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.

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Birding
Sep 28 @ 8:30 am
Lake Julian Park

Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. 

2024 DuPont Forest Festival
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dupont State Forest

On National Public Lands Day, Saturday September 28, 2024, Friends of DuPont Forest will host the 6th annual DuPont Forest Festival, an event celebrating the adventure and beauty of DuPont State Recreational Forest. 

The DuPont Forest Festival is a free, family friendly event open to the public. It is a celebration of  the Forest and the diverse user groups who enjoy it.

We’ll have a mix of drop-in activities, demonstrations, group tours, and hikes, all perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Our number one goal for the Forest Festival is to teach people to love the Forest. Along with having fun, the activities will weave in education about  reducing impacts to the Forest, waterfall safety, trails that serve multiple types of recreationalists  and Forest conservation.

Each event will be led by an expert volunteer and representative from our partner organizations.”

  • Forest Festival activities include: 
  • Family nature walks
  • Kids and community yoga
  • Kids bike clinic and ride
  • Group rides
  • Orienteering event
  • Face painting
  • Smokey Bear
  • History tours
  • Fly fishing demonstration 

AND MORE!

Sunday, September 29, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Sep 29 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Monday, September 30, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Sep 30 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 1 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 2 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Thursday, October 3, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 3 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Friday, October 4, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 4 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Saturday, October 5, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 5 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Sunday, October 6, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 6 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Monday, October 7, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 7 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 8 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 9 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Thursday, October 10, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 10 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Friday, October 11, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 11 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 12 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Sunday, October 13, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 13 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Monday, October 14, 2024
The Event Support Grant
Oct 14 all-day
online

The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences
Oct 15 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bent Creek Community Park

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Sandburg Home Tour Free Days
Oct 19 all-day
Carl Sandburg Home Historic Site
  • On several days throughout the year, tours of the Sandburg Home are free! Advance reservations are not available for tour free days. Tickets will be available first come, first serve on the day of, from the Visitor Center/Park Store in the Sandburg Home.
  • Saturday, March 23, 2024 (First Saturday of local school spring break)
  • Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
  • Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2024 Weekend closest to Carl Sandburg Home NHS October 17, 1968, Anniversary)
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Sandburg Home Tour Free Days
Oct 20 all-day
Carl Sandburg Home Historic Site
  • On several days throughout the year, tours of the Sandburg Home are free! Advance reservations are not available for tour free days. Tickets will be available first come, first serve on the day of, from the Visitor Center/Park Store in the Sandburg Home.
  • Saturday, March 23, 2024 (First Saturday of local school spring break)
  • Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
  • Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2024 Weekend closest to Carl Sandburg Home NHS October 17, 1968, Anniversary)
Monday, October 21, 2024
Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sandy Mush Community Center

 

CORE Programming

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2024
City Dance
Oct 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Birding
Oct 26 @ 8:30 am
Lake Julian Park

Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. 

Friday, November 15, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 15 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 16 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 17, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 17 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Monday, November 18, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 18 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 19 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 20 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.