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 8, 2019
What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia Book Discussion
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join us Tuesday, October 8 for our next Discussion Bound book discussion. Elizabeth Catte’s What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia is a frank assessment of America’s recent fascination with the people and problems of the region. The book analyzes trends in contemporary writing on Appalachia, presents a brief history of Appalachia with an eye toward unpacking Appalachian stereotypes, and provides examples of writing, art, and policy created by Appalachians as opposed to for Appalachians. The book offers a must-needed insider’s perspective on the region. Presented in conjunction with Appalachia Now!

Thursday, October 10, 2019
Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club
Oct 10 @ 7:00 pm
contact organizer

Second Thursday each Month
If you are interested in joining the Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club held the second Thursday of each month at 7pm, please, contact Judy Deutsch at [email protected].
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Caitlin Donovan: “In The way of all Flesh”
Oct 17 @ 6:30 pm
Firestorm bookstore

A new spooky book just in time for Halloween.  Caitlin Donovan will present works from  her young adult book “In The way of all Flesh” a paranormal fantasy novel; October 17th at 6:30 at the Firestorm bookstore in West Asheville. There will be giveaways, snacks and a Q&A session. Donovan has written for several magazines and blogs including Cracked, Anime feminist and Epicstream. She currently lives in Asheville and is working on a new book. For more information please  visit caitlinalisedonovan.com###

Friday, October 18, 2019
BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

Saturday, October 19, 2019
BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

Fall Stargazing and Cosmic Storytelling
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join local astronomer and author Stephan Martin on a tour of the stars and constellations of the fall night sky above the farm. We’ll discuss some of the myths of the constellations along with the seasonal changes in the sky at this time as well as some of the latest discoveries in astronomy and theories of the universe. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Social Justice Book Club
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Teen Writing Workshop with Jill Criswell
Oct 24 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Pack Library

Teen Writing Workshop with Jill Criswell

Jill Criswell, young adult fantasy author and writing instructor at USC Upstate, will lead a writing workshop for aspiring writers and hobbyists. Focusing on world-building, this workshop will help writers better understand how to add details to their story’s settings and use this as a foundation for their characters and plot. All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win a signed hardcover copy of Criswell’s novel, Beasts of the Frozen Sun.

Bio: Jill Criswell is a writer of young adult fantasy. Born and raised in the swamps of northeastern Florida, she earned degrees in English and Psychology and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida. Her greatest passion, besides reading and writing, is traveling the world; she’s visited fifty countries across six continents, falling in love with places like Iceland, Namibia, and Cambodia. She works as a university English teacher and lives in South Carolina, near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and daughter (who is named after a volcano in Iceland). Beasts of the Frozen Sun, the first book in the Frozen Sun trilogy, is her debut novel.

Registration is required for this event!

City Dance
Oct 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, October 25, 2019
Asheville Alleyway Kidnapper
Oct 25 – Nov 2 all-day
Escape Out

This is an immersive experience,in Downtown Asheville. It’s not just a Haunted House, it’s a survival experience.

Saturday, October 26, 2019
Aston Park Tennis, Tricks & Treats Halloween Tournament
Oct 26 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Ghost Train
Oct 26 @ 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

September 20-21, 27-28, October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance Tickets Required.

It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train—if you dare!

Sunday, October 27, 2019
ComicFest 2019 at Morgan’s Comics
Oct 27 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Morgan's Comics

It’s our favorite time of year again! (Who are we kidding? We love to celebrate Geekiness ALL times of the year!)

We are happy to invite all of our Nerd Sanctuary family & friends to ComicFest 2019 Morgan’s Comics style! FREE Comics, Candy, Locally Baked Treats, Costume Contest, Local Artists & two musical Performances.

The Costume Contest is at 6:30- tell your friends!

**We have hundreds of limited edition, rare & Chase POPS! instock.
***We have many different prizes & promotions going for that day! Games & Contests- please message us or come by for details.

Aston Park Tennis Center Tricks and Treats Tennis Tournament
Oct 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Monday, October 28, 2019
“The Belle of Amherst”- One Woman Show with Sybil Rosen
Oct 28 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

"The Belle of Amherst"- One Woman Show with Sybil Rosen

The Friends of the Library, Immediate Theatre Project, and Asheville Community Theatre present “The Belle of Amherst” by William Luce, adapted and performed by Sybil Rosen, an award-winning novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and actress.

A funny, wise, poignant, one-woman show that takes us into the vivid heart and mind of America’s favorite poet, Emily Dickinson.

The two performances are a fundraiser where proceeds benefit the Friends of Pack Memorial Library and the Whitesburg, GA Public Library.

Suggested donation: $10.

Everyone is welcome.No ticket required.

The second performance of this show will be Monday, October 28 at 6pm.

*Presented with permission from the Dramatist Play Service

Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The Panoramic Photos of Herbert Pelton: Asheville 1905-1930
Oct 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Join the Friends of the North Carolina Room and researcher Benjamin Porter as he shares information about long-time Asheville-based photographer Herbert Pelton, famous for his panoramic shots of the city in a time of rapid change and modernization. 

The Panoramic Photos of Herbert Pelton: Asheville 1905-1930

Thursday, October 31, 2019
An Evening with the Dead (and Very Much Alive Authors)
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprops Bookstore and Café

Come into Malaprop’s for a Halloween séance with authors Dale Bailey, Nathan Ballingrud (pictured), Jake Bible, and Alexandra Duncan, sharing new stories transmitted from beyond the grave.

Thursday, November 14, 2019
Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm
contact organizer

Second Thursday each Month
If you are interested in joining the Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club held the second Thursday of each month at 7pm, please, contact Judy Deutsch at [email protected].
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Social Justice Book Club
Nov 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Thursday, November 28, 2019
City Dance
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Nov 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Dec 7 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Thursday, December 12, 2019
Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm
contact organizer

Second Thursday each Month
If you are interested in joining the Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club held the second Thursday of each month at 7pm, please, contact Judy Deutsch at [email protected].
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Dec 14 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Social Justice Book Club
Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Thursday, December 26, 2019
City Dance
Dec 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, December 28, 2019
Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 28 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

November 22-23, 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, & 27-28
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required.

Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Monday, December 30, 2019
Science Fiction Book Club
Dec 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Allison Beatty to dive into the wreck of the wily and wonderful world of sci-fi, weird fiction, speculative fiction, literary horror, and disturbing fiction with a healthy mix of underappreciated classic and contemporary books. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets the at Malaprop’s on the last Monday of every month at 7:00pm.

 

Event date:
Monday, December 30, 2019 – 7:00pm
Monday, January 27, 2020 – 7:00pm
Monday, February 24, 2020 – 7:00pm
Monday, March 30, 2020 – 7:00pm
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Malaprops New Year’s Day Special store hours and Annual Sale!
Jan 1 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Malaprops Bookstore

Happy New Year! We don’t know what 2020 will bring, but we know that life is better with books! Malaprop’s will be open from 12 noon to 5 pm and almost every item in the store will be 25% off!

Discount applies to in-stock merchandise only. Excludes cafe items, gift cards, and previously discounted items. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Thursday, January 2, 2020
Michael Diettrich-Chastain presents Changes
Jan 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Changes: The Busy Professional's Guide to Reducing Stress, Accomplishing Goals and Mastering Adaptability Cover Image

Why do people struggle with creating the changes they say they want? With over a decade of work with thousands of clients in the fields of organizational consulting, executive coaching and psychotherapy, author Michael Diettrich-Chastain reveals the seven life dimensions that impact our ability to make professional and personal changes…as well as why we succeed at making certain changes and fail at others. Ever wonder why things aren’t going the way you planned? Why things are happening TO you instead of YOU making them happen? Have you set out to create change in your life and then been drawn back into old patterns that you tried so hard to avoid?
Do you know what questions to ask to get you moving and excited about your personal and professional life again? CHANGES will help you ask the right questions, integrate the various parts of your life experience, and translate understanding into behavior.

Michael Diettrich-Chastain is a leader in the field of personal and professional change. His expertise is in the integration of self.  Since 2005, he has helped thousands of individuals make a wide range of personal and professional changes. Michael truly understands what is necessary to create sustainable positive change. He holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish, a MA in Counseling and is certified in multiple assessment tools used to help leaders and teams improve performance in the workplace. Michael is a speaker, executive coach, trainer and founder of Arc Integrated, an independent organizational consulting and professional coaching practice that helps executives and ambitious individuals around the world focus specifically on developing their emotional intelligence, leadership and communication. Michael’s purpose is to help clients connect the various parts of their lived experience in order to create sustainable growth in work and life. He lives in Asheville, NC.

This event is free and open to the public. We ask that you purchase the books you want to be signed at our events from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are not only supporting the work it takes to run an events program, you are also telling the publishers that they should keep sending authors here. Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.