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.

Sunday, October 26, 2025
The 13th Annual Haunted Trail at The Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th annual Haunted Trail; Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville is the host of this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM

Monday, October 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Dinner at Embassy Suites
Oct 27 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Embassy Suites

Welcome to Thanksgiving at Embassy Suites!

Join us on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Embassy Suites for a festive holiday feast in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Thanksgiving dishes, share meaningful moments with family and friends, and celebrate the season of gratitude together.

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Eblen Charities, and all leftovers will be shared with the Asheville Poverty Initiative’s 12 Baskets Café, extending the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond our table.

Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but we highly recommend reserving ahead to guarantee your spot!

Please note, Thanksgiving meal tickets do not include alcoholic beverages. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase separately. Complimentary hot chocolate and hot apple cider for kids.

Big family gathering? No problem, we’ve got room for all! For groups of 9 or more, ask about our private rooms and make your gathering extra special. Call us at 828-407-0422 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

Seating Times: 12:00PM | 12:30PM | 1:00PM | 1:30PM | 2:00PM | 2:30PM | 3:00PM | 3:30PM | 4:00PM | 4:30PM

Dietary Restrictions:
If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to let us know! Our team will do their best to accommodate. You can reach out anytime to Jack Benton at [email protected].

Friday, October 31, 2025
Trick or Treat at the Grove Arcade
Oct 31 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Join us on Halloween evening at the historic Grove Arcade from 4 to 7 p.m. for a trick-or-treating spectacle!Bring the whole crew out for this family-friendly night! Visit our shops and restaurants, and enjoy candy at every stop as you stroll through.

Dress up and have fun with your friends and family! We can’t wait to spread some cheer and see everyone there! Costumes encouraged! See you there, Asheville.

Vampires vs. Outlaws: Halloween Honky Tonk at Fitz and the Wolfe
Oct 31 @ 5:00 pm
Fitz and the Wolfe

21+ Event
We’ve transformed Fitz and The Wolfe into a Haunted Honky Tonk this Halloween night — where outlaws ride after dark and vampires dance ‘til dawn. Blood drips, green glow, and a lineup deadlier than daylight…

🦇 THE SHOWROOM
5PM – The Swingin’ Poppies
A vampy jazz trio resurrecting your favorite 90s & 2000s hits and spinning them into sultry, spooky jazz gold.

8PM – The Alex Eubanks Band
These country outlaws bring high-octane country and southern rock — the kind of sound that’ll turn the toughest vampires to dust.

💀 THE PALM ROOM (Downstairs)
Doors open at 9PM — the realm of shadows awaits.
9:30PM – Adrianne Blanks & The Oracles
A hypnotic jazz performance that will kidnap your senses and transport you to Halloween Town. You’ll leave wondering if you’re still part of this realm…

✨ COSTUME CONTEST – 9:30PM
Show us your fangs or your six-shooters — we’re crowning:
🏆 Best Western Outlaw
🧛‍♀️ Best Vampire
🎭 Most Creative
Winners take home Fitz and The Wolfe merch + gift cards for future partyin’.
🩸 Tickets:
$10 in advance
A scary good deal for three killer bands and one haunted night.
🧛‍♂️ Saddle up, sharpen your fangs, and pick your side…

Halloween Party Sunset at The Silo Cookhouse
Oct 31 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Horse Shoe Farm

Join us for a spooktacular evening at The Horse Shoe Farm for Sunset at the Silo:
Halloween Edition! Enjoy festive hay rides, live music, lawn games, and more—all set against a gorgeous mountain sunset. Costumes encouraged for kids and grown-ups alike! Free to attend | Food & Drinks available for purchase

Parlour in the Palm | Halloween Magic Show at Fitz and the Wolfe
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm
Fitz and the Wolfe

Parlour in the Palm: A Night of Magic and Mystery
The veil thins on October 31st. Step inside the shadowy glow of The Palm Room and experience Parlour in the Palm, an immersive Halloween night of magic that promises more than tricks. Prepare for impossible feats and uncanny wonders with world-renowned magician Paul Vigil, direct from Las Vegas, joined by guest magicians who know how to keep the night deliciously unsettling.
This is a one-of-a-kind performance where close-up sorcery meets mind-twisting mentalism, all in an intimate space that’s equal parts elegant and a little haunted.
Each Ticket Includes:
Complimentary cocktail or mocktail to steel your nerves
Reserved table seating
Pre-show close-up magic right at your table
A 70-minute parlour show featuring master magicians
🎃 Extremely limited seating with only 40 seats available.

Saturday, November 1, 2025
Journey Through the Seasons: Keeping a Garden Journal
Nov 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Library

Award-winning garden blogger, Lisa Wagner, encourages creative ways to plan, record, and reflect on your journeys through the seasons in your garden and landscape.

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 1 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

I9PA Release Party + Benefit Bike Bash!
Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Yards

I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)

Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.

3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!

6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.

6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.

The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!

Sunday, November 2, 2025
Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 2 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Monday, November 3, 2025
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 3 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Hike with a Naturalist

Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.

To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Nov 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Save the date for this year’s annual Handcrafted Holiday Market! This year’s show will run from November 7 through December 18, with the reception planned for Thursday, November 6, 5:30 – 7pm. Regional artists will fill the TACS Gallery with fine and handcrafted goods, rotating their inventory with each week and providing you with ample opportunities for holiday shopping! Stay tuned for more information regarding participating artists.

Our Li’l Angels Tree is filled with ornaments donated by area artists each year. By purchasing one of these ornaments, you are supporting our Youth Scholarship Fund, providing equal opportunities to creative kids!

TACS will be hosting a collection for Thermal Belt Outreach (TBO)! Items being donated will be distributed by TBO this holiday season.

Saturday, November 8, 2025
Dark City LIT! Free Literary Festival in Black Mountain
Nov 8 all-day
Black Mountain Public Library

Saturday | Doors Open at 9:00 AM

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT!, a celebration of local literary talent. The day kicks off with the Write Local, Read Local Author Fair, featuring 20 local authors hand-selling their books.

🕛 Noon – 1:00 PM: Enjoy a dynamic Rapid-Read Hour, where authors share quick readings from their latest works.
📝 Afternoon Workshops: Dive into writing workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft.
🌟 Featured Author Tessa Fontaine closes the day with a powerful reading and book signing.

📍 Don’t miss this vibrant day of storytelling, creativity, and community!

Naturalist Niche: Ridge Hike
Nov 8 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Naturalist Niche: Ridge Hike

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $25 Adult, $15 Youth (ages 5-15) | $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $9 Youth Annual Passholder
Write Local, Read Local Author and Illustrator Fair
Nov 8 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Black Mountain Library

The Black Mountain Public Library is excited to announce that registration is now open for the fourth annual “Write Local Read Local Author & Illustrator Fair” taking place Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This beloved community event brings together authors, illustrators, and book lovers from across the Swannanoa Valley for a morning of conversation, connection, and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the public face-to-face, hand-sell their books, and share their stories in a welcoming, literary atmosphere.
The fair is more than just a book signing—it’s a celebration of the incredible talent in our valley and an invitation for our neighbors to discover and support it.
Each registered participant will receive table space for the drop-in event at no cost. Whether you’re an emerging author, an established illustrator, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to be part of the vibrant Swannanoa Valley literary community. (If you participated in the 2024 event, we ask you to wait until next year unless you have published work since 11/2024. We appreciate your understanding.)

Thanksgiving Potluck
Nov 8 @ 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
Animal Haven of Asheville

Celebrate compassion and community at our 4th annual ThanksLiving event! Bring a vegan dish to share, enjoy a peaceful afternoon with our 70+ rescued animals, and hear from special guest Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary and renowned animal advocate.

Schedule: 11-1: Potluck | 1-2:30: Animal visits | 2:30-4:30: Gene Baur presentation & Q&A
🎟️ Tickets are limited and advance purchase is required; no day-of ticket sales | $37.50 early bird (through Oct. 26) $45 regular (Oct. 27–Nov. 7)
🍽️ Bring a vegan dish (serves 8–10), plate, utensils and drink 🌧️ Rain or shine | 🪑Tables and chairs provided | 🚙Offsite parking and shuttle service available
🍉 Optional animal donations: unbleached pumpkins, melons, apples

Ticket URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/thanksliving-potluck

Scribbles of Strength: Transforming Our Pain Into Power
Nov 8 @ 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Story Parlor

While pain is an unpleasant and universal part of the human experience, it can be a profound gateway to deeper connection, understanding, and empowerment. With this understanding, workshop facilitator, Emily Marjean Coolbeth, will lead participants through mindfulness and creative writing exercises designed to tap into both areas of joy and woundedness in order to help transform our places of hurt into areas of strength.

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 8 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Sunday, November 9, 2025
Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 9 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Monday, November 10, 2025
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 10 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Hike with a Naturalist

Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.

To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans
Nov 11 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Chimney Rock honors all veterans and active military personnel with free admission for Veterans Day weekend. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 15 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Sunday, November 16, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 16 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Monday, November 17, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 17 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 17 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Hike with a Naturalist

Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.

To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 18 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 19 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Thursday, November 20, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 20 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.