Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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
Blue Ridge Roller Derby is kicking off our Home Team Season with a TRIPLE HEADER you don’t want to miss! Join us for an action-packed afternoon of hard hits, fast skates, and friendly rivalry as our three home teams take the track:
🦇 Black Balsam Batties
🐝 The Swarm
🐍 Copperhead Outlaws
Each team will face off in a series of 30-minute mini-bouts (Bats vs. Bees, Bees vs. Snakes, Snakes vs. Bats), bringing you 90 minutes of wild, family-friendly roller derby fun!
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, our Home Team Season is a great chance to see new skaters shine and seasoned skaters throw down in the name of bragging rights and team spirit.
💖 Giving Back: A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cornbread & Roses, a 2SLGBTQIA+-led nonprofit supporting rural Western NC through therapy services, a food pantry, and educational programs. Learn more: www.cbrcounseling.org
🎉 Expect halftime games, tasty eats from local vendors, and a fun-filled afternoon of roller derby just 30 minutes from Asheville!
HOURS: ADMISSION:
Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711
Saturday, November 8
Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!
Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing research—whether historical, personal, or primary sources—to elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative efforts—from writers’ groups to small presses—are reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.
Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.
192 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.
Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.
You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.
Helpful tips:
- * Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
- * Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
- * Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
- * If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
- * Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.
Cost is $50 per Chamber member, $85 for other attendees.
HOURS: ADMISSION: Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/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
BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30–11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all
I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.
Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!
Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.
Activation and music by Frisson Studios.
Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.
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.
Winter Market 2025
Join us for our Winter Market filled with handmade treasures, unique vendors, and delicious food. Get ready for a fun and festive experience!
We still have a couple of vendor and food truck spots left. Please contact Third Day Design at [email protected] to reserve space at the Winter Market or any future event at WOLT. Vendor/Food truck fee is $20.
Asheville locals look forward to the annual Scouting America Scout Troop 17 barbecue dinner fundraiser. The event, set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, offers tender, juicy Western North Carolina smoked BBQ dinners with all the fixin’s. Take out dinners will be served behind the Riceville Fire Department and Community Center, 2251 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC, 11:00AM – 4:00PM or while supplies last. Outside Creekside picnic tables are available for dining.
Pitmasters smoke premium North Carolina pork shoulders throughout the night prior to the event. Dinners include a generous portion of tender, juicy BBQ pork, homemade BBQ sauce, home baked beans, North Carolina BBQ slaw and a southern roll.
The charge for BBQ dinner plates will be $12.00. Reservations are not required. Creekside Picnic Tables available for all. Additional donations to benefit the Scouts are always appreciated.
We’re turning 75 and you’re invited!
Join us as we raise a glass to 75 years of compassion, community, and animal lifesaving. This casual birthday celebration is our way of saying thank you to the people who’ve made it all possible—you.
Expect an afternoon full of fun:
A special birthday treat for dogs and humans
Photo booth fun
Live Music
Pet Vendors
Stories and gratitude from the BRHS team
An Artisan Market & Bloody Mary Bar presented by Mills River Brewing
NO tickets needed. There is a suggested donation at the door—just bring your friends, your family, and your love for animals.
Raffle proceeds and donations support the programs that help pets and people across our community.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Hunter Subaru, Wag: A Unique Pet Boutique, Wild Birds Unlimited, Stuller Power Solutions
For more information or to find out how you can get involved, contact us at [email protected].
Big Game, Bright Ideas!
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is setting up shop at the UNC-Asheville Women’s Soccer Game for a special event full of team spirit and young talent!
Come cheer on the Bulldogs and shop from kid-run businesses offering everything from handmade crafts to sweet treats and creative products. It’s the perfect blend of community, creativity, and soccer excitement!
Let’s rally behind our young entrepreneurs and student-athletes all for one unforgettable afternoon!
HOURS: ADMISSION: Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/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
The 44th annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, happening October 11-12 and 18-19, is a free, self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes by top builders throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, and beyond. Visitors can explore a wide variety of homes in person or take advantage of virtual tours. Whether you’re dreaming, designing, or actively building, the Parade offers inspiration at every price point. Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k presented by Hunter Subaru is an exhilarating fall event that beckons both seasoned athletes and recreational runners alike. Nestled within the charm and beauty of Hendersonville, North Carolina, this race offers participants a unique opportunity to challenge their limits while immersing themselves in the splendor of the autumn season. Whether conquering the half marathon’s 13.1-mile stretch or embracing the spirited atmosphere of the 8k, participants love supportive community vibe, scenic course, and post-race festivities, including the Black Bear Fall Market!
HOURS: ADMISSION: Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
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.
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.
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]!
Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
HOURS: ADMISSION: Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/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
🎉 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.
HOURS: ADMISSION: Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/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