Calendar of Events
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.
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!
Try the matchmaking event that’s been dubbed “Yoga for your Love Life” by singles. In this new world of online dating, shallow conversations and superficial standards have become the norm… Robbing us of the magic that comes with connecting on a deeply meaningful level. That’s why, here at Tantra Speed Date®, we do speed dating a little differently. You’ll engage with your dates in a way that’s fun, authentic, and even healing. We’ll guide you through a sequence of relationship-building exercises with up to 20 singles. Each exercise will aid you and your date in playfully exploring the depth of your connection. (Think verbal dyads, movement/dancing, and communication games!) And all of them enhance your relationship skills in subtle, yet powerful ways. So you’ll walk away not only with matches… But with the tools you need to bring more love into your dating life! For all dates in Asheville, NC visit:
https://www.tantrany.com/speed-dating/asheville/
Early Bird – Limited: USD 50.00,
General Admission: USD 60.00,
Last Minute) – Few Remaining: USD 87.00,
Door Sales (Cash only): USD 140.00
The 43rd annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, on the weekends of October 12-13 and October 19-20, is a free, self-guided showcase of new and renovated homes by builders in such areas as Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Fairview, and Clyde. You can tour homes in person or virtually. For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
The 43rd annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, on the weekends of October 12-13 and October 19-20, is a free, self-guided showcase of new and renovated homes by builders in such areas as Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Fairview, and Clyde. You can tour homes in person or virtually. For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
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.
- 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)
The 43rd annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, on the weekends of October 12-13 and October 19-20, is a free, self-guided showcase of new and renovated homes by builders in such areas as Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Fairview, and Clyde. You can tour homes in person or virtually. For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
- 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)
The 43rd annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, on the weekends of October 12-13 and October 19-20, is a free, self-guided showcase of new and renovated homes by builders in such areas as Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Fairview, and Clyde. You can tour homes in person or virtually. For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
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.
House Beautiful announced their seventh annual Whole Home build will take place in the historic city of Asheville, North Carolina. Through a partnership with luxury home builder Living Stone Design & Build, leading designers and industry sponsors, House Beautiful is debuting its first-ever vacation Whole Home.
Join us at this beautiful new home in the Sprout Community showcasing top designers and beautiful furnishings. This year’s 2024 Whole Home build is the ultimate second home, offering a multiplatform experience with fresh ideas for design enthusiasts and renovation solutions small and large. The 3,600-square-foot home will seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, offering an elevated modern build style and biophilic design with toxin-free materials.
The renovated home will be featured on HouseBeautiful.com and in the November/December 2024 Renovation Issue of House Beautiful, which will hit newsstands on November 26.
A talented team of diverse interior designers with a range of sensibilities will reimagine the mountain property: Living Stone: MA Allen, Rajni Alex, Dane Austin, Erin Coren and Lina Galvão of Curated Nest, Kelsey McGregor, Anne McDonald, Byron Risdon, Laura Sullivan, Heidi Woodman, Anita Yokota, and the Iron House design team.
The home will be open for tours from 12-7pm on October 24th – 27th. Select furniture in the home will be available for auction at the conclusion of the show home. All proceeds from the tour will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Henderson County and Thermal Belt. Tickets to tour are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
House Beautiful has also once again partnered with Wellness Within Your Walls, an internationally recognized resource group created to provide education and guidance on toxins in the living environment.
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.
House Beautiful announced their seventh annual Whole Home build will take place in the historic city of Asheville, North Carolina. Through a partnership with luxury home builder Living Stone Design & Build, leading designers and industry sponsors, House Beautiful is debuting its first-ever vacation Whole Home.
Join us at this beautiful new home in the Sprout Community showcasing top designers and beautiful furnishings. This year’s 2024 Whole Home build is the ultimate second home, offering a multiplatform experience with fresh ideas for design enthusiasts and renovation solutions small and large. The 3,600-square-foot home will seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, offering an elevated modern build style and biophilic design with toxin-free materials.
The renovated home will be featured on HouseBeautiful.com and in the November/December 2024 Renovation Issue of House Beautiful, which will hit newsstands on November 26.
A talented team of diverse interior designers with a range of sensibilities will reimagine the mountain property: Living Stone: MA Allen, Rajni Alex, Dane Austin, Erin Coren and Lina Galvão of Curated Nest, Kelsey McGregor, Anne McDonald, Byron Risdon, Laura Sullivan, Heidi Woodman, Anita Yokota, and the Iron House design team.
The home will be open for tours from 12-7pm on October 24th – 27th. Select furniture in the home will be available for auction at the conclusion of the show home. All proceeds from the tour will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Henderson County and Thermal Belt. Tickets to tour are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
House Beautiful has also once again partnered with Wellness Within Your Walls, an internationally recognized resource group created to provide education and guidance on toxins in the living environment.
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.
SC Arms Collectors Association Gun & Knife Show – Hall 1 – Parking off Exposition Drive
SCACA ADMISSION
ADULTS: $10.00 | MILITARY: $8.00
12 Yrs. & Under: Free when accompanied by an adult.
Must Show Military ID
Greenville Convention Center Parking
$5.00 Per Vehicle
DATES:
January 20 & 21, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
August 10 & 11, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
December 21 & 22, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
April 20 & 21, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
October 26 & 27, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
House Beautiful announced their seventh annual Whole Home build will take place in the historic city of Asheville, North Carolina. Through a partnership with luxury home builder Living Stone Design & Build, leading designers and industry sponsors, House Beautiful is debuting its first-ever vacation Whole Home.
Join us at this beautiful new home in the Sprout Community showcasing top designers and beautiful furnishings. This year’s 2024 Whole Home build is the ultimate second home, offering a multiplatform experience with fresh ideas for design enthusiasts and renovation solutions small and large. The 3,600-square-foot home will seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, offering an elevated modern build style and biophilic design with toxin-free materials.
The renovated home will be featured on HouseBeautiful.com and in the November/December 2024 Renovation Issue of House Beautiful, which will hit newsstands on November 26.
A talented team of diverse interior designers with a range of sensibilities will reimagine the mountain property: Living Stone: MA Allen, Rajni Alex, Dane Austin, Erin Coren and Lina Galvão of Curated Nest, Kelsey McGregor, Anne McDonald, Byron Risdon, Laura Sullivan, Heidi Woodman, Anita Yokota, and the Iron House design team.
The home will be open for tours from 12-7pm on October 24th – 27th. Select furniture in the home will be available for auction at the conclusion of the show home. All proceeds from the tour will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Henderson County and Thermal Belt. Tickets to tour are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
House Beautiful has also once again partnered with Wellness Within Your Walls, an internationally recognized resource group created to provide education and guidance on toxins in the living environment.
SC Arms Collectors Association Gun & Knife Show – Hall 1 – Parking off Exposition Drive
SCACA ADMISSION
ADULTS: $10.00 | MILITARY: $8.00
12 Yrs. & Under: Free when accompanied by an adult.
Must Show Military ID
Greenville Convention Center Parking
$5.00 Per Vehicle
DATES:
January 20 & 21, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
August 10 & 11, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
December 21 & 22, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
April 20 & 21, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
October 26 & 27, 2024
Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
House Beautiful announced their seventh annual Whole Home build will take place in the historic city of Asheville, North Carolina. Through a partnership with luxury home builder Living Stone Design & Build, leading designers and industry sponsors, House Beautiful is debuting its first-ever vacation Whole Home.
Join us at this beautiful new home in the Sprout Community showcasing top designers and beautiful furnishings. This year’s 2024 Whole Home build is the ultimate second home, offering a multiplatform experience with fresh ideas for design enthusiasts and renovation solutions small and large. The 3,600-square-foot home will seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, offering an elevated modern build style and biophilic design with toxin-free materials.
The renovated home will be featured on HouseBeautiful.com and in the November/December 2024 Renovation Issue of House Beautiful, which will hit newsstands on November 26.
A talented team of diverse interior designers with a range of sensibilities will reimagine the mountain property: Living Stone: MA Allen, Rajni Alex, Dane Austin, Erin Coren and Lina Galvão of Curated Nest, Kelsey McGregor, Anne McDonald, Byron Risdon, Laura Sullivan, Heidi Woodman, Anita Yokota, and the Iron House design team.
The home will be open for tours from 12-7pm on October 24th – 27th. Select furniture in the home will be available for auction at the conclusion of the show home. All proceeds from the tour will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Henderson County and Thermal Belt. Tickets to tour are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
House Beautiful has also once again partnered with Wellness Within Your Walls, an internationally recognized resource group created to provide education and guidance on toxins in the living environment.
Medicine of the Starry Heavens’s Stories from Stardust presents…
Poetic Pilgrimages to the Underworld: Orpheus & Drinking from the River of Light
**with music from Elan DeHaro and Summer Shine**
Join us for a night of storytelling, music, stargazing, and poetry as we explore the myth of Orpheus, the underworld, and the river of light ✨
–
As Vega, the Vulture Star, crosses the zenith of our autumnal skies it carries with it Orpheus’ Lyre. It’s the sacred harp crafted by Hermes on his first day here on Earth. Gifted to Apollo and passed on to Orpheus, it’s the tool for the attunement of the poetic soul needed to journey in and out of the Underworld. Fashioned from a turtle shell, Lyre resonates the 250 million year old Permean frequency of our deep bone memories. It’s the songline of our ancestors, the safety rope that allows us to navigate the catastrophes of life.
Date: Friday, November 1st (Scorpio New Moon)
Time:
– 6pm : Poetry and saying farewell to autumn’s hillside tapestry
– 7pm: Story and stars
Where: 65 Sanford Way, Barnardsville – The Sundial at The High Meadow
~or~ the Pavilion at Wild Abundance (if rainy)
*important parking info below, carpooling encouraged*
Suggested donation: $12-36, no one turned away for lack of funds
You can Venmo @MedicineOfTheStarryHeavens, book a ticket on Eventbrite, or bring cash the night of the event.
Bring warm clothes, cushions, blankets, chairs, whatever you need to be comfy and open to the medicine of the starry heavens..
Smiley’s Flea Market in Fletcher, NC will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on November 9th.
Since Smiley’s opened their doors to Western Carolina in October of 1984, they have been providing a family fun marketplace where people buy and sell unique and interesting goods and services to the public.
Smiley’s continues to provide an indoor and outdoor marketplace that offers authentic delicious food and goods and services, all at great bargains. A true one stop shop for all your shopping needs.
Over the years, Smiley’s has grown to evolve and answer the needs of Western Carolina. With over 1,000 selling spaces and hundreds of vendors, you are sure to find what you are looking for. From farm fresh produce to amusement rides, Smiley’s has it all.
Come celebrate Smiley’s 40th anniversary on November 9th. Live Music, Free Amusement Rides, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Giveaways and a chance to Win Up to $10,000!
Tickets for the drawing will be given out every Saturday and Sunday at the Smiley’s office. So come on by this weekend for all you shopping needs and to enter the drawing for a chance to Win up to $10,000.
Smiley’s is proud to be partnering with the Community Foundation of Henderson County for the 40th Anniversary Celebration. Smiley’s will match the winning amount from the drawing and make a donation to the Community Foundation of Henderson County for Hurricane Relief.
Come enjoy your day at Smiley’s. Hundreds of Sellers, Thousands of Buyers and Millions of Items!
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.
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.
The original and best tattoo festival is back in Asheville once more for the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival! Hosted by Villain Arts at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, this event will feature hundreds of tattoo artists, some from across the country, and a few from around the world, specializing in all different tattooing styles. Some artists you may already even know, like Anwon Boneface Johnson (Ink Master seasons 8, 9 & Grudge Match), Big Jaz (Ink Master season 12), or Charles Whitfield (VH1.) Attendees can enter their new or existing ink in tattoo competitions! Or shop among our numerous vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to oddities and more. The festival will also feature live entertainment, including sideshow acts and human suspension! There truly is something here for everyone to enjoy. So, don’t delay! Join the fun and get some ink this weekend at the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival!
Event Hours by Day:
Friday 15th 2pm-11pm
Saturday 16th 11am-11pm
Sunday 17th 11am-8pm
Tickets:
$25 for a 1-day pass
$50 for a 3-day pass
Free admission for children under 12
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
