Calendar of Events

Join us in beautiful downtown Waynesville on October 16, 2021 at the Annual Apple Harvest Festival. The Apple Harvest Festival is in its 34th year of operation. This fun, family friendly festival is owned, operated and organized by the Haywood Chamber of Commerce.

The streets of downtown Waynesville, NC are filled with almost 200 arts and craft booths, food concessions, music, cloggers, and more. Local apple growers set up on the street to sell delicious mountain grown apples of a vast variety. In addition, many vendors offer apple cider, cake, pies, and other delectable apple goodies!

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

We are excited to announce our very first ever Oktober/Cellar-fest party!!!
🎉🤘😆🤘🍻🍁💯

Expect beer releases ripe for the season leading up to the event, guest taps and collabs with some of our friends around town and beyond, a top secret beer release the day of ✨AND✨ the return of a few of our personal favorite brews!!!

We have the kindhearted, culinary geniuses @kinfolkavl 🍳 serving up an Oktoberfest inspired menu that day ✨PLUS✨ live tunes courtesy of our buds @dirtybird828, @ageneralhidden, @jasondecristofaromusic and @kinggarbage throughout the day!!! 🎤🥁🎹🎷🎸🤘

If that weren’t already enough, prepare to grab a pint and tour our open air taproom with original paintings by the artistic @jordanzoscak! 🖼 🎨

Stay tuned for more fun announcements as the party draws nearer!

About Bearfootin’ Art Walk

Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the non-profit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2020, the Bears raised more than $84,000, and in 2021 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

2021 Bearfootin’ Auction

The 2021 Bears are currently stationed along Main Street until the auction in October. Check out our 2021 Bearfootin’ Bears!

Until 2020, the Bearfootin’ auctions were hosted in traditional style with a live auctioneer. Then, in response to the pandemic, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville pivoted to a virtual format for the 2020 auction. The virtual bidding format allowed people to bid over the course of a month until a scheduled bidding cutoff. This turned out to be a big success, with the 2020 auction raising more than $84,000. 

For the 2021 Auction, the Downtown Events Team and Friends of Downtown Hendersonville staff are incorporating the virtual bidding format with an in-person event. This means bidders will be able to begin bidding as early as September 15, 2021. Bidding will come to a close with an exciting in-person event on October 16 from 4-6:30pm, with all bidding closing at 6pm.

1. Bidding begins on September 15, 2021 at 12pm and ends at 6pm EST on October 16, 2021. Stay tuned for the release of the bidding platform closer to September 15!

2.  All bidding will occur virtually. There will be no in-person bidding. However, there will be live bidding via phone/computer up until the bidding cut off at 6pm on October 16.

3.  It’s free to register to bid, and you can bid anytime between September 15 and the deadline at 6pm on October 16. Initial bids will take place via the bidding website (stay tuned for link!). Bidders will receive automatic text message notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid directly via text message.  

4. There will be an in-person countdown celebration on October 16 from 4-6:30 pm on the outdoor plaza at the Historic Train Depot at 650 Maple Street. The event will have a lively atmosphere with bells and cheers at each incoming bid, as well as live music, beer/wine and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public. While there will be no in-person bidding at the event, attendees can bid live via their cell phone. There will be an event information booth to help attendees get registered and begin bidding.

5. There will be no proxy bidding. Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid. There are no reserve/proxy bids, meaning you can’t set a price that the system will automatically bid for you. If you are outbid, you will need to place a higher bid if you wish to continue.   

6. Starting bids for all bears will be $1,500 and minimum bid increments are $100.  

7.  Any bear can be purchased at our “Buy Now” price of $10,000. The “Buy Now” option ends Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m.

8. Bidders do not have to attend the in-person event to be a winning bidder. For those who can’t attend the in-person event on October 16, we will conduct a virtual Facebook Live event of the auction on the Downtown Hendersonville page. We will start the off by introducing the bears and providing information about how to bid before the clock runs out. All bidding is automatically cut off at 6pm on October 16.

9. Winning bidders will be contacted regarding payment and picking up their bear via text and email. Bears can be picked up at the event, or during a scheduled “pick up window” the week following the event. Winners have 5 days to pay or they will be automatically charged on the credit card filed. Alternatively, winners can pay with cash or check. There will be a 2.95% processing fee on all credit card transactions. 

Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.

Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.

Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.

Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee

Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)

https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/

Relia’s Lost Kitchen is a series of exclusive pop-up dinner events in honor of NOC founder Aurelia Kennedy and the original restaurant that nourished visitors from all over the globe.

Guests will enjoy a freshly prepared five-course dinner, with each course featuring a refreshing pairing from Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Dine overlooking Relia’s Garden with the Nantahala River just below.

Tables will be set up to seat four guests at a time and guests are required to book in parties of four to maximize seating availability for this exclusive, socially distanced event. Doors will open at 6PM for the 6:30PM dinner service.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks in the Isis Music Hall Lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

Tickets on Sale now – Please Call the Venue

Reserved Tickets for the Lawn are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :: Seating will be limited and socially distanced :: You MUST call venue (828-575-2737) to make a dinner reservation and purchase your tickets. :::: If the weather is inclement – the concert will move to the Lounge. If the concert is moved to the Lounge – proof of vaccination will be required

IMIJ OF SOUL returns to White Horse for another Jimi Hendrix tribute show.

Bill Altman leads this power trio tribute to Jimi Hendrix. You might know Bill from his work with another tribute band, that one to Pink Floyd. Bill is a terrific guitarist, and works hard to honor the artists to whom he and his fellow musicians pay tribute.

Erick Baker is an Emmy Award-winning writer, TV show host, and singer-songwriter. For over a decade, he’s been making a life as a touring musician, performing nationally and internationally alongside artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Heart, Gavin Degraw, Grace Potter, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Known for his aching intensity, passion, and unguarded emotional energy, Erick’s live performances are a powerful example of what can be accomplished through song. His voice has been described as “a smoke and whiskey tenor with plenty of range and emotion.”

His music blends a divergent set of American roots influences – Country, Rock, Folk, Soul, and Blues – into one seamless sound, delivering a powerful and heartfelt dose of music medicine.

Drawing comparisons to contemporary songwriters like Ray Lamontagne, Amos Lee, and Ryan Adams, Erick Baker is a true heart on his sleeve troubadour of soulful Americana.

General Admission Tickets are available on line :: Call the venue for Reserved Seating Tickets at 828-575-2737

:Main Floor Reserved Tickets are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :::: These are the only main floor tickets available :::: You MUST call venue to make a dinner reservation & purchase your tickets :::: General Admission Tickets are available for the Balcony only :: There is no dinner service for balcony seating

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

‘Life’s a Drag Brunch’ happens at the Asheville Beauty Academy every first and third Sunday! With a delicious Buffet Menu, tickets include a fabulous Drag Show, Brunch, and a complimentary choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary. AGES 21+

Doors &  Brunch Buffet: 12pm  |  Show: 1pm

Tickets for Brunch & Show are $32 (available online and at the door)

Tickets for Drag Show are $10 (at the door only) 1pm

Come prepared to be mesmerized by the beauty of the legendary Ida Carolina and the talent of her Queendom but seating is limited so purchase your ticket today!

Please do not attend if you are sick or have been exposed to Covid

The Uptown Hillbillies live up to their name.
If you like true, classic country music – Porter Wagoner, Ray Price, Dave Dudley, Stonewall Jackson, Conway Twitty, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, Carl Smith, Buck Owens and Yes, Hank Williams, then you are going to love The Uptown Hillbillies.
Veteran musicians Hank Bones (Guitar & Vocals), Steve Trisman (Fiddle & Vocals), Kevin Kehrberg (Bass Fiddle & Vocals), Russ Wilson (Drums & Vocals) and Skeets McDonald (Steel Guitar) are the hillbillies from uptown and play great country music of the 50’s & 60’s.

General Admission Tickets are available on line :: Call the venue for Reserved Seating Tickets at 828-575-2737

:Main Floor Reserved Tickets are available with dinner reservations only :: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :: These are the only main floor tickets available :: You MUST call venue to make a dinner reservation and to purchase your tickets. :: General Admission Tickets are available on line for the Balcony only :: There is no dinner service for balcony seating

Today in Western North Carolina, 1 in 6 people and 1 in 4 children faces an empty bowl.
But you can help fill those bowls at MANNA FoodBank’s 20th Annual Empty Bowls. We invite you to join us for this remarkable milestone, where we will celebrate twenty years of community, art, and collaboration while bringing awareness to the very real problem of hunger in Western North Carolina. Read more about this historic milestone year HERE. 

Guests select a bowl handmade by local artisans and take with them (in a to-go format for 2021) a seasonal meal of delicious soups, breads, and dessert. The souvenir bowl guests take home reminds them of the many WNC families that are currently struggling to afford groceries. 

Almost every part of the event is donated, including the event space, food, and local pottery and art. This allows MANNA to use event proceeds for our food distribution and nutrition programs, which serve the more than 100,000 food insecure households across our 16-county service area. Every dollar raised can help provide food for 4 meals. Since 2002, the collection generosity of our Empty Bowls guests, potters, sponsors, culinary partners, and everyone who has ever had a hand in the event, has allowed MANNA to provide the equivalent of 2.8 MILLION MEALS across Western North Carolina. 

COLLECTOR’S CORNER 

In addition to the souvenir soup bowls that ticket-holders select, guests may purchase special works of high-end craft and art at the Collector’s Corner. Collector’s Corner items are gallery-quality pieces selected by the artists. 100% of the proceeds from Collector’s Corner sales go directly to supporting MANNA’s mission of ending hunger in WNC. 

TICKETS 

For 2021, MANNA will use a walk-through format for Empty Bowls. Guests choose a one-hour time window that best suits their schedule, then arrive at the DoubleTree during that time window to select their bowl, choose their soups, and pick up bread + dessert — all while masked and distanced when inside the DoubleTree. Guests can choose a one-hour time window any time between 10:00am and 6:00pm, and can arrive any time during their chosen one-hour window. (Limited curbside service will be available for those who wish to remain in their cars.) 

Adult Ticket: $40 (includes your choice of one souvenir pottery bowl handmade by a local artist, your choice of two soups packaged to go, and bread + dessert packaged to go) 

Human Kids Add-on: $10 (includes one souvenir kid’s bowl pre-selected by MANNA, a package of ABC noodles, and a specially-created MANNA recipe to make Alphabet Soup at home) 

Fur Kids Add-on: $30 (guests choose a dog or cat package; includes one souvenir pottery pet bowl handmade by a local artist pre-selected by MANNA, yummy treats for your furry friend, and a custom pet tag recognizing that MANNA strives to fill every bowl in the house) 

Empty Bowls at Home Add-on: $30 (includes one souvenir pottery bowl handmade by a local artist pre-selected by MANNA, one package of Roots & Branches dried soup mix to make at home, soup and stew recipes from seven of WNC’s most beloved chefs, all packaged to go in a MANNA tote bag) 

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.