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.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Tweetsie Railroad’s Family-Friendly Halloween Celebration: The Ghost Train
Oct 21 @ 7:30 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Theme Park Transforms from Wild West by Day to Ghost Train at Night

The spooktacular season of Tweetsie’s Ghost Train® Halloween Celebration, a popular fall family tradition, begins Friday, September 22, and continues every Friday and Saturday night through October 28.

Daytime guests can still enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides and attractions. . . but when the sun goes down, the park gets a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed attractions.

Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the Palace Spooktacular Show.

Braver kids and adults will appreciate the scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, walking through the hallowed halls of the Haunted House and exploring the murky Freaky Forest.

And, everyone will love the park’s most popular amusement rides after dark in the Creepy Carnival.

The park opens at 7:30 pm with the first train scheduled for 8:00 p.m. On October Saturday nights starting on the 14, 21, and 28, the park opens at 7:15 p.m. with the first train scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children age 2 and under. They are sold in advance for a designated night with a scheduled train ride departure time. A limited number of guests will be admitted each evening, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets well beforehand to avoid missing out on all of the spooky fun.

Sunday, October 22, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 22 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 22 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Oct 22 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Creekside Play @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

STATIONARY FUN – Creekside play area has a treehouse and wee slide ➤ The Big Barn has our Sound Silo full of instruments to play on and make noise, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor and cornhole boards(ask the staff for bags) ➤ On the grassy slope behind the Big Barn we’ve got our famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages, hammocks on the hill and tetherball!

Availability: All stationary fun is available every day during business hours of 10-5, starting September 2nd, through the rest of the season- tetherball will be back in action starting September 6th!

ANIMALS TO SEE – We will have a brooder house full of chicks in various ages and stages all season, there will typically be mama pigs and piglets in agritourism pens on the hill, more rarely there will be grazing cattle in a nearby field.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE

9/2 Sat  11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

9/16 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck – they will be serving HNG beef for their all-American burger!

9/24 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Root Down Farm Food Truck

9/30 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/7 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

10/14 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/15 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/22 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/29 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill Food Truck

11/4 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

FALL SEASONAL OFFERINGS

APPLES – Our partners in Edneyville, NC, Lyda Farms, bring some of the best in the region. Local and low spray, folks come every year to get the best of fall in NC by the bag to bake, stew, butter, sauce and of course, crunch into while sitting on the farm.

Availability: Apples will be available to buy starting September 9th, they will typically run out Mid to late October.

FRESH PRESSED CIDER – We press fresh apple cider every year, comprised of our historical orchard apples on the Old Sherrill’s Inn property and apples from our partner Lyda Farms. This is a raw, unpasteurized product – delicious and changeable as the season, no added sugar or seasonings.

Availability: 1st pressing September 13th, bottled cider will be in the store for purchase September 14th!

JACKOLANTERN PUMPKINS – We work with several WNC veggie farmers in the area, including Hawkins Farms. We’ll have pumpkins arranged all around the Farm Store to display their beauty AND make sure you get *just the right one*. The seeds are dynamite when roasted, too…

Availability: Coming Mid-September, they will typically run out by end of October so make sure you get yours! 

EDIBLE SQUASH & DECORATIVE GOURDS – From Mr. Anthony Cole’s farms, we have some long-lasting festive gourds to decoarate for the season, and a broad variety of edible squashes and pumpkins perfect for pies, soups and pasta.

Availability: Coming Mid-September.

Hayrides @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 22 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

HAYRIDES – Brought to you by Project HNG our sister nonprofit! Proceeds go to Project HNG. Suitable for all ages, babies in arms are free, 16 people per ride.

Availability: every Saturday & Sunday starting September 2nd through November 11th. 11am-4pm, last ride goes out at 3:30pm. May be cancelled due to tremendous weather conditions.

Horse rides @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 22 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

PONY RIDES – Brought to you by Project HNG our sister nonprofit! Proceeds go to Project HNG. Suitable for young children, supervision and helmets provided. If you’re interested in riding lessons or trail rides please reach out to [email protected]

Availability: every Saturday & Sunday starting September 2nd through November 11th. 11am-3pm. May be cancelled due to tremendous weather conditions

Willy Wonka Jr.
Oct 22 @ 1:00 pm
HART Theatre

Willy Wonka Jr.

By Timothy Allen McDonald & Leslie Bricusse
In the Fangmeyer Theatre

Do you have the golden ticket?

The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.

Suitable for all audiences.

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Oct 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Curtains: School Edition
Oct 22 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies onstage the entire cast & crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, Curtains is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience.

Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Book by Rupert Holmes.

Curtains: School Edition
Oct 22 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies onstage the entire cast & crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, Curtains is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience.

The 11th Annual Haunted Trail
Oct 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is excited to present the 11th 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 will host 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. Asheville Plays creates a show with a unique perspective on Halloween fun with 15 live action scenes for guests to watch and enjoy. 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 so that littles and parents can take a guided tour of the scenes to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available 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. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room- Test ‘yer wit mateys! 10 voyages available nightly for purchase (groups of up to 6 per voyage) Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity. Free Pirate activities for kids of all ages are located in Pirates Cove. Mellow Mushroom pizza is available on site as well as local beers and non alcoholic beverage options. There is something for every member of your family at 85 expo drive this Halloween season!

Curtains: School Edition
Oct 22 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies onstage the entire cast & crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, Curtains is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience.

Monday, October 23, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 23 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 23 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Oct 23 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

CORE Program Fall Fun
Oct 23 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Parks and Community Centers in Asheville
Entrance to Festival of Lights -- display with a deer on a mountain

!

Get ready for another season of excitement as our CORE Program gears up to provide exciting games and activities for toddlers, homeschoolers, and families throughout the community this Fall.

This includes include strider bikes, yard games, kid-friendly music, puzzles, foam archery, chalk and more. While the games can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age–with something available for anyone–the programming is aimed at those 1 to 15 years of age.

Be sure to mark your calendars with the following CORE Program dates:

Community Centers (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

  • September 18 – Sandy Mush Community Center
  • October 9 – Sandy Mush Community Center
  • October 11 – Big Ivy Community Center
  • October 23 – Big Ivy Community Center
  • October 25 – Bent Creek Community Park
  • November 6 – Sandy Mush Community Center
  • November 8 – Big Ivy Community Center

Parks (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

  • September 20 – Buncombe County Sports Park
  • September 22 – Charles D. Owen Park
  • October 27 – Lake Julian Park

For more information, call us at (828) 250-4260.

Southside Halloween Festival 
Oct 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

 

$5 per person | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Put on your costume and make memories with pumpkin carving, face painting, classic horror movies, spooky music, supernatural snacks, costume contests, and more! For more info, call 828-259-5483.

Coco Live-to-Film Concert
Oct 23 @ 7:30 pm
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University

Coco Live to film concert poster

 

Coco Live-to-Film Concert features a screening of the complete Disney Pixar film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, “Coco” also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. Audiences will travel with Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) on his extraordinary journey to the colorful Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family’s history set to a live orchestra.

Disney Pixar Coco es un evento especial que no te puedes perder. El evento consta de la proyección de la película, mientras la Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México interpreta la música  del compositor ganador del Oscar® y el Grammy®, Michael Giacchino, en vivo. Además de la música original de Giacchino, “Coco” también incluye la canción ganadora del Oscar® “Remember Me” de los compositores ganadores del Oscar Kristen Anderson-Lopez y Robert Lopez, así como otras canciones coescritas por Germaine Franco y el codirector y guionista Adrian Molina. La voz original de Miguel, Anthony Gonzalez, transportara a los espectadores a la colorida Tierra de los Muertos, para descubrir la verdadera historia de su familia.

 

Image courtesy of AMP Worldwide and Disney.

About the Movie: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).

The Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, is a musical group that stands out for its ability to fuse pre-Hispanic instruments with instruments from the colonial era, thus creating a unique and distinctive sound that evokes the rich history and culture of Mexico.

This orchestra is made up of expert musicians who are highly trained in the interpretation of a wide variety of genres and styles of Mexican folk music, such as Mariachi music, Jarana music, Son music, and Huapango music, among others. In addition, their repertoire includes songs and instrumental pieces dating from pre-Hispanic and colonial times, which allows them to connect with the country’s historical and cultural roots.

Among the instruments used by the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México are traditional pre-Hispanic drums, such as the “Huehuetl “and “Tepobaztli”, as well as flutes, “Ocarinas” and other pre-Hispanic wind instruments. They also use guitars, violins, double basses, and other stringed instruments that date back to colonial times, resulting in a unique and surprising sound combination.

In conjunction with the dancers of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, the Orquesta Folclórica manages to transmit to the public the energy, passion, and diversity of Mexican culture through its music and dance, creating an authentic and exciting experience for all those who have the pleasure of enjoying the show.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 24 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Oct 24 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

PARENTS LOUNGE LEAF Global Experience
Oct 24 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Experience

LEAF isn’t just for kids! Join us in the Mezzanine while you wait for your youth to finish their class or just to hang out!

Kolo Bike Park Afterschool Club
Oct 24 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

It’s back! Our Kolo Bike Park monthly after-school club runs every Tuesday & Thursday afternoon for ages 6-13 from 3-6 pm.

This club is for our local shredders to keep riding and growing their mountain bike skills all year long. This club is NOT to teach children how to ride and it is a requirement that they enjoy biking and can successfully ride their bike off-road before joining. Our highly skilled and trained staff will help campers working on bike handling and riding all the features and trails our 125-acre park has to offer.

  • $350 per camper per month
  • Runs Tuesdays and Thursdays in October, and November. Please note that you need to purchase a membership for EACH month!
  • $20 discount for either multiple months or for each multiple campers (you may not stack discounts, sorry!)
  • We run rain or shine! If it is too muddy to ride, we will adjust programming for bike maintenance lessons, alternative activities, etc.
  • Campers must bring their own bike, helmet, water bottle, snack, and any protective gear each day
  •  A $25 cancellation fee will be charged in canceled less than 2 weeks before the first session.
  • No refunds for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the first session!

You may book online or call our office at 828.225.2921.  To book online choose October 3 for the October Club and November 2 for the November Club.

Enchanted Forest
Oct 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Highlands Nature Center

Join us on Tuesday, October 24th between 5:30 & 7 PM for a mystical journey through the Highlands Botanical Garden!

🧙‍♀️ Dress up in your spookiest, funniest, or most enchanting costumes
🍭 Go trick-or-treating through the garden trails
👻 Get your face painted by our friends from Macon Faces
🌲 Enjoy our bonfire & refreshments in the meadow

It’s a family-friendly evening of enchantment and wonder. Don’t miss this opportunity to create unforgettable Halloween memories.
Costumes are encouraged, and the event is open to all ages.

Weather dependent.

3rd-5th Musical Theatre Class
Oct 24 @ 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Playhouse Jr. Education Center

In this 8-week session discover the fun and fundamentals of musical theatre technique by integrating acting, singing, and simple choreography in the development of a Broadway repertoire. Students will learn proper vocal technique, story-telling through song, musical theatre-style choreography, and how to work within an ensemble. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times. We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!

Tales of Three: Storytelling by Pat and Becky Stone
Oct 24 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Fairview Library

Join us at Fairview Library as Pat and Becky Stone share rousing, humorous, and captivating stories that—like so many folktales—surprise and delight by having three parts. (And, yes! — their new triplet grandbabies inspired the theme!)

Coco Live-to-Film Concert
Oct 24 @ 7:30 pm
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University

Coco Live to film concert poster

 

Coco Live-to-Film Concert features a screening of the complete Disney Pixar film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, “Coco” also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. Audiences will travel with Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) on his extraordinary journey to the colorful Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family’s history set to a live orchestra.

Disney Pixar Coco es un evento especial que no te puedes perder. El evento consta de la proyección de la película, mientras la Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México interpreta la música  del compositor ganador del Oscar® y el Grammy®, Michael Giacchino, en vivo. Además de la música original de Giacchino, “Coco” también incluye la canción ganadora del Oscar® “Remember Me” de los compositores ganadores del Oscar Kristen Anderson-Lopez y Robert Lopez, así como otras canciones coescritas por Germaine Franco y el codirector y guionista Adrian Molina. La voz original de Miguel, Anthony Gonzalez, transportara a los espectadores a la colorida Tierra de los Muertos, para descubrir la verdadera historia de su familia.

 

Image courtesy of AMP Worldwide and Disney.

About the Movie: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).

The Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, is a musical group that stands out for its ability to fuse pre-Hispanic instruments with instruments from the colonial era, thus creating a unique and distinctive sound that evokes the rich history and culture of Mexico.

This orchestra is made up of expert musicians who are highly trained in the interpretation of a wide variety of genres and styles of Mexican folk music, such as Mariachi music, Jarana music, Son music, and Huapango music, among others. In addition, their repertoire includes songs and instrumental pieces dating from pre-Hispanic and colonial times, which allows them to connect with the country’s historical and cultural roots.

Among the instruments used by the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México are traditional pre-Hispanic drums, such as the “Huehuetl “and “Tepobaztli”, as well as flutes, “Ocarinas” and other pre-Hispanic wind instruments. They also use guitars, violins, double basses, and other stringed instruments that date back to colonial times, resulting in a unique and surprising sound combination.

In conjunction with the dancers of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, the Orquesta Folclórica manages to transmit to the public the energy, passion, and diversity of Mexican culture through its music and dance, creating an authentic and exciting experience for all those who have the pleasure of enjoying the show.