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.

Sunday, October 28, 2018
PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Oct 28 all-day

The leaves will be turning this October and the pumpkins will be ready to be carved! The PEANUTS gang returns to the GSMR Pumpkin Patch this October. Ready for some family fun? PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for 2018! The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz’s classic story “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” will be departing from the Bryson City Depot in October of 2018!

Asheville Outlets Hosts Ingles Air Dog Competition and Weekend of Family Fun
Oct 28 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets will host a weekend of free family fun from Friday, October 26, through Sunday, October 28, 2018. Ingles Ultimate Air Dog Competition (UAD), always a crowd favorite, will be held all three days. A Health Fair for People & Pets, Cover Dog Competition and Junior League of Asheville Touch-A Truck round out the weekend activities.

Weekend Schedule of Activities:

Friday, October 26, 2018 through Sunday, October 28, 2018

Ingles Ultimate Air Dog Competition

Dogs will compete in a 90’ pool constructed in front of Field & Stream. Ultimate Air Dogs is one of the country’s premiere dock jumping organizations and features both novice competitors and seasoned jumpers.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Touch-A-Truck Family Festival – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.

The event will be held in the parking lot behind the food court from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Kids and kids at heart will have the opportunity to see, touch, climb and learn about vehicles of all types, even a helicopter! Parental supervision required. Admission is $5 in advance and at the door. Children 3 and under are free.

Health Fair for People & Pets – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.

Asheville Outlets will team up with CarePartners Foundation and Critter Magazine to host a Health Fair for People & Pets with a variety of health-related booths and displays, demonstrations and entertainment. For pets and their families you’ll find educational advice, obedience tips, pet adoptions and much more!  A portion of the proceeds from the Health Fair for People & Pets will benefit CarePartners Foundation and local spay/neuter organizations and rescue transport programs.

Halloween Origami Workshop
Oct 28 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wakuwaku Eatery

Let’s create PUMPKIN, BLACK CAT, BAT, WITCH, HAUNT etc with Origami Paper

?This is free event for customer
?All materials will be provided
?The spaces are limited. Please share with other friends
?Pre Registrations are not required. Just ask staff!

?Any questions? Please feel free to ask staff of email to [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/events/466711577159354/

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Howl-O-Ween Festival
Oct 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Asheville Farmstead School

Our Howl-O-Ween event was a huge success last year so we are doing it again and even bigger! Join us for some day time, outdoor, fun in your costumes! We will have areas for learning about how other cultures around the globe celebrate this holiday. We will also have a photo booth, halloween themed games, crafts, halloween sensory bins. We will also have a table that features the Teal Pumpkin Project and how you and your house can help make halloween accessible to children with food borne allergies! We will share bits of what will be at the festival in this event to get everyone excited and engaged in this event!

https://www.facebook.com/events/465064387327282/

Friday, November 2, 2018
Asheville Outlets Hosts The Venardos Circus
Nov 2 – Nov 11 all-day
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets (www.ShopAshevilleOutlets) is pleased to host the Venardos Circus (www.VenardosCircus.com), performing NOW through November 11, 2018. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus brings world-class animal-free circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format.

General Admission Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (12 yrs. and under). Babes in arms are FREE with a paying adult (18 months and younger, one child per paying adult). Premium reserved seating is priced from $35 to $45. To purchase ticket visit:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/venardoscircus?srch=28806.

Saturday, November 3, 2018
Tryon Beer Fest presented by New View Realty
Nov 3 all-day
Tryon Depot

Enjoy local and regional craft beer, oysters, authentic Bavarian food, and live music at the 7th Annual Tryon Beer Fest presented by New View Realty. Come “Tap Into Tryon” from 12pm until 6pm on Saturday, November 3, 2018, and see all the beauty, culture and shopping this mountain town has to offer.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Cool Ride! Adventure Rig Party
Nov 7 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Oskar Blues Brewery

Overland Expo celebrates the diversity of vehicle-dependent overland travel. Whether large or small, from two wheels to four or more, we want to see what moves you!

Join us and the 8 finalists of our Adventure Rig Cool Ride contest for an evening of food trucks, beer, and cool rides!

Thursday, November 8, 2018
Christmas Jam Ale Release Party
Nov 8 @ 6:00 pm
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co

Every year we brew a new batch of Christmas Jam here at Sierra Nevada Mills River and celebrate by hosting a party! This is a FREE event with a suggested donation at the door for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Live music from Selwyn Birchwood.

Where: High Gravity Room, Sierra Nevada Mills River
Music: 6:30pm, doors open at 6pm
Cost: FREE with a suggested donation at the door

Christmas Jam Session Ale 2018-
From the opening chord to the final encore, this hop-heavy beer is the perfect match for an all-night party. Brewed for Asheville’s one-of-a-kind musical marvel, the annual Christmas Jam, this session ale features bright hop flavors of citrus and stone fruit with just a hint of piney hop character–all in a well-balanced and easy-going package, just right for jam-worthy drinkability.

Selwyn Birchwood-
“With his fiery guitar and lap steel playing, his trailblazing, instantly memorable songs and gritty, unvarnished vocals, Birchwood is among the most extraordinary young stars in the blues. His deep familiarity with blues tradition allows him to bust the genre wide open, adding new sounds, colors and textures, all delivered with a revival tent preacher’s fervor and a natural storyteller’s charisma.”

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity-
“Safe and decent housing provides families an opportunity for stability, security and personal and professional advancement. Yes, we build houses and help preserve existing homes, but we also change lives.”

Friday, November 9, 2018
Black Tie Affair
Nov 9 @ 8:00 pm – Nov 10 @ 2:00 am
Mack Kells

Black Tie Affair/Silent Auction to assist with bills for our sweet Noah McFall who has just been placed on the donor list for a TRIPLE organ transplant! He has CF, and now has a chance at a longer, healthier life!! Noah will be the youngest to date to ever have this procedure. Not only do we need to keep them covered with prayer, they also need our financial help, so purchase your ticket beginning next week, and be ready for a great evening.. Tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple..you can purchase those tickets at Mack Kells. Live entertainment by Jack Mascari and Marc Keller, and Karaoke too! We will have “black ties” for sale ($$ to go to Noah) for those of you that do not show up wearing one. ? Ladies, get out those black dresses and let’s get dressed up for the cause! It’s going to be an eventful, fun filled night you don’t want to miss. There’s no telling what we will be auctioning off! ?. We will have our Steak Dinner on special that night as well so come eat, drink, sing, dance, and most importantly .. be ready to donate.

https://www.facebook.com/events/478437932651037/

Thursday, November 15, 2018
Taste of Asheville 2018
Nov 15 all-day
The Venue

Asheville’s biggest culinary event celebrates 10 years of bold flavors and palate pleasers.

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) hosts the 2018 Taste of
Asheville: Taste & Tunes Thursday, Nov. 15 at The Venue in downtown Asheville.

From award-winning southern cuisine to bold new worldly flavors, the Taste of Asheville
brings over 40 of Asheville’s famed independent restaurants together for an
unforgettable evening of sampling small bites, craft beverages and spirits.

This year, AIR has once again teamed up with the Asheville Buskers Collective to
highlight the city’s celebrated street musicians.

This event not only entertains the taste buds, it also is one of the largest fundraisers of
the year to support the work of the AIR, which in turn supports the 120 members of the
Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.

VIP tickets (early admission) are $100; general admission tickets are $75. All tickets may be purchased at www.airasheville.org.

Friday, November 16, 2018
UNC Asheville Fall Arts Fest
Nov 16 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Owen Hall on UNC Asheville's Campus

UNC Asheville Arts & Ideas is proud to present our first ever Fall Arts Fest! We’ll be partnering with the Art Department Sale between 4-7pm but there will be amazing events going on throughout the day! Fall Arts Fest will take place in Owen Hall and will focus on performance and artwork from the UNC Asheville campus community. More details and the schedule will posted at https://arts.unca.edu/artsfest.

Saturday, November 17, 2018
Warren Wilson Farm Meat and Craft Sale
Nov 17 all-day
Warren Wilson Farm Granary

Hey y’all!

It’s time again for our annual Fall Meat Sale! The first pick-up date is November 17th.

You can access our pre-order form link here:
https://www.warren-wilson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fall-Order-form-2018.pdf

The Fall Meat Sale gives you the opportunity to purchase our meats in bulk for a discount! We will be offering our usual grass-fed beef, grass-fed lamb, and pork packages. All of our meat is raised without growth promotants or antibiotics, and is grazed on pesticide and herbicide free pasture.

NEW THIS YEAR! We’re so excited to introduce a SALUMI SAMPLER this year! This package includes one of each of our dry-cured products, a hot sopressata, a sweet sopressata, and a spanish-style dry cured chorizo. This package is available for pre-order for $30, a savings of 10% . Salumi will also be available separately at our retail area at the sale.
We will also be offering LEAF LARD for the first time ever! Leaf Lard will be available in a quart sized container at the retail counter at the sale. Leaf Lard offers you the chance to get your cooking fat from a truly local source, as opposed to olive oil from California or canola oil from the midwest. It is flavorless and has a high smoke point, and will be chock full of Omega-3’s because it comes from pastured pork.

At the sale, we will also be selling retail items by the pound. These products will include our steaks, roasts, ground beef, lamb, ground pork, breakfast sausage, link sausages, and organs. You can access our retail price list here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LTA5XqqwXJYToldURfk2vsH1fRUihitXRHhqYVBMZ5c/edit?usp=sharing

Additionally, we will be joined by the Warren Wilson Garden, Herb, Horse, and Craft Crews, who will all be selling their produce and wares. Come prepared to get all of your veggie and craft needs!

There will be samples, wagon-rides, and live music, so be sure to come out and bring the whole family!

Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 828-771-3014 with any questions or concerns.

See our event on Facebook event link here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1126144904206405/

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Marshall Handmade Market
Nov 17 @ 10:00 am – Nov 18 @ 5:00 pm
Marshall High Studios

The Marshall Handmade Market is held in the Marshall High Studios, a charming 1920’s high school nestled on an island in the French Broad River, 25 minutes north of Asheville. The sunny auditorium is filled with some of the most talented makers in Western North Carolina, and the resident artists of Marshall High spruce up the classrooms-turned-studios and open their doors to share their process and art with visitors.

You’ll find painters, potters, weavers, blacksmiths and leather workers, to name a few, along with delectable treats from one of Asheville’s favorite food trucks and OWL Bakery. Enjoy a delightful day of handcrafted holiday shopping, a stroll around the island, and a wander through historic downtown Marshall, NC.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 17 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Sunday, November 18, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Monday, November 19, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Friday, November 23, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 23 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Saturday, November 24, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 24 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Sunday, November 25, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 25 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Monday, November 26, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 27 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 28 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Our VOICE Benefit at the Retrocade
Nov 28 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Retrocade

The Retrocade is hosting a benefit for Our VOICE, Buncombe County’s sexual assault prevention and crisis intervention center.
Come play classic arcade games, drink a beer, and support an amazing cause! Half of your entry wristband will be donated to Our VOICE. There will also be a raffle for two super cool paintings by local artists. We look forward to seeing you there!
*21 And up after 9*

Thursday, November 29, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 29 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Friday, November 30, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 30 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Asheville Christmas Show
Nov 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Arts Auditorium

Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season with an evening of live music, dance, and comedy that’s sure to become an annual tradition! This family-friendly, Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Asheville and Western North Carolina and special guest artists. Directed by musical theatre veteran and funnyman Mario Morin, and choreographed by former Radio City Rockette Lucinda Morin, this professional production presents Christmas favorites including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, and take time to share the joy, laughter, and peace of the season with your friends, neighbors, and families at The Asheville Christmas Show! Discounts for military and groups of 10+. Kids age 2 and younger sitting on lap admitted free.

Saturday, December 1, 2018
Biltmore Park Town Square Annual Holiday Event
Dec 1 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Biltmore Park Town Square will celebrate the magic of the holidays on Saturday, December 1st, 2018.   Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. throughout Town Square and will conclude with the tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy a full day of family fun including horse-drawn carriage rides, craft activities, face painting, music, stilt-walkers, strolling entertainment, balloon artists, caricatures, magicians, refreshments and much more!

Schedule of Events:

2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Take the family for a stroll along Town Square to enjoy all the acitivities. Visit the many stores for special sales, in-store samplings, giveaways and much more!

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Enjoy a carriage ride through Town Square.

3:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Bring the kids for a visit with Santa near the Christmas Tree. Be sure to bring you camera to capture the magical moment.

6:00 p.m. – Help us countdown the for the first lighting of the Christmas Tree to kick off the holidays at Biltmore Park Town Square.

For more information about this free event, please call 828.210.1660.

 

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Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 1 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.