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.

Sunday, November 8, 2020
Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 8 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Monday, November 9, 2020
Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 9 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Carl Sandburg Home Free Tour Days CANCELLED
Nov 11 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home
  • Sandburg Home Free Tour Days and National Park Fee Free Days (when noted)
    Visitors can enjoy free tours of the Sandburg Home on 10 days in 2020. Five days are also fee free days at all national parks.
  • April 11, 2020 (first Saturday of local school spring break)
  • April 18, 2020 – First Day of National Park Week (national fee free day)
  • June 13, 2020 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
  • August 25, 2020 – National Park Service Birthday (national fee free day)
  • September 26, 2020 – National Public Lands Day (national fee free day)
  • October 17, 2020 (Park Anniversary)
  • November 11, 2020 – Veterans Day
  • December 26, 2020 (Saturday after Christmas)
Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for Reserved Tours
Nov 11 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum
VISIT US! To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, we will reopen for timed, private, self-guided, pre-booked tours of the historic Smith-McDowell House and Western North Carolina exhibit rooms.

Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis:

Wednesday – Saturday
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM

Tour reservations last for 1 hour to allow time for cleaning between groups.

All visitors, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks while inside the building.

Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Nov 11 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 11 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Thursday, November 12, 2020
Self Guided WNC Tours Online
Nov 12 all-day
Online
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
The 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes Live
Nov 12 all-day
Online

The Asheville Home Builders Association is a trade organization for the building industry in Western North Carolina, focused on being an advocate for the builders in our community. Associated with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, the Asheville Home Builders Association represents over 850 members consisting of builders, contractors, real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, sub-contractors, and more.

 

Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for Reserved Tours
Nov 12 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum
VISIT US! To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, we will reopen for timed, private, self-guided, pre-booked tours of the historic Smith-McDowell House and Western North Carolina exhibit rooms.

Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis:

Wednesday – Saturday
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM

Tour reservations last for 1 hour to allow time for cleaning between groups.

All visitors, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks while inside the building.

Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Nov 12 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 12 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Friday, November 13, 2020
Self Guided WNC Tours Online
Nov 13 all-day
Online
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
The 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes Live
Nov 13 all-day
Online

The Asheville Home Builders Association is a trade organization for the building industry in Western North Carolina, focused on being an advocate for the builders in our community. Associated with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, the Asheville Home Builders Association represents over 850 members consisting of builders, contractors, real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, sub-contractors, and more.

 

Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for Reserved Tours
Nov 13 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum
VISIT US! To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, we will reopen for timed, private, self-guided, pre-booked tours of the historic Smith-McDowell House and Western North Carolina exhibit rooms.

Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis:

Wednesday – Saturday
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM

Tour reservations last for 1 hour to allow time for cleaning between groups.

All visitors, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks while inside the building.

Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Nov 13 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 13 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Saturday, November 14, 2020
Self Guided WNC Tours Online
Nov 14 all-day
Online
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
The 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes Live
Nov 14 all-day
Online

The Asheville Home Builders Association is a trade organization for the building industry in Western North Carolina, focused on being an advocate for the builders in our community. Associated with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, the Asheville Home Builders Association represents over 850 members consisting of builders, contractors, real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, sub-contractors, and more.

 

River Arts District Studio Stroll
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
River Arts District

Image may contain: text

The 240+ artists of Asheville’s River Arts District open their doors for a full weekend at the Fall Studio Stroll welcoming visitors, from near and far, to experience the vast array of art in their studios and galleries. Attendees will enjoy two days full of special demonstrations and events, including unique workshops and gallery receptions.

The River Arts District is minutes from Downtown Asheville and The Biltmore Estate. Free parking throughout the district and over a mile of greenway and sidewalks make it easy to see it all.

Stroll is an engaging experience for fine art collectors and curious day-trippers alike. You will find art and craft of all kinds being created in the district, from pottery to jewelry, blown and fused glass, fiber arts and clothing, to woodworking, and, of course, painting and drawing examining a myriad of subjects. This year we are excited to share the newly expanded greenway, connecting the district with walking and biking paths and offering open spaces for the kids or dogs to take a break or eat lunch outdoors.

Free Parking at Depot Street (2 lots, plus street), Riverview Station (191 Lyman Street), and Payne’s Way (behind Wedge Studios).

Masks & Social Distancing Required: Please respect the community’s health and safety as they welcome you to engage with their creations.

Tour: Kephart’s Bryson City
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Bryson City

“The richness of the Great Smoky forest has been the wonder and admiration of everyone who has traversed it.” – Horace Kephart, Our Southern Highlanders

On Saturday, November 14, the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) and WNCHA Vice President Geoff Cantrell will lead an interpretive walking tour of Kephart’s life in downtown Bryson City.

Join us as we trek approximately 2 miles around the downtown landmarks of Bryson City that Kephart witnessed and wrote about during his residence here. This walk, featuring several interpretive stops, will take approximately two hours. We will learn about the life and legacy of Horace Kephart as it intersected with the people and environment here in town and around Deep Creek. We will also admire the amazing views of the Bryson City Cemetery, where Kephart is buried overlooking the town, the mountains, and the park he helped to establish. We will meet at 10:00am at the Bryson City Cemetery and park in the designated parking spaces. From there, we will walk down into town and stop at points of interest along the way. We will conclude with the uphill walk back to the cemetery to see the graves of Kephart and other familiar names in his writings.


The Details

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10:00am (rain or shine)

Time: 10:00am – 12 noon

Location: Bryson City Cemetery (80 Hillside Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713)

Difficulty: Easy, 2 miles

Cost: By donation for WNCHA members (suggested $15). $25 for the general public.

Registration: You must register at the link below.

What to Bring: A water bottle, weather-appropriate attire and comfortable boots/shoes, facemask (mandatory) and hand sanitizer (mandatory)

Note: The highest priority of this event is safety. Due to Covid-19, participants must agree to follow mandatory safety guidelines during this activity in order to participate. These precautions and practices are: making every reasonable effort to maintain social distancing of six feet, mandatory facemask usage when meeting at interpretive stops and when you are unable to maintain at least six feet of distance from other individuals, even non-participants. Participants should also sanitize their hands before and after the activity. WNCHA reserves the right to cancel the activity or refuse service to an individual if safety precautions are not heeded. Our group size is also limited to 15 individuals (including guides).

Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for Reserved Tours
Nov 14 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum
VISIT US! To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, we will reopen for timed, private, self-guided, pre-booked tours of the historic Smith-McDowell House and Western North Carolina exhibit rooms.

Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis:

Wednesday – Saturday
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM

Tour reservations last for 1 hour to allow time for cleaning between groups.

All visitors, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks while inside the building.

Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Nov 14 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Virtual Tours at Asheville Art Museum
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Sunday, November 15, 2020
Self Guided WNC Tours Online
Nov 15 all-day
Online
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
The 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes Live
Nov 15 all-day
Online

The Asheville Home Builders Association is a trade organization for the building industry in Western North Carolina, focused on being an advocate for the builders in our community. Associated with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, the Asheville Home Builders Association represents over 850 members consisting of builders, contractors, real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, sub-contractors, and more.

 

River Arts District Studio Stroll
Nov 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
River Arts District

Image may contain: text

The 240+ artists of Asheville’s River Arts District open their doors for a full weekend at the Fall Studio Stroll welcoming visitors, from near and far, to experience the vast array of art in their studios and galleries. Attendees will enjoy two days full of special demonstrations and events, including unique workshops and gallery receptions.

The River Arts District is minutes from Downtown Asheville and The Biltmore Estate. Free parking throughout the district and over a mile of greenway and sidewalks make it easy to see it all.

Stroll is an engaging experience for fine art collectors and curious day-trippers alike. You will find art and craft of all kinds being created in the district, from pottery to jewelry, blown and fused glass, fiber arts and clothing, to woodworking, and, of course, painting and drawing examining a myriad of subjects. This year we are excited to share the newly expanded greenway, connecting the district with walking and biking paths and offering open spaces for the kids or dogs to take a break or eat lunch outdoors.

Free Parking at Depot Street (2 lots, plus street), Riverview Station (191 Lyman Street), and Payne’s Way (behind Wedge Studios).

Masks & Social Distancing Required: Please respect the community’s health and safety as they welcome you to engage with their creations.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for Reserved Tours
Nov 18 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum
VISIT US! To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, we will reopen for timed, private, self-guided, pre-booked tours of the historic Smith-McDowell House and Western North Carolina exhibit rooms.

Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis:

Wednesday – Saturday
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM

Tour reservations last for 1 hour to allow time for cleaning between groups.

All visitors, staff, and volunteers are required to wear masks while inside the building.

Tuckasegee River Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Nov 18 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Thursday, November 19, 2020
Self Guided WNC Tours Online
Nov 19 all-day
Online
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
The 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes Live
Nov 19 all-day
Online

The Asheville Home Builders Association is a trade organization for the building industry in Western North Carolina, focused on being an advocate for the builders in our community. Associated with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, the Asheville Home Builders Association represents over 850 members consisting of builders, contractors, real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, sub-contractors, and more.