Calendar of Events
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.
Raise a stein in the heart of Downtown! Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park for a full day of music, games, and German-inspired flareโthis year the event isย free and open to the public.
Taste the region: More than 20 Western North Carolina breweries and beverage producers are joining us, each bringing up to three stylesโthatโs 60+ beverages to explore.
Level up with a Prost Pass: Upgrade your day with a commemorative tasting cup + 20 tastes from participating breweries. Quantities are limited. (21+ only; valid ID required.)
On stage & in the park: Enjoy classic oompah energy from Lagerhosen and a hometown set from The Hillclimbers. Test your skills (or cheer from the sidelines) at the crowd-favorite Oktoberfest Games, sponsored by Aloft + Moxy Hotels.
Eat like you mean it: Your favorite food trucks will be serving German flavorsโlook for Haus Heidelberg and more.
Good to know: Entry is free; purchases required for food and the Prost Pass tasting experience. Family-friendly atmosphere; please drink responsibly.
Prost! See you in Pack Square Park on October 4.
All Hallows’ Eve is a new Asheville children’s book about kids who dress in costume on Halloween and visit Riverside Cemetery to tell ghost stories and visit the graves of Asheville’s most prominent residents, including Thomas Wolfe, Isaac Dickson, George Masa, and O. Henry. Up in the clouds, they see the ghosts of Zelda Fitzgerald and the Pink Lady. Please join Dana and Chris at 3 pm, with special guest and main character: Adelaide the Witch, for a special reading of the story. Also, Constance Lombardo will be presenting her new children’s monster book, itty bitty Betty Blob Makes a Splash!
Kids love stories that are a little spooky. Come with us on an eerie adventure through Riverside Cemetery… if you dare!


Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711
Saturday, November 8
Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!
Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing researchโwhether historical, personal, or primary sourcesโto elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative effortsโfrom writers’ groups to small pressesโare reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.
Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present VIVIAN I BIKULEDGE & MICHAEL HETTICH as next in their series โIn the Company of Writersโ
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest authors speak from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of Bob Sherrill welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic sheet are posted at the entry.
Vivian I. Bikulege is a poet and essayist. Her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has appeared in the North Carolina Literary Review, The Fourth River, and Broad River Review. A semi-finalist for the 2023 James Applewhite Prize, she also earned honorable mention in the 2022 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition. Vivian was the 2022 Gilbert-Chappell emerging adult poet for western North Carolina under the mentorship of Ken Chamlee.

BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30โ11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all
I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.
Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!
Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.
Activation and music by Frisson Studios.
Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.
Discover the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong
A vibrant weekly gathering at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville. Running every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 local vendors within a 60-mile radius. From farm-fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Join us from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of food, farms, and family in a lively community atmosphere.
Asheville locals look forward to the annual Scouting America Scout Troop 17 barbecue dinner fundraiser. The event, set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, offers tender, juicy Western North Carolina smoked BBQ dinners with all the fixinโs. Take out dinners will be served behind the Riceville Fire Department and Community Center, 2251 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC, 11:00AM โ 4:00PM or while supplies last. Outside Creekside picnic tables are available for dining.
Pitmasters smoke premium North Carolina pork shoulders throughout the night prior to the event. Dinners include a generous portion of tender, juicy BBQ pork, homemade BBQ sauce, home baked beans, North Carolina BBQ slaw and a southern roll.
The charge for BBQ dinner plates will be $12.00. Reservations are not required. Creekside Picnic Tables available for all. Additional donations to benefit the Scouts are always appreciated.


Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support childrenโs crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
Vote for your favorite comic of the night!!
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest – round 2
Thursday October 16, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peelโs Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Audience votes thru ballot. Comics on the show will do 4 minutes of comedy. This showโs 3 top comics will be brought back with winners from round one to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.
Want to compete? These limited spots go fast. Free to signup if room is still available. Contact Michele at [email protected]!
Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support childrenโs crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.

Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support childrenโs crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
Discover the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong
A vibrant weekly gathering at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville. Running every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 local vendors within a 60-mile radius. From farm-fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Join us from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of food, farms, and family in a lively community atmosphere.

Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support childrenโs crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.


Experience an unforgettable evening of refined cuisine as Michelin-experienced Chef Seth Blumenthal and partner Chef Camila Olarte present a multi-course tasting menu that showcases their exceptional technique, all at The Silo Cookhouse! With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens including Le Jardinier in New York and Alter in Miami, Chef Seth Blumenthal is known for his refined, ingredient-driven style and will bring this expertise to The Silo Cookhouseโs intimate, open-kitchen setting. Chef Camila Olarte, has led culinary operations at Faena Hotel Miami Beach and refined her craft working in notable restaurants like The Surf Club Restaurant.
Discover the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong
A vibrant weekly gathering at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville. Running every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 local vendors within a 60-mile radius. From farm-fresh produce and meats to baked goods, crafts, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Join us from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of food, farms, and family in a lively community atmosphere.
Join barre3 Asheville + Marked Tree Vineyards for an autumn morning you won’t want to miss. Surrounded by fall colors and mountain views, youโll enjoy a complimentary 45-minute barre3 signature class designed to leave you feeling strong, balanced, and energized.
After class, stay to enjoy Marked Treeโs award-winning wines and explore a curated group of local businesses. Tastings and glasses will be available for purchase, and we encourage you to stick around to relax and connect.
**We recommend making tasting reservations with Marked Tree in advance, as the fall season is especially busy, and weโre expecting a great turnout for this event.
FEATURED PARTNERS INCLUDE:
-Clean Eatz – Healthy snack samples, coupons, and a giveaway for 10 meals
-StretchLab Asheville – 15-minute stretch demos
-Wellbeing Chiropractic – Posture checks
-The Scout Guide – Complimentary guides and goodies
WHAT TO BRING:
-Yoga mat
-Light hand weights (3-8 lbs, optional)
-Water bottle
-A friend (or 3!)
We can’t wait to move with you in the most dreamy autumn setting. ๐๐ท
Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.
Event Schedule:
1:30pm โ 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm โ 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic
2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike

The Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl is creeping into town on Saturday, October 25th โ and itโs going to be bigger, spookier, and more BOOzy than ever!
๐ Dare to crawl through 6+ haunted hotspots in Downtown Asheville as you summon spirits (both kinds), dance with the undead, and compete for cash in your creepiest costume contest.
๐ธ๏ธ Grab your tickets now before they vanish into the night: AshevilleBoosAndBoozeCrawl.eventbrite.com
๐๏ธYour Ticket Includes:
๐ 2 Complimentary Shots
๐ป $4 Beers | $5 Shots | $6 Spooky Cocktails at all participating bars
๐ธ Professional Photographer (your look might just go viral๐)
๐ญ Best Dressed Costume Contest (win prizes!)
๐ง Entry to the Registration Party & Official After Party
๐บ๏ธ Halloween Bar Crawl Map + Official Bar Crawl USA Lanyard
๐บ No Cover at 5+ Asheville Bars
๐ Participating Bars & Spooky Drink Specials:
Mac Daddys
Banks Ave
The Draftsman
One Stop Music Hall
๐ฆ Costumes are highly encouraged. Creepy, clever, or downright outrageous โ just donโt be boring. Letโs make this a night to dismember. ๐ฉธ
๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐น ๐จ๐ฆ๐: Weโve been doing events (bar crawls & festivals) since 2015 in over 20 cities. What separates us from the other crawl companies is you actually get stuff with your ticket. Swag, lanyard, map, koozie, drink specials, DJ entertainment, after party, and much more. We are the only company with reviews on Google & Facebook. We aren’t afraid to hide that we deliver the best crawl experience. Check our Facebook & Google reviews for confirmation on just how much value and fun we bring.
We will give refunds up to 7 days from event. No exception. Within 7 days, we will ONLY do credits to future Bar Crawl USA events.

Enjoy an evening of community and music with An Evening for All Souls: A Gathering of Song and Spirit, Sunday, Oct. 26 at Kanuga. The evening begins at 4 p.m. at Kanuga Lake with a community choir workshop, followed by dinner and luminaria making on the Rocking Chair Porch Lawn at 5 p.m., and concludes with a concert by musical artist Roots Grown Deep at 6 p.m., with a luminaria release on the lake at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Cost: Concert only, $9.94; Concert & Dinner, $21.33. Location: 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.
