • Intellectual seminars with renowned brainiacs from comic, academic, and civic circles discussing the Con community’s role in keeping our planet safe from harm!
  • Panel discussions about the psychology of comic book characters and their influence on modern culture!
  • Pop-up dance and costume events with DJs for all you freaks and geeks!
  • Fancy philosophical conversations about the ontological themes of sci-fi, comics, and human nature!
  • Shamazing artwork from locals you won’t find anywhere else!
  • Speciality batch beers made only for BCCC—slurp!

Come to Asheville. Let’s get WEIRDER and WISER! We’ll have the best of the comic con community in a city that is welcoming and celebrates its own distinct uniqueness. This con will only be one once. (Imagine how great the t-shirts will look wrapped in polyethylene one day!)

Expand 23
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Expand 23 is where women entrepreneurs come together to expand their possibilities and opportunities! You’ll get to meet and network with other women who are also on the entrepreneurial journey. And there are many fabulous workshops to choose from!
This is where a bigger vision for you and your business will be unlocked with other go-getting women. At Expand 23, you will be inspired to expand your vision of yourself and for yourself.
Surround yourself with women who are as determined as you to grow and succeed.
Tier two early bird pricing of $119 is in effect now. More information at plrconnectevents.com/expand-23

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1701385-3?pid=10412

Category: Lifestyle | Women

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 30 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, October 1, 2023
Beer City Comic Con
Oct 1 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

A Convention Unlike Any Other…

Calling all science nerds, comic fans, cosplay enthusiasts, and those curious about our scene, the inaugural Asheville Beer City Comic Con will exceed your expectations and delight all your senses. This dynamic event will be marvelous thanks to exciting comic book and pop culture vendors, brave local artists, magnificently big brained speakers, and yummylicious beer from Western North Carolina’s best craft breweries. We’re packing into one weekend a super amount of musts, including:

  • Intellectual seminars with renowned brainiacs from comic, academic, and civic circles discussing the Con community’s role in keeping our planet safe from harm!
  • Panel discussions about the psychology of comic book characters and their influence on modern culture!
  • Pop-up dance and costume events with DJs for all you freaks and geeks!
  • Fancy philosophical conversations about the ontological themes of sci-fi, comics, and human nature!
  • Shamazing artwork from locals you won’t find anywhere else!
  • Speciality batch beers made only for BCCC—slurp!

Come to Asheville. Let’s get WEIRDER and WISER! We’ll have the best of the comic con community in a city that is welcoming and celebrates its own distinct uniqueness. This con will only be one once. (Imagine how great the t-shirts will look wrapped in polyethylene one day!)

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Oct 5 all-day
Pulp Lounge

10.05.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday October 5, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
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!
There is a comedy open mic! [Performing comics get 3-5m of stage time, FREE entry and FREE snacks. Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for info! ]
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Guest host for this show is the fantastic Peter Smith-McDowell!! Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been tr aveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell

Write Your Story: Introduction to Memoir
Oct 5 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

This workshop will provide the tools to write about your life with ease, direction, and less frustration. This 90 minute workshop will incorporate instruction, discussion, and prompted writing.

Participants will walk away with:
·         Clarity on what Memoir is, and what it is not
·         Ideas about where to begin writing your own memoir
·         An understanding of the resources and tools you’ll need for success
·         The confidence to start playing on the page and telling your unique and beautiful personal stories

For more information about the instructor, visit: corneliadoliancoaching.com…

Saturday, October 7, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 7 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Kathy Mattea
Oct 7 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

No introduction is needed for this country music icon and fan favorite on the Wortham Center stage. With a soothing yet powerful voice, the legendary hitmaker brings elements of traditional country, folk, bluegrass and gospel to her music, fusing these influences with all the intimacy, heartfelt honesty and musical authenticity of a singer-songwriter. A performance from this multi-Grammy-winning artist is not to be missed.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, October 13, 2023
Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World West
Oct 13 all-day
One World Brewing West

Mark your calendars for the Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World Brewing in West Asheville on Friday, October 13th! Joining Niles are fellow Atlanta producers Dopamine and Ace Taylor, along with Asheville’s very own Wij. Prepare for high-energy bass and house music, Funktion One sound from Dosobis, live painting by Art of Kiki, local artist vendors Much Love Jewelry, John Ebert Jewelry Art, and Ian Baker Glass, exceptional craft beer and cocktails, and spooky vibes!

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 14 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Toybox’s (mostly) Monthly Puppetry Series
Oct 14 @ 11:00 am
The Magnetic Theatre

Toybox Theatre, in collaboration with The Magnetic Theatre, presents a new puppetry series for ALL AGES. This new series will feature original works by acclaimed award-winning puppeteer and clown Toybox, and will bring some of the best puppeteers in the nation as special guests!

Toybox Theatre has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast with their unique brand of humor and art for over 20 years! Garnishing many “fan favorite” and “funniest show” awards, Toybox has also received an UNIMA Citation for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, and funding from The Jim Henson Foundation.

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.

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Oct 15 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring James Harrod, Ryan Gordon , Jess Williams & more great comics!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Life Stories: A Memoir Writing Workshop
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
North Asheville Library

This workshop is for anyone who wants to bring their real-life stories to the page, whether for publication or simply to record stories for family and friends. Through focused prompts, we will revisit and write about important moments from our lives. Our session will include timed writing exercises, group discussions, and an opportunity to read one’s work aloud in a supportive setting. Please bring paper and a writing implement and come ready to write!

Space is limited, so registration is required.

Lori Horvitz’ first collection of memoir-essays, The Girls of Usually, won the 2016 Gold Medal IPPY Book Award in Autobiography/Memoir. Her creative nonfiction has appeared in a variety of journals including Hobart, South Dakota Review, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Hotel Amerika. Professor of English at UNC Asheville, Horvitz has been awarded fellowships from Yaddo, Cottages at Hedgebrook, VCCA, Ragdale, Blue Mountain Center, and Brush Creek. She holds a Ph.D. in English from SUNY Albany, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
An Evening of Storytelling with Donald Davis
Oct 18 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Haywood Community College

Haywood County native Donald Davis was born into a world rich in stories and folklore. Although well versed in the more traditional Jack Tales, Davis was most interested in the stories of his own family and friends, as well as places of origin. He used these stories to enhance his sermons during a celebrated 25-year career as a Methodist Minister. Later he began telling stories at regional festivals, and upon retirement, became a notable author and performer.

The author of 18 books and 40 original recordings, Donald Davis is indeed a national treasure. He is the recipient of both The Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network.

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Divertimentos + Dressage to Benefit Brooke USA
Oct 19 @ 6:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Brooke USA Foundation’s (Brooke USA) Foothills Regional Advisory Council is thrilled to announce the 4th Annual Divertimentos & Dressage taking place on Thursday, October 19th, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The signature event is sure to delight guests once again with a live symphony orchestra playing classical pieces to the choreographed movements of extraordinarily gifted dressage riders and their Grand Prix horses.
This year, Brooke USA inaugurates its own musical ensemble, the Dorothy Brooke Orchestra, dedicated to promoting the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve across the globe. Named after Dorothy Brooke, the founder of the Brooke family of charities, the orchestra, directed by Kyle Elgarten, Assistant Conductor for the Palm Beach Symphony, is comprised of leading musicians from North and South Carolina.
“The experience of live orchestral music with musical freestyle dressage is simply captivating and unlike anything else I had ever seen. Last year, I had the privilege of attending the event and fell in love with Divertimentos & Dressage, not to mention that Brooke USA is a charity very close to my heart,” said Sharon Decker, Chair of this year’s Divertimentos & Dressage. “I can’t wait for us to announce the riders who will be performing to works of classical composers as well as pop music and jazz compositions. They certainly are some of the leading equestrians in our country and the world,” added Decker.
Starting with registration at 6:00 PM, guests will enjoy a pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Promptly at 7:00 PM, guests will be treated to a one-hour performance. This year for the evening of music and freestyle dressage, individual adult tickets are $90 per person. To purchase individual tickets, a ringside table at $1,150, or to learn more about other sponsorship and ticket opportunities, please visit BrookeUSAevents.org.
Divertimentos & Dressage is an exciting event that supports the life-saving work of Brooke USA. Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for survival in vulnerable communities across the globe. In fact, 100 million working equines support the lives of 600 million of the poorest people on earth. These animals are the backbone of communities and their best means of making a living. Without healthy working horses, donkeys, and mules, they would not be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school or build better futures for themselves and their families.
“Divertimentos & Dressage is a fantastic opportunity for Brooke USA to expand awareness for our organization while providing the community with an exciting and unique event,” stated Sally Frick, Chair of the Brooke USA Foothills Advisory Council, a member of Brooke USA’s Board of Directors, amateur equestrian, and professional flutist. “The event is so successful that Brooke USA has made a commitment to replicating Divertimentos & Dressage in other markets. This last Spring, we held it for the first time in Wellington, FL and it was a resounding success,” added Frick.
About Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA): The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality, and guaranteeing life on land resilience. We want to see healthy, happy people and equines that work in partnership to achieve sustainable local economies.
www.BrookeUSA.org

Friday, October 20, 2023
The Acting Company presents ODYSSEY: Student Series
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:40 am
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Embark on an epic journey of adventure, heroism and drama in this stunning theatrical work based on Homer’s timeless epic poem. Recommended for grades 7-12.

The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Asheville Regional Airport open house: master plan development
Oct 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Western Carolina University Campus
This open house is an opportunity for the public to learn about the airport’s ongoing Master Plan Study and examine the alternatives being considered for future development of the airport. An opportunity will also be available for the public to provide comments concerning the project and the airport’s future direction.

There is no formal presentation planned; attendees will be able to view presentation materials at their own pace and ask questions of the Airport Authority staff and consultants. Comments and suggestions received during the open house are to be evaluated by the project team and incorporated into the study as appropriate. The proposed improvements are intended to achieve compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and to meet the existing and projected aviation needs of the region.

The master plan process will result in an up-to-date, comprehensive study of aviation demand forecasts, facility requirements, and airport development alternatives needed to map the airport’s future. Because the airport is such a large piece of the Western North Carolina economic picture, input from the community is important and welcomed. A master plan process is guided by FAA standards, and airports typically update their master plans approximately every 10 years. The last update to AVL’s master plan was in 2013.

Learn more about the master plan process and the open house at flyavl.com/MasterPlan.

Serving more than 1.8 million passengers in 2022, Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory. Now the third largest airport in North Carolina, the airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 unique airport destinations. For more information, visit flyavl.com.
City Dance
Oct 26 @ 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 27, 2023
Andrew Finn Magill
Oct 27 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

This virtuosic fiddler blends traditional Irish music with jazz, bluegrass and other world influences to deliver a musical experience like no other. Through dynamic playing, adept improvisation and soulful expression, Finn’s performances are an electrifying fusion of old and new, with masterful musicianship that’s earned him multiple appearances on MTV-U, PBS and NPR, as well as a spot in the All-Ireland Fiddle Championship finals.