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, September 27, 2020
Bluegrass Brunch
Sep 27 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Image

Bluegrass Brunch
hosted by Aaron Woody Wood & The Sufi Brothers

Pickin’ on the Porch w/ Chicken Coop Willaye 1030AM
Bald Mountain Boys 11AM – 12:30PM
Sufi Brothers 12:45PM – 3PM

Be sure to check out our Bloody Mary Bar, the BEST selection of pickled products and other additions in Asheville. The MOJO Kitchen will be serving a special Brunch menu until 3PM as well.

Food & music start at 10:30am
ADULT beverages at Noon.

Dobra Tea W. Asheville Zen Patio Open
Sep 27 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Dobra Tea West Asheville

Scoop: New Zen Patio Hangout in West Asheville

 

Dobra Tea will help you kick back, social distance style, with their new and beautiful outdoor patio at their West AVL location. Enjoy a little break from reality right off  Haywood Road. 

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Sep 27 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Sep 27 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Salvage Station

We are open with new rules and safety measures!

Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.

Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.

In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.

We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.

*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.

*Parties of 6 or fewer only.

*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).

*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.

*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.

Let’s have fun and stay safe!

“Empty Bowls” Flat Rock Backpack Program RESCHEDEULED
Sep 27 @ 12:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness
Due to current public health concerns with COVID-19, the fourth annual “Empty
Bowls” fundraiser has once again been postponed and with a different format. The fundraiser
was originally set for March 29, and then pushed back to September 27, 2020. Now organizers
have decided to honor only current ticket holders to an event on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
There will be no food or beverages served or any further ticket sales. Original ticket purchasers
will be contacted to pick up a hand-crafted bowl made by a local pottery artist at The Episcopal
Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
The traditional Empty Bowls event plans to return in the future.
For more information please call 828-693-9783.
For the fourth year, local pottery artists are firing their kilns to help hungry
children in the greater Flat Rock area.
EMPTY BOWLS, a community meal benefitting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish
Hall at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock.
There are three seatings with suggested reservations, 12:30pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Tickets are $25 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12 years old.
Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal
(a variety of soups, breads and desserts).
Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 2 at St. John in the Wilderness Parish House Office, from Backpack team members or at the door on the day of the event.
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the
year.
Sunday Bluegrass Brunch
Sep 27 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Image may contain: text that says '$6 MARYS UEGRASS SUNDAY MIMOSAS EVERY SUNDAY 12:30PM 2:30PM BRUNCH BRUNCH FOOD SPECIALS Bluegrass WITH SUPPER BREAK SANDWICHES risanal'

Enjoy our Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday from 12:30-2:30pm! The Supper Break band out of Asheville will bring you lively Bluegrass tunes while you enjoy our Brunch Food Specials and Artisanal Sandwich menu. $5 Bloody Marys, $6 Mimosas, and $15 Bottles of Bubbly – only at Jack of the Wood!
Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Sep 27 @ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing Downtown

The Sage,  Belgian Style Dark Strong Ale was on the recent cover of the annual “Best in Beer” issue in The Beer Connoisseur magazine! Not only was The Sage featured on the cover of this Winter Edition, but it was also named the 8th best beer in the world and the 2nd Best Belgian Strong Ale in the World! Swing by Archetype and enjoy their Covid-safe indoor and outdoor seating options rain or shine while sipping on some award-winning brews.
Highland Brewing Company‎ Reggae Sundays in the Meadow with Chalwa
Sep 27 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company‎

No photo description available.

Join us for Reggae Sundays every week in the Meadow for a cold beer and the sounds of the island with our friends from Chalwa.

Reggae Sundays are dependent on weather and will only occur outdoors in the Meadow.

Jam on, friends!

Downtown Asheville: Pack Park Meet Up
Sep 27 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Come hangout, enjoy the sunshine, air and each other’s knowledge and company. From there, we can walk or meet at a local restaurant. Open to ideas.

Shakedown Sundays
Sep 27 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

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Every Sunday Except First of Month.

Lawn Concert: Hannah Kaminer
Sep 27 @ 6:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

Join Hannah and her band for an evening of wistful, Americana-style songwriting.

Hannah Kaminer is a folk/Americana artist based in Asheville, NC. Raised in small towns in western North Carolina, she fuses echoes of Appalachian traditions with wistful, Americana-style songwriting. Her clear voice and silvery melodies are a haunting pairing with gut-wrenching lyrics about loss, love, and home.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

Ghosted: Comedy Walking Tour w/ LaZoom
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR

COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!

PATIO SHOW: The New Rustics
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: The New Rustics

The New Rustics have fused elements of folk, rock, jam, and country to create a high-energy, eclectic, and upbeat sound familiar to many, yet still maintaining authenticity. Bound together by instrumental improvisations and meaningful lyrics, they add a modern-day twist to a classic rock style. The New Rustics have been compared to legendary artists such as The Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, Little Feat, Uncle Tupelo, Tom Petty, Arlo Guthrie, and the Drive-By Truckers just to name a few. Their catchy melodies will have you singing in no time, but don’t think you’ve got them figured out just yet! Known to change gears on you, they’ll keep fans on their toes while moving their hips!

UniHorn (funk)
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Iconic Kitchen and Drinks

UNIHORN SUNDAY NIGHTS @ ICONIC!!
Comprised of some of Asheville’s funkiest musicians UniHorn features explosive brass, sweeping keyboard runs, and high energy tasty beats! Mixing in both original compositions and covers UniHorn knows how to keep the crowd moving and the party raging!!

Ghosted: Comedy Walking Tour w/ LaZoom
Sep 27 @ 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
LaZoom Room

GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR

COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!

Monday, September 28, 2020
Black Folks Camp Too Initiative
Sep 28 all-day
Online

 

Black Folks Camp Too launched as a marketing initiative aimed at connecting Black individuals with camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Founder Earl B. Hunter was inspired by his son, Dillion, during a three month RV road trip in which they met only one other black family.

Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
Sep 28 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Online

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Sep 28 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase.

 

GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made.

Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant serving GSMR’s freshly cooked pulled pork barbeque rubbed with Cajun spices then slow-roasted to perfection served with southern sweet cornbread muffin with honey butter, coleslaw, and cinnamon apples then finish with a delicious piece of Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake. Riders will also receive their very own Carolina Shine mason drinking jar, refillable with soda beverages and tea throughout the day, and a souvenir GSMR tote bag (1 per couple/party).

Adventure Center of Asheville- Adventure Afterschool
Sep 28 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Adventure Center of Asheville- Adventure Afterschool

Afterschool Fall Fun!  Weekly programs designed to supplement an altered school day by providing outdoor, immersive adventures for your 5-8 or 9-15 year-old student. Under the care of our trained adventure staff, participants will explore over 100 acres of beautiful mountain space, conduct experiments while they traverse high ropes and team-building elements, and climb trees combining experimental science with high adventure. Come join us for an unforgettable fall adventure!

  • $129/week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Ages 5-8 years old: 12:00 pm-2:45 pm
  • Ages 9-15 years old: 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
  • Weekly from August 31-October 2 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Limited spaces available!  Reservations are required by calling our welcome center at 828.225.2921

Burgers and Bourbon
Sep 28 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sovereign Remedies

Join Sovereign Remedies every Monday for our limited time Burgers & Bourbon special for $12. This reoccurring event is designed to thank all of you for your support and to get the new week started off properly. You fantastic people seemed to love this event, so we have chosen to keep it going for a little while. Give it a try while we can still offer it.
Sovereign Burger:
Confit garlic aioli, Lusty Monk Mustard, house pickles, carrot catsup, smoked white cheddar, red onion and local lettuce.
Your Bourbon cocktails to select from are Old Fashioned, Whiskey-Ginger (house-made ginger), Bourbon High Ball. We do allow for you to upgrade to a bourbon cocktail of your choosing, for an additional cost.
Social distancing and safety procedures are fully utilized by our staff. Thank you for joining us! Please bring and wear a mask.
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Grandad’s Orchard Family Fun!
Sep 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
GRANDADS APPLES N SUCH

Weekend Fun!

Grandad’s has several family fun activities to enjoy on the WEEKENDS, beginning Labor Day weekend, throughout the fall. Including

 

  • Cow Train ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
  • Jump Pillow (due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, we will not open jump pillow this year)
  • Corn Maze ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
  • Apple Cannon ($4 per person, and you will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity)
  • You- Pick Apples varies through the season.  Please call us at (828)-685-1685 to updated information. (You will need to arrive before 4 PM to enjoy this activity Monday – Friday and 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays)
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center NOW ON LINE ONLY
Sep 29 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Online

NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival has been a staple in Western North Carolina since 1982. Bringing together families, friends and the community to celebrate another season of outdoor adventure. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we have made the decision to change up GAF for the 2020 season — with a focus on a virtual appreciation event throughout the month of September and no in-person festival the weekend of September 25th – 27th. The recreational releases on the Cascades and Upper Nantahala are still scheduled as normal.

In 2020 the festival format might change — but the spirit is stronger than ever. Let’s celebrate another summer of (socially distanced) adventure with a month full of deals on new and used gear, apparel from the big brands, and last minute savings on fall adventures in the mountains.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has reminded us that outdoor adventure plays a critical role in a healthy lifestyle. As we “space out” what is normally an action-packed weekend in the gorge, we plan to bring offers throughout the month of September that will keep you outfitted for the next adventure, big or small.

Want to be on the inside track? Sign up below to be added to our #GAF2020 list. We’ll be sharing additional updates soon and subscribers will be the first to know when the big deals hit.

Justus Orchard Pick Your Own!
Sep 29 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Justus Orchard

Looking forward to the first cool weekend of the year!!
Apples available for UPick are Golden’s, Red Jonagolds, Mutsu, Ambrosia and Asian Pears!!
Apples Available already picked are Golden’s, Gala’s, Early Fuji, Red Jonagold, Stayman Winesap,Mutsu, Ambrosia, Granny Smith, Red Romes and a very few Piñatas!
The Bakery will open in full force all day but remember we stop cooking at 5 pm so don’t wait too long to place your order,
The playground is open every day and the jumping pillow is open Friday’s Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The cow train, apple cannons and barn tours are open Saturdays and Sundays weather permitting until 5pm
Hoping to see you soon!!
The Justus Family!
Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Sep 29 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Sky Top Orchard Fall is Here!
Sep 29 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sky Top Orchard

It's Fall Y'all

Welcome to Sky Top Orchard!

We are asking guests to visit on weekdays whenever possible. We offer the same items you love on those days as we do on weekends plus it helps keep crowds down on weekends. Thank you!

The mountains of western North Carolina are full of pick your own u-pick orchards. We offer more. In addition to a long list of apple varieties, visit Sky Top Orchard and you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks and more, a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees. View our downloadable map to see all that we have to offer and visit our picking schedule to find out what’s available now.

When you purchase a bushel of apples, a wagon load of pumpkins or a cooler full of apple cider you’ll take home more than the makings for delicious fall recipes, you’ll take home a mountain of memories too. And don’t forget our famous apple cider doughnuts. They’re an autumn tradition. We bet you can’t eat just one.

Ready to join us on top of our mountain? Plan Your Visit Today!

mask required inside fruit stand

To keep guests and our staff safe, we require face masks (covering both nose and mouth) by employees and guests in any area where social distancing is difficult so plan to wear them in the fruit stand, in line for doughnuts, in any areas that are not out in the orchard where you are picking. You must also maintain a distance of 6 feet in all lines and areas where you encounter others.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Sep 29 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase.

 

GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made.

Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant serving GSMR’s freshly cooked pulled pork barbeque rubbed with Cajun spices then slow-roasted to perfection served with southern sweet cornbread muffin with honey butter, coleslaw, and cinnamon apples then finish with a delicious piece of Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake. Riders will also receive their very own Carolina Shine mason drinking jar, refillable with soda beverages and tea throughout the day, and a souvenir GSMR tote bag (1 per couple/party).

Kids Eat FREE Tuesday at Twisted Laurel Downtown
Sep 29 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Twisted Laurel Downtown

From burgers to chicken fingers, to grilled cheese and pasta, Twisted Laurel has something for even the pickiest of eaters. Twisted Laurel knows these times are weird, though, and just plain crazy. They want to celebrate kids and their hard-working parents by offering a Free Kids Meal to all children under 12 with the purchase of any full-priced entrée!

The Princess Bride – Outdoor Movie
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.

Grab your tickets now for our second showing of The Bride movie this Tuesday at Rabbit Rabbit! We will be showing the movie on our giant new outdoor screen. Seating is sold by the table with a $5 ticket cost per person. We have limited availability of the various table sizes. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, this might sell out!

Refreshments available from the AVL Taco Truck and the Rabbit Rabbit bar plus some movie night treats including popcorn, candy bars, and fresh cotton candy! No outside food or beverages permitted.

Please note: You’re purchasing the whole table and can bring up to the max number of guests with you, as listed with the table number. We are unable to adjust table sizes or placement on the night of the event.

Tuesday Early Jam
Sep 29 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall