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.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection
Oct 25 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home.

Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection.

WNC Career Expo
Oct 25 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag. Center

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Etowah Lions Farmers Market
Oct 25 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Etowah Lions Farmers Market

On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Farmers Market, which
showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold are made by or
grown by the vendor.

River Arts District Farmers Market
Oct 25 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
River Arts District Farmers Market

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Located in the River Arts District, and surrounded by art galleries and breweries, come find out about Asheville’s favourite mid-week market!

Weaverville Tailgate Market
Oct 25 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Read to Puptart!
Oct 25 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

K-2nd Acting Class
Oct 25 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Playhouse Jr. Education Center

Does your little kid have a big imagination and lots of energy? Then this class exploring the fundamentals of theatre is just for them! During this 8-week class, students will explore favorite storybook characters and bring them to life through acting and creative and imagination play. This high-energy class will celebrate your young artist’s creativity, develop skills in improvisation, public speaking, and expression, and release creative energy in a meaningful way. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times! We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!

Tanglewood Teens Halloween Showcase
Oct 25 @ 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Pack Memorial Library
Something wicked this way comes … Join us for an afternoon of spooky songs & stories! We welcome you to Halloweentown where you will enjoy the hits of your favorite villains and experience classic scary stories jumping right off the page and onto the stage. Presented by the Asheville Community Theater. Ages 6 and older are welcome!
information session: Building a Community at Ferry Road
Oct 25 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Building a Community at Ferry Road: What’s Next?

 

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is moving forward with plans to develop its Ferry Road property with conservation, affordability, and public recreation at the heart of this proposed community. With 60% percent of the property earmarked for conservation and more than half of the apartments and single-family homes reserved for affordable housing, this development is poised to offer a new framework for development that can offer long-term solutions to the affordable housing crisis.

The Board of Commissioners heard an update and overview of the plan from UNC Chapel Hill School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at their regular meeting on Oct. 3. DFI will be hosting upcoming information sessions to share this overview with our community.

Upcoming meetings and next steps

Visit publicinput.com/ferryroad to learn more about the project and find a meeting.

Join us at an upcoming information session:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 25 | 5-7 p.m. | Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sand Hill Rd., Asheville
  • Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9-11 a.m. | Virtual session
  • Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 200 College Street, downstairs conference room, Asheville

Find these meetings and register for the virtual session here.

The County will begin soliciting a master development partner in 2024 to realize its vision for an equitable, mixed income community that aligns with the goals of the Buncombe County 2025 Strategic Plan by emphasizing environmental stewardship, creation of recreational opportunities, and development of affordable housing.

We are pursuing a plan that features at least 650 residences, with more than half of the apartments and single-family homes reserved for affordable housing. The community will offer opportunities for households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) such as teachers, childcare workers, and first responders, to rent or buy a home surrounded by abundant natural resources. A key feature is the conservation of 70+ acres along the French Broad River, guaranteeing protections of tributaries and an ecologically significant wetland. Additional benefits include potential access to childcare and/or health care facility on site and recreational opportunities with a community green, pocket parks, and nearly 4 miles of new trails and greenway connecting the community to larger Buncombe County trail network.

After gathering input and feedback over the course of several meeting with neighbors, community organizations, and the general public, the plan was created to meet the following goals, or guiding public interests:

Development of the Ferry Road site should:

  • Create a diverse, mixed-income, multi-generational community.
  • Be a model for sustainability & stewardship by conserving at least 55% of the site’s natural resources.
  • Be a hub and connector for recreational opportunities and provide equitable access to residents.
  • Provide equitable transportation access and prioritize pedestrian and bicyclists.
  • Include commercial or service-oriented uses that are “harmonious” with residential uses.
  • Optimize public investment and attract private investment.

 

Precinct 39.3, Fairview Reynolds Cluster voter education event
Oct 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Re.Imagine Gallery & Studios

Learn what you need to know about the changes in voting. Jake Quinn, Chair Buncombe County Board of Elections will tell us all the new rules on voter ID requirements and changes to voting procedures. New rules started August 2023.

Who should attend: Voters who want to learn about the new changes in voting.

Precinct 39.3, Fairview Reynolds Cluster voter education event
Oct 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Re.Imagine Gallery & Studios

Learn what you need to know about the changes in voting. Jake Quinn, Chair Buncombe County Board of Elections will tell us all the new rules on voter ID requirements and changes to voting procedures. New rules started August 2023.

Who should attend: Voters who want to learn about the new changes in voting.

3rd-5th Acting Class
Oct 25 @ 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Playhouse Jr. Education Center

This 8-week class is designed for curious young performers eager to explore the “FUN”-damentals of acting. Through high-energy theatre games, improvisation, pantomime, storytelling, and ensemble-based activities, students will hone their theatre skills, build meaningful connections with other young artists, and discover their creative potential! With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times. We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!

Virtual StreamKeeper Training
Oct 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
online

Asheville GreenWorks StreamKeepers: 1. Play a bigger role in protecting our community against the changing climate 2. Work with other community members to take action 3. Empower themselves and others with knowledge of local issues and resources 4. Take care of our waterways through cleanups and Trash Trout maintenance

This two-part training series will include a virtual program orientation (10/25) and an in-person training (10/28). Any interested individuals should commit to participating in both trainings to become a GreenWorks StreamKeeper. Residents of both Buncombe and Henderson Counties are encouraged to join!

StreamKeeper Duties Create and support cleanups (creek, roadside, and river) Support and maintain Trash Trout litter capturing devices Turn in water quality violations to AGW for further investigation Have a great time!

Communication: You would be added to a private Google Group to communicate with your fellow StreamKeepers, where staff and volunteers discuss projects, problems, workdays, and meetups.

Time Requirement: We ask our StreamKeepers to be active at least once monthly. That could be creating your own cleanup, joining a group project, scouting, turning in violations, or working on local advocacy…you name it! StreamKeepers must attend one-hour monthly meetings on the first Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

After completing the 4-hour training course, you’ll have access to all the gear and support you need to succeed!

Need to know

Virtual Training Wednesday, October 25th, 6-8 pm (will be recorded) In-Person Training Saturday, October 28th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm 304 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801 (Nasty Branch Trash Trout) More information will be sent out ahead of these trainings. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Discover the Joy of Public Speaking
Oct 25 @ 6:15 pm
South Buncombe Library

Join us at Keynote Speechcrafters and

Discover the
Joy of
Public Speaking!

It’s natural to enjoy things you do well,
and you will get good at this.

Our members are committed to meeting each week because

steady progress
requires
steady practice.

Our motto:

When you show up
You speak
Every meeting
Every week

So come join us at the South Buncombe Library on Wednesday evenings and prepare to become a better you.

Please Click here to let us know you are coming.

Guests are always welcome. We look forward to speaking with you!

Wednesday Pub Run
Oct 25 @ 6:15 pm
Archetype Brewing

Wednesday Pub Run

Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes!

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

Community Partner Event Carolina Jews for Justice Presents: An Evening with Jerry Sternberg
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm
Reuter Center – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Jerry Sternberg shares “Tales of Asheville from an ol’ Jewish country boy”

Jerry Sternberg, third generation Ashevillian will regale us with “Tales of Asheville from an ol’ Jewish country boy”. Jerry has earned this right at the age of 93 (b. 1930) and proudly announces that he is the oldest living Jewish native, born in Biltmore hospital, in Biltmore Village, who still lives in Asheville.

 

He “grew up” on Depot Street, working after school alongside his father’s employees in the scrap metal and hide business and observing the “technique“ of deal making. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he enlisted in the Navy, became an officer, and served in both Europe and the Far East during the Korean War. When he returned to Asheville he resumed working for his father until 1962 when he opened a surplus, salvage, and trash hauling business.  Not one to retire, Jerry still has as a commercial real estate development and investment business.

Throughout his career Jerry has been involved in philanthropy, locally and nationally. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the “young leadership council“ of the United Jewish Appeal.  During the 1960’s, this involved traveling the country with a team raising millions of dollars to rescue Jews from hostile countries and help resettle them in Israel.

Jerry has been writing a column in the Mountain Xpress called “the Gospel According to Jerry” for the past 30 years.  Recently this has included a series of articles about growing up Jewish in the small town of Asheville.

 

Foodie Book Club
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm
online

Foodie Book Club

A book club for home cooks, foodies, industry folks, and anyone in-between.  We will be focusing on all sorts of food writing. Somethemes will be (but not limited to): food critics, chef memoirs, wine, food history, and food politics.

The Foodie group meets virtually on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. (EST), beginning in June 2022.  Please email [email protected] for the Zoom meeting info.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


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.

Trivia Night
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern

A Case for the Existence of God
Oct 25 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Co.

Written by Samuel D. Hunter

Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.

 

Content advisory: strong language

Sammy Hagar + The Circle
Oct 25 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

 

Trivia Night at The Draftsman
Oct 25 @ 8:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Featuring Not Rocket Science Trivia
Put those random facts and obscure obsessions to use at Trivia Night, every Wednesday at The Draftsman! Bring friends and make new ones while you fuel your brain with specials on signature cocktails and bar bites at our laidback basement bar. Bragging rights for the title of Trivia Champion are always up for grabs!

Thursday, October 26, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Oct 26 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
Artsville Collective: Virtual Gallery of Artists (VGA) program
Oct 26 all-day
online

Artsville Collective proudly presents the Virtual Gallery of Artists (VGA) program,
an initiative designed to help elevate the careers of local artists. VGA offers artists a unique
opportunity to gain global exposure, valuable marketing skills, and an array of promotional
resources. The VGA program invites individual artists to apply for three months of marketing
exposure through print, digital, and podcast platforms. Artsville provides guidance on building
relationships with the press and art buyers, empowering artists by coming alongside them and
forming connections. Notably, Artsville does not take any commissions on art sales, ensuring
artists keep their full earnings.
Nine artists introduced in first cohort from Oct- Jan include a carefully curated group
showing diversity in age, mediums, experience and exposure in the art markets so they may also
learn from each other. Meet Amy Massey, Candice Hensley, Elizabeth Walton, Georgia Deal,
Jean McLaughlin, Joseph Pearson, Max Cooper, Selene Plum, and Wendy Newman.
Accessible only online, Artsville’s VGA also provides VGA artists a comprehensive toolkit,
including newsletters, podcasts, discussion groups, and learning programs. Committed artists
who actively participate can earn recognition and further opportunities, such as involvement in
Artsville events, pop-up exhibits, and networking groups. In preparation for the holiday season,
Artsville will also present a curated holiday catalog of handmade gifts, offering a unique
opportunity for VGA participants to showcase their work to a wider audience.
Artsville Collective is dedicated to supporting and empowering the artistic community in
Western North Carolina. For further information about Artsville programs and opportunities,
contact Meredith McBride at [email protected] or 828-216-8050. Images and

Instagram- ArtsvilleUSA
Facebook- ArtsvilleCollective

Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Oct 26 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!
Asheville Performing Arts Academy Programs 2023-2024 Season
Oct 26 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

2023-2024 Season

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy facilitates a life-long appreciation and advocacy of the arts by providing a loving community where students discover the tools needed to navigate life on and off the stage.

Mission

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance, and drama.  We foster a love and appreciation for the arts through student-teacher relationships, which encourage and help you to excel at your dream. We offer high quality instruction and educational experiences because we are committed to the art of teaching and the teaching of the arts.  It is our hope to build art and awareness in the community and provide a home for families to pursue their dreams.

With classes for students of all ages, the Asheville Performing Arts Academy is your place to discover the love of music, drama, and dance in your life.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy… where the arts come alive!

November 10-12, 2023

An APAA Cabaret (Company)

 

December 8-10, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Prep)

 

December 15-17, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Community)

February 2-4, 2024

Mean Girls, Jr.

(Middle School Community)

 

February 9-11, 2024

Mean Girls HS Version

(High School Community)

 

March/April 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Homeschool Academy)

April 25-28, 2024

Little Shop of Horros (Company)

 

May 10-12, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Prep)

 

May 17-19, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Community)

AVL Unpaved Public Survey
Oct 26 all-day
online

Asheville Unpaved

A POLICY & PLAN FRAMEWORK FOR NATURAL SURFACE TRAILS IN THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

UPDATE: Your input is needed for our AVL Unpaved Public Survey

The first phase of the AVL Unpaved trails are moving forward, and we are seeking community  input to design trail kiosks and signs that will best support trail users. Take the AVL Unpaved Public Survey at this link to contribute. The survey will be open from September 11th – November 11th.

What are the AVL Unpaved Trails? 

AVL Unpaved

AVL Unpaved Alliance, in partnership with the City of Asheville, hired Elevated Trail Designs to design a series of natural surface trails in the undeveloped forested pockets of Asheville. In 2022, thanks to generous community support and grant funding through Explore Asheville, three initial projects were identified: Bacoate Branch, French Broad River West, and Azalea Park.

Buncombe County Special Collections call for proposals
Oct 26 all-day
online

Buncombe County Special Collections is excited to announce a call for proposals for the third year of its creative residency program.

This is an annual opportunity for artists in Buncombe County to create new, research-driven creative work using BCSC’s historic resources as source material and/or inspiration, and to present their work in the Carolina Record Shop, a dedicated exhibition space in the BCSC reading room. Artists age 18 and up, based in Buncombe County, working in any creative discipline are invited to apply.

Buncombe County Special Collections is looking for projects that will:

  • Offer new, diverse perspectives on our shared history
  • Identify and address gaps and/or amplify narratives that are historically underrepresented in the collection
  • Educate and inspire non-traditional users of archives and special collections to engage with the collection in new ways.

More information (including the PDF of the call for proposals) is available at here. The 2024 Creative Residency is made possible in part by the Trust Fund for Buncombe County Public Libraries.

You can also visit Buncombe County Special Collections in the lower level of Pack Memorial to view the current exhibition in the Carolina Record Shop, “Belonging & Non-Belonging: The History and Future of Zines in Western North Carolina,” curated by 2023 resident Miles Lamberson.

Buncombe County Violence Prevention Task Force Survey
Oct 26 all-day
online
The Buncombe County Violence Prevention Task Force is a local community-based group which helps provide educational presentations and support to the community. One project the task force has worked on implementing is a community attitudes survey. The survey will ask for your thoughts about different social norms, types of violence and the communities that are affected by violence. Some of the content touches on difficult topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Survey responses will help the Family Justice Center and partnering agencies better understand these issues in our community and how to provide support to survivors and prevent violence from occurring. The survey will likely take about 5-10 minutes to complete. You can stop at any time and skip any questions you do not want to answer. Your answers are anonymous and participation is completely voluntary. The survey is available in both Spanish and English, and participants must be 18+ to participate. Please email questions to [email protected].
Please share this information and link to the survey with your networks or anyone you know who lives in Buncombe county as we’re trying to reach as many folks in our community as we can.