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.
Come join us at the 20th Annual Fall Thunder in the Smokies Rally on September 8-10, 2023 in Maggie Valley, NC. 40+ Vendors, Live Music, Bike Games, Bike Show, Tour Ride of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and much more!
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)
Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.
“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,
forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.
Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.
We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”
~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator
Buy Tickets & Lodging
READY, SET, LEAF!
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!
“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.
The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?
Dive in now!”
~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
Take in the Museum’s Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries, exploring the connection between art and artists of Western North Carolina / Southern Appalachia and the US at large.
Free for Museum Members or included with general admission; registration is not required.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)
Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.
“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,
forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.
Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.
We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”
~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator
Buy Tickets & Lodging
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!
“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.
The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?
Dive in now!”
~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)
Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.
“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,
forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.
Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.
We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”
~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator
Buy Tickets & Lodging
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!
“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.
The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?
Dive in now!”
~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator
What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.
Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.
Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”
Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.
LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.
Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.
*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.
The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.
- Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
- Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
*These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
*You can purchase a pass online at America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store. - 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
- Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
- Tours are limited to 6 persons.
- Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.
Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
*Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.
(credit card only)
$10.00 for Adults 16 and older
$6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
Free for Children age 15 and under
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
Join us on a walking tour of the Foundy in the River Arts District where we learn about the only existing Street Art Gallery in Asheville and all the artists who have created graffiti and mural installations that have made our town an urban art destination.
Asheville’s only and original DRAG QUEEN BAR CRAWL!
Experience Asheville’s one-of-a-kind Drag Queen Bar Crawl, a unique fundraiser supporting local non-profit organizations. “Beer Flight” offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vibrant craft brewery scene of Beer City while enjoying the delightful company of our hilarious drag queen flight attendant. Perfect for special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, and even divorce parties, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all fans of drag and beer alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support local non-profits and have a blast doing it!
The two-hour tour promises a side-splittingly funny experience, featuring:
- The beer! The drag queen! FUN!
- 2-3 Flights of craft beer/seltzer/wine/sours ($45 value)
- Souvenir sticker ($5 value)
- Mid-flight snack (priceless!)
- VIP seats at an after-party event*
- No cover and no waiting at venues
- Photo ops with your drag queen guide
- See FAQs at the bottom of this page
- *After-party not available on all tours; ask!
Prepare for takeoff as Bearded Lady Productions presents a first-class “beer flight” bar crawl tour featuring the company of a hilarious drag queen wannabe flight attendant. You won’t want to miss this two-hour tour, where you’ll get to enjoy fine brews, seltzers, wines, and sours from multiple iconic downtown breweries, all while being entertained by a fabulous drag queen leading the way. Tickets for the first-class “beer flight” tour include the tour itself, all beverages along the route, fun surprises, and other perks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. You won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best of Asheville’s craft brewing scene while being entertained by a top-notch fabulous queen.
The tour has multiple dates and most tours end with VIP seats at a 2-hour special event, drag karaoke or drag music bingo. And don’t worry if a real airplane is not available for the tour, as the one-mile trip will be on foot. But that won’t stop you from experiencing the high-flying adventure that “Beer Flight” has planned for you. The after-party event is not available on all tours, so be sure to ask about it when booking your ticket. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, so grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience. The sky’s the limit with this unique first-class experience!
Upon arrival at one of Asheville’s premier craft breweries, guests will be greeted by a world-class drag queen who will serve as their stewardess for the night. As guests wait for the “flight” to board, they will have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow passengers. The tour will then take off, with the drag queen leading the way through the vibrant streets of Asheville. Although a real airplane may not be available, all seats are first-class and drinks are included. Guests will be treated like royalty, with no cover and no waiting at the breweries along the route, and a guided tasting of each flight.
Public Tour: The Art of Food
6-7pmThursday, September 14, 2023 &
Thursday, September 24, 2023
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition The Art of Food: From the Collections Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation led by a Volunteer Educator.
Free for Museum Members or included with general admission; registration is not required.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)
Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.
“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,
forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.
Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.
We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”
~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator
Buy Tickets & Lodging
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!
“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.
The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?
Dive in now!”
~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator
What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.
Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.
Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”
Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.
LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.
Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden
Land of Sky Regional Council will offer a tour of each county in our region with a focus on how we can work together to protect the French Broad River while supporting the growth and development of region.
September 8, 2023: Transylvania County
9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Transylvania County (constantcontact.com)
September 15, 2023: Henderson County
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Henderson County (constantcontact.com)
September 22, 2023: Buncombe County
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Buncombe County (constantcontact.com)
October 6, 2023: Madison County
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Madison County (constantcontact.com)
You can sign up for one county tour or all four.
There is no cost to participate. We are grateful
for our sponsors for making this tour possible.
Lunch will be provided along with snacks.
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)