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.

Carolina Memorial Sanctuary leads a conversation about death preparation, home funerals, and the cathartic act of participating in a loved one’s burial, Thurs. October 16 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary presentation at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees). 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

The Rhythm & Brews Concert Series unfolds as a casual and welcoming event, occurring on the third Thursday of each month from June to October. South Main Street in Hendersonville transforms into a hub of local entertainment, where community members gather to enjoy live music, craft beverages, and family-friendly activities. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., initiating the evening with an opening act at 5:30 p.m., followed by the headlining performance from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

2025 Rhythm & Brews Concert final concert of the season:

October 16: BonaFide Soul [[Jazz/Funk/Soul] with Congdon Griffin Band [[Folk/Americana/Rock]]

The Beer & Wine Garden, a focal point for adults, features offerings from local establishments such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Bold Rock Hard Cider, Guidon Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing Co., Dry Falls Brewery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Flat Rock Cider Company. Notably, all net proceeds from adult beverage sales contribute to the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Downtown Program.

For families, the Hendersonville Honeycrisps & the Hendersonville Toy Company Kid Zone provide a range of kid-friendly activities, including hula-hooping and interactive exhibits.

Attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs and picnic blankets to create a relaxed atmosphere. However, coolers and pets are best left at home to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants. Join us for a laid-back summer evening, filled with music, local brews, and community connections in the heart of Hendersonville.

Asheville Music School and The Mule have teamed up for a silent auction fundraiser to benefit Asheville Music School’s scholarship and outreach programs through the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund. Up for bidding will be luxury regional experiences, vacation getaways, wine tasting events, fine art, pampering packages, restaurant and wellness gift certificates, concert tickets and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Patrons can hit the cash bar serving wine, local beer, cocktails, and NA beverages, and dine on regional food by local chefs. The evening will also feature live music showcase performances by AMS students.
The funds we’re raising through this auction are going to help fund the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which provides need-based scholarships for music lessons and instruments, as well as music-based community outreach.

Get ready, South Asheville. The Bulldogs are coming to Biltmore Park Town Square. UNC Asheville Athletics, Ingles Markets, and the Reuter Family YMCA are partnering with us to host the Bulldog Block Party on Thursday, October 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings together college athletics, community pride, and local entertainment for an evening that celebrates the best of Asheville. Whether you’re a UNC Asheville fan, a nearby resident, or just looking for something to do on a beautiful autumn evening, the Bulldog Block Party is a great way to connect with neighbors and the greater Asheville community.

Keith Urban is bringing the HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR with special guests Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collinsto to Bon Secours Wellness Arena 10/16! Tickets on sale Friday 12/13 @ 10AM.

Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.

On Thursday, October 16 the Momenta Quartet pays tribute to the groundbreaking musical legacy of Black Mountain College with a program of modernist works by its two most iconic American composers: Stefan Wolpe (1902-1972) who was Music Director of Black Mountain College from 1952 through 1956, and John Cage (1912-1992) who taught there in the summer of 1952 and was in residence is the summer of 1953. Momenta will open the program with two works written in 1950: Wolpe’s Set of 12 Pieces for String Quartet which the group premiered after it was transcribed from manuscript by the Stefan Wolpe Society, and John Cage’s String Quartet in Four Parts (1950). They will close the program with one of Wolpe’s late works, his String Quartet (1969).

This event is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Points in Space: Performance at Black Mountain College. The Momenta Quartet will also perform as part of Aphorisms, a Tribute to Ursula Mamlok, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14th-15th.

THUR 10/16 – 7-9 PM – Songwriter Sessions return with Cary Cooper, and Todd Hoke. An evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar. Another trio of wonder filled songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our October session at the coolest bar in Hendo These musicians will delight your senses, tickle your funny bone, and adjust your alignment (metaphorically). All that and delicious cocktails? Yes, please! Join us with Cary Cooper, Jenny Reynolds, and Todd Hoke. With hosts Annie Wenz & Todd Hoke.
Cary Cooper is a whimsical singer-songwriter whose heartfelt lyrics and warm, pop folk-rooted melodies invite listeners into stories of love, loss, and resilience. Award winning (Kerrville, Rocky Mountain, Telluride), longtime touring artist and founder of RealPeopleRealSongs, she blends wit, wisdom, and intimacy, creating music that feels like conversation.
For information contact [email protected]

Vote for your favorite comic of the night!!
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest – round 2
Thursday October 16, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Audience votes thru ballot. Comics on the show will do 4 minutes of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with winners from round one to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.
Want to compete? These limited spots go fast. Free to signup if room is still available. Contact Michele at [email protected]!

Growing up with a bipolar father and a schizophrenic brother left Aaron Foster with a combination of survivor’s guilt, depression and anxiety that has invalidated his every accomplishment, destroyed his every relationship and invaded his every waking thought. A comedy!
“Mostly Jokes” was named ”Best Solo Show” at the Tucson Fringe Festival in January and has received reviews such as: “A laugh every twenty seconds.” “I’ve never laughed so hard about mental health.” “Subversively hilarious, laugh out loud gallows humor.”
Foster is the former host of HGTV’s FreeStyle who turned to stand up to manage his depression and anxiety. He has performed at clubs all over the West Coast and has been touring this show for the past year. Some of his main influences are Mike Birbiglia, Maria Bamford, Gary Gulman, Marc Maron, Taylor Tomlinson and Neal Brennan. Do with that information what you will.

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

Come get down to some spooky, groovy, and funky disco house tunes!

Feat. a stellar lineup of local talent:

– Sketchy Decks
– Earl Grae
– Interstellar Noise
– Double Helix

$10 entry. Don’t miss this one!

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to partner with J&M Farms at their vendor market day in October!

🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼

Come support young business minds as they showcase their creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit alongside your favorite local vendors.

Shop local and discover handmade crafts, delicious treats and unique finds from amazing vendors. It will be a day of family fun, and a perfect day to shop, explore, and be inspired by the next generation of innovators.

Discover the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong
A vibrant weekly gathering at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville. Running every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 local vendors within a 60-mile radius. From farm-fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Join us from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of food, farms, and family in a lively community atmosphere.

Historic Johnson Farm will be hosting a Farm Fun Day on Saturday, October 18 from 1-5 PM. This family-friendly event will entertain people of all ages.
Admission to the event is $5 per person for ages 4 and up. Children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door; cash and card accepted.
Everything during the event is included in admission. Children can make a number of crafts with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists and participate in a farm-wide scavenger hunt. All visitors can go on a wagon ride and take a self-guided tour of the historic farm house. Champions for Wildlife will be on site to lead an activity and talk about their organization. Every visitor can get a bag of popcorn and a drink with their admission. At 2 PM, the farm will host the official ribbon cutting for the grand reopening of the Barn Loft Museum that Vernon and Leander Johnson created in the 1970s. Farm volunteers have been working for months to clean, polish, and reorganize the hundreds of artifacts in the loft and are eager for the public to see it.
Parking for the event will be available across the street at Rugby Middle School, and volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office will help visitors cross the street. Handicapped parking is available at the farm. Please leave pets at home.

Mon Cher let’s get to it! Most requested faves Zydeco Ya Ya are back in the Big Barn for zydeco, swamp pop, second line, and Cajun swing. These guys always provide a fabulous groove and engaging show that makes you want to hop out onto the floor- or bob and weave from your chair, cold one in hand.

• HNG will be running a bar with local beers, NA beverage and snack cart.
• Barn Door Ciderworks will provide some sweet and snappy sips of their legendary cider brewed right here in Fairview.
• The Garden Foodtruck by chef Simone Jaramillo will be serving seasonal, sustainable, food-as-medicine MAGIC!
• Pro tip: we have picnic tables, benches & patio sets, but always bring a backup folding chair or picnic blanket JUST in case. It can get packed!

By purchasing your ticket online you will be on our Will Call list, admission will be checked in at the Cabana!

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

Candice Guardino: Italian Bred

Tauren Wells: Artist, Author, and Faith Leader

Tauren Wells is a multi-platinum recording artist, bestselling author, and dynamic faith leader who has inspired millions through his music, message, and ministry.

With 10 GRAMMY® nominations, eight GMA Dove Awards, seven #1 radio hits, and over 1.6 billion global streams, he has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian music.

In 2025, Wells released his debut book Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus’s Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life, which quickly became a #1 Amazon New Release and ECPA bestseller. At the same time, his breakout single Take It All Back earned RIAA Gold certification and topped multiple radio charts.

His RIAA-certified singles—platinum hits Known and Hills and Valleys, and gold singles God’s Not Done With You and Famous For (I Believe)—continue to resonate deeply with listeners.

Known for blending gospel, pop, hip-hop, and R&B, Wells has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from H.E.R. and Elevation Worship to Lecrae and Tobymac. Having previously toured with legends including Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey, he has captivated audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, Wells continues to lead both on and off stage—most recently with the launch of Church of Whitestone in Austin, TX, where he and his wife serve as co-lead pastors—uniting creativity and conviction to awaken the spirit of a generation.

Driven by a commitment to bring his family closer to their collective faith, Wells creates music as a testament to this purpose—an intent that infuses his 2025 EP Let The Church Sing and his bestselling literary debut Joy Bomb, both out now.

WHERE: Third Room
WHEN: Saturday October 18, 2025
DOORS: 8pm SHOW: 9pm
GENRE: glitch hop / idm / neurofunk
TICKETS: $25 adv. / $30 d.o.s.

Formed in Bristol in 2008, KOAN Sound, comprised of Will Weeks and Jim Bastow, is a dynamic electronic music duo renowned for blending intricate sound design with profound musical compositions. Their music integrates a diverse range of electronic genres, alongside funk, ambient, and cinematic elements, all marked by the duo’s distinct style—which fields electronic production, both live and in the studio, like an instrument itself.

Influenced by a mix of underground electronic music and bands like Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, and The Prodigy, KOAN Sound quickly gained recognition.Their musical journey evolved with the release of the Funk Blaster EP on Skrillex’s OWSLA label, which hit number one on Beatport and displayed a broader range of styles, including notable funk influences.