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, October 29, 2021
Halloween masquerade
Oct 29 @ 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Citizen Vinyl

Hush Hush is back 10/29 for a Halloween masquerade that will send you into euphoric bliss. Based on the 1926 novella ‘Traumnovelle’ meaning 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, Eyes Wide Shut tells the tale of a night-long erotic adventure—we can’t wait to bring you an evening of mystery, ethereal vibes, sexy cocktails and (of course) an unforgettable dance party.

Masks and proof of vaxxx required. This is a costume party so dress to kill.

Saturday, October 30, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 30 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 30 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Private Caboose Party
Oct 30 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Oct 30 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
4th Annual Beaverdam Studio Tour
Oct 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beaverdam Area

Beaverdam Studio Tour

Join us for a self-guided tour of artists’ studios in North Asheville’s beautiful Beaverdam Valley

25 artists working in Beaverdam Valley—plus 5 guest artists—are excited to welcome visitors to their studios and homes to see their work, talk with them, and purchase handmade art and craft. Media include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, paper art, photography, and more.

Beaverdam Studio Tour 2021

Saturday, October 30 10am to 5pm
Sunday, October 31 noon to 5pm

All studios are off Beaverdam Road which is off Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville

Beaverdam Studio Tour

Download the 2021 Map PDF
Download the 2021 Brochure PDF

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 30 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Oct 30 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Public Tour at Asheville Art Museum: Intersections in American Art
Oct 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Dorothea A. Dreier, Interior with Chinese Lantern, before 1923, oil on board, 7 ½ × 9 ¾ inches; frame 12 ½ × 14 ½ inches. Asheville Art Museum.

Today’s public tour is led by Susan Coleman, touring docent.

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Oct 30 @ 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, NC.

Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Halloween Dance with DRUMSPYDER
Oct 30 @ 5:45 pm – Oct 31 @ 8:00 am
Pack Square Park

May be a cartoon of text that says 'STARTRIBE PRESENTS 1 HALLOWEEN ECSTATIC DANCE Rumspyder WITH PREPARE TO BASS UP AND GET DOWN'

Hello StarTriber!

Ready to get down with Drumspyder & your Tribe??

Reserve your space at www.startribe.org

It’s tried and true that there’s something exceptionally powerful about an entire community sharing in the magic of ecstatic dance, and an essential part of making it that way is YOU – that’s why, at any StarTribe, dancing your heart out will be irresistible; so prepare to bass up and get down.

…And prepare to get costume-crazy at the Halloween Ecstatic Dance!…There will be prizes for the most epic costumes. Be there at 5:45PM for what will be the one-of-a-kind contest!

Scott Sterling (Drumspyder) brings a deep love of rhythm to his distinctive style of percussion-driven dance music. A masterful percussionist specializing in tambourines and frame-drums, he weaves together intricate hand percussion and bass-heavy production into finely sculpted grooves – always to be a magical inspiration to the dance-floor. Drawing from the Folk, Medieval, and Renaissance music of the British Islands and Europe, Drumspyder’s music is a unique alchemy of pagan traditions and tribal rhythms.

* Dance-floor powered with the classic 22 speaker StarTribe Sound System. BOOM.

* Free attendance for kids 12 & under.

* As always, this is a rain or shine event!

* Masks are optional. Hooray for health, but stay home if you’re feeling any symptoms relative to COVID.

* Free hot chai served at 6PM.

* Bring water!

* More TBA soon!!

The StarTribe Vision

For thousands of years, countless cultures all over the world have danced for the purpose of community and self improvement, making dance of this kind an invaluable part of life. This is the purpose of StarTribe.

In much of the Western world, however, the scope of dance has become narrow and limited with the theme often being of noisy, unnatural nightclubs and bars which may not exactly be empowering, relative to what’s possible.

But there’s a revival of late towards more meaningful dance – dance that takes place in special outdoor settings and within a real sense of community, much like it was for millennia. This is where to find your Tribe.

Thousands of people have participated in StarTribe, and for the real spirit of dance. There’s something especially moving and powerful about an entire community of people coming together for this experience, and YOU are warmly invited.

StarTribe is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to community transformation. That includes YOU.

Shuffle Up Halloween Silent Disco Dance Party
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

All Ages

Come celebrate the Halloween weekend at Rabbit Rabbit with the Shuffle Up Halloween Silent Disco Dance Party!

Each ticket comes with a pair of sanitized wireless head phones.
Costumes encouraged! Costume contest with prizes from Rabbit Rabbit and Asheville Brewing Company.

Saturday night music mix by Nex Millen & Dayowulf
Custom visuals by The Sorcerist
Featuring SHUFFLE dance demos!

Sunday, October 31, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 31 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 31 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Private Caboose Party
Oct 31 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Oct 31 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Zombie Disco
Oct 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

May be an illustration of text

Dance as if you just risen from the dead. It’s Zombie Disco with KPopKakashi!

10pm to 2am NO COVER 21+

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 31 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Oct 31 @ 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
Oct 31 @ 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, NC.

Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Treat Street Carnival
Oct 31 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

May be an image of 8 people, people standing and outdoors

Treats and fun all along Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. Trick & Treat at merchants, celebrate Dia de los Muertos, win fabulous prizes at the costume contest, play on inflatables, enjoy live music and dance…so much to do in Downtown Hendersonville this Halloween. Registration for the contest begins at 4pm and contest will begin at 5pm in front of the historic courthouse. 7 Costume Categories: ages 0-3; 4-7; 8-11; 12-15; 16+; group and pet

Monday, November 1, 2021
Experience Fall at Biltmore
Nov 1 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Experience Fall at Biltmore
Nov 2 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Aquanet: Goth Night
Nov 2 @ 9:00 pm – Nov 3 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Experience Fall at Biltmore
Nov 3 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Nov 3 @ 9:00 pm – Nov 4 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, November 4, 2021
Experience Fall at Biltmore
Nov 4 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

PUBLIC TOUR Modernist Design at Black Mountain College
Nov 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Mary “Molly” Gregory, Lazy-J Chair, circa 1945, stained ash, leather, and brass, 26 ¾ × 17 ⅛ × 24 ½ inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of Barbara Beate Dreier and Theodore Dreier Jr. on behalf of all generations of the Dreier family, 2017.12.02. © Mary Gregory, image David Dietrich. Mary “Molly” Gregory, Stool, circa 1941–1945, stained oak, 15 ½ × 18 × 15 inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of Barbara Beate Dreier and Theodore Dreier Jr. on behalf of all generations of the Dreier family, 2017.12.05. © Mary Gregory, image David Dietrich

Free for Museum Members or included with general admission

Today’s public tour is led by Joey Gigliotti, touring docent.

PUBLIC TOURS

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

Public Tour at Asheville Art Museum: Modernist Design at Black Mountain College
Nov 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Mary “Molly” Gregory, Lazy-J Chair, circa 1945, stained ash, leather, and brass, 26 ¾ × 17 ⅛ × 24 ½ inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of Barbara Beate Dreier and Theodore Dreier Jr. on behalf of all generations of the Dreier family, 2017.12.02. © Mary Gregory, image David Dietrich. Mary “Molly” Gregory, Stool, circa 1941–1945, stained oak, 15 ½ × 18 × 15 inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of Barbara Beate Dreier and Theodore Dreier Jr. on behalf of all generations of the Dreier family, 2017.12.05. © Mary Gregory, image David Dietrich

Today’s public tour is led by Joey Gigliotti, touring docent.

PUBLIC TOURS

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

Salsa Night Thursday
Nov 4 @ 9:30 pm – Nov 5 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+