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.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Join us in the intimate 78 seat Tina McGuire Theatre for a night of blues from Mr. Jimmy’s Blues Band.
Award winning, Asheville based Blues artist, Mr. Jimmy is pleased to present his “Tribute to the Blues Masters” show. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Jimmy learned his craft performing with many local legends including Buddy Guy, Little Milton, Junior Wells, Koko Taylor, and James Cotton.
This special concert will pay homage to Jimmy’s mentors, as well as his influences, the Kings of the Blues, BB, Albert, and Freddie, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James and Otis Rush.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
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.
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!
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Pumpkin Fest is a fun, family friendly and fantastic artistic event or great date night with 18 beautiful artist-designed lighted carved pumpkin displays on a newly-paved short walking trail. The event includes talented local musicians, food trucks and coffee house, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, games, dress ups, and the Silvermont historic mansion and second floor museum open for tours.
Admission $7 per person (ages 13 and over), $5 ages 3-12, and 2 and under free. We accept cards, cash or check with ID.
Onsite parking cost is $5 per car (cash preferred). Free parking is available offsite on nearby streets and Comporium and church parking lots 1 block away. Handicap sticker- free parking onsite.
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.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at 2pm AND 8 pm
Live at First Baptist Church of Asheville {5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801}
TICKETS – Seats range from $20 to $85 depending on location
The Asheville Symphony will present a performance celebrating the history of Black Mountain College. The Oct. 25th Masterworks Concert traces a journey from European romanticism to American avant-garde with Brahms’s mountain-inspired Second Symphony, Bartók’s ethereal Viola Concerto (written in part during his time in Asheville), and more alongside groundbreaking works by John Cage that emerged from this transformative haven for creatives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Conducted by Darko Butorac and featuring violist Natalie Brennecke, the program includes Satie’s Gymnopédies No. 3, Cage’s Seventy-Four, Version II and 4’33”, alongside the Bartók and Brahms masterworks.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, Arts 2 People will once again host its The Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival at Pack Square Park, with its unique blend of experimental theater, live music, art vendors, and circus arts that has become a staple of the city’s creative community. The event, as always, is free to the public.
The main stage at the Amphitheater in front of City Hall will feature live bands and musicians from Asheville and beyond. It will culminate in the Surreal Sirkus Mainstage Show at 8 pm, which will showcase an array of performers, including aerialists, fire spinners, puppeteers, jugglers, dancers, and other circus acts.
This year’s show tells the story of a soul’s journey after death. And it will tie together the story arc of The Tale of the Cosmic Eggs, an eight-part series of performances that Surreal Sirkus has been telling in various venues throughout Asheville over the past year.
Reuter Terrace will feature two stages: a smaller second stage featuring individual performers throughout the day and a spoken word/poetry stage on the Spruce St. side of the park. The terrace will also feature a number of interactive exhibits and spaces for audience participation, including a hands-on exhibit by the Bob Moog Foundation.
Also, this year, Arts 2 People has partnered with Create Ink, a local organization bringing diverse communities together through the arts. They will host an Open Mic & Showcase on the second stage from 4 to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, at North Pack Square, there will be an Electronic Dance Music stage on the raised lawn featuring some of Asheville’s finest DJ’s.
And of course the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival will include more than 50 local vendors showcasing their unique artworks and handmade crafts, as well as food, beer, and mixed drinks, which will be available for sale at the Roger McGuire Green.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
SouthernScape Music Festival – Kannapolis’ Can’t-Miss Fall Weekend
🎶 October 24-25, 2025 | Downtown Kannapolis
Drinks up, sound on, Southern skies — it’s all happening at SouthernScape Music Festival! This 18+ event is more than just incredible live music; it’s a two-day celebration of everything that makes fall in Carolina unforgettable.
Catch top artists like Tyler Hubbard, Switchfoot, Lauren Alaina, Better Than Ezra, LANCO, and Emily Ann Roberts across two stages mixing country, pop, and rock. But the music is just the beginning. From outdoor games and photo ops to a DJ keeping the energy high, plus local food trucks and plenty of beer and wine to sip on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all weekend long.
Whether you’re here for the bands, the bites, or simply to soak up the good vibes, SouthernScape promises a weekend-long party you’ll never forget.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Grab yours today at SouthernScapeFest.com and get ready for the ultimate fall weekend in Kannapolis.
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.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
WHERE: Third Room
WHEN: Saturday October 25, 2025
DOORS: 9pm SHOW: 10pm
GENRE: dubstep / edm
TICKETS: $24-$28
The three-headed beast known as Ternion Sound was spawned at Infrasound Music Festival in 2016, when bass music DJ/producers Apparition, Johnny Foreplay, and Nostalgia joined forces for an impromptu B2B set on the Beach stage. The artists’ chemistry was infectious, and immediately obvious. When the three reconvened at Origin-414 Studios in Minneapolis, MN, it was clear that their bond is less ephemeral than the festival magic that forged it. The trio metamorphosed: a new monster was born.
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.
Enjoy an evening of community and music with An Evening for All Souls: A Gathering of Song and Spirit, Sunday, Oct. 26 at Kanuga. The evening begins at 4 p.m. at Kanuga Lake with a community choir workshop, followed by dinner and luminaria making on the Rocking Chair Porch Lawn at 5 p.m., and concludes with a concert by musical artist Roots Grown Deep at 6 p.m., with a luminaria release on the lake at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Cost: Concert only, $9.94; Concert & Dinner, $21.33. Location: 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.
Bassoonist Rosalind Buda and Northumbrian smallpiper Dick Hensold perform a rollicking blend of traditional Celtic tunes and original music–all delivered with technical flair and joyful ease. Enjoy duets for smallpipes, songs with whistles, dance tunes on Scottish Border pipes and bombard, and the wonderful pairing of pipes and bassoon!
Rosalind Buda Scottish smallpipes, bassoon, bombarde, whistles, voice
Dick Hensold Northumbrian smallpipes, Scottish reel pipes, whistles, voice
As ever, PAN HARMONIA offers Donation-based, Pay-as-You-Can Community
Concerts. All are welcome! panharmonia.org
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Originally formed in Byron Bay, Australia, back in 2014, Parcels now operate in a dual-location setup, with members scattered between Australia and Berlin, Germany. The band’s line-up consists of keyboardist Louie Swain, keyboardist/guitarist Patrick Hetherington, bassist Noah Hill, drummer Anatole “Toto” Serret, and guitarist Jules Crommelin.
With over a billion streams and a sold-out performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in 2024, Parcels are continuing their journey without missing a beat, always expanding the scope of their influence. 2025 promises to be even more exhilarating as the band hits the road again, showcasing their astounding and unique live prowess to audiences around the globe, accompanied by a wealth of new music. This fall, they embark on a significant North American tour, performing at major venues, reflecting their ever-growing impact.
With Special Guest Johnny Mullenax 
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
The Infamous Stringdusters are a celebrated American progressive bluegrass band known for their virtuosic musicianship, innovative arrangements, and genre-blending style. The GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet—Andy Falco [guitar], Chris Pandolfi [banjo], Andy Hall [dobro], Jeremy Garrett [fiddle], and Travis Book [double bass]—have musical influences that truly run the gamut, but their common denominator is certainly bluegrass— the sound that has in essence defined the course of their career.
The Infamous Stringdusters stand out as the rare group who can team up with contemporary artists on late night television one night and headline the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre the next, and have recently emerged as proprietors behind their newly found independent record label, Americana Vibes.
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.
Songbird Holler is a captivating folk trio featuring three generations of mountain women dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Award-winning banjo player Bayla Davis, fifth-generation ballad singer Donna Ray Norton, and veteran Songbird Holler is a captivating folk trio featuring three generations of mountain women dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Award-winning banjo player Bayla Davis, fifth-generation ballad singer Donna Ray Norton, and veteran Appalachian old-time singer Cary Fridley have come together to share folk harmonies, ballads, and banjo tunes, weaving stories and melodies rooted in mountain heritage and authentic Appalachian spirit. Appalachian old-time singer Cary Fridley have come together to share folk harmonies, ballads, and banjo tunes, weaving stories and melodies rooted in mountain heritage and authentic Appalachian spirit.
Tickets at
https://whitehorseblackmountain.org/product/songbird-holler/
Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl 2025
Prepare for the ultimate Halloween celebration with our Official Halloween Bar Crawl! On October 31st, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM, get ready to experience a night full of spine-chilling fun, electrifying energy, and unforgettable memories. Join fellow goblins, witches, vampires, and party enthusiasts as we take over the city’s top bars and venues. Don’t miss the Halloween Event of the Year-secure your tickets now and let’s make this Halloween legendary!
Asheville Halloween Event Details
– Date: October 31st, 2025
– Time: 5:00 PM
– Location: Multiple Venues The City
– Tickets and Info: Visit PubCrawls.com
What Is Included with Your Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl Ticket?
Over 4+ Venues!
FREE Entry Into Asheville’s Best Bars
FREE Kickoff Party
FREE After Party
2-3 FREE Drinks Or Shots (1 Per Day)
Party 3 Days For The Price of One!
Generously Low Drink Specials
Select Food Specials
Detailed Custom Digital pub crawl map
Tasty Holiday-Themed Drinks
Hundreds of Crawlers
$2000 Prize Value Social Media Costume Contest
Live DJs At Select Venues
PubCrawls.com Wristbands
Photographer and Videographer to Capture the Best Moments
Look out for a feature on our social media!
Helpful Pubcrawls.com Staff On-Site
Finish The Crawl and Get A FREE Pub Crawl Ticket on Pubcrawls.com
(Take a picture in each bar and tag us)
Easy Steps to Join the Fun
Secure Your Ticket: Buy early for the best deals and guaranteed access.
Check-In: Arrive at your designated check-in location (details provided in your ticket) to receive your wristband.
Start the Crawl: Use your wristband for waived door covers, exclusive drink deals, and access to all participating venues.
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Halloween Bar Crawl
Stay Updated: Check your email for event updates, including promotions.
Use the Digital Map: Navigate the crawl effortlessly with our interactive map.
Be On Time: Check-in promptly to receive your wristband and avoid delays.
Party Safely: Always arrange for a safe ride home and drink responsibly.
Social Media Costume Contest Rules
Follow @pubcrawlers on Instagram.
Post a photo from the bar crawl in your costume.
Tag @pubcrawlers and use our official hashtag for a chance to win $2,000 in prizes!
Important Guidelines
Age Requirement: Participants must be 21+ with valid ID.
No Refunds: All ticket sales are final. Check our FAQ for more details.
Drink Responsibly: Prioritize safety for an enjoyable experience. Never drink and drive.
Need Assistance?
Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions about tickets, venues, or event details. Contact us at [email protected] or visit PubCrawls.com for more information and exclusive discounts.
Let’s make this Halloween a night to remember! Grab your tickets now and join most thrilling bar crawl!
Use promo code ECRAWL for 10% OFF on pubcrawls.com
Date and Time: On Friday October 31, 2025 at 17:00 – 23:00
Venue details: Urban Orchard, 24 Buxton Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States
Category: Community | Bars / Pubs
Price:
General Admission: USD 6.99
October 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Time magazine, in the March 2020 “Best of” issue, listed Paula’s HBO special, Cats, Cops and Stuff as one of The 5 Funniest Stand-Up Specials Ever. Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!
Also an author, Poundstone’s second book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness (Algonquin 2017) was one of eight semi-finalists for The Thurber Prize for American Humor, the highest recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. The audiobook was one of five finalists for the Audio Book of the Year AUDIE award.
Paula was the first female comic, in its then 73rd year, to perform at the White House Correspondents dinner. She was the first female standup, in its then 5th year, to win the ACE award for Best Comedy Special on Cable television. She is included in innumerable lists, documentaries and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at Asheville Masonic Temple under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Spooky season is almost here! Halloween special concerts are selling fast. Get your tickets before they fully SELL OUT!
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
Tentative Program
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Funeral March of a Marionette – Charles Gounod
String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto – Dmitri Shostakovich
Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) – Mike Oldfield
Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E
Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman
The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy
Halloween (Theme) – John Carpenter
Prelude from Psycho – Bernard Herrmann
Ghostbusters (Theme) – Ray Parker Jr.
Danse Macabre – Camille Saint-Saëns
Night on Bald Mountain – Modest Mussorgsky
Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley
Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman
WHERE: Third Room
WHEN: Friday October 31, 2025
DOORS: 8pm SHOW: 9pm
GENRE: jam / rock
TICKETS: $20
Join us on Friday October 31st at Third Room in Asheville for a night of sound, visuals and Halloween fun you won’t forget!
Kicking off the night: The J. Lloyd Mashups’ Tribute to Ozzy, a dark and groovy homage to the Prince of Darkness.
Then, Asheville’s own Auspicious Golden Fish takes the stage with their high-energy instrumental psychedelia, wrapped in immersive visuals, lights and Halloween magic.
Come dressed to impress for our Ozzy costume contest! We’re giving away prizes for the most epic, over-the-top Ozzy looks of the night. Think leather, eyeliner, crosses, bats… go wild. 🦇”
Auspicious Golden Fish:
Swimming in an ocean of sound, Auspicious Golden Fish weaves together searing guitar riffs, hypnotic synth textures, and deep funk grooves into a transcendent musical experience. Guitarist/producer Jamie Hendrickson (The Fritz/ElectroLust) assembles a revolving lineup of all-star musicians that bring his compositions to life. The result is a sonic journey—one that invites listeners to dissolve the ego, embrace the present moment, and dance into higher states of consciousness.
J. Lloyd Mashup:
The JLloyd MashUp explores different genres of music including Acid Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro Beat, Reggae, Break Beat, and Latin. Led and curated by Jonathan Lloyd (The Fritz/ Dubconscious/ Cadillac Jones), the band is made up of some of Asheville’s busiest and hardest working musicians on the scene.