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 30, 2021
Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 30 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 1 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, October 1, 2021
Cider Cinema: Forrest Gump
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join us for Cider Cinema! This unique cinematic experience features Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bold Bites Food Truck, and a movie screening on our jumbo screen!

Everybody Free Dance Party
Oct 1 @ 10:00 pm – Oct 2 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, October 2, 2021
Film at Asheville Art Museum: With Drawn Arms
Oct 2 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

At the 1968 Olympics, US athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists from the podium during the medal ceremony as the American anthem played. Though this choice radically impacted Smith—throwing his personal and professional life into disarray—the defiant gesture has reverberated throughout the decades, adopted by generations of civil rights activists in their fight for social justice. Fifty years later, in an attempt to unpack the full breadth of Smith’s sacrifice—and the myriad ways it continues to resonate in the current reckoning over the racial injustice that still plagues America—artist and filmmaker Glenn Kaino partners with the gold medalist to finally tell his story and to cement his legacy. As the two collaborate on a multidisciplinary art project, they connect with a new generation of activists. Featuring interviews with Megan Rapinoe, Colin Kaepernick, the late Congressman John Lewis, and Jesse Williams—who, along with John Legend, also executive-produced the film—Kaino and Afshin Shahidi’s With Drawn Arms is a testament to the courage of those willing to make their voices heard, no matter the cost.

Virtual introduction and Q&A with co-director Glenn Kaino and Whitney Richardson, associate curator. Presented in conjunction with Artistic Tribute: Representation of the AthleteGolden Hour: Olympians Photographed by Walter Iooss Jr., and Precious Medals: Gold, Silver, Bronze

Live Music by Taumi & Pili from the Feel Good Band at Flood Gallery
Oct 2 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Flood Gallery Concert Series kicks off October with “Taumi & Pili”, from the Feel Good Band, bringing you psychedelic rock to bluesy folk & jazz with Latin rhythms!

“Taumi” Tom Johanson has been playing guitar in bands and solo for 50 years. He began his career in the early 60s playing with Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, Jose Feliciano, Richie Havens, and many other inhabitants of the East Village in NYC. His band, The Fugitives, was the first rock band signed to Columbia Records, and has several hits on the charts in NY in the 1960s.

“Pili” Pilar Gatto Casero is a Cuban-born, American-formed singer, songwriter, composer, and pianist with several albums. Her passionate and playful songs take you on a heartfelt journey. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Pili performed in the Miami area, and now lives in Western North Carolina.

Admission free and open to the public, but donations expected to help fund the artists.

Hip Hop Night: Vinyl Timetravelers
Oct 2 @ 10:00 pm – Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Hip Hop Turntablism party with DJs Kutzu & Chubby Knuckles & the Vinyl Time Travelers first Saturday of the month.
Every First Saturday 10pm to 2am
All events 21+
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 5 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 6 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic at The Asheville Music Hall
Oct 6 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night

The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five 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.

Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 6 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 7 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, October 7, 2021
Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 7 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 8 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, October 8, 2021
Tryon International Film Festival – Friday Opening Gala
Oct 8 @ 5:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The official Tryon International Film Festival2021 Poster

Tryon International Film Festival – Friday Opening Gala Pass

Friday, October 8, 2021

This pass includes the Gala reception and screening of “Into the Light.” The Gala will have assigned seating on the Veh Stage.

Please view the COVID-19 statement for this event at https://tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com/

Cider Cinema: The Goonies
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join us for Cider Cinema! This unique cinematic experience features Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bold Bites Food Truck, and a movie screening on our jumbo screen!

Everybody Free Dance Party
Oct 8 @ 10:00 pm – Oct 9 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, October 9, 2021
Draconids Meteor Shower Experiance
Oct 9 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

The skies are raining fire! Fiery meteors that is, emanating from the constellation Draco the Dragon as he seems to breathe fire down on Earth! This is an exciting meteor shower with plenty of other objects to see, like planets, star clusters, nebulae, and more!

Join PARI on October 8, 2021, to enjoy this meteor shower and a relaxing overnight stay in one of our cabin quarters. The evening will begin with the arrival from 4-5 pm followed by dinner, tours and a sunset hike before settling in to watch the streaks of light in the sky and viewing through telescopes. Breakfast will also be provided on Saturday morning before departure.

This is a rain or shine event. Alternative programming will be offered in case of rain. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN!

Tryon International Film Festival Saturday Pass
Oct 9 @ 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The official Tryon International Film Festival2021 Poster

This pass includes access to all screenings, workshops, and the hospitality parties on Saturday.

Please view the COVID-19 statement for this event at https://tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com/

View or Download 2021 Film Schedule

Sunday, October 10, 2021
Tryon International Film Festival – Sunday Pass
Oct 10 @ 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The official Tryon International Film Festival2021 Poster

 

This pass includes access to all screenings, workshops and the awards ceremony on Sunday.

Please view the COVID-19 statement for this event at https://tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com/

View or Download 2021 Film Schedule

Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 12 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 13 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic at The Asheville Music Hall
Oct 13 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night

The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five 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.

Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 13 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 14 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, October 14, 2021
Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 14 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 15 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, October 15, 2021
Cider Cinema: Pulp Fiction
Oct 15 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join us for Cider Cinema! This unique cinematic experience features Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bold Bites Food Truck, and a movie screening on our jumbo screen!

COCO in Spanish
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

May be an image of text that says 'MOVIE Outdoor NIGHT'

Enjoy an outdoor movie night on the Burton Street field. Movie choices will be announced on the Asheville Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Refreshments will be provided.

Everybody Free Dance Party
Oct 15 @ 10:00 pm – Oct 16 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, October 16, 2021
FILM SCREENING: A KADDISH FOR BERNIE MADDOF
Oct 16 @ 7:00 pm
BMCM+AC

A hybrid of musical memoir and narrative fantasy, A Kaddish For Bernie Madoff tells the story of Madoff and the system that allowed him to function for decades through the eyes of musician/poet Alicia Jo Rabins, who watches the financial crash from her 9th-floor studio in an abandoned office building on Wall Street. Fueled by her growing obsession, real-life interviews transform into music videos, ancient spiritual texts become fevered fantasies of synchronized swimming, and a vivid, vulnerable work of art is born from the unique perspective of an artist watching the global financial collapse up close.

Open to all | General Admission $14

Admission is free for registered members of the Faith in Arts Institute.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 20 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 20 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 21 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, October 21, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
Oct 21 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Thursday
October 21 & 28 at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza

Featuring: Premier Asheville Standup Comics
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: : Thursdays October 21 & 28 7p (doors 6:30p)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12, Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com thru etix or also available at door (but it’s often sold out so come early)
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too!

Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 21 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 22 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, October 22, 2021
Cider Cinema: Indiana Jones + The Raiders of the Lost Ark
Oct 22 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join us for Cider Cinema! This unique cinematic experience features Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bold Bites Food Truck, and a movie screening on our jumbo screen!

Saturday, October 23, 2021
We’re Locals – LIVE Multimedia Show!
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Sly Grog Lounge

WE’RE LOCALS IS COMING TO ASHEVILLE!

We’re Locals is a unique live multimedia show where two bozos (Dan Vetrano and Aaron Nevins) do their best to blend in with the natives in a completely different town every seven days, culminating in one dazzling show at the end of the week.

Dan and Aaron comb your bars, businesses and peculiar classified ads to find the most fascinating people around, following strange paths to meet even stranger strangers, scouring your thrift shops for choice finds, and generally embarking on insane life-changing experiences that they’ll tell you all about.

In addition, We’re Locals aims to showcase the colorful and vibrant idiosyncrasies of each town, rounding up local bands, comedians and artists and shining a spotlight on the workers, craftspeople and small businesses that make each place unique.

Come on out to We’re Locals for one night only of charmingly idiotic powerpoint presentations, games, surprises, and weird Wifi names from your neighborhood. By the end of the week, you might even confuse Dan and Aaron for your neighbors.