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.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
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.

Friday, October 20, 2023
Kooky Spooky Toddler Day 
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center

 

$5 per child | Ages: 2-5 (with adult)

The historic gym turns into an orange and black fun fest with inflatables, toys, arts and crafts, and snacks. Dress up and join the costume parade! For more info, call 828-350-2058.

Halloween Skate Spooktacular
Oct 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park

 

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Lace up your skates and bounce, rock, skate, and roll to a soundtrack of Halloween favorites in your costume. Skates not provided; bring your own. For more info, call 828-259-5800.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 20 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 20 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Dark Arts:​ Making Collographs
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Dark Arts: Making Collographs (google.com)

$50 per person (supplies included)

Participants will use mixed media to create a surface that can be used for both printing and an

independent work of art. Create an esoteric printing plate with textures, and imagery. Students will use colors and styles that suit their personal aesthetic.

Trick or Trail + Spooky Sprint
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Nelon's Feed

Runners at the 9th Annual Trick or Trail & Spooky Sprint presented by Hunter Subaru get to experience the Halloween-themed race in the heart of Hendersonville, NC! The race will start and finish in the Historic 7th Avenue District on Maple Street at the Train Depot where the vibrant Fall Fest is taking place at the Farmers’ Market! The Trick or Trail is a fall, family favorite event with costumes, decorations, and lots of great candy, snacks, and food!

Official Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl
Oct 21 @ 4:00 pm – 4:15 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall (Bar, Live Music and Kitchen)

Asheville Official Halloween Bar Crawl
PAY ONCE! DRINK, PARTY, and CRAWL ALL 3 DAYS! OCTOBER 21ST, 27TH and 28TH!

One of the most exciting and unique Halloween events is back, and you know who’s throwing it. Have you ever wondered what a Haunted Bar Crawl would be like? Look no further because this is perfect for those who love to drink and enjoy a spooky atmosphere. Our Official Halloween Bar Crawl is back and just in time to freak the night away. This Halloween we celebrate October 28th, 2023.
The bar crawl consists of visiting several bars in the city, each with its unique Halloween drink specials, decor, and spooky surprises. From ghostly cocktails to pumpkin beer, each bar offers a special drink to fit the Halloween theme. Don’t get caught in cobwebs, get scared by skeletons or spooky lighting which will be all over this Halloween.
One of our most exciting parts of the event is the costume contest. Participants come dressed in their scariest or most creative costumes, and the winner receives a prize. What will you come up with? We love the creativeness from classic costumes like zombies and ghosts to more modern costumes, you name it, we want to see it.

As the night goes on, the bars become more crowded, you won’t want to miss out on the high energy level of the dance floor. Don’t be afraid to singing along to Halloween-themed songs you know that will be rocking the venues all night long. This Halloween event is a great way to let loose and have fun with friends, while also enjoying the spooky holiday atmosphere.
Mark your calendars and join us for our Official Halloween Bar Crawl for a night of scary joy and spine-tingling thrills. Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to get yours now. Don’t forget to invite your Halloween homies to come out by sharing our social media postings with them. We can’t wait to see you at our Official Halloween Bar Crawl, which is guaranteed to be a scream-worthy success.

What To Expect
Getting a ticket to this year’s Asheville Halloween Bar Crawl Festivities is quite simple, all you must do is go to Pubcrawls.com and you can purchase your ticket today! If you and your friends want to make sure you are at the number one bar crawl in the world, then make sure you buy your ticket in advance so you can select a fabulous costume and crawl in style. We cannot wait to see you at this year’s Halloween Bar Crawl in Asheville on October 28th, 2023.

Costume Contest
Prizes will be given away for Asheville HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL!
Be sure to tag @PUBCRAWLERS throughout the night, as we will be hand picking winners and messaging them.
What do we look for to win? Originality. Every winner so far has custom made and designed the creepiest and most ghoulish costumes on the crawl. We are also cool with group costumes, so grab your creepiest friends and get in on the contest and who knows, your group may be able to split the pot.

The Hook Up
3-4 Drinks Or Shots (With Multi Day Pass)
Pay Once! Drink, Party, and Crawl All 3 Days!
FREE Entry Into Over 4+ Venues
Exclusive FREE After Party
Digital Bar Crawl Map
Live Djs At Select Venues
$2,000 Value Halloween Costume Contest
Chance To Be Featured On Our Socials
Hundreds Of Crawlers
Tasty Themed Holiday Drink Specials
Up To 25% Off Select Foods
Up To 50% Off Drinks
Door Cover Charges Waived
Photographer and Or Videographer
Helpful Pub Crawl Staff On Site!

Use Code Metro for 20% Off at Pubcrawls.com

Disclaimer: Must be 21 years or older to participate in our events. All participating bars and their food or drink specials may be subject to change at the venue’s discretion. Must present your ticket at check in before check in time ends to receive your wristband. All sales are final no returns, refunds or exchanges for services once purchased.

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/1935862-2?pid=10412

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 21 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 21 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 22, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Monday, October 23, 2023
Western Carolina University’s Food Drive
Oct 23 all-day
Western Carolina University
Join us in making a difference! Western Carolina University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is hosting a canned food drive benefiting Homebase and Biltmore Park Food Pantry. We invite our community to participate by donating non-perishable food items. Look for the collection boxes near Suite 102 at WCU’s Biltmore Park Town Square campus from Monday, October 23rd to Friday, October 27th.
Western Carolina University
Southside Halloween Festival 
Oct 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

 

$5 per person | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Put on your costume and make memories with pumpkin carving, face painting, classic horror movies, spooky music, supernatural snacks, costume contests, and more! For more info, call 828-259-5483.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Western Carolina University’s Food Drive
Oct 24 all-day
Western Carolina University
Join us in making a difference! Western Carolina University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is hosting a canned food drive benefiting Homebase and Biltmore Park Food Pantry. We invite our community to participate by donating non-perishable food items. Look for the collection boxes near Suite 102 at WCU’s Biltmore Park Town Square campus from Monday, October 23rd to Friday, October 27th.
Western Carolina University
Enchanted Forest
Oct 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Highlands Nature Center

Join us on Tuesday, October 24th between 5:30 & 7 PM for a mystical journey through the Highlands Botanical Garden!

🧙‍♀️ Dress up in your spookiest, funniest, or most enchanting costumes
🍭 Go trick-or-treating through the garden trails
👻 Get your face painted by our friends from Macon Faces
🌲 Enjoy our bonfire & refreshments in the meadow

It’s a family-friendly evening of enchantment and wonder. Don’t miss this opportunity to create unforgettable Halloween memories.
Costumes are encouraged, and the event is open to all ages.

Weather dependent.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Oct 25 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!
Sponsor a child for the holidays
Oct 25 all-day
Eliada Homes
Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!

 

Sponsor a Child:

When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $200. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.

 

For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.

To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].

Sponsor Multiple Children:

We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.

 

Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!

 

Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!

 

Sponsor a last minute wish:

Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?

If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”

 

To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at rboline@eliada.org or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.

Western Carolina University’s Food Drive
Oct 25 all-day
Western Carolina University
Join us in making a difference! Western Carolina University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is hosting a canned food drive benefiting Homebase and Biltmore Park Food Pantry. We invite our community to participate by donating non-perishable food items. Look for the collection boxes near Suite 102 at WCU’s Biltmore Park Town Square campus from Monday, October 23rd to Friday, October 27th.
Western Carolina University
Puppet Playtime
Oct 25 @ 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.
Read to Puptart!
Oct 25 @ 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.

Foodie Book Club
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm
online

Foodie Book Club

A book club for home cooks, foodies, industry folks, and anyone in-between.  We will be focusing on all sorts of food writing. Somethemes will be (but not limited to): food critics, chef memoirs, wine, food history, and food politics.

The Foodie group meets virtually on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. (EST), beginning in June 2022.  Please email [email protected] for the Zoom meeting info.

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Oct 26 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!