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 21, 2021
Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 21 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 22 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Saturday, October 23, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Fall Color Hike
Oct 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

The Hickory Nut Gorge has some of the most beautiful fall colors in WNC.  From gold to red, the hues will pop as you hike along the trail.  Join a naturalist and learn about native flora and fauna as you take in the sights.  This hike is considered moderately strenuous. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 23 @ 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.

We’re Locals – LIVE Multimedia Show!
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Sly Grog Lounge

WE’RE LOCALS IS COMING TO ASHEVILLE!

We’re Locals is a unique live multimedia show where two bozos (Dan Vetrano and Aaron Nevins) do their best to blend in with the natives in a completely different town every seven days, culminating in one dazzling show at the end of the week.

Dan and Aaron comb your bars, businesses and peculiar classified ads to find the most fascinating people around, following strange paths to meet even stranger strangers, scouring your thrift shops for choice finds, and generally embarking on insane life-changing experiences that they’ll tell you all about.

In addition, We’re Locals aims to showcase the colorful and vibrant idiosyncrasies of each town, rounding up local bands, comedians and artists and shining a spotlight on the workers, craftspeople and small businesses that make each place unique.

Come on out to We’re Locals for one night only of charmingly idiotic powerpoint presentations, games, surprises, and weird Wifi names from your neighborhood. By the end of the week, you might even confuse Dan and Aaron for your neighbors.

Sunday, October 24, 2021
Mountain Makers Craft Market
Oct 24 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Haywood Square Plaza

What: Mountain Makers Craft Market

When: Sunday October 24th, from 12p-4p

Where: Downtown Waynesville at Haywood Square (308 N. Haywood St)

Cost: FREE to attend!

Description: Mountain Makers Craft Market is a monthly indie art fair designed to cultivate community in Western NC. Located in Downtown Waynesville, we bring together 35+ artisans selling handmade and vintage goods that’ll make you smile! We encourage attendees to bring a canned food item for our October Food Drive benefiting MANNA Food Bank! Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 12p-4p at 308 N. Haywood Street, and visit MountainMakersMarket.com for details, special market themes, and vendor opportunities.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Guided Trail Walk
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 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.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 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.

Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 26 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 27 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Walk In Reed Creek Greenway + Botanical Gardens In Montford!
Oct 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Magnolia Avenue

We’ll park & meet on Magnolia Ave, right off Broadway, at the “kind of hidden” entrance to Reed Creek Greenway. We’ll walk & enjoy the creekside trail for approx. 90 minutes, go to & through Botanical Gardens on UNCA campus, then reverse our walk, back to parking.

Street parking available on Magnolia Ave & adjoining Montford residential streets. Please be on time to start walk, text me if late or lost. Please always cancel your RSVP in advance on this site if unable to come & PLEASE PLEASE NO COMMENTS or TEXTS NEEDED as to WHY!

As always, no dogs or guests on our walks, but your local friends can ask to join the group & walk anytime! Bring water, sun protection, & dress in layers. Walking is a good way to warm up & stay “UP” mentally & physically, as we continue to walk all fall & winter, unless frigid or icy!

COVID 19 vaccination required
WE’RE ABOUT:

Asheville full or part-time residents over 60 & active!

Moderate speed & stamina for 90 minutes of walking!

Exploring, exercising, socializing, patio dining, & more!

Our walks include: downtown, various neighborhoods,

greenways, parks & trails, sidewalks, pavement, & dirt!

Lots of Asheville hiking groups but we’re about walking!

WE’RE NOT ABOUT:

Chronic cancelling or no shows!

Complaining or controlling group!

Love dogs, but never on our walks!

Fall Festival at Mills River
Oct 27 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mills River United Methodist Church
Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 27 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 28 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, October 28, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
Oct 28 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Thursday
October 21 & 28 at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza

Featuring: Premier Asheville Standup Comics
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: : Thursdays October 21 & 28
7p (doors 6:30p)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12, Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com thru etix or also available at door (but it’s often sold out so come early)
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too!

Halloween Rooftop Standup show in Downtown Asheville
Oct 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza
Featuring: Premier Asheville Standup Comics
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: : Thursdays October 21 & 28
7p (doors 6:30p)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $15, Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com thru etix or also available at door (but it’s often sold out so come early)
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too! Dress in costume for prizes!

Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 28 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 29 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Saturday, October 30, 2021
Guided Trail Walk
Oct 30 @ 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.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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

Guided Trail Walk
Oct 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 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.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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

HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL
Oct 30 @ 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
various bars in Asheville

1 FREE DRINK
5+ VENUES
CRAZY AFTER PARTY

$1,000 COSTUME CONTEST

👻 LET’S GET SPOOKY! 👻

1 COMPLIMENTARY DRINK! 🩸🍹
CUSTOM BADGE AND LANYARD 🎃
EXCLUSIVE DRINK SPECIALS 🍻
FOOD SPECIALS AT SELECT LOCATIONS🍭🍔
WAVED COVER AT ALL VENUES 🧡
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS 📷
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO OUR CRAWL MAP 🗺️
$1,000 COSTUME CONTEST 💰

Masquerade Ball at The Melange Inn
Oct 30 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Melange Inn

Join us for an enchanted evening of live music, drinks, dancing, good food & entertainment at the historic Melange Inn. When: Saturday, October 30th, 6 o’clock in the evening Attire: Formal + Masquerade Masks Tickets are $100 and include a welcome champagne cocktail hour, all non-alcoholic beverages & three course dinner.

Sunday, October 31, 2021
Zombie Disco
Oct 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

May be an illustration of text

Dance as if you just risen from the dead. It’s Zombie Disco with KPopKakashi!

10pm to 2am NO COVER 21+

Monday, November 1, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Aquanet: Goth Night
Nov 2 @ 9:00 pm – Nov 3 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Nov 3 @ 9:00 pm – Nov 4 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, November 4, 2021
Salsa Night Thursday
Nov 4 @ 9:30 pm – Nov 5 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Saturday, November 6, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Fall Ridge Hike
Nov 6 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

The trails of Chimney Rock in the fall are amazing, but a guided hike off-the-beaten-path can lead you to places you never knew existed. Join us for this autumn adventure on one of our most popular excursions. You’ll discover seasonal changes along your trek that will introduce you to a whole new perspective of the Park. This hike is considered moderately strenuous. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Cost: Includes Park admission. Advance registration required.

10th Annual Tryon Beer Festival
Nov 6 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tryon Depot Plaza

What better way to celebrate fall than enjoying a cold beer in the crisp mountain air? Tryon’s 10th Annual Beer Fest, presented by Tryon Downtown Development Association and New View Realty, will take place at the Historic Tryon Depot on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 1pm-6pm. Join us for regional and local craft beer, local food truck favorites, fun games and live music. Event organizers will be closely monitoring state and national COVID-19 guidelines, and staff will adhere to hygienic practices throughout the event (hand sanitizer provided, contactless pours, etc.). Contact Paige Henderson at [email protected] for questions. Early bird and VIP tickets will be available August 1, 2021

Hip Hop Night: Vinyl Timetravelers
Nov 6 @ 10:00 pm – Nov 7 @ 5:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Hip Hop Turntablism party with DJs Kutzu & Chubby Knuckles & the Vinyl Time Travelers first Saturday of the month.
Every First Saturday 10pm to 2am
All events 21+
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Dogwood Alliance 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 7 all-day

Dogwood Alliance has partnered with SlaytheMic to bring you exclusive access to our virtual 25th Anniversary festival including our award-winning documentary film, stories, musical performances, and more to celebrate with you!

During this time you will be able to view all the event materials at your own convenience.

We will host one live discussion with the director of our Stories Happen in Forests film and a few of those featured in the film. That conversation is slotted to take place on Nov. 12th at 5:30pm. A recording of that conversation will be made available for those that can’t make it at that time.

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

🌳Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
🌳A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.
WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:
🌳All of the above plus!
🌳A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
🌳A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie.
Get your all-access pass today!

Dogwood Alliance’s 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 7 all-day
online

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

  • Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
  • A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:

  • All of the above plus!
  • A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
  • A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie

Join us as Dogwood Alliance CELEBRATES 25 years of:

  • Protecting Southern forests.
  • Fighting extractive industries.
  • Building Community.

We could not have done this without our COMMUNITY.

Dogwood Alliance turns 25 this year. Wow! How beautiful and exciting. We would have loved to celebrate in person with you, but we’ve decided to take our celebration online for the safety of our community.

We invite you to join us for our virtual festival to celebrate the past 25 years, the next 25 years, and being in the Right Place at the Right Time to make a real and lasting difference for forests, climate, and justice.

Monday, November 8, 2021
Dogwood Alliance 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 8 all-day

Dogwood Alliance has partnered with SlaytheMic to bring you exclusive access to our virtual 25th Anniversary festival including our award-winning documentary film, stories, musical performances, and more to celebrate with you!

During this time you will be able to view all the event materials at your own convenience.

We will host one live discussion with the director of our Stories Happen in Forests film and a few of those featured in the film. That conversation is slotted to take place on Nov. 12th at 5:30pm. A recording of that conversation will be made available for those that can’t make it at that time.

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

🌳Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
🌳A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.
WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:
🌳All of the above plus!
🌳A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
🌳A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie.
Get your all-access pass today!

Dogwood Alliance’s 25th Anniversary Virtual Festival
Nov 8 all-day
online

This is an all-inclusive virtual event. All-access passes are a suggested donation of $15 each. A $50 donation grants you all-access, AND we’ll mail you some exclusive Dogwood merchandise. We also offer comped all-access tickets.

WHAT YOU’LL GET WITH YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS:

  • Access to exclusive videos including our documentary film Stories Happen in Forests, musical performances, a cooking show, and more.
  • A raffle entry to win a beautiful vase from East Fork Pottery or a special copy of Sami Grover’s We Are All Climate Hypocrites Now.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE:

  • All of the above plus!
  • A special 25th Anniversary Dogwood Alliance travel mug.
  • A navy blue Dogwood Alliance beanie

Join us as Dogwood Alliance CELEBRATES 25 years of:

  • Protecting Southern forests.
  • Fighting extractive industries.
  • Building Community.

We could not have done this without our COMMUNITY.

Dogwood Alliance turns 25 this year. Wow! How beautiful and exciting. We would have loved to celebrate in person with you, but we’ve decided to take our celebration online for the safety of our community.

We invite you to join us for our virtual festival to celebrate the past 25 years, the next 25 years, and being in the Right Place at the Right Time to make a real and lasting difference for forests, climate, and justice.