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.
New Belgium Brewing’s annual Tour de Fat is back for 2019, offering a day packed full of free festivities celebrating beer, bikes, and bemusement. This year’s tour kicks off on August 31 in Fort Collins, CO, heads to Asheville, NC, on Sept. 21, and wraps up in Tempe, AZ on October 5.
Each festival gets underway with a wildly popular costumed group bicycle ride roaming public streets in human-powered, two-wheeled euphoria. Immediately following each bike parade, revelers amass at a transformed outdoor space for an afternoon of unforgettable FREE entertainment from a touring ensemble of comedians, cirque performers, general mayhemists, top-notch live musicians and world-class New Belgium beer.
“Our love for bikes runs deep at New Belgium – we like to say our brewery was born on a bicycle seat – so every year we spread that love around the country by coming into towns and hosting the best way to spend a Saturday,” said Tour de Fat Brand Manager, John Yeast. “Big thanks in advance to everyone who will celebrate with us as we attempt to eclipse the $6 million mark of funds raised and donated to nonprofit organizations.”
This year marks the 20th season for Tour de Fat, which has raised nearly $6 million for local non-profits since it all began. The daylong festivities are free, but proceeds from beer and merchandise sales, along with parade donations, go to local non-profits. New in 2019 is a pedal-powered parade participant contest parade contest where winners will be selected based on the creativity, flair and uniqueness of their pedal-powered parade “vehicle” and rewarded with a prize pack that includes up to $500 worth of fixings to throw one heck of a party.
“A typical Tour de Fat parade draws thousands of costumed revelers together who share our mission to amaze and entertain,” Yeast explained. “To further stoke those creative fires, this year we’re offering a super sweet prize package to those people, businesses, civic groups, and the like who wow the crowd by rolling around in unmatched one-of-a-kind style.”
In typical New Belgium style, the brewery tries to leave as little of an environmental imprint as possible. Tour de Fat hosts green vendors, has compost and recycle stations and consciously works diligently to practice sustainable festivization.
“Bicycles basically run on fat and save you money, so they fit perfectly with our commitment to sustainability. Riding improves physical wellness and mental health, reduces CO2 emissions and provides a responsible form of transportation after a beer. Or two,” Yeast said.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the African-Caribbean. Goombay brings a variety of entertainment including dancing and the beating of West African drums ringing with the harmonic live music featuring gospel, reggae, funk and soul.
Visit contact web site for details. https://www.eventyas.com/US/Asheville/1468195370123474/Asheville-Goombay-Festival
Goombay Hours
Friday: 6-10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
Sunday: 12-6 PM
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
A weekend of camping, community, connection, and celebration with van dwellers, weekend warriors, roadtrippers, overlanding geeks, and all sorts of adventure mobile lovers. There will be 400 vehicles camping and 3,000 daytime visitors on a beautiful 65-acre property just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville.
Join us for the weekend, or as a visitor Saturday during our general admission hours (10am-10pm). More information on our ticketing site.
This is a family-friendly event where all are welcome!
“Fever Dreams”
Director: Rob Underhill (Carrboro, NC)
2nd Prize Feature film winner of the 25th annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
Four creepytales guaranteed to give you Fever Dreams…The Agent: an alcoholic screenplay middleman becomes trapped in acting out a nightmare scripted especially for him. The Entertainer: our host reveals on national television a tragic love story… and the contents of his coffee table. This is followed by a concise vignette on the importance of Timed Romance. The Cameraman: a wannabee movie-maker’s documentary turns into a real life horror story! Filmmakers, Director and Actors will attend the screening and be available for questions.
Doors open at 7:30 / Film begins at 8:00. Open donation.
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
Leave your passports at home and visit Europe in Asheville!
The party kicks off at a steel foundry turned luxury hotel and then travels from the heart of Asheville to England, Italy and France, with food and cocktails inspired by each location.
The homes we are visiting are historic and guests should be prepared for stairs and uneven surfaces.
Blue Ridge Pride is back and better than ever! The festivities begin on Friday evening with Friday in the Park, an opportunity for youth performers to showcase their talents on the stage at Pack Square Park!
A procession from Scandals Nightclub on Grove St. kicks off Saturday’s event at 10:00 a.m., come out and show your pride all the way from Scandals to Pack Square Park!
Finally, the festival begins at Pack Square Park at 11:00 a.m. The family-friendly environment features exciting vendors of all kinds, food, music at two different stages, dancing, performances, an inflatable bounce house, educational and community resources, and more!
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Hendersonville with games, food, music, and of course great beer! Things to do for all ages. Small entrance fee at gate. You don’t want to miss this event!
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
Experience the energy and talent of professional dance artists from across NC with the 29th Season of the NC Dance Festival. The Festival aims to support the creation of new choreography and the presentation of high-quality repertory, build and strengthen relationships between dance artists within the state, and provide access to and education about modern and contemporary dance to audiences and students.
Vania Claiborne (Greensboro) presents (Bro)tha/Brother, a duet for two men that celebrates and explores black male joy, friendship, and humanity.
In Studio C Projects (Durham) atmospheric Two, three dancers follow two sets of movement instructions that test the accuracy of memory in response to a shifting environment.
MARO Movement (Southern Pines) explores the sometimes taboo topic of mortality and vulnerability with Impact, inspired by choreographer Matthew Rocks late grandmother.
The multigenerational dancers of Durhams Big Red Dance Project, ranging in age from 38-78 and directed by Gerri Houlihan, reveal the melodic and rhythmic complexities of J.S. Bachs Violin Concerto in A Minor in Dances for the Time Being.
Wilmington’s Alyona Amato presents Its All About Me, an ensemble dance that combines video and movement to capture the sense of competition and self-centeredness that can characterize our modern culture.
Local Asheville company Stewart/Owen presents an excerpt of a new theatrical work that broadly speaks to power, control, vulnerability, and how human beings manifest each of those qualities and surrender to them.
Asheville
Intergenerational Modern Dance
Come join 2019 NCDF Artist Gerri Houlihan as she teaches this intergenerational modern dance class at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville!
$5 at the door
October 5 @ 10-11:30 a.m.
Click to register
Henry Labrun Studio in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, NC
The Lunsford Festival is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as the “Minstrel of the Appalachians.” The festival, which is now in its 52nd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers. It happens on the same day as the Madison Heritage Arts Festival, so downtown will be abuzz. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!
10:00-5:00: Concert on the Upper Quad
11:00: Presentation of the Lunsford Award
12:00-1:00: Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Dulcimer, Shaped Note Workshops
1:15-2:00: Open jam (Sunken Garden)
1:30-3:30: Ballad Swap (Blackwell Hall)
5:30-7:30: Community Dance (Chambers Gym)
Folk School Fall Festival 2019
Golden fall sunlight and brightly colored leaves provide a scenic backdrop for the John C. Campbell Folk School‘s Fall Festival. This treasured annual celebration of Appalachian culture, held on the Folk School’s Brasstown, North Carolina campus, heralds its 45th anniversary in October.
The Folk School’s enduring commitment to the arts is evident in a vibrant exhibition showcasing the School’s Quilting and Surface Design Program. The Pitman Fiber Arts Building will feature a display of dozens of striking quilts made by the school’s instructors.
A slideshow of Painting and Photography Instructor art will run throughout the festival in the Keith House Community Room.
Visit over 200 fine craft exhibitors tucked along the school’s winding wooded paths. Watch more than 30 artisans demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts. Fill your ears with bluegrass, gospel, folk, and Celtic music on both days. Tap your toes to clogging, Morris, and Garland dance performances throughout the weekend.
Children can visit the Kids Cove area where they’ll enjoy pony rides, petting the alpacas, and visiting Valley River Humane Society’s pet adoption booth. The Cove Theatre will offer children an opportunity to participate in creative play with dress-up costumes and musical instruments. Face painting and arts and crafts activities will be offered by the Cherokee County Arts Council.
Hungry festivalgoers can satisfy their appetites with a tasty lunch, dessert, or snack. Vendors’ concession proceeds benefit several non-profit and community organizations.
The Folk School’s renowned Craft Shop, containing fine crafts from over 600 juried regional artists, will draw visitors throughout the weekend and be offering a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Craft Shop.
Fall Festival Survival Guide
No pets allowed
Bring your camera
Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat
Visit water stations as needed to stay hydrated
Two ATMS will be available, however we encourage you to bring cash to pay for tickets, food, and purchases from vendors who do not accept cards
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12
Music & Dance Schedule
Saturday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Butternut Creek and Friends
10:40 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
11:20 The Curtis & Geoff Show
12:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
12:40 Julie Helms & the Bluegrass Partners
1:20 Jones Brothers
2:00 Heidi Holton
2:40 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
3:20 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
4:00 Dave Peters and the Last Responders
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Jones Brothers
10:40 Greg Biltz
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Heidi Holton
12:40 Crane Creek Cliff Dwellers
1:20 Beansidhe
2:00 Black Mash Hollow
2:40 Mike Davis
3:20 Redwine Jam
4:00 Sea Notes
Sunday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Sunday Morning String Band
10:40 The Pressley Girls
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Just Us Gals
12:40 Liz Nance & Friends
1:20 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
2:00 Granny’s Mason Jar
2:40 Little Brasstown Baptist Church Choir
3:20 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
4:00 Gnarly Fingers
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
10:40 Kilmer and Cooley
11:20 Bona Fide
12:00 Greg Biltz
12:40 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
1:20 Mountain Area Storytellers
2:00 Liz Nance & Friends
2:40 The Pressley Girls
3:20 Scott Low
4:00 Anne & Rob Lough
with craft beverage sampling, games and activities, live music.
Experience the energy and talent of professional dance artists from across NC with the 29th Season of the NC Dance Festival. The Festival aims to support the creation of new choreography and the presentation of high-quality repertory, build and strengthen relationships between dance artists within the state, and provide access to and education about modern and contemporary dance to audiences and students.
Vania Claiborne (Greensboro) presents (Bro)tha/Brother, a duet for two men that celebrates and explores black male joy, friendship, and humanity.
In Studio C Projects (Durham) atmospheric Two, three dancers follow two sets of movement instructions that test the accuracy of memory in response to a shifting environment.
MARO Movement (Southern Pines) explores the sometimes taboo topic of mortality and vulnerability with Impact, inspired by choreographer Matthew Rocks late grandmother.
The multigenerational dancers of Durhams Big Red Dance Project, ranging in age from 38-78 and directed by Gerri Houlihan, reveal the melodic and rhythmic complexities of J.S. Bachs Violin Concerto in A Minor in Dances for the Time Being.
Wilmington’s Alyona Amato presents Its All About Me, an ensemble dance that combines video and movement to capture the sense of competition and self-centeredness that can characterize our modern culture.
Local Asheville company Stewart/Owen presents an excerpt of a new theatrical work that broadly speaks to power, control, vulnerability, and how human beings manifest each of those qualities and surrender to them.
Asheville
Intergenerational Modern Dance
Come join 2019 NCDF Artist Gerri Houlihan as she teaches this intergenerational modern dance class at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville!
$5 at the door
October 5 @ 10-11:30 a.m.
Click to register
Henry Labrun Studio in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, NC
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
Folk School Fall Festival 2019
Golden fall sunlight and brightly colored leaves provide a scenic backdrop for the John C. Campbell Folk School‘s Fall Festival. This treasured annual celebration of Appalachian culture, held on the Folk School’s Brasstown, North Carolina campus, heralds its 45th anniversary in October.
The Folk School’s enduring commitment to the arts is evident in a vibrant exhibition showcasing the School’s Quilting and Surface Design Program. The Pitman Fiber Arts Building will feature a display of dozens of striking quilts made by the school’s instructors.
A slideshow of Painting and Photography Instructor art will run throughout the festival in the Keith House Community Room.
Visit over 200 fine craft exhibitors tucked along the school’s winding wooded paths. Watch more than 30 artisans demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts. Fill your ears with bluegrass, gospel, folk, and Celtic music on both days. Tap your toes to clogging, Morris, and Garland dance performances throughout the weekend.
Children can visit the Kids Cove area where they’ll enjoy pony rides, petting the alpacas, and visiting Valley River Humane Society’s pet adoption booth. The Cove Theatre will offer children an opportunity to participate in creative play with dress-up costumes and musical instruments. Face painting and arts and crafts activities will be offered by the Cherokee County Arts Council.
Hungry festivalgoers can satisfy their appetites with a tasty lunch, dessert, or snack. Vendors’ concession proceeds benefit several non-profit and community organizations.
The Folk School’s renowned Craft Shop, containing fine crafts from over 600 juried regional artists, will draw visitors throughout the weekend and be offering a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Craft Shop.
Fall Festival Survival Guide
No pets allowed
Bring your camera
Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat
Visit water stations as needed to stay hydrated
Two ATMS will be available, however we encourage you to bring cash to pay for tickets, food, and purchases from vendors who do not accept cards
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12
Music & Dance Schedule
Saturday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Butternut Creek and Friends
10:40 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
11:20 The Curtis & Geoff Show
12:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
12:40 Julie Helms & the Bluegrass Partners
1:20 Jones Brothers
2:00 Heidi Holton
2:40 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
3:20 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
4:00 Dave Peters and the Last Responders
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Jones Brothers
10:40 Greg Biltz
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Heidi Holton
12:40 Crane Creek Cliff Dwellers
1:20 Beansidhe
2:00 Black Mash Hollow
2:40 Mike Davis
3:20 Redwine Jam
4:00 Sea Notes
Sunday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Sunday Morning String Band
10:40 The Pressley Girls
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Just Us Gals
12:40 Liz Nance & Friends
1:20 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
2:00 Granny’s Mason Jar
2:40 Little Brasstown Baptist Church Choir
3:20 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
4:00 Gnarly Fingers
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
10:40 Kilmer and Cooley
11:20 Bona Fide
12:00 Greg Biltz
12:40 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
1:20 Mountain Area Storytellers
2:00 Liz Nance & Friends
2:40 The Pressley Girls
3:20 Scott Low
4:00 Anne & Rob Lough
There will be a live German Polka Band, real German food (as well as food for kids), contests, games, cake walk, inflatables, etc. Something for everyone!
It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.
General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.
Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)
Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)
Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)
Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)
It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.
General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.
Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)
Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)
Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)
Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.
General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.
Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)
Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)
Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)
Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)
It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.
General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.
Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)
Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)
Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)
Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)
It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.
General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.
Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)
Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)
Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)
Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)
Family friendly fun. try out the various games and challenges provided by Buncombe County Recreation Services. Face painters, popcorn, Fire Truck and much more. This is a FREE event.
This annual mountain family tradition is free and open to kids, teens, and adults of all ages. This year’s theme, Get Curious About the Outdoors, is inspired by the adventures of Curious George that feature themes of learning, forgiveness, and playful curiosity. Festival goers are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite children’s book characters or in another costume.
“Autumn is a special time at Lake Julian, with vibrant colors on the trees and crisp air that’s distinct to our area,” according to Lynn Pegg, Buncombe County Recreation Services Program Manager. “This year, the Fall Festival celebrates the creativity and boundless imagination of Buncombe County’s youngest citizens throughout the park.”
Festival games include an obstacle course, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, ring toss, baseball target, foam bow and arrow, and alphabet walk. Free face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and storytelling areas will be set up within Lake Julian Road, the main loop in in the park. Regular park amenities including the pirate-themed playground (installed in 2018), volleyball, horseshoes, picnic tables, walking trails, and disc golf are also accessible at no cost.
Fishing, paddleboats, water trikes, and a boat launch are available for a small fee. Food will be offered for purchase from Frank & Steins Hot Dogs, Kona Shaved Ice, and Papa John’s Pizza. Publix has provided supplies for a free cupcake decorating station. Free water stations are sponsored by Mountain Valley Spring Water. (Please bring your reusable water bottle.)
Other stations include Asheville Museum of Science (learning activities), Buncombe County Fire Marshal (kids’ fire house), Buncombe County Libraries South Asheville Branch (story time), Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BEAR CAT tactical vehicle and K9 handler), Lakeview Putt and Play (mini golf), Skyland Fire and Rescue (fire engine), Smokey the Bear and the United States Forest Service (outdoor education), and WNC Safe Kids (safety information).
Celebrating our 5th year in Mills River, Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest welcomes thousands of lederhosen-clad and dirndl-sporting beer lovers to hoist a stein and Prost like a Pro! Join us for a festive night of craft beer, bountiful food, costumes, dancing, raucous music, and more. Dress your best and brush up on your Chicken Dance skills.
A German-inspired celebration featuring our beer (including our new Oktoberfest Collaboration), ample fest food (think brats, kraut, pretzels and way more), live music, glass blowing demonstrations, a Chicken Dance contest, a Flash Your ‘Stache competition, and more!