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.

Friday, September 21, 2018
Downtown After 5
Sep 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The 30th anniversary season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, kicks off Friday, May 18 from 5-9pm. Downtown After 5 takes place the 3rd Friday of the month May – September and is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public.

Riverbanks ZOOfari
Sep 21 @ 7:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Explore the Zoo, Support Wildlife Conservation

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

It’s Big Daddy’s 65th birthday.  The mood is somber, despite the festivities, because a number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past and desperate hopes for the future as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.

The Foreigner, the Hilarious Comedy
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

When an Englishman arrives at a rural Georgia fishing cabin for some much needed relaxation, the wacky occupants give him an experience like none other. This laugh-out-loud comedy of crazy characters and misunderstandings is full of Southern charm, and is guaranteed to keep the audience laughing until they cry. Without a doubt, an evening you won’t soon forget! A full two-act production.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 21 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Best of 2018 by Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool
Sep 22 all-day
NC

Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.

The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.

Brickyard Bonanza and Music Jamboree
Sep 22 all-day
Etowah United Methodist Church is hosting a 2-day  Brickyard Bonanza and Music Jamboree.  The Brickyard Bonanza is Saturday, September 22, from 5:30 to 8:00.  This outdoor family event features “The Stepchild Band.”  There will be food and beverages and cider pressing.  Children can enjoy the Jackson Farm Petting Zoo, face painting, a balloon artist and games for all ages.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and your friends, family and neighbors for an evening of fun.
The Brickyard Music Jamboree is Sunday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:00.  This indoor music celebration will include vocal and instrumental music of all types from old-time hymns to gospel to contemporary praise songs performed by members of the music ministry and special guests, The Longshot Bluegrass Band.  There will be something for everyone.
Both events are FREE.  The church is located at 110 Brickyard Rd., Etowah.  For more information, www.etowahumc.org[email protected], 828-891-4360.
Chihuly at Biltmore
Sep 22 all-day
Biltmore House

The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).

The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders)Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).

Three new works
 were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.

Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 22 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

TOUR DE FAT
Sep 22 all-day
New Belgium Brewing
TOUR DE FAT @ New Belgium Brewing |  |  |

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Brings the Party Back
Humankind’s greatest invention – the bike – takes center stage once again

(FORT COLLINS) New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat, a traveling beer, music and bicycle festival, will turn the party out in six cities this year, offering a one-of-a-kind way to raise money for local non-profits, celebrate self-propelled two-wheel travel and dress up as your alter ego while enjoying world-class beers and action-packed entertainment. It all kicks off on June 30 in Chicago, IL, and wraps up in Tempe, AZ, on October 6.

“Our love for bikes runs deep at New Belgium, all the way back to our founding, “explained Tour de Fat Brand Manager, Sam Sawyer. “Tour de Fat is our Bike Love manifested in a way that uniquely blends fundraising, beer, bikes and bemusement. We’re anxious to get this spectacle back on the road this summer and we hope everyone joins us in giving back to local communities.”

Now in its 19th year, New Belgium’s Tour de Fat has raised more than $5 million for partnering non-profits since its inception. Tickets will cost $15 (children 12 & under are free) and will be available in advance online at www.newbelgium.com/tdf or at any of the box offices for Tour de Fat venues (pending availability).

Most tour stops will feature the wildly popular costumed bicycle parade, headlining musical acts and other revelry, including a touring ensemble of comedians, cirque performers, and general mayhemists. The touring ensemble cast includes Handsome Little Devils, Sedan Halen, Daredevil Chicken, and KOLARS. All world-class performers, Daredevil Chicken are celebrating a particularly big year after delivering a winning performance on ABC’s “The Gong Show.”

“The goal for this year’s tour is to provide a low-cost, family-friendly event that’s jam packed with quality entertainment and amazing beers,” said Sawyer. “Tour de Fat is ever-evolving, and New Belgium’s employee owners are proud of the Tour de Fat’s carnival of creativity that gives back to communities.”

Caroline Rose
Sep 22 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Fall Fun on the Farm
Sep 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Strawberry Hill USA

It’s almost time for fall fun on the farm! We invite YOU to bring your family or group to enjoy some good ole’ fashioned fun on the farm. It’s going to be a ball, y’all!

Open weekends Sept. 22 through Oct. 28!

– Hayride Hours – $9 per person
Sat: 10 am- 5 pm (last hayride leaves at 5)
Sun: 12-5 pm (last hayride leaves at 5)

– Corn Maze Hours – $7 ages 2-12 & $8 ages 13+
Sun- Fri: 12-6 pm
Sat: 10 am – 6 pm

**COMBO TICKETS** (maze and hayride)
$12 per person (ages 2 & up)

https://www.facebook.com/events/245157286277540/?event_time_id=245157302944205

4th Annual Growltemberfest!
Sep 22 @ 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Southern Growl

Come celebrate the harvest season at our 4th Annual Growltemberfest! Experience the tastiest German Fare and say, “Prost!” while drinking a frothy Marzen from our limited edition stein, while supplies last. As they say, “Gute Luete Trinken Gutes Bier!” (Good People Drink Good Beer!)

We’ll be featuring Oktoberfest Biers, Pumpkin Beers, & Several Specialty beers, plus a unique food menu of traditional German Fare.

Oktoberfest Biers:
Weihenstephaner – Oktoberfest
Spaten – Oktoberfest
Paulaner – Oktoberfest Weiss
Sierra Nevada – Oktoberfest
Warsteiner – Oktoberfest
Hacker Pschorr – Oktoberfest
Thomas Creek – Oktoberfest
Southern Barrel – Oktoberfest
13 Stripes – Von Stuben
Avery – The Kaiser

Pumpkin Beers:
Dogfish Head – Punkin’
New Belgium – Atomic Pumpkin
Southern Tier – Warlock
Shipyard – Pumpkinhead
Ace – Pumpkin Cider
Alltech – Kentucky Pumpkin
Avery – Rumpkin
Captain Lawrence – Autumn Blaze
Elysian – Night Owl
Brooklyn – Post Road Pumpkin Ale

Original Music Line-up:
12:30 – 2:30pm My Girl My Whiskey & Me
3:30 – 6:00pm The Passing Scene
7:00 – 9:00pm Amongst The Trees

Stay Tuned for more details!

*Must be 21+ with valid ID to consume alcohol.
**Beer and food menu subject to change
The event is indoor/ outdoor and admission is free.
Children and Pets are welcome. (No pets inside due to DHEC regulations)

https://www.facebook.com/events/593492551030368/

Autumn Equinox in the Garden
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
unWINE'd at Mellie Mac's

It’s that time again! Come and celebrate the Autumn Equinox with the fairies! As always, all activities are free as a THANK YOU for being your sparkly selves! We will have henna and glitter tattoos, live music, camp fires, a live MAGIC SHOW and pumpkin painting. The festivities begin at 6pm. This is a magical night of mystery and mahem open to all ages!

https://www.facebook.com/events/521231808337725/

Harvest Labyrinth Ritual
Sep 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
French Broad River Park

The labyrinth is an ancient prayer wheel, known to us in the beauties and power of Greek mythology. Sabra Ball will set the intention of this thanksgiving prayer and wea t Mother Grove Goddess Temple invite you to add your own thanks to our sacred walk. This event is free and open to the respectful public. Please consider a donation of non-perishable food items for the temple’s food pantry.

https://www.facebook.com/events/715546722133070/

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Sep 22 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

It’s Big Daddy’s 65th birthday.  The mood is somber, despite the festivities, because a number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past and desperate hopes for the future as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.

The Foreigner, the Hilarious Comedy
Sep 22 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
The Foreigner, the Hilarious Comedy @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

When an Englishman arrives at a rural Georgia fishing cabin for some much needed relaxation, the wacky occupants give him an experience like none other. This laugh-out-loud comedy of crazy characters and misunderstandings is full of Southern charm, and is guaranteed to keep the audience laughing until they cry. Without a doubt, an evening you won’t soon forget! A full two-act production.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 22 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Best of 2018 by Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool
Sep 23 all-day
NC

Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.

The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.

Brickyard Bonanza and Music Jamboree
Sep 23 all-day
Etowah United Methodist Church is hosting a 2-day  Brickyard Bonanza and Music Jamboree.  The Brickyard Bonanza is Saturday, September 22, from 5:30 to 8:00.  This outdoor family event features “The Stepchild Band.”  There will be food and beverages and cider pressing.  Children can enjoy the Jackson Farm Petting Zoo, face painting, a balloon artist and games for all ages.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and your friends, family and neighbors for an evening of fun.
The Brickyard Music Jamboree is Sunday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:00.  This indoor music celebration will include vocal and instrumental music of all types from old-time hymns to gospel to contemporary praise songs performed by members of the music ministry and special guests, The Longshot Bluegrass Band.  There will be something for everyone.
Both events are FREE.  The church is located at 110 Brickyard Rd., Etowah.  For more information, www.etowahumc.org[email protected], 828-891-4360.
Chihuly at Biltmore
Sep 23 all-day
Biltmore House

The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).

The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders)Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).

Three new works
 were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.

Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 23 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets
Sep 23 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

SAVE THE DATE for the first annual Give to the Music Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a special VIP Hour from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by iHeart Radio – Asheville and Ingles Markets, will feature a variety of wines from across the region.

Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the gate. Ticket cost includes live music, wine sampling, food tastings, educational seminars, games and more! Visit www.shopashevilleoutlets.com to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets. If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact Toni Pisani at [email protected], 828-279-6396. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets
Sep 23 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets
First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets @ Asheville Outlets |  |  |

SAVE THE DATE for the first annual Give to the Music Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a special VIP Hour from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by iHeart Radio – Asheville and Ingles Markets, will feature a variety of wines from across the region.

Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the gate. Ticket cost includes live music, wine sampling, food tastings, educational seminars, games and more! Visit www.shopashevilleoutlets.com to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets. If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact Toni Pisani at [email protected], 828-279-6396. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Sep 23 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

It’s Big Daddy’s 65th birthday.  The mood is somber, despite the festivities, because a number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past and desperate hopes for the future as the knowledge that Big Daddy is dying slowly makes the rounds.

Molly Ringwald Live
Sep 23 @ 2:30 pm
The Orange Peel
A rare screening of Pretty In Pink (2:30P) or The Breakfast Club (7:00P) along with Q&A of the film and career of Molly Ringwald.  TWO SHOWTIMES.
32nd ANNUAL MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FOLK FESTIVAL
Sep 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Burnsville Town Center

The Annual Music in the Mountains Folk Music Festival is coming to the Burnsville Town Center on Saturday, September 23 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The Annual Festival, sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council and now in its 32nd year, includes bluegrass and traditional music, ballad singers, and dancing. Instruments range from fiddle to dulcimer to guitar. And this year, the Festival is recognizing Bruce Greene for his contribution to the preservation of traditional music.

The Burnsville Town Center, only a short, half-block walk from the Town Square, fills with friends, family, and folks interested in participating in an evening of melody and song.

Internationally known Appalachian dulcimer player and the night’s emcee, Don Pedi, will introduce traditional balladeer and storyteller, Bobby McMillon, and musician and dancer Carol Rifkin with Jeannette Queen and Mark Queen. Also, during the evening, another family favorite, Jonah Riddle and the Carolina Express, will take to the stage with bluegrass and gospel that will get the spirits soaring.

Bruce Greene will be recognized by Will Ritter. And with a few friends—Loy McWhirter, Rob Levin, and Don Pedi—will perform several mountain favorites which are being preserved by the wealth of regional musicians, singers, storytellers, and dancers.

Music In The Mountains Folk Festival is a tribute to our region’s diverse musical heritage. Our evening celebration of traditional performers is uncommon in diversity and artistic excellence.  Let’s bring in the Fall together! Come join us in September!

Tickets will be available at the both TRAC Galleries (Burnsville and Spruce Pine) in mid-September. Please check back for more information as the performance schedule is finalized.

IN ADVANCE (September 22 and before)

Adults: $12
Students/Seniors: $10*
Children 5 and under FREE
*65 and older

AT THE DOOR (September 23)

Adults: $14
Students/Seniors: $12*
Children 5 and under FREE
*65 and older

Tickets in advance may be purchased at either Gallery (102 W Main St, Burnsville or 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine) from 10:30 to 5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

Pizza will be available for purchase by Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza

Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze
Sep 23 @ 9:29 pm

This year, Eliada will maintain some beloved attractions including the tractor ride, which now drives all the way around the Corn Maze, jumping pillow, corn kernel sand box, spider web climber, tube slides, and corn cannons.

 Eliada is pleased to announce that the corn planted in the field is Non-GMO, and that Eliada used all natural fertilizers to help the corn grow.  
The Corn Maze raises $100,000 for the agency every year, and we have come to rely on this event to support our programs,” says Davis-Bryant. “I never thought I’d have a job in which I relied on a field of corn growing! Changing up how we planted the corn field meant a lot to us, but was also a risk. I am proud of the agency for engaging in this kind of risk taking. The corn has grown beautifully, and we can be proud of the ways we have improved the event for the long-term sustainability of our land.
This year, Eliada is also adding beer and cider sales to the makeup of the event.

This option, available to guests only on weekends (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons), will help the agency increase revenue to support the growing needs children and youth face in our community. Eliada is excited to work with local and national partners to provide an array of beer and cider options!
Dates
September 15th – October 28th
Times

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-3pm

Friday: 9am-8pm

Saturday: 10am- 8pm

Sunday: 10am-6pm

 

Ticket Pricing  
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we are offering a $10 ticket price for all ages.
Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
Special Events
Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate nights are offered. Contact Chris Rainwater at [email protected] to schedule your event.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Cloven Hoof
Sep 24 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am