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.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday starting at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels. Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!
TORRES’ fifth album Thirstier pumps the miraculous into the mundane. It is in open revolt against the gray drag of time, a searing and life-affirming eruption of an album that wonders what could happen if we found a way to make our fantasies inexhaustible. What if we got whatever we wanted and still wanted it, endlessly, with no threat of boredom and no danger of depletion? What could we become if we let ourselves grow incandescent with eternally renewing desire?
Sarah Jaffee will open. Sarah is an American singer-songwriter from Denton, Texas. Known for her distinctively clear vocals, she has worked as a singer-songwriter across many musical genres, including acoustic-folk, indie pop and hip hop.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.
The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 20 beginning at 11am. The parade features more than a variety of entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits and businesses. We will be consulting with local public health officials and follow any guidelines in place at the time. Entries will be limited to allow for spacing and we’ll incorporate other safety measures.
Find the 2021 rules for parade applicants here. It’s imperative that you carefully read the rules and regulations prior to filling out your application. Find the 2021 parade application here. Please be creative, parade entries must be entertaining and family friendly, not all entries will be accepted.Thanks to Bojangles, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, Apple Tree Honda, WLOS, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Go Minis, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown and Asheville Color & Imaging.
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show
- WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7
Farm Equipment EXPO
FEATURING: Hit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More
Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until
“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.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!
Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest 
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Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
VIP Meet & Greet with Mt. Joy includes:
- One GA ticket
- Preshow Meet & Greet with Mt. Joy
- Preshow performance featuring 2-3 songs outside of setlist
- Preshow Q&A with Mt. Joy
- One individual photo with Mt. Joy
- One Exclusive VIP item
- Priority entry into the venue
- One Mt. Joy VIP laminate
VIP Preshow Acoustic Session with Mt. Joy
- One GA ticket
- Preshow performance featuring 2-3 songs outside of setlist
- Preshow Q&A with Mt. Joy
- One Exclusive VIP item
- Priority entry into the venue
- One Mt. Joy VIP laminate
Darren Nicholson Band is a group of Appalachian musicians who have common respect for and love of American acoustic music. There are GRAMMY and award-winning musicians in this band, and the members each have long track records as credible, national performers; including performances at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. They are known for creatively blending Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, and Swing, into a new American acoustic music experience. Darren was recently given the “key to the city” in Canton, NC where he was honored for his musical and civic contributions to the community. Recently off Five national #1 songs and more than a dozen top-ten songs, 5 IBMA nominations, 3 IBMA Wins Including Album of the Year, Darren is excited to announce a handful of special dates with some bluegrass all-stars.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall Lawn. Advanced 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
Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.
Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+
The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.
WINTER TREE CARNIVAL
Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE
- $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
- $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 20 beginning at 11am. The parade features more than a variety of entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits and businesses. We will be consulting with local public health officials and follow any guidelines in place at the time. Entries will be limited to allow for spacing and we’ll incorporate other safety measures.
Find the 2021 rules for parade applicants here. It’s imperative that you carefully read the rules and regulations prior to filling out your application. Find the 2021 parade application here. Please be creative, parade entries must be entertaining and family friendly, not all entries will be accepted.Thanks to Bojangles, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, Apple Tree Honda, WLOS, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Go Minis, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown and Asheville Color & Imaging.
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show
- WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7
Farm Equipment EXPO
FEATURING: Hit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More
Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until
Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.
Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion. Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.
“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.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!
Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest
Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!
Join us for aMAZEing fun!
We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!
Service Pets Only!
Dates and Times
Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fridays:
- 3 pm – 7 pm
Saturdays:
- 9 am – 7 pm
Sundays:
- 10 am – 6 pm
You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.
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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/
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.