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.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Oct 13 all-day
online
LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 13 all-day
LEAF
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic at The Asheville Music Hall
Oct 13 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night

The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 13 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 14 @ 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 14, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Oct 14 all-day
online
LEAF Outdoor Festival
Oct 14 all-day
Lake Eden

Fall LEAF Festival Tickets are NOW OPEN!

**Important Things to Note**

  1. You MUST be a CURRENT LEAF Member to purchase a Weekend Plus Ticket.
  2. You MUST be signed into your LEAF Account (little yellow silhouette in the upper right corner)
  3. Tickets at each tier are LIMITED! Discount Ticket Pricing ends when tickets set for this level sell out (typically end of August).
  4. You MUST, absolute MUST bring your best most fun LEAFy attitude!!

Redeeming credit? You must call the office (or send us an email with a good time to call) 828-68-MUSIC  [828-686-8742]

LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 14 all-day
LEAF
Salsa Night Thursday
Oct 14 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 15 @ 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+

Friday, October 15, 2021
LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 15 all-day
LEAF
Everybody Free Dance Party
Oct 15 @ 10:00 pm – Oct 16 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, October 16, 2021
Faith in Arts Institute. An Exploration of the Intersections of Art, Faith, and Spirit
Oct 16 all-day
varies

Faith in Arts Institute 2021

This fall, the Faith in Arts Institute will bring together artists, creatives, and scholars to celebrate and explore the intersections of faith and arts. The multi-day festival, happening October 13-16, 2021 in the heart of Asheville, NC, will feature a combination of free public performances, lectures, and film screenings, plus intimate registration-only institute workshops and contemplative practices. Events will take place on campus at the University of North Carolina Asheville and downtown at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center. A full lineup of participants and performers is below.

Can our experience of the arts – as creators, listeners, viewers, readers – and the ways we talk about those experiences, offer us a way to also talk across what might otherwise divide us? The Faith in Arts Institute proposes this question while providing a platform to celebrate artists and creatives who draw on spiritual or religious practices as an influence in their work and exploring ways that arts have played a role in spirituality and religion. Through workshops, lectures, performances, and exhibitions, the Faith in Arts Institute engages attendees in contemplative and reflective practices while providing a welcoming space intended to evoke open and honest dialogue. Together, performers and presenters will join institute participants in thoughtful discussions, powerful performances, and evocative film screenings.

A limited number of Faith in Arts Institute passes are now on sale for $60 at faithinarts.unca.edu/ and blackmountaincollege.org/faith-in-arts/. Passholders will be admitted to all events including intimate workshops, contemplative practices, and small group conversations which will be limited to Institute participants only. A variety of other performances, screenings, and talks will be free and open to the public as indicated.

For more information including a full schedule, visit faithinarts.unca.edu/

Faith in Arts Institute 2021 Participants and Performers

Kimberly Bartosik – Choreographer

Julie Levin Caro – Art historian, Warren Wilson College

Curt Cloninger – New Media Artist and Author (Hot-Wiring Your Creative Process), UNC Asheville

Marie T. Cochran – Installation Artist and Culture Pollinator

David Hinton – Poet and Translator

Rachel Elizabeth Harding – Historian, Poet, and Essayist

Jessica Jacobs – Poet (Take Me with You, Whenever You’re Going)

Kay Larson – Art Critic and Author (Where the Heart Beats: John Cage, Zen Buddhism, and the Inner Life of Artists)

Thomas Moore – Pianist

Alicia Jo Rabins – Poet, Musician and Filmmaker, A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff

Christopher-Rasheem McMillan – Performance artist

Aaron Rosen – Writer and scholar

LIVE, LEAF…Weekend Program, Ticket Update + New Adventure Pass
Oct 16 all-day
LEAF
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!

Sunday, October 17, 2021
Fall LEAF Festival
Oct 17 all-day
LEAF

Fall LEAF Festival Tickets are NOW OPEN!

 

Ethno is one of the most amazing music programs on the planet and in 30 Countries. The 1st Ethno USA is happening in conjunction with Fall LEAF October 14-17, 2021.

Are you a young Musician 18-30 years old? Apply to participate in Ethno USA 2021 and you will also be a musician at fall LEAF! If you need Financial Assistance check this link. Experience Ethno where Kinobe of Uganda got his roots in building his worldwide network– stay curious and explore!

LEAF Outdoor Festival
Oct 17 all-day
Lake Eden

Fall LEAF Festival Tickets are NOW OPEN!

**Important Things to Note**

  1. You MUST be a CURRENT LEAF Member to purchase a Weekend Plus Ticket.
  2. You MUST be signed into your LEAF Account (little yellow silhouette in the upper right corner)
  3. Tickets at each tier are LIMITED! Discount Ticket Pricing ends when tickets set for this level sell out (typically end of August).
  4. You MUST, absolute MUST bring your best most fun LEAFy attitude!!

Redeeming credit? You must call the office (or send us an email with a good time to call) 828-68-MUSIC  [828-686-8742]

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 20 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Oct 20 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 21 @ 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 21, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
Oct 21 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!

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
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
Aquanet: Goth Night
Oct 26 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 27 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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
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

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

10pm to 2am NO COVER 21+