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.

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Monday, October 9, 2023
Virtual | Poverty, By America Discussion Group
Oct 9 @ 12:00 pm
online

Join us for a virtual bookclub-style discussion of Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond at noon on Monday, October 9th.

Registration is required for attendance. Please CLICK HERE to register. A link will be emailed to you on the morning of the event.

Copies of Poverty, by America will be 10% off at Malaprop’s through October 9th. If you order through our website, click on “coupon discount” and enter JUSTICEFORUM in the “coupon code” field. If you are purchasing in-store or by phone, mention the book discussion and request a book club discount.

The paperback is released on April 18th and can be pre-ordered now. The discount does not apply to pre-orders.

Desmond will be the keynote speaker at the Pisgah Legal Justice Forum on October 17th at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Tickets to the forum are free but registration is required. Click here to learn more about the forum and pre-event reception.

About Poverty, by America:

In this landmark book, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor. Those of us who are financially secure exploit the poor, driving down their wages while forcing them to overpay for housing and access to cash and credit. We prioritize the subsidization of our wealth over the alleviation of poverty, designing a welfare state that gives the most to those who need the least. And we stockpile opportunity in exclusive communities, creating zones of concentrated riches alongside those of concentrated despair. Some lives are made small so that others may grow.
Elegantly written and fiercely argued, this compassionate book gives us new ways of thinking about a morally urgent problem. It also helps us imagine solutions. Desmond builds a startlingly original and ambitious case for ending poverty. He calls on us all to become poverty abolitionists, engaged in a politics of collective belonging to usher in a new age of shared prosperity and, at last, true freedom.

Matthew Desmond is the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and the founding director of the Eviction Lab. His last book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award, among others. The recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, Desmond is also a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Puppet Playtime
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
East Asheville Library
Every Wednesday morning, we open up the children’s activity room to give kids time for free play with puppets. Children must be under the supervision or a parent or guardian.
Pack Library Book Club
Oct 11 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Pack Memorial Library
  The Pack Library Book Club is a book discussion group that meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30AM at the library.
Read to Puptart!
Oct 11 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

Thursday, October 12, 2023
Antique and Collectible Book Sale
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, 250-4700

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

An Evening with David Sedaris
Oct 12 @ 7:30 pm
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University

An Evening With David Sedaris: The best-selling author and well-known NPR humorist, playwright, and comedian, David Sedaris returns to Cullowhee for An Evening With David Sedaris. With more than 16 million copies of his books in print, Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The October 12th event includes a live reading of new material, time for audience members to ask questions of the author, and book signings before and after the event. Sedaris’ books will be available for purchase at the event through the City Lights Bookstore of Sylva, NC.

Friday, October 13, 2023
Antique and Collectible Book Sale
Oct 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, 250-4700

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Freaky Friday Two Tides Takeover
Oct 13 @ 5:00 pm
DSSOLVR

This Friday the 13th join us for a night of pint-sized mayhem and body-swapping hilarity
as Two Tides are taking over the brewery, It’s a classic FREAKY FRIDAY SWITCHAROO!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 13 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 13 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Pack Library
Oct 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Pack Library
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

The Friends of Pack Library will have their Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the second weekend in October at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

The Oct. 12-13 sale will feature antique and collectible books on the lower level of the library, along with comic books and music CDs. Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On the second day of the sale, Oct. 13, everything in the sale will be half off.

On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a box sale with a box of books for only $25. Boxes will be provided. Prices in Bookends Used Book Store will return to regular pricing.

For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email the Friends of the Library.   Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Pups + Pints
Oct 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Square Parking Garage Rooftop

Join Pack Square Collection for a free rooftop paw-ty on October 14th from 11am-2pm on the top of the Pack Square Parking Garage at 26 Biltmore Avenue, through the stairs by White Duck Taco. Attendees can bring their four-legged friends for a paw-some good time with complimentary pet portraits, pet caricatures, live music, dog-friendly vendors and more!

Canine Trick or Treat
Oct 14 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Burton Street Community Center

 

 

FREE | All ages, advance registration requested

Dress up those pups and bring them to a treat scavenger hunt with giveaways for canines and their human companions. Dogs must be on a leash. For more info, call 828-507-9003.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 14 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Club de Lectura en Español
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm
tba
Sunday, July 16, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, August 20, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, September 17, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, October 15, 2023 – 6:00pm

Join the Club de Lectura and read novels written by Central and South American authors. The club meets at a restaurant or cafe with food related to the monthly pick. The main goal is to connect with each other, enjoy a good read, and ask each other questions. Everyone is welcome! Please CLICK HERE to view the Club’s main page for the pick of the month, and be sure to email: [email protected] for the location of the meeting!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular returns! This time spookier than ever. Join us in our Black Box Theater to experience the one-and-only Nat Zegree while sitting on the stage, just a few feet away from his dazzling performance. Nat Zegree will take you on a spooky musical adventure that is sure to delight and entertain. Tickets for this fundraising event are 100% tax-deductible and go directly to support Flat Rock Playhouse’s production and operating expenses. ONE NIGHT ONLY, don’t wait! Costumes are welcome!!

Monday, October 16, 2023
Make Your Own​ Cemeterrarium
Oct 16 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Ages 10+

$40 per person (supplies included)

Trick or treat-yo-self to a hauntingly adorable class! Lori Cozzi will lead students in creating a Halloween-themed terrarium, complete with spooky accessories and a living (and hard to kill) plant! All supplies included for an evening of skele-fun!

Minimum age of 10. Children under 10 may create a cemeterrarium with an adult.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Revisiting the Classics Book Club
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join Librarian and Friend Jill Totman this Fall to discuss, “Books I Swore I’d Never Read Again!” Re-read classic titles will fresh perspective & new conversations.

  • Tuesday, October 17th @ 6 PM: The Awakening by Kate Chopin
  • Tuesday, November 21st @ 6 PM: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

This group will meet in person at the Weaverville Library on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 6 PM. Copies of each title will be available at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.  No reservations are necessary & newcomers are always welcome.

 

Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Weaverville library book club: “Books I Swore I’d Never Read Again! Revisiting the Classics
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join Librarian and Friend Jill Totman this Fall to discuss, “Books I Swore I’d Never Read Again!” Re-read classic titles will fresh perspective & new conversations.

  • Tuesday September 19th @ 6 PM: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev
  • Tuesday, October 17th @ 6 PM: The Awakening by Kate Chopin
  • Tuesday, November 21st @ 6 PM: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

This group will meet in person at the Weaverville Library on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 6 PM. Copies of each title will be available at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.  No reservations are necessary & newcomers are always welcome. 

Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Bookmarked: Online Library Book Club discusses Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora
Oct 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
online w/ Fairview Library

A young poet tells the inspiring story of his migration at the age of nine from El Salvador to the United States in this “gripping memoir” (NPR) of bravery, hope, and finding family.

The library’s moderated online book discussion group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through May. You can join by emailing [email protected] at least one hour prior to the meeting.

Carolina Ballet Theatre: GHOSTS
Oct 17 @ 9:54 pm – 10:54 pm
Gunter Theatre

The Greenville-centric story opens on Halloween night. While most families make their rounds through the well-known neighborhoods, a handful of kids break off from the group. Hoping to reveal an unspoken Greenville secret, they head to an abandoned mansion along the Reedy River. They knock on the door, and after no answer, a brave little girl says, “Let’s go!” and pushes it open. Lightning flashes to reveal a silhouette of a couple who dance a pas de deux to a string quartet medley of several Michael Jackson-inspired tunes. Music By Michael Jackson and Choreography by Hernan Justo.

Warning
Strob lighting and other intense lighting will be used during this show.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Murder Mystery Party
Oct 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Harvest House Community Center

youth spider man and captain america in costume

 

$7 | Ages 18+, advance registration required

Take on a new persona and work with others to solve a mystery. For more info, call 828-820-2410.

 

Read to Puptart!
Oct 18 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

An Evening of Storytelling with Donald Davis
Oct 18 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Haywood Community College

Haywood County native Donald Davis was born into a world rich in stories and folklore. Although well versed in the more traditional Jack Tales, Davis was most interested in the stories of his own family and friends, as well as places of origin. He used these stories to enhance his sermons during a celebrated 25-year career as a Methodist Minister. Later he began telling stories at regional festivals, and upon retirement, became a notable author and performer.

The author of 18 books and 40 original recordings, Donald Davis is indeed a national treasure. He is the recipient of both The Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network.

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Swannanoa Readers Book Club discuss “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen
Oct 19 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

A coming-of-age story and a satire of gothic novels, Northanger Abbey was written in 1803 by Jane Austen. A funny and eerie story of what happens when a reader reads too many ghostly tales.

Join us for an afternoon of discussion and light refreshments. Bring your wit.

Books have been reserved and should be available to pick up at Swannanoa Library by October 1st.

Flat Rock Book Club
Oct 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The 2nd Act

Please join us at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville, NC for our first monthly book club meeting that strives to read books that create a closer knit and more inclusive community! We will meet virtually and in person monthly to discuss a book, so read the book and then join in the discussion in person or online every third Thursday. All are welcome! At the end of each meeting we will vote on the next book! The virtual club meeting will be in Zoom format and will meet 2.5 hours after the in-person meeting (8:00pm EST). After the meeting there is live acoustic music so stay and enjoy the vibe with your new friends! Put us down on your calendar for every third Third Thursday!

The first book is going to be called Disability Visibility.

Synopsis from the back cover: One in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, others less apparent—but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people.

From Harriet McBryde Johnson’s account of her debate with Peter Singer over her own personhood to original pieces by authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma; from blog posts, manifestos, and eulogies to Congressional testimonies, and beyond: this anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and the past with hope and love. Preview:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51456746-disability-visibility
Message me for the Zoom link to the online meetup. Thanks!

My Story: Four Memoirs by WNC Authors: Lecture and Book Discussion Series: Glove Shy: A Sister’s Reckoning by Janet Hurley
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
West Asheville Library

My Story: Four Memoirs by WNC Authors:  Lecture and Book Discussion Series at West Asheville Library sponsored by the Wilma Dykeman Foundation. This second talk is by Janet Hurley owner of True Ink and cofounder of Asheville Writers in the Schools & Community (now Arteria Collective), featuring her memoir Glove Shy: A Sister’s Reckoning. This is a hybrid event–in person and Zoom available. Register for Zoom talk at [email protected]

Book discussion to follow on Wednesday, October 25th at 7pm.