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.

Monday, October 25, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 25 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 25 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

 

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 25 @ 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.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 26 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 26 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

 

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 26 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 26 @ 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.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 27 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 27 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

 

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 27 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 27 @ 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.

Thursday, October 28, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 28 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 28 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

 

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 28 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 28 @ 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.

Friday, October 29, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 29 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 29 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 29 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 29 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 29 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).
City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Oct 29 @ 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 29 @ 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.

Saturday, October 30, 2021
City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 30 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

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

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$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).