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, October 15, 2023
A Case for the Existence of God
Oct 15 @ 2:00 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

Death of a Salesman
Oct 15 @ 2:00 pm
HART Theatre
By Arthur Miller
On the Steve Lloyd Stage
Directed by Doug Savitt

A small man can be just as exhausted as a great man.

Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer-Prize winning American classic is a poignant look at the life of everyman Willy Loman, complete with grand hopes and heartbreaking missteps. Willy is on a quest for the American Dream, and wants more than anything for his family to achieve it alongside him. But their own visions of that dream – and their perceptions of who Willy really is beyond his façade – don’t necessarily match up with his reality. Through a series of tragic soul-searching revelations of the life he has lived with his wife, his sons, and his business associates, we discover how his quest for the “American Dream” kept him blind to the people who truly loved him. A thrilling work of deep and revealing beauty that remains one of the most profound classic dramas of the American Theatre.

Suitable for all audiences. Contains heavy subject matter.

Harry Potter Trivia Family Friendly Pick Your Project Workshop
Oct 15 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Four Seasons Plaza

Looking for a fun experience to share with your children while testing your Harry Potter knowledge? Join us for our Parent & Child Workshop! Select an adult project from our gallery, then choose a child project for each child from the available options. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. Pre-registration is required.

REGISTER AT: https://boardandbrush.com/asheville/events/parent-and-child-workshop-10-15-2023-2pm-5pm/

Please arrive 15 min early to check in. Free snacks and sodas. Prizes for winning table! (Children must be accompanied by a registered Parent.)

MacBeth
Oct 15 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Our Black Box series continues as we welcome to the stage the magnificent work of William Shakespeare. Surrender to a haunting story of ambition and its dark consequences, as a military hero and his wife conspire to seize political power. A terrifyingly prophetic tale of revenge, murder, and madness, Macbeth lays bare the fallout when the darkest side of humanity cheats its way into a position of power.  One of Shakespeare’s bloodiest, scariest, and yet, most popular tragedies.

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Oct 15 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 15 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Young Frankenstein
Oct 15 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Book by Mel Brooks
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

Director: Elizabeth DeVault 

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult humor and content

It’s alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Dr. Frankenstein aims to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.

THE SPLATTER PLAY
Oct 15 @ 4:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

THE SPLATTER PLAY
By Abby Auman
Directed by Jessica Johnson

It’s the day of the open house for Tina’s childhood home, which also happens to be her deceased mother’s evil laboratory. Determined to turn the terrors of the lab into selling points, Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through the home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren’t quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope. *Note: there will be blood, so much blood.

The Splatter Play
Oct 15 @ 4:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

By Abby Auman
Directed by Jessica Johnson

It’s the day of the open house for Tina’s childhood home, which also happens to be her deceased mother’s evil laboratory. Determined to turn the terrors of the lab into selling points, Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through the home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren’t quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope. *Note: this is an immersive experience and there will be blood, so much blood.

**Content notification: language; violence; blood; gore; strobe light effects; audience-immersive scenes that may include audience members being splattered with stage blood and gore.

Turn up the MIC! Music, Issues, + Community
Oct 15 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue

Turn up the MIC! Music, Issues, & Community organized by Buncombe Democratic Party

Get ready to ignite your passion for change at “Turn up the MIC! Music, Issues, & Community.” Join us on October 15th at Bear’s BBQ Downtown for an evening that promises to be both inspiring and entertaining.

  • Music: Groove to the beats of local artists and bands as they set the stage on fire with their incredible performances. Feel the rhythm and let the music move you!
  • Issues: This event is not just about music; it’s also about making a positive impact in our community. Connect with organizations dedicated to crucial causes, including healthcare rights, education rights, LGBTQIA rights, and workers’ rights. Learn about the issues that matter most and discover how you can contribute to positive change.
  • Community: “Turn up the MIC!” is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones as you come together to support causes that matter.

Who should attend: Whether you’re a music enthusiast, an advocate for social change, or simply someone looking to connect with your community, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on an evening of music, meaningful conversations, and the chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Cease and Desist- Chick-Fillet
Oct 15 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cultura

Cease & Desist Dinner Series for October — Chick Fillet

What is Cease & Desist, you ask? Well, it’s simple. We take inspiration and pay homage to the nostalgia of our favorite chain restaurants, and Chef Eric along with his team create a menu with their twist on it.

So, every Sunday, we will feature a menu based on popular American restaurant chains for the entire month. Cease & Desist is a family-style tasting menu that consists of 4-5 courses!

Club de Lectura en Español
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm
tba
Sunday, July 16, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, August 20, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, September 17, 2023 – 6:00pm
Sunday, October 15, 2023 – 6:00pm

Join the Club de Lectura and read novels written by Central and South American authors. The club meets at a restaurant or cafe with food related to the monthly pick. The main goal is to connect with each other, enjoy a good read, and ask each other questions. Everyone is welcome! Please CLICK HERE to view the Club’s main page for the pick of the month, and be sure to email: [email protected] for the location of the meeting!

Comedy at Catawba: Carmen Morales with DJ Lewis
Oct 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Sunday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week is Carmen Morales!!

Carmen Morales has a captivating style which incorporates opinionated quick wit and outlandish ideals. Taking from family, friends and people from everyday encounters, she transforms personal experiences into hilarious commentary which leaves the audience doubled over in laughter. With a perfect combination of assertiveness, like-ability and vulnerability she has been well received by audiences internationally. She’s been seen on HBO, Showtime, IFC, Freeform, Hulu and The World Famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles regularly. She’s been heard on Netflix is a Joke on Sirius XM radio, on The Church of What’s Happening Now with Joey Diaz, Getting Doug with High, & on her own hit podcast, “No Sir I Don’t Like it.” She’s also headlined the San Diego Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Festival, Scruffy City Comedy Festival, and been featured in the New York Times. She has produced her own traveling comedy show, as well as performed in comedy clubs, colleges, military bases, strip malls, indie shows, dive bars, towns no one has ever heard of across the country.

 

Featuring DJ Lewis

ages 18+

Pisgah Sunday Jam – Hosted by Spiro + Friends
Oct 15 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

Join us for Black Mountain’s original Sunday Jam! Hosted by Spiro and Friends, this jam features original jams and favorite covers. Bring your instrument! Sign-ups at the stage starting at 6 PM!

Pisgah Beer, Gluten Free and N/A options available. Family and dog friendly venue.

The taproom is open from 2:00 to 9:00 PM with music beginning at 6:30 PM.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Oct 15 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring James Harrod, Ryan Gordon , Jess Williams & more great comics!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

An Evening with Daniel Champagne
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

If you’re wondering what Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne did after his 44-city US tour over the summer of 2022, he proceeded immediately to Canada for 30 mostly sold-out shows and then to New Zealand for another 30 mostly sold-out shows. There’s a Christmas break, and then a monumental tour of Australia. Obvi-ously the best word to describe Daniel is “relentless”.

Daniel will brings his tour back to America starting in mid-July 2023 and continuing through October for an even more ambitious 50 shows! He’ll return to many venues he performed in 2022, and will be adding new shows in places he hasn’t performed in many years.

One reviewer recently wrote “Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne must be seen to be believed’

The story goes that Daniel first picked up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamic live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road without looking back.

The following decade saw him release 5 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe with upwards of 300 shows per year, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

In early 2020 as the COVID pandemic ground all touring to a halt, Daniel returned to Australia writing music and further honing his craft and returned to international audiences with a swag of new songs and a complete new live show.

His current release, “Shimmer Through The Windscreen” is making waves on the streaming services and promises great critical acclaim once it is circulated to the media.

For fans of guitar, songs or just artistic expression at its finest, this show is a must see!

WHAT THE PRESS SAY..

“The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills, he coax-es sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.” The Calgary Herald, CANADA

“Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in the thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.” The Firefly Column, USA

“Daniel Champagne is a crossroads. Fusing the strong traditions of Blues, Folk and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will become an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation.” The Indie Blender, CANADA

“reinventing roots guitar” Rhythms Magazine, AUSTRALIA

“Watching Daniel Champagne perform is a once in a lifetime experience. He is a true prodigy that plays like no one else could possibly play unless they spent at least two lifetimes studying the art.” BW Review, NEW ZEALAND

BARONESS
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Here Come the Mummies
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station

Here Come the Mummies is a nine-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa).

Since their discovery HCTM has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; played massive festivals like Summer Fest, Summer Camp, Common Ground, Musikfest, and Suwannee Hulaween; and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America.

Maybe that’s why the ladies (and some dudes) can’t stop losing their minds over these mayhem-inducing mavens of mirth.
Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face. Get ready, for Here Come The Mummies.

HCTM “‘KILLED’ it

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Oct 15 @ 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.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular returns! This time spookier than ever. Join us in our Black Box Theater to experience the one-and-only Nat Zegree while sitting on the stage, just a few feet away from his dazzling performance. Nat Zegree will take you on a spooky musical adventure that is sure to delight and entertain. Tickets for this fundraising event are 100% tax-deductible and go directly to support Flat Rock Playhouse’s production and operating expenses. ONE NIGHT ONLY, don’t wait! Costumes are welcome!!

Monday, October 16, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 16 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

AVL Unpaved Public Survey
Oct 16 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 16 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.

Food Scraps Drop Off: Oakley Community Center
Oct 16 all-day
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

    • Library open hours
    • Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

      85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

        • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Gardening Video: Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Oct 16 all-day
online

Presenter: Dr. Ryan Blaedow, formerly with Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service

Oaks, the beloved trees of our forests and landscapes!  How vital they are in their support to the many life forms in our gardens and yet they struggle with the ever changing conditions and urbanization of the environments in which they live.

Join us to learn from plant pathologist and oak expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in western North Carolina.

Video access:
To access this video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:

                                                                         Update on Oaks – Trees in Transition
Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
Oct 16 all-day
Extension Office

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Hops for Hunger: Wicked Weed Brewing
Oct 16 all-day
Wicked Weed Brewing

During the month of October, Wicked Weed Brewing gives you yet another excuse to visit one of their taprooms.

All pours of their Milk and Cookies Imperial Stout will contribute $1 to MANNA. A stout with with Golden Raisins, Cinnamon, and Vanilla? Sounds like the start of fall to us.

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 16 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Pisgah Legal community support Medicaid Expansion
Oct 16 all-day
Pisgah Legal various locations

More than half a million low-income, uninsured North Carolinians will gain access to comprehensive health coverage when Medicaid expansion launches on December 1, 2023.

Pisgah Legal is here to help people in Western North Carolina enroll in Medicaid and understand their options for coverage. Pisgah Legal has spent a decade advocating for this change and is proud to help make it a reality for people in this region.

“Medicaid expansion is going to save lives,” said Chief Operations Officer Jaclyn Kiger. “This is a momentous occasion and Pisgah Legal is thrilled to be in a position to help guide people through this process.”

Kiger continued: “Each and every person has a right to health care. Pisgah Legal Services will continue to advocate and strive for a future where everyone can access the care they deserve.”

Pisgah Legal is poised to help people start the Medicaid enrollment process as soon as expansion launches. Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help local people find quality, affordable health insurance plans.

Pisgah Legal also helps people who have had their Medicaid terminated during the unwinding period that began in April 2023. If you or someone you know has lost coverage, Pisgah Legal can help you determine if you’re eligible for a plan on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace and can help you access legal resources. Pisgah Legal’s NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program can help current Medicaid beneficiaries who are experiencing problems with their plans.

To make an appointment for free help enrolling in Medicaid or exploring your options, visit http://www.pisgahlegal.org/health or call 828-210-3404.