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.

Thursday, October 14, 2021
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Oct 14 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Oct 14 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Bluegrass with the Darren Nicholson Band
Oct 14 @ 7:30 pm
Isis Music Hall--Lawn Concert

Darren Nicholson Band is a group of Appalachian musicians who have common respect for and love of American acoustic music. There are GRAMMY and award-winning musicians in this band, and the members each have long track records as credible, national performers; including performances at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry.  They are known for creatively blending Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, and Swing, into a new American acoustic music experience. Darren was recently given the “key to the city” in Canton, NC where he was honored for his musical and civic contributions to the community. Recently off Five national #1 songs and more than a dozen top-ten songs, 5 IBMA nominations,  3 IBMA Wins Including Album of the Year, Darren is excited to announce a handful of special dates with some bluegrass all-stars.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall Lawn. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.

Tickets on Sale now – Please Call the Venue       Reserved Tickets for the Lawn are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :: Seating will be limited and socially distanced :: You MUST call venue (828-575-2737) to make a dinner reservation and purchase your tickets. :::: If the weather is inclement – the concert will move to the Lounge. If the concert is moved to the Lounge – proof of vaccination will be required

Friday, October 15, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 15 all-day
LEAF
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Oct 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Oct 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Fall Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Lower Fair Grounds Parking Lot
WNC Fall Harvest Days
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show

Image result for WNC Fall Harvest Days

  • WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7

Farm Equipment EXPO

FEATURINGHit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More

Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until

Aston Park Tennis Center
Oct 15 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Guided History Walk — Oakdale Cemetery
Oct 15 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Oakdale Cemetery

oin Mary Jo Padgett along the pathways of Hendersonville’s Historic Oakdale Cemetery where the famous “Look Homeward Angel” statue is located. Among quiet, artistic grave markers discover Hendersonville’s past through lively stories of its Black, White, Jewish and colorful citizens. These 90-minute walks occur rain or shine.

Annual Eliada Corn Maze
Oct 15 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Elida Homes

 

Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!

Join us for aMAZEing fun!

We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada!  Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!

Service Pets Only!


Dates and Times

Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Fridays:

  • 3 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays:

  • 9 am – 7 pm

Sundays:

  • 10 am – 6 pm

You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.

6th Annual Pumpkinfest at Silvermont in Brevard
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park and Mansion

Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.

Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.

Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.

Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee

Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)

https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Chuck Brodsky
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall--Lawn Concert

Chuck Brodsky is a storyteller, songwriter, troubadour, modern day bard. His wit & irony, down-to-earth warmth, & quirky, rootsy, finely crafted songs, tell stories of oddball & underdog characters. His songs celebrate the goodness in people, the eccentric, the holy, the courageous, the inspiring, the beautiful. They poke fun at what needs poking & are sworn to tell the truth.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks in the Isis Music Hall Lawn. Reservations are highly recommended. Masks are Required

If the weather is inclement – the concert will move to the Lounge. If the concert is moved inside – proof of vaccination will be required

Reserved Tickets for the Lawn are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :: Seating will be limited and socially distanced :: You MUST call venue (828-575-2737) to make a dinner reservation and purchase your tickets. :::: If the weather is inclement – the concert will move to the Lounge. If the concert is moved to the Lounge – proof of vaccination will be required

COCO in Spanish
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

May be an image of text that says 'MOVIE Outdoor NIGHT'

Enjoy an outdoor movie night on the Burton Street field. Movie choices will be announced on the Asheville Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Refreshments will be provided.

Macbeth + Pericles – The Montford Park Players
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Macbeth & Pericles – Sept. 3 – Oct. 17

by W. Shakespeare

One of the most-popular plays ever written, this classic tale of murder and madness appears just in time for students to ask their English teachers for some extra credit. Presented in repertory

Saturday, October 16, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 16 all-day
LEAF
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Oct 16 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Oct 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Fall Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 16 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Lower Fair Grounds Parking Lot
WNC Fall Harvest Days
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show

Image result for WNC Fall Harvest Days

  • WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7

Farm Equipment EXPO

FEATURINGHit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More

Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until

44th Annual Thomas Wolfe 8k
Oct 16 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Thomas Wolfe Memoria

The Thomas Wolfe 8K is Asheville’s oldest and most prestigious running event.

First run in 1976, the run will celebrate its 44th year in 2020!

This beautiful autumn run/walk highlights many of Asheville’s historic sites!

Start at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial House and continue to run past his final resting place.

Come on out and see why this race has become a deeply rooted Asheville tradition.

Annual Eliada Corn Maze
Oct 16 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Elida Homes

 

Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!

Join us for aMAZEing fun!

We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada!  Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!

Service Pets Only!


Dates and Times

Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Fridays:

  • 3 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays:

  • 9 am – 7 pm

Sundays:

  • 10 am – 6 pm

You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.

Apple Harvest Festival
Oct 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Waynesville

Join us in beautiful downtown Waynesville on October 16, 2021 at the Annual Apple Harvest Festival. The Apple Harvest Festival is in its 34th year of operation. This fun, family friendly festival is owned, operated and organized by the Haywood Chamber of Commerce.

The streets of downtown Waynesville, NC are filled with almost 200 arts and craft booths, food concessions, music, cloggers, and more. Local apple growers set up on the street to sell delicious mountain grown apples of a vast variety. In addition, many vendors offer apple cider, cake, pies, and other delectable apple goodies!

4th Annual Wicked Halloween 5K +Fun Run
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Carrier Park

10:00-11:00 – registration

11:00 – 12:00 – 5k/Fun Run

12:00 – 1:00 – Awards & Costume Contest

Race Results will be posted HERE

Learn more about THE ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY HERE

Site Map


		4th Annual Wicked Halloween 5k & Fun Run - for The Asheville Humane Society image

 

 

Aston Park Tennis Center
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Hayrides
Oct 16 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

May be an image of outdoors

We  have hayrides from 12-4 PM on the hour ($5/person, 10 people/ride) on the weekends, a corn maze, and food trucks most weekends in Sept. & Oct.
Come on out and enjoy this glorious weather, drink some local fresh-pressed cider, see the animals, and get in the fall spirit!
See y’all here! 🍂
Open Streets Oakley
Oct 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thompson St

WHAT IS IT? Open Streets are a different way to experience a public space normally dominated by car traffic: without cars! Think of a South American ciclovia, or your favorite pedestrian street in Europe, or here in the U.S. Think of urban places you’ve enjoyed walking, biking, on roller-skates or pogo-sticks, you name it! How would our neighborhood and city be different with more sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways, and streets we could safely share with vehicles?
OKAY, BUT WHAT IS IT? We’re closing Thompson Street in Oakley to car traffic from Stoner Road to Glendale Ave. That’s… basically it. Well, we’ll have some fun events; and we’ll be there, your neighbors. But otherwise, it’s your space to (legally) do what you want: Bring your kids and have roller races. Bring your lawn chairs and party games. Bring your Zumba class. Bring pets. DON’T bring alcohol or illegal substances, because we do NOT have ABC permits. (But there are two pretty cool breweries *right there*, just saying.) What will we do with a whole street? We’re going to figure it out – promise.
SOUND COOL? Okay, great! Because we are going to put out calls for volunteers and suggestions soon. Just go ahead and get it on your calendar now. Clicking “Interested” or “I’m Going” will get you future updates and opportunities to participate, so do that! (Just, you know, honestly, so we can get some ideas of attendance.) And share this with our other Oakley and East Asheville neighbors, too. Let’s have some fun! See you on the street!