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, October 24, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 24 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 24 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Grandfather’s Starry Skies
Oct 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very prominent, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. This course is also during the time of the Orionid meteor shower, so hopefully some of these celestial fireworks will grace our skies during the nighttime observation.

The goal for this course is to create a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing that can be applied on your own on any clear night throughout the year. We’ll start in the classroom by exploring some of the best print and digital resources for observing the night sky and cover some of the basics of stargazing and how to orient to the night sky. We’ll also discuss the use of planispheres, star maps and star charts to find some of the most beautiful deep sky wonders that can be seen through binoculars or small telescopes. During the evening hours, we’ll be out at various viewing locations on the mountain, practicing our stargazing skills while looking for meteors and learning about some of the most prominent stars, constellations and other objects visible this time of year.

Course instructor Stephan Martin has been a stargazer since he was very young growing up under dark skies of South Florida. Martin is also an astronomer, educator and author, who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges, universities and learning centers across the U.S. and internationally for more than 25 years. He has worked as a data analyst for the Hubble Space Telescope and as Observatory Supervisor at Williams College, where he participated in scientific research expeditions around the world to study the dynamics of the solar corona during solar eclipses.

Dance Theatre of Harlem 50th Anniversary Tour Rescheduled
Oct 24 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

Dance Theatre of Harlem, October 23 & 24, 2020 at 8PM

If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance.  If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.

Sunday, October 25, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 25 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 25 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 25 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Monday, October 26, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 26 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Tuesday, October 27, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 27 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Deep Creek “Deep Creep” Smokey Mountain Park Service Day
Oct 27 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Deep Creek Picnic Area

October 27, 2018: Picnic Area Clean-Up

Join us for our annual Deep Creek “Deep Creep!” Wear a spooky Halloween costume and help clean up the picnic area! We’ll pick up trash, clean out grills, and remove fallen debris.

Meeting Location: Deep Creek Picnic Area, North Carolina

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Pack a lunch and learn about some of the “Creepy Critters” that call Smoky Mountains their home! 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 28 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Thursday, October 29, 2020
Win A Dirty Dancing Festival Weekend Getaway!
Oct 29 all-day
Online
September 24-25, 2021
Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC! Whether you’ve been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to win a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.
DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL GETAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE
* 2-night standard accommodations  at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival.
* 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend.
* 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court.
* 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night.
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). 

* One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours.
* 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 29 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Giddy Up Fandango Square Dancin’
Oct 29 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sky Brook Farm

Get your family together for this Wild West Shindig. Admission includes a real cowboy supper, live foot-stompin’ music, hay rides, petting zoo, spectacular fireworks and much, much more! A Family Event you don’t want to miss!

Fall-O-Ween at Lake Julian
Oct 29 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake Julian Park
Free Parking Lot Movie: IT Chapter 2
Oct 29 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
AB Tech Campus-Persistence Drive

Image may contain: text that says 'CHAPTER TWO movies m ASHEVILLE PARKS & RECREATION vies in the PARKing LOT *Registrationrequired! *Registration required! AB Tech Campus AB ABTech Community College Thursday, October 29 ASHEVILLE Parks Recreation Black DRTHODONTICS'
REGISTRATION REQUIRED due to rating. Register on Oct. 1 @ https://bit.ly/3aZRFXo

Asheville Parks and Recreation has teamed up with AB Tech and Black orthodontics to present Movies in the Parking Lot. The FREE movie begins at dusk on a giant outdoor screen in the Parking Lot at AB Tech parking lot on Persistence Drive. Celebrate Halloween with a scary viewing of IT chapter 2, raffles, candy, contest and more! Please come in your favorite COSTUME!

Asheville Parks and Recreation will offer the community a chance for a safe, entertaining change of scenery with a FREE drive-in screening of IT Chapter 2. Evil resurfaces in Derry as director Andy Muschietti reunites the Losers Club—young and adult—in a return to where it all began with “IT CHAPTER TWO.” The film is Muschietti’s follow-up to 2017’s critically acclaimed and massive worldwide box office hit “IT,” which grossed over $700 million globally. Both redefining and transcending the genre, “IT” became part of the cultural zeitgeist as well as the highest-grossing horror film of all time. Rated R. 169 Minutes. REGISTRATION REQUIRED due to the rating!

The movie will be shown in the AB Tech parking lot in the back of the campus on Persistence Drive.
The lot will open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at sunset, approximately 8 p.m. No “walk-in” viewers will be admitted. In case of inclement weather, the film will not be shown and the parking lot will be closed. Please visit our facebook page for updates.

ENTER/EXIT TRAFFIC FLOW: We ask that guests enter on Persistence Drive off Victoria Road, and exit to the left on Fernihurst to Victoria.
Food trucks will be on-site with food for purchase, and handwashing stations and portable toilets will be provided.
Maintaining six-foot social distancing and mask-wearing are required when viewers visit the food trucks or other facilities. Cars will be parked ten feet apart and viewers are encouraged to remain in their vehicles.

Friday, October 30, 2020
Win A Dirty Dancing Festival Weekend Getaway!
Oct 30 all-day
Online
September 24-25, 2021
Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC! Whether you’ve been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to win a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.
DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL GETAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE
* 2-night standard accommodations  at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival.
* 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend.
* 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court.
* 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night.
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). 

* One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours.
* 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 30 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

The Asheville Ballet presents Danse Macabre
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

We are happy to be able to present live dance in 2020, two nights in a row! Danse Macabre is a one act Halloween-themed story ballet featuring the artists of the Asheville Ballet.

Audience capacity is capped at 100.

Reserved seating only. Each section purchase will safely fit TWO people per social distancing guidelines. If your party is larger than two please purchase an adjacent section and combine. 

Come and join our artists on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, at 7:00pm, for an hour long presentation of classical and modern dance and theatre featuring the music of, among others, Camille Saint-Saëns, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Misfits!

No refund on tickets. Rain date will be Sunday November 1st at 7pm.

Saturday, October 31, 2020
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Oct 31 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Oct 31 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Beary Scary Halloween
Oct 31 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to create special Halloween enrichments for the animals and then trick-or-treat through the animal habitats area. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Oct 31 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Halloween Party
Oct 31 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Lookout Brewing Company

Image may contain: text that says 'LOOKOUT BREWING COMPANY'S HOWL-O HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY DOG COSTUME CONTEST HUMAN COSTUME CONTEST FIRE PIT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST 5PM-10-PM'

Even in times of 2020, we here at Lookout Brewing LOVE Halloween! We are throwing a little gathering for our fellow spooky friends. We will light the fire, play Halloween tunes and have a costume contest! If you haven’t seen our taproom yet, it’s all decked out for a haunted evening.
There is plenty of outdoor space for distancing and a diverse tap list for all your beer needs.

The Asheville Ballet presents Danse Macabre
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

We are happy to be able to present live dance in 2020, two nights in a row! Danse Macabre is a one act Halloween-themed story ballet featuring the artists of the Asheville Ballet.

Audience capacity is capped at 100.

Reserved seating only. Each section purchase will safely fit TWO people per social distancing guidelines. If your party is larger than two please purchase an adjacent section and combine. 

Come and join our artists on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, at 7:00pm, for an hour long presentation of classical and modern dance and theatre featuring the music of, among others, Camille Saint-Saëns, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Misfits!

No refund on tickets. Rain date will be Sunday November 1st at 7pm.

27 Club Asheville Halloween Dance Party
Oct 31 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
27 Club Asheville

No photo description available.

No-Frills Halloween Dance Party!

We all know: this year is different. So, this is the deal and it’s not fancy:

We have no DJ; it’s a play list with some of our favorite dance music.

You have to dance outside in our parking lot. And, wear a mask. And, dance six feet apart from people you don’t know. And, don’t take candy from strangers. Just joking. But, it’s a good rule in general.

We’ll probably have a costume contest but guess what the prize is. Nothing. Simply the honor of winning. Which is something.

If you’re out, stop by. We’d be honored to be a part of your celebration because it’s our most favoritest time of year.

21+

Sunday, November 1, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Nov 1 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Monday, November 2, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Nov 2 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Tuesday, November 3, 2020
“Find Your Color” Photo Contest Chimney Rock
Nov 3 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Fall “Find Your Color” Photo Contest

Time: Park hours
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Find Your Color” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. F

Smoky Mountain National Park Family Service Days
Nov 3 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cosby Campground, Tennessee

 

Clean out fire pits, pick up trash, and remove fallen debris to prepare for the enjoyment of future campers and help keep our wildlife wild!

Meeting Location: Cosby Campground, Tennessee

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Have you ever wondered what bear fur feels like?  Or how big and heavy an elk antler can become? After a picnic lunch, we’ll learn about the iconic animals of Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll have the opportunity to handle animal furs and antlers! 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.