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.
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
October 16-26 , 2025
Thursday, 10/16 at 7:30 (pay what you can available 10/2)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Director: Jennifer Treadway
Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult situations, language, depictions of smoking, and alcohol use.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, and murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth–the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
She Kills Monsters is a heartfelt and humorous story about Agnes, who discovers her late sister Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign. As she navigates Tilly’s fantasy world, Agnes uncovers hidden truths about her sister’s life, grief, and their bond, blending fantasy adventure with real-world emotions. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
October 10 – 26
Grab your guitars and dust off your cowboy boots before heading out to the Playhouse Barn for Autumn at the Opry, Vol. 2. This popular country extravaganza is back with all new music and showcases everything from bluegrass to honky-tonk, tin pan alley to pop standards, and the blues to rock-n-roll. Join our world-class musicians and singers in this ode to The Grand Ole Opry. We guarantee a hand-clappin,’ foot-stompin’ good time.
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, Arts 2 People will once again host its The Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival at Pack Square Park, with its unique blend of experimental theater, live music, art vendors, and circus arts that has become a staple of the city’s creative community. The event, as always, is free to the public.
The main stage at the Amphitheater in front of City Hall will feature live bands and musicians from Asheville and beyond. It will culminate in the Surreal Sirkus Mainstage Show at 8 pm, which will showcase an array of performers, including aerialists, fire spinners, puppeteers, jugglers, dancers, and other circus acts.
This year’s show tells the story of a soul’s journey after death. And it will tie together the story arc of The Tale of the Cosmic Eggs, an eight-part series of performances that Surreal Sirkus has been telling in various venues throughout Asheville over the past year.
Reuter Terrace will feature two stages: a smaller second stage featuring individual performers throughout the day and a spoken word/poetry stage on the Spruce St. side of the park. The terrace will also feature a number of interactive exhibits and spaces for audience participation, including a hands-on exhibit by the Bob Moog Foundation.
Also, this year, Arts 2 People has partnered with Create Ink, a local organization bringing diverse communities together through the arts. They will host an Open Mic & Showcase on the second stage from 4 to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, at North Pack Square, there will be an Electronic Dance Music stage on the raised lawn featuring some of Asheville’s finest DJ’s.
And of course the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival will include more than 50 local vendors showcasing their unique artworks and handmade crafts, as well as food, beer, and mixed drinks, which will be available for sale at the Roger McGuire Green.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
For the past 27 years, the Old Depot Association holds this Art and Craft fair to raise money for the Old Depot Association. Much of this money is donated through grants for art programs for our Swannanoa Valley schools! Art by the Tracks features over 50 artists from the local region, as well as live music and a great time! Come check us out!
Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.
Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.
The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.
Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
October 16-26 , 2025
Thursday, 10/16 at 7:30 (pay what you can available 10/2)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Director: Jennifer Treadway
Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult situations, language, depictions of smoking, and alcohol use.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, and murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth–the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th 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 is the host of 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. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase 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. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. 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 and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM
She Kills Monsters is a heartfelt and humorous story about Agnes, who discovers her late sister Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign. As she navigates Tilly’s fantasy world, Agnes uncovers hidden truths about her sister’s life, grief, and their bond, blending fantasy adventure with real-world emotions. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Twenty-five remarkable artists and craftspeople—including 17 from the Beaverdam Valley and 8 guest
artists—are opening their studios to the public. Creating in ceramics, sculpture, book arts, jewelry, painting,
glasswork, textiles, photography, and wood, this self-guided tour showcases the depth and diversity of
Asheville’s artistic talent. Explore the artists’ studios and discover the stories behind the art—and how
creativity helped them move forward.
October 10 – 26
Grab your guitars and dust off your cowboy boots before heading out to the Playhouse Barn for Autumn at the Opry, Vol. 2. This popular country extravaganza is back with all new music and showcases everything from bluegrass to honky-tonk, tin pan alley to pop standards, and the blues to rock-n-roll. Join our world-class musicians and singers in this ode to The Grand Ole Opry. We guarantee a hand-clappin,’ foot-stompin’ good time.
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Be sure and mark your calendars for SAFF 2025!
There are classes on Thursday. No shopping, no selling. We are setting up.
Friday, October 24- (9 am – 5 pm)
Saturday, October 25 – (9 am – 5 pm)
Sunday, October 26- (9 am – 4 pm)
The event is located at the WNC Agricultural Center, in Fletcher, NC, across Hwy 280 from the Asheville Regional Airport. (Exit 40 off I-26).
Admission will be $5/person per day. $10 pass for 3 days. Youth under 13 yrs. old will be free. Bring cash! Only at gate..no early ticket sales
After having to pivot to an online format for last year’s sale in the wake of Hurricane Helene, we’re thrilled to share that the brand’s coveted Seconds Sale is returning in-person to Asheville this month.
For two days, Saturday, 10/25, and Sunday, 10/26, from 10 am – 3 pm, East Fork will be offering pottery “seconds” at 40% off retail price. Drop by the warehouse at 144 Caribou Road (Asheville, NC 28803) for deals you just can’t miss – the entire Seconds inventory will be available for purchase.
Stop by the sale and grab a free cup of coffee, courtesy of Counter Culture Coffee, to fuel your shopping!
The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.
Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
October 16-26 , 2025
Thursday, 10/16 at 7:30 (pay what you can available 10/2)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Director: Jennifer Treadway
Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult situations, language, depictions of smoking, and alcohol use.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party, and murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth–the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th 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 is the host of 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. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase 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. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. 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 and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Wortham Center Student Series Donna Washington: A Little Shiver
Tue, Oct 28 • 10 am
Grades 3–5
Show length: 60 minutes
Join internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington for a delightful session of fun, interactive, and not-so-scary ghost stories perfect for young audiences. Through the enchanting world of Swamp Stories rooted in African American traditions, students will not only enjoy the tales but also enhance their literary skills. Donna’s animated storytelling style, complete with vocal pyrotechnics and expressive characterizations, will captivate and inspire students, making this an unforgettable educational experience.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Tue, Oct 28 • 7 pm
Master storyteller Donna Washington delivers delightfully disquieting tales of skin-spinners, sweet-toothed child-eaters, undead lovers, and blood-hungry captains. Perfectly timed for the Halloween season, these stories will get under your skin and revisit you deep in the night.
Recommended for ages 18+
Spotlight on Donna Washington:
Called a “Walking Disney Movie” for her animated, spellbinding style
Consultant on the eerie video game South of Midnight
30+ national awards for storytelling and spoken word recordings
Performed at major festivals across the U.S., Australia, and beyond
For grown-up lovers of the strange, spooky, and spine-tingling—don’t miss it!
Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.
Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.
The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.
Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.
Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present “Barriers & Boundaries,” a solo exhibition by Sharon Louden showcasing three interrelated bodies of work — paintings from The Barriers series (2023), selections from the Untitled series (2010), and a new wall installation featuring works on paper from Louden’s ongoing and current series, Barriers to Entry (2023–25). Together, these series trace Louden’s evolving vision, revealing a rich dialogue between past and present, painting and installation.
Louden’s work investigates limits—both actual and psychological—and the space in which constraint becomes possibility. The Barriers paintings evoke edges, thresholds, and the complex interplay between openness and division. The Untitled series explores fragile architectural form, color, and gentle quietness in the gestures themselves. The wall installation in Barriers to Entry transforms one of the gallery’s walls into a site of engagement, inviting viewers to navigate, literally reflect, and imagine themselves in a new environment.
The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.
Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.