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.

Thursday, October 17, 2019
Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force
Oct 17 @ 5:30 pm
City of Asheville Public Works Building A-109

Dustin Clemons, RADTIP Construction Manager, will be joining us to talk about a plan for improving the RR crossing on Riverside Drive.  Your perspective on this difficult bit of infrastructure is important.

The task force meets the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in room A-109 at the City of Asheville Public Works Building at 161 S. Charlotte Street. You can enter the building from the north end, the end where you find the parking lot and bike rack.

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.)

The Trail Mixer featuring Local Adventure Pop Up Shop
Oct 18 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

If you’re keen to explore Asheville but don’t know where to go, then don’t miss Diamond Brand Outdoors Local Adventure Pop-Up Shop at Aloft Asheville Downtown’s Wxyz Bar. We’ll have our local experts there to share their favorite hikes, gear essentials, and uniquely Asheville souvenir suggestions.

80s vs 90s Dance Party
Oct 18 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel
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.)

Bears Bees + Brews
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

We’re celebrating and learning about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation from trusted organizations, while enjoying lively, family-friendly entertainment, sweet+savory bites, and tasty brews, all in one place.

Join our guest list and spread the word.

We’ll see you there! ???

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.

Sunday, October 20, 2019
49th Annual LEAF Festival
Oct 20 all-day
Lake Eden

Image result for leaf festival asheville nc

Fall-leaf-lineup-2019

LEAF Festival sits below Mt. Mitchell with mountain lakes and rolling hills with 600 stunning acres featuring rustic cabins, large camping fields with mountain views, hiking trails,  barns, streams, and lakes for canoeing, swimming, and the zooming zipline. This enchanting land offers lots of outdoors adventures for the whole family!

The 1st LEAF Festival premiered Fall 1996, and has become a tradition twice a year, May and October. The name Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) was chosen to honor the lake and the former Lake Eden Inn & Resort. “Arts” embraces a broad creative palate and of course it was to be a “festival”. In envisioning LEAF, we sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. The location and size, attendance is limited to 6,000  people on site per day, makes LEAF Festival one of the best small festivals in the world. The right place, the right size.

Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Oct 20 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

St. John Church and Cemetery Tour The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness Flat Rock
Oct 20 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

The cemetery is of historic significance, with graves of men and women whose names are
written in the history books of South Carolina and the United States. First Families of the early
years of our country, descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential
politicians of the 19th century, military leaders and others of note are buried in the churchyard.
The tour will last about an hour, Please wear comfortable shoes.

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…
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Donation Yoga Hike: Save Local Forests and Wetlands
Oct 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Pinkbeds Picnic Area

Photo of people practicing yoga my a creek

Miranda will guide us on an all-level yoga and meditation class to help us connect with ourselves and with nature. Then we’ll enjoy a 2-mile hike into rare mountain wetlands. On our hike, I’ll share with you the value and the magic that wetlands provide our communities and the planet. We’ll talk about the threats that these valuable ecosystems are facing today and what you can do to protect them.

Join this fun class full of diverse ways to connect with nature!

All proceeds benefit Dogwood Alliance and our Southern wetland forests!

About your guides:

Miranda Peterson started Namaste in Nature, a uniquely Asheville yoga and hiking experience with mountains and waterfalls, after completing her yoga training in India and hiking around the world, including the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Andes.

Lucia Ibarra is the Wetland Wanderer, exploring wetland forests across the US South to highlight the interconnection of wetland forest protection, climate change, and community justice.

Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Oct 24 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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
Friday The 25th w/ Dj Audio + Brent Brown
Oct 25 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 26 @ 2:00 am
Ole Shakeys Getaway

On Friday OCT the 25th, DJ AUDIO + Brent Brown are coming to Ole Shakey’s to kill everything! Get ready to dance that ass off to big beats under the most amazing light show ever . Music Powered by the Hottest Dj’s in the city. NO COVER. 21+. RSVP NOW & Tag a friend!

Saturday, October 26, 2019
HAUNTED GROVE HOUSE INFERNO 2019
Oct 26 all-day
The Grove House

#1 HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

3-DANCE FLOORS ~ 4-DJ’s ~ 5-BARS

THREE VENUES / ONE PRICE

$1,000 COSTUME CONTEST

The GROVE HOUSE Entertainment Complex is famous for the scariest and BEST annual Halloween costume and dance party in WNC! This year will be the most frightening and fun to-date!

You’ll be terrified by monsters lurking around every corner…beware as you walk through each themed-area dripping with creepy décor. You will succumb to your fears as you migrate throughout the HAUNTED GROVE HOUSE INFERNO’s three levels – themed to Dante’s Nine Circles of Hell.

Enchanted Forest

Descent

Disembodied Heretics

Spider Chasm

Psychedelic Passage

Limbo

Lost Souls

Abyss

THREE LEVELS OF DANCING

4-DJ’s playing a variety of music genres

REMEMBER!!! – $1,000 IN CASH COSTUME CONTEST…so deck-out in your most terrifying best (or worst), and you may end the night with a fist-full of cash! Gates open at 9pm and ONE price gives you access to the ENTIRE complex (Club Eleven On Grove, Scandals Nightclub, and BOILER ROOM.)

Gates open at 9pm (18 & over)

Contest registration/pre-judging from 9:30pm-12:30am

Contest on main stage at 1am

Closing is at 3am

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Oct 26 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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.

Howl-o-ween at the Nature Center
Oct 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Our annual Halloween family festival offers spooky arts & crafts, games and face painting, a hay maze, and educational animal encounters throughout the day. Don’t forget to dress in your best costume for the costume contests at 12:30pm and 4pm!
Regular Nature Center admission rates apply; As always, Friends members get in free! Purchase your membership here.
CommUnity Square Dance
Oct 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
old Webster School

Everyone is welcome at the CommUnity Square Dance. Caller Kyle Johnston will teach and call all dances to old-time music led by Lillian and Sara Nell Chase. No experience necessary!

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
Karaoke
Oct 30 all-day
Alley Cat Social Club

Anything Goes Karaoke on Wednesdays. Its so much fun and it gets a little wild. Come out and party with us Sign ups start at 8pm music shortly after.

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.

Spooktacular Soiree
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm – Nov 1 @ 1:00 am
Haiku I Do

Halloween night at Haiku I Do!
Two dance floors powered up by some of Asheville’s finest
?️DJ Bowie
?️DJ Brett Rock
?️Cpt. Hyperdrive
?️DJ Cotton Kandy
?️Trillium Dance Company
Come in costume and get a discount at the door!