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.

Saturday, August 9, 2025
Sourwood Festival 2025
Aug 9 all-day

Things to Know

Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.

Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

Festival Location 
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.

Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!

Road Closures 
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.

Parking & Shuttle 
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.

Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.

Sunday, August 10, 2025
Sourwood Festival 2025
Aug 10 all-day

Things to Know

Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.

Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

Festival Location 
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.

Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!

Road Closures 
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.

Parking & Shuttle 
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.

Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.

Friday, August 15, 2025
Downtown After 5
Aug 15 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Join us as we partner with Blue Ridge Pride for a 90s Country-themed Downtown After 5! Featuring headliner Mustache the Band and opener Shakey’s Live Band Karaoke. Show off your style in our Best Boots Contest or channel your inner queen in the Dolly Parton Lookalike Competition for a chance to win fun prizes!

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series—it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site alongside a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers. Join us at Pack Square Park for these unforgettable evenings of music, community, and celebration.

Saturday, August 16, 2025
Bodhi Fest
Aug 16 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

The first annual Bodhi Fest, a Buddhist Arts and Film Festival at Asheville Community Theatre on August 16th, 2025 will be a day of illumination as we explore the gladdening qualities of the human spirit ranging from sweet solitude to ecstatic joy. The program will consist of Buddhist films + Q&A, shorts, a dance workshop, a songwriting workshop, musical performances and more. Crafts, art and food from Buddhist sanghas, artists and local vendors will be shared in the front lobby during the festival.

Enjoy an event of immersion in compassionate-wisdom activities that provoke insight and lift the spirit.

Sunday, August 17, 2025
Vegan Market Asheville
Aug 17 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bridge & Tunnel Cafe at A-B Tech Coman Center

Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt
The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.
Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Thursday, August 21, 2025
Slice Comedy Standup Contest
Aug 21 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
___________________________________
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.

Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]

Saturday, August 23, 2025
HarvestFest Supporting ASAP
Aug 23 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Olivette Riverside Community and Farm

Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday August 23rd for a very special benefit show in support of ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. HarvestFest is a celebration of local farmers, community and music. Doors open at 3pm with family games and activities and live music.
In honor of our local farmers and all they do to sustain our community, all farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. All ticket proceeds will go towards the ASAP Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Raise Your Vibraton with a Serenity Sound Bath!
Aug 27 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound. This restorative Sound Bath is designed to clear energetic blocks, uplift your spirit, and elevate your vibration. Let the soothing frequencies of crystal bowls and sacred tones guide you into deep relaxation, alignment, and renewal. Step into your highest frequency—peace, clarity, and inner radiance await.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 6:15 PM, doors close promptly at 6:30 PM.

This service is on a sliding scale of $10-20

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Sunday, August 31, 2025
Boomtown Arts & Heritage Festival
Aug 31 all-day
Pack Square Park
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL proudly announces its return to downtown Asheville, set for August 29-31, 2025, at Pack Square Park. This year’s festival emphasizes community resilience and celebrates the region’s history of rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters. Drawing inspiration from Asheville’s emergence as a vibrant boomtown following “The Great Flood” of 1916, the 2025 festival seeks to support regional recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
The three-day, family-friendly festival will offer a dynamic lineup of musical performances, heritage trail tours, wellness activities, interactive workshops, and local artisans, all aimed at highlighting and preserving Asheville’s unique cultural tapestry. Boomtown FestAVL will feature rich programming designed to engage residents and visitors alike in celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.
Monday, September 1, 2025
NC Apple Festival
Sep 1 all-day
Downtown Hendersonville

Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!

We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.

 

Friday, September 5, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 5 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Saturday, September 6, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 6 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Time Travelers Vintage Expo
Sep 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Time Travelers Vintage Expo

September 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Time Travelers Vintage Expo Banner Ad

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center on September 6th, 2025 for the Time Travelers Vintage Expo. Time Travelers Vintage Expo is the largest traveling retro vintage market in the United States. Attendees can expect to find a retro wonderland with the absolute best in vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade, and more!

DATE: Saturday, September 6th, 2025
TIME: 10AM – 5PM
LOCATION: Greenville Convention Center
ENTRY COST: $10 advance / $12 day of
Kids 12 and under free (no ticket needed)

Sunday, September 7, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 7 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Sep 7 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Olivette Farm

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to partner with Olivette Farm at their annual Tomato Fest for a one-of-a-kind Children’s Entrepreneur Market!
🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼
Let’s grow the next generation of creators and changemakers—one market at a time!
#TomatoFest #OlivetteFarm #KidsMarket #YoungEntrepreneurs #SupportLocalYouth

Monday, September 8, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 8 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 9 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 10 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Thursday, September 11, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 11 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Friday, September 12, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 12 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival
Sep 12 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC, on September 12 & 13, 2025 — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer, there’s something here to spark your spirit.
Each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure! ALL attendees will be entered in a FREE drawing to win amazing door prizes!
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure🔥
All proceeds support the work of MountainTrue.

Lake Hickory Haunts 2025
Sep 12 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Hickory Haunts

Voted the Best Haunt in the Carolinas, Known as the premier haunt of the Carolina’s, Lake Hickory Haunts is a one of a kind haunted theme park; featuring a large body of water, surrounded by 13 unique full-scale haunted attractions. Within these attractions, you will discover awe-inspiring immersive environments, multi-dimensional special FX, over 100 live characters, breathtaking scares, and much more!

Happens on the following Dates:
Sep 12, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 13, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 19, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 20, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 26, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 27, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 3, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 12, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 19, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 23, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 24, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 25, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 26, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 30, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 31, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 1, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 2, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturday, September 13, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 13 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Fall Plant Sale at Bullington Gardens
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Dig into Bullington Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale! Grab trees, shrubs, perennials, natives, and seasonal plants to spruce up your yard. Don’t let your garden be the only one on the block still growing last year’s weeds—join us this fall September 12-13, 9am-4pm.

Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard Fall Fest
Sep 13 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard are proud to present the 3rd Annual Fall Fest on Saturday, September 13 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This highly anticipated event
showcases the farm’s stunning greenhouses filled with a spectacular variety of fall plants for every gardening enthusiast, including mums and pumpkins. We also have a wonderful selection of indoor and specialty plants!The festival features much more than just plants:

Delicious food options, including baked goods
A vibrant market featuring artisan brooms, home goods, and permanent jewelry
Kid-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, games, and potting station
…and much more!

Appalachian Standard will also have their quality CBD products available for purchase. With attendance typically reaching 300-600 visitors, carpooling is strongly encouraged to help with parking availability.
Event Details:

What: 3rd Annual Fall Fest
When: Saturday, September 3rd, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Ross Farm, 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC
Admission: Free

BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival
Sep 13 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC, on September 12 & 13, 2025 — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer, there’s something here to spark your spirit.
Each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure! ALL attendees will be entered in a FREE drawing to win amazing door prizes!
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure🔥
All proceeds support the work of MountainTrue.

Lake Hickory Haunts 2025
Sep 13 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Hickory Haunts

Voted the Best Haunt in the Carolinas, Known as the premier haunt of the Carolina’s, Lake Hickory Haunts is a one of a kind haunted theme park; featuring a large body of water, surrounded by 13 unique full-scale haunted attractions. Within these attractions, you will discover awe-inspiring immersive environments, multi-dimensional special FX, over 100 live characters, breathtaking scares, and much more!

Happens on the following Dates:
Sep 12, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 13, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 19, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 20, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 26, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 27, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 3, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 12, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 19, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 23, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 24, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 25, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 26, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 30, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 31, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 1, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 2, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sunday, September 14, 2025
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 14 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Villain Arts 6th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival
Sep 14 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Now back and better than ever, it’s Villain Arts’ Sixth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival!! Come to Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville for 3 exciting days offering live entertainment, unique vendors, and most importantly: nonstop tattooing. This event pulls artists from across the country (and a few from around the world) and unites them together in the spirit of self-expression and individuality. Whether you’re in the market for your first tattoo or your thirty-first, with hundreds of tattoo artists to choose from, you’re sure to leave with something amazing. Too young for real tattoos but still want to come to the show? There are stickers galore, vendors offering fun services, and even temporary tattoos. Also, admission is free for children 12 and under, (and for adults, starts at $20 for a 1-day pass, or $40 for a 3-day pass.)

If tattoos aren’t your thing, take in the full schedule of live entertainment on offer this weekend, including a contortionist archer, sideshow, circus acts, and even stunning suspension! Browse the vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to oddities and more. Or, enter contests with your new or existing tattoos to compete for a trophy!

There’s so much to take in throughout all 3 days of fun, so mark your calendars now and get ready for an energetic weekend celebrating art in all its forms at the Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival!

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Simplify Your Move: A Comprehensive Workshop for Seniors and Their Families
Sep 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
East Asheville Public Library

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a FREE WORKSHOP designed to help seniors and their families navigate the often-complex process of downsizing, relocating, and preparing for what’s next.

This event, held at the East Asheville Public Library, will provide guidance from professionals on a variety of topics to help make your next transition smooth and stress-free.

Refreshments will be provided!

Workshop Highlights
Financial Guidance from a Lender: Learn how lenders utilize a combination of your retirement income and assets to qualify you for a mortgage.

Legal Planning with an Estate Attorney: Get expert advice on key legal issues, including how to organize assets, taxes, and your beneficiary structure, as well as ensure the instructions for your death or medical circumstance are followed.

Practical Moving Tips from a Realtor: You are not alone! See how a Realtor can act as your personal “project manager” to make the transition stress-free.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered by experts in the field. There will be a time for Q & A at the end! If you have questions that you would like addressed, include them in the appropriate area as your register.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Register to secure your spot.