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.

Monday, October 9, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 9 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 9 all-day
online
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 10 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 11 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 11 all-day
online
YPA Social: Ernest Co-Warehousing
Oct 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Ernest Co-Warehousing
All Young Professionals are welcome for an After Hours Networking event! Come connect with other young professionals and enjoy drinks from Highland and snacks from Biscuit Head.
Ernest Co-Warehousing offers flexible warehousing suites and coworking sapce in Asheville, NC.

 

Thursday, October 12, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 12 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

Camp Field Day
Oct 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Camp Ton-A-Wandah
Friday, October 13, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 13 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 13 all-day
online
38th Annual Fall Harvest Days
Oct 13 @ 8:00 pm – Oct 14 @ 5:00 pm
WNC Agriculture Center

WNC Fall Harvest Days – Engine and Tractor Show
Antique Tractors, Hit n’ Miss Engines, Crafters, Antiques, Toys, Parts,
Tractor Pull, Food and More
Featuring: International Harvester Brands
Included in Admission:
Kids’ Corner
Tractor Pull 1964 or older – under Covered Area on Saturday 10:00am
GATE 1 opens Friday and Saturday 8am to 5pm Rain or Shine
Adult Admission $8 / Children 12 and under Free with paid Adult
Sponsorship Opportunities and Vendor Space Available
Phone: 828-435-0413 / Email: [email protected]
WNC Agriculture Center
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd
Fletcher, NC 28732

Saturday, October 14, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 14 all-day
online
Roundtable Session for Women Entrepreneurs
Oct 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.

​This is a great opportunity to level-up your business or figure out how to implement your dream. Roundtable sessions allow us to not only connect, but to harness our collective experience to apply to each other’s pain points.

​At our Roundtables, women entrepreneurs gather to deal with real issues. Let’s face it, entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, with very specific challenges. It’s so refreshing to brainstorm with others who get that. Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.

​Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.

​Tickets ($23) and more information available at ​plrconnectevents.com

InnovationFest
Oct 14 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Franklin School of Innovation

Franklin School of Innovation Presents:
🌟 InnovationFest: Dreaming What Innovation IS 🌟
What is Innovation? What does it mean to you? What IF?
What IF Innovation is more than just technological?
What IF we made all students feel safe?
What IF we ended systemic racism?
What IF we all have the power to lead the way to the future together?
We believe that Innovation is defined by actions we take to creatively change and progress forward. Let’s build a vision of inclusivity, growth, and educational transformation that involves our wider community. Celebrate 10 years of innovation with us Saturday, October 14th, from 12-4 pm!
We’re not just commemorating a decade; we are building an exciting path ahead!
Embrace inclusivity, spark transformation – be an innovator!
Let’s embark on a collective journey of unity and growth. Let’s build a space where every voice and every story matters. Together, we can craft an environment where all students feel safe, seen and valued. How can we ensure that every student finds a place of belonging?
🎉 Envisioning the Next 10 Years – Together! 🎉
Imagine a future where every student’s dream takes flight, and community members play a pivotal role in nurturing these aspirations. Together, we can re-imagine the essence of education – one that honors our roots, nurtures our present, and illuminates our future.
Event Highlights:
🎙️ Gather wisdom from Dr. Life, a renowned motivational speaker, as they guide us toward an empowered future.
🎵 Let local artists’ Whitney Mongé and Grupo Escolta Activado’s melodies wrap you in joy and unity.
🌍 Enjoy multicultural flavors from diverse food trucks in your own backyard!
🌟Get ready to see new and exciting things as we show you cool programs, groups of people who share interests, and other dope projects that are changing the game.
📢 Hear the voices of our student and community leaders, dreamers who will share their “what ifs” and inspire us all.
🗣 Engage in dynamic conversations that explore the pressing topics that shape our educational journey, impacting us all.
🎛️ Dance to the rhythm with DJ Twan, and other local music that’ll have you moving and grooving.
🎉 Immerse yourself in a cultural celebration, a tribute to the rich student diversity that makes us whole.
Save the date and take a journey with us at InnovationFest!🪁 Let’s join hands and spark a future where every student thrives, and our community’s potential is limitless!
Your presence is a testament to your commitment to a better, brighter Franklin School of Innovation for all who walk its halls, for generations to come.
Together, let’s celebrate, innovate, and weave a tapestry of inclusivity and excellence that resonates through the legacy of Franklin School of Innovation.
Make sure to claim your tickets on eventbrite, and we will see you at InnovationFest! 🎉🌟📚

Burnpile 2023
Oct 14 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Burial Beer Co.'s Forestry Camp Facility

Burnpile is Burial Beer Co.’s premier Beer and Music Festival. Hosted at Burial’s Forestry Camp facility near Asheville’s Biltmore Village, attendees enjoy a full-day concert by Deer Tick, S.G. Goodman, and MJ Lenderman alongside a tasting experience from a diverse lineup of 50+ of the best breweries in the country, and much more.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Business After Hours
Oct 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Homes

Come join us for Business After Hours at Eliada Homes!

Eliada Homes is a non-profit agency in Asheville that provides a cradle-to-career continuum of services for over 400 children and youth annually. This includes our 5-Star Child Development Center (child care, pre-k, afterschool, and summer camp), Residential mental health programs, Foster Care, adoption services, respite care, equine therapy, intensive in-home therapy, and Workforce-Ready housing assistance for youth aging out of foster care. Established in 1903, we have been helping children succeed for 120 years.

Join us for the Asheville Chamber Business After Hours Corn Maze & Fall Festival event on October 17th at 5 p.m. at Eliada Homes. Network and mingle while enjoying all the Eliada Fall Fundraising Festival attractions such as the custom maze, slides, bouncy pillow, corn cannons, hayride, and lawn games! Farm tours will also be available.

Feel free to bring a gift to be raffled off as door prizes towards the end of the evening. Bring your business cards for networking and a chance to win prizes!

 

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership

Thursday, October 19, 2023
World Trails Film Festival
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
UNC Asheville Lipinsky Hall

The World Trails Film Festival is a unique event showcasing the best short and feature films centering the stories of trails from around the globe. Join us as we bring it to UNC Asheville (premiering for the first time on the East Coast of the United States) to celebrate why trails matter.

This community-building event will support trails locally and globally by fundraising equally for two leading trail organizations, the first of which is the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a local nonprofit equipping people to steward our wild landscapes, and the World Trails Ambassadors, a program of the World Trails Network.

Doors open at 6 pm, Program begins at 7pm and entry will be limited after 7:15 pm, during the screening. Program will include an intermission and ends at 9:30 pm.

Friday, October 20, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 20 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Carolina CiderFest
Oct 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
McCormick Field

We’re back! Carolina CiderFest, is Asheville’s premier cider festival! Join us on October 21st at McCormick Field as we celebrate the art of cider-making and the vibrant spirit of Asheville. Immerse yourself in a cider wonderland, where you can sample a wide selection of craft ciders, enjoy live music, and savor delicious local eats. From traditional favorites to innovative blends, this festival is a cider lover’s paradise. Don’t miss your chance to sip, savor, and celebrate the best of Asheville’s cider scene at Carolina CiderFest!

Farm Fun Day
Oct 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

Come out to Historic Johnson Farm for an afternoon of fun!
Admission is $20 per family and includes:
Crafts for kids
Scavenger hunt
Wagon rides
Popcorn and drinks
Historic farm house open
One room school house lessons
Visit the donkeys and goats
Caregivers of Mother Earth
AND….the return of the Johnson Family’s 1923 Model T. At 1:15 PM during the event, members of the Walker Family will return this historic vehicle back to the farm after 40 years away. The car will be available for guests to view and ask questions.
General parking will be across the street, and sheriff’s volunteers will help visitors cross. Handicapped parking will be available at the farm.

Sunday, October 22, 2023
LEAF Fall Festival “Legends of the Americas”
Oct 22 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

We cordially invite you to partake in LEAF’s 51st Fall Festival, Legends of The Americas!

This year, our festival aims to exalt and pay homage to First Nations, Indigenous, and LatinX communities as we journey through the captivating theme of the Legends of The Americas.

We chose this theme for the entire year because of the depth and beauty of this exploration. At our Spring Retreat, we planted seeds of discovery and learning. Many of the artists are returning with their full ensembles for fall. Artists such as Angela Gladue and John John Grant of The Cherokee are attending with their awe-inspiring groups to continue building relationships.

It’s a season of joyous commemoration; an opportunity to look back and appreciate those who came before us. It’s a celebration where wisdom, preserved over generations, is rekindled and shared. It’s an occasion to pay tribute to remarkable legacies, to cherish enduring narratives, and to immerse ourselves in respected traditions.

Join us as we journey into a realm where learning coexists with festivity, where history influences the present, and where together, we appreciate the rich fabric of our collective past. Join us for LEAF’s Fall Festival, Legends of The Americas, October 19-22. Tickets are on sale now!

The 51st LEAF Festival
Oct 22 all-day
Lake Eden

What: The 51st LEAF Festival
When: October 19-22, 2023
Where: Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC
Weekend Passes Range $164-$239, including camping; day tickets and work exchange available. theLEAF.org/tickets

LEAF Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Headlining artists for LEAF Festival include Martha Redbone (headliner), Son Rompe Pera (headliner), Supaman, Angela Gladue & First Nation Dancers, The Secret Agency with 23 Skidoo, and many more to be announced.

Monday, October 23, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 23 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 24 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Venture Asheville’s Demo Day with 12 Startup Pitches
Oct 24 @ 7:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Demo Day is coming Tuesday, October 24, 2023! Stay tuned for more details.

Please join Venture Asheville’s Elevate entrepreneurs for a fast-paced, high-energy Demo Day. Hear pitches from startups that are investment-ready and actively raising capital.

For more information on the Elevate program visit VentureAsheville.com/Elevate

A ticket and registration is required.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 25 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Thursday, October 26, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 26 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Business After Hours
Oct 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewing
Friday, October 27, 2023
VR with Better Than Unicorns
Oct 27 all-day
Better Than Unicorns
At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new…

If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks.

Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
Beaverdam Studio Tour
Oct 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beaverdam Studio Tour

Twenty-six artists and craftspeople—21 who live in Beaverdam Valley plus 5 invited guest artists—are excited to welcome visitors to view their handmade artwork. Media include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, book art, textiles, photography, glass, mixed media, and more. Visitors come from Asheville, from over 15 states, and from cities and towns all over North Carolina. What they have in common is an appreciation for art and craft.
This year we have multiple artists in several locations—26 artists in only 17 sites—making this tour easy to see and easy to navigate. We hope you come out and visit all the talented artists. All studios are off Beaverdam Road, reached from Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. This summer, tour maps will be available online and in our brochure. Visitors can learn more about our two-day, self-directed, geographically convenient tour, and view artists’ work on our website, in our brochure, in print and online advertising, and in articles. A downloadable map is available on the website.