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.

Friday, September 29, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Monday, October 2, 2023
Ballet Hispanico
Oct 2 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latine/Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep-rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Latinx voices in the field. As it looks to the future, Ballet Hispánico is pushing the culture forward on issues of dance and Hispanic creative expression.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Oct 5 all-day
Pulp Lounge

10.05.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday October 5, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
There is a comedy open mic! [Performing comics get 3-5m of stage time, FREE entry and FREE snacks. Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for info! ]
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Guest host for this show is the fantastic Peter Smith-McDowell!! Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been tr aveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell

Friday, October 6, 2023
Lightwire Theater presents The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation – Student Series
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

This electrifying combination of theatre, dance, and technology brings classic tales to new light.

We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story — which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Li’l Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light. Recommended for grades K-5. Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

*This production contains lasers and strobe lights.

Lightwire Theater presents The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation – Student Series
Oct 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

This electrifying combination of theatre, dance, and technology brings classic tales to new light.

We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story — which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Li’l Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light. Recommended for grades K-5. Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

*This production contains lasers and strobe lights.

The 11th Annual Haunted Trail
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is excited to present the 11th annual Haunted Trail, Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville will host this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. Asheville Plays creates a show with a unique perspective on Halloween fun with 15 live action scenes for guests to watch and enjoy. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time so that littles and parents can take a guided tour of the scenes to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room- Test ‘yer wit mateys! 10 voyages available nightly for purchase (groups of up to 6 per voyage) Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity. Free Pirate activities for kids of all ages are located in Pirates Cove. Mellow Mushroom pizza is available on site as well as local beers and non alcoholic beverage options. There is something for every member of your family at 85 expo drive this Halloween season!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 6 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 6 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 7, 2023
It’s a Great Pumpkin Pop-Up Party
Oct 7 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made Art Gallery , Inside the Grove Arcade

Is it time to get your “Halloween Boo” on?

Halloween is not just a day; it’s a month-long experience! And what better symbol to represent this spooky season than the iconic pumpkin? As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. And this year, the Grove Arcade is about to get a whole lot spookier!

Here at Mountain Made Gallery, we are ghoulishly excited invite you to grab your costumes EARLY and join us inside Grove Arcade on Saturday, October 7 from 12-4 pm for a family-friendly fall event hosted by the Grove Arcade!

Here’s what you can expect at the Grove Arcade:
* Free Pumpkin Decorating Class: Unleash your creativity and design a pumpkin that stands out!

* Entertainment: Be mesmerized by life-size puppets from the Street Creatures collective and sway to live music that sets the perfect Halloween mood.

* Special Storefront Displays: Grove Arcade merchants, including Mountain Made Gallery, have curated special Halloween displays for you.

* And as a bonus event – Local Halloween Art at Mountain Made:
Don’t miss Mountain Made Gallery’s metal art and handcrafted glass “pumpkin patch” exhibit that promises to be a Spooktacular treat!

Never fear, we got some lovely, AND totally creepy Jack O Lanterns ready for you this year… Metal Halloween Art by Edwin Knies and Handblown Glass Pumpkins by Terri Sigler.

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

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Friday, October 13, 2023
Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World West
Oct 13 all-day
One World Brewing West

Mark your calendars for the Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World Brewing in West Asheville on Friday, October 13th! Joining Niles are fellow Atlanta producers Dopamine and Ace Taylor, along with Asheville’s very own Wij. Prepare for high-energy bass and house music, Funktion One sound from Dosobis, live painting by Art of Kiki, local artist vendors Much Love Jewelry, John Ebert Jewelry Art, and Ian Baker Glass, exceptional craft beer and cocktails, and spooky vibes!

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
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
Little Louie’s Spooky Drag Brunch
Oct 15 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Little Louie's

Come Join us this Sunday for our Spooky Drag Brunch at Little Louie’s! We are super excited to Host Katarina Synclaire. We have Josie Glamoure, Leo Scott, & Nova Jynah.

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
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.

 

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Lecture and Film Screening: Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus Dances with Debra McCall
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

            

Still from McCall’s Bauhaus Dances, Formentanz (Form Dance), photo by Debra McCall.

The Lecture and Film: Bauhaus Dances

As Master of the Theater Workshop at the Dessau Bauhaus in the 1920s, Oskar Schlemmer delivered a series of avant-garde lecture dances on the body in space, his lifelong opus. Schlemmer’s revolutionary ideas for a humanistic theater in the new technology age were transported to the US  with the arrival of Bauhauslers Josef and Anni Albers and Xanti Schawinsky, a Theater Workshop performer, to Black Mountain. Their ideas impacted the work of Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage, and Merce Cunningham at Black Mountain, who in turn disseminated Schlemmer’s emphasis on  pedestrian movement and “chance composition” to shape work of the Judson Dance Theater and New York’s downtown performance scene.

Believing Schlemmer’s Bauhaus lecture dances to be the tabula rosa of avant-garde performance art and dance of the late 1960s-70s, Debra McCall set out to East and West Germany in 1981 in search  of Schlemmer’s original notes and sketches for the dances, and to walk the stage of the then recently restored Bauhaus. She was challenged to complete these two tasks by the only surviving performer of Schlemmer’s pieces at the time, Andreas Weininger, and by Ise Gropius, Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius’s widow, who insisted McCall could only understand the architectonic nature of Schlemmer’s work by walking the stage Gropius designed for him. A series of fortuitous and occasionally harrowing events led to the premiere of her reconstructions, “Oskar Schlemmer’s 1920s  Bauhaus Dances,” at The Kitchen in New York in 1982. With the addition of more reconstructions, a second premiere occurred at New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in conjunction with  the exhibition, “Kandinsky: Russian and Bauhaus Years 1915-1933.” Critical acclaim and sold-out houses led to tours of major museums and venues in the US, Europe, and Japan, including the first International Biennale de la Dance in Lyon, France, and a return to the original Dessau Bauhaus stage in 1994.

A narrative within a narrative, McCall will present the story of her reconstruction followed by a screening of a film of the reconstructions, premiered at New York’s Goethe House in 1987, featured  in American Dance Festival’s First International Festival of Film and Video Dance, and presently  residing at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

 


 

 

Debra McCall is a dance historian, choreographer, Certified Movement Analyst, and performer best  known for her reconstructions of Oskar Schlemmer’s 1920s Bauhaus Dances. Recipient of  fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the  Humanities, she also received the Rome Prize in Design from the American Academy in Rome and a Fulbright-Nehru Professional and Academic Excellence Award for her documentation of medieval  reliefs of sacred dancers at the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. McCall served  on the graduate faculties of New York University and Pratt Institute where she was Mellon Lecturer. Her Bauhaus work has been presented in a variety of venues including Performa 09, Artissima 17  Torino, and Harvard University’s “The Bauhaus and Harvard: 100 years.” She also directs  Performing Matters (www.performingmaters.org), an organization dedicated to the preservation of  endangered dance and dancers’ rights.

Watch a recording: vimeo.com/142663982

https://www.blackmountaincollege.org/film_screening/bauhaus_dances/

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.