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.

Friday, October 11, 2019
BalletX Matinee at Diana Wortham
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

BalletX, October 11, 2019 at 10AM - Matinee Series

BalletX 
Friday, October 11, 2019 at  10am
Recommended for Grades 5-12

Diana Wortham Theatre
BalletX’s website

Experience a unique mix of original, dynamic choreography from a company whose dancers have been hailed as “among America’s best” by The New York Times. Inspiring for children and adults alike BalletX challenges the boundaries of classical ballet with contemporary works of athleticism, emotion and grace.

Group reservations:
Download the 2019/2020 Matinee Series Order Form + Y.E.S. Fund Application


TICKETS
$10 for Individuals – Call the box office at 828-257-4530.

$9 for Groups of 11 or more – Download the Matinee Series Reservation Form / Y.E.S. Fund Application

For school groups of 11 or more: 1 free teacher ticket per every 10 students. Deposit of $1 per ticket required for groups.
Need-based scholarships available

Visit the Matinee Series page
Visit the Youth Education Scholarship (Y.E.S.) page

Visit the Matinee Series page
Visit the Youth Education Scholarship (Y.E.S.) page
Literacy Changing Lives Tour
Oct 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Literacy Council

Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.

Space is limited. Please RSVP below and click here to use the driving directions from our website.

Saturday, October 12, 2019
107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

Sunday, October 13, 2019
15th anniversary Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
near Asheville

The Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference is a weekend for women to learn, celebrate and connect. Come share inspiration, celebration and practical learning about earth-based healing and women’s health. Surrounded by the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, our venue at Kanuga Lake offers a serene backdrop for over 50 workshops and classes in herbalism, nutrition, personal growth and natural healing.

2019 featured speakers include Karen Rose, Sally Fallon, Dr. Jody Noe, Gina Breedlove and many more!

For all of the details and easy online registration visit www.sewisewomen.com

Southeast Wise Woman Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center

conferencelogo

The Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference was inspired by the thriving herbal conferences for women in the Northeast, Northwest, and California, which were founded in the 1990’s. After many years of running Red Moon Herbs and teaching herbal medicine for women, Corinna Wood—student and apprentice of  Wise Woman Herbalist Susun Weed—recognized that the Southeast, too, would be eager for this kind of gathering. From our first annual event in 2005 with 200 women attending, we quickly discovered that the community was more than ready, that this event is filling a deep hunger for the Wise Woman Ways in this region. The conference now has a heart and soul of its own. For many, it has become an annual event—with over a thousand women, the October gathering is a tradition in education, inspiration, and sisterhood.

3 Full days of workshops, intensives, gatherings and more.

For a complete schedule visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HcEve8IzhO29Qt_ZFRQXF3jcXtsffDk31v5HEbUNm_A/edit#gid=2075348263

Monday, October 14, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 14 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Electrical Journeyman Test: Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50.
  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Electrical Journeyman Test
Oct 15 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

 

 

 

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Electrical Journeyman Test: Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50.
  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 17 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

Friday, October 18, 2019
EVENT PLANNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Oct 18 all-day
WCU Biltmore Park
  • It’s critical for planners to know how to effectively organize, budget and market a variety of different events to keep the company in the green, out of trouble, and on the minds of donors, business partners, and customers. Earning a certificate in Event Planning will expose you to the many different facets of being an event planner from managing people and projects to increasing exposure and dollars for your organization. Participants can earn a certificate by attending six of the designated event planning workshops (EP), which are offered each semester. Participants do not enroll in the certificate program, but rather complete the workshops at their own pace. Workshops are offered each semester (spring and fall) on either Thursday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at WCU at Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC.

    Instructors will distribute a case study at the end of each EP workshop, and participants submit the case studies to the program coordinator when all 6 workshops are completed to complete the final requirement for the certificate. The workshop instructors include professionals from the Western North Carolina business and hospitality industry and faculty from Western Carolina University.

    Complete 6 of the below EP workshops and earn a certificate.

    Fee: $119 per workshop or register for 6 workshops for $640 (a 10% discount!) Workshops include lunch and continuing education credits.

  • FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Friday, August 16, 2019
  • MAKING EVERY PENNY COUNT: EVENT BUDGETING 101 Friday, September 20, 2019
  • CURRENT & TESTED SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL MARKETING  Friday, October 18, 2019
  • ENGAGE, STRATEGIZE, CULTIVATE – THE ART OF SECURING EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Thursday, October 24, 2019
  • MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN FROM TRADESHOWS, EXPOS AND FAIRS Thursday, November 7, 2019
  • CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, LIABILITY AND RISK FACTORS Friday, November 22, 2019
Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 18 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

80s vs 90s Dance Party
Oct 18 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Saturday, October 19, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 19 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 19 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

Farm Game Challenge
Oct 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC AG Center
The Antique Engine & Tractor Club will host “The Farm Game Challenge” set for Saturday October 19th at the Western North Carolina Ag Center.
Teams of four to five Teen’s are encouraged to participate in the Farm Games, which will include but not be limited to Straw/Hay Bale Stacking Timed Event , Corn Shucking Timed Event, Corn On the Cob Eating Timed Event, Sheath Toss, and other games.  The Teams will compete against each other with an elimination challenge.  Small Children will get to “Find the Prize” in the Straw/Hay Stack.
All Four Henderson County High Schools have been notified of the games and are encouraged to submit teams to the Farm Game Challenge.  Teams within each school will compete to see which Team will represent it against the other High Schools, Winning teams from each school will compete against each other to claim First Prize in the Farm Games.
To sign up for the Farm Games, please e mail [email protected] with name of team, and  team members.  Teams may be all male, all female, or Co-ed. Teams are limited to Four to Five Members.
The 34th Fall Harvest Days run from October 17-19,2019.  Antique Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Food and Kids activities will be available.  Antique Tractor Pull, Saturday.
For more information contact the web site www.applecountry.org
Bears Bees + Brews
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

We’re celebrating and learning about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation from trusted organizations, while enjoying lively, family-friendly entertainment, sweet+savory bites, and tasty brews, all in one place.

Join our guest list and spread the word.

We’ll see you there! ???

Fall Stargazing and Cosmic Storytelling
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join local astronomer and author Stephan Martin on a tour of the stars and constellations of the fall night sky above the farm. We’ll discuss some of the myths of the constellations along with the seasonal changes in the sky at this time as well as some of the latest discoveries in astronomy and theories of the universe. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Sunday, October 20, 2019
49th Annual LEAF Festival
Oct 20 all-day
Lake Eden

Image result for leaf festival asheville nc

Fall-leaf-lineup-2019

LEAF Festival sits below Mt. Mitchell with mountain lakes and rolling hills with 600 stunning acres featuring rustic cabins, large camping fields with mountain views, hiking trails,  barns, streams, and lakes for canoeing, swimming, and the zooming zipline. This enchanting land offers lots of outdoors adventures for the whole family!

The 1st LEAF Festival premiered Fall 1996, and has become a tradition twice a year, May and October. The name Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) was chosen to honor the lake and the former Lake Eden Inn & Resort. “Arts” embraces a broad creative palate and of course it was to be a “festival”. In envisioning LEAF, we sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. The location and size, attendance is limited to 6,000  people on site per day, makes LEAF Festival one of the best small festivals in the world. The right place, the right size.

DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 20 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
Monday, October 21, 2019
Financial Permaculture – How to Start Your Own Community Savings Pool
Oct 21 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Lenoir-Rhyne University

Join us for the evening for this practical training organized by Co-operate WNC

(a regional mutual aid network), Transition Asheville, and Lenoir Rhyne University.

A community savings pool is a resource-sharing technique whereby a trusted group of 15-25 people

pool their individual savings and then collectively loan money to each other for personal needs and

goals, community projects, business startups and expansions and so on.

Co-operate WNC has identified savings pools as one of the most powerful strategies to

pursue its mission: empowering a regional society of local organizers to grow a mutual aid

network of physical community centers that meet human needs and act as organizing hubs

for climate resilience.

We’ll play a savings pool game, and briefly discuss other cooperative financial tools and mutual aid

practices to improve your community’s life, respond to climate chaos, and grow a regenerative culture

and economy in our region. This discussion will include considerations around the bigger picture of

equity and access in our region and how our community organizing activities can either reinforce or

transform oppressive historical patterns.

You’ll leave with a tangible sense of how to organize and run a savings pool, the benefits

and risks of participation, tools for doing it successfully, and next steps in your own life for

starting or participating in one.

Please consider attending this event with some friends/family/colleagues, as the hope is that you can

go home and start a savings circle with people you trust.

 

Thursday, October 24, 2019
EVENT PLANNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Oct 24 all-day
WCU Biltmore Park
  • It’s critical for planners to know how to effectively organize, budget and market a variety of different events to keep the company in the green, out of trouble, and on the minds of donors, business partners, and customers. Earning a certificate in Event Planning will expose you to the many different facets of being an event planner from managing people and projects to increasing exposure and dollars for your organization. Participants can earn a certificate by attending six of the designated event planning workshops (EP), which are offered each semester. Participants do not enroll in the certificate program, but rather complete the workshops at their own pace. Workshops are offered each semester (spring and fall) on either Thursday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at WCU at Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC.

    Instructors will distribute a case study at the end of each EP workshop, and participants submit the case studies to the program coordinator when all 6 workshops are completed to complete the final requirement for the certificate. The workshop instructors include professionals from the Western North Carolina business and hospitality industry and faculty from Western Carolina University.

    Complete 6 of the below EP workshops and earn a certificate.

    Fee: $119 per workshop or register for 6 workshops for $640 (a 10% discount!) Workshops include lunch and continuing education credits.

  • FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Friday, August 16, 2019
  • MAKING EVERY PENNY COUNT: EVENT BUDGETING 101 Friday, September 20, 2019
  • CURRENT & TESTED SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL MARKETING  Friday, October 18, 2019
  • ENGAGE, STRATEGIZE, CULTIVATE – THE ART OF SECURING EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Thursday, October 24, 2019
  • MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN FROM TRADESHOWS, EXPOS AND FAIRS Thursday, November 7, 2019
  • CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, LIABILITY AND RISK FACTORS Friday, November 22, 2019
Asheville residents City-owned downtown properties Council Meeting
Oct 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

The City of Asheville is moving forward with the  creation of a master concept plan for City-owned properties on Haywood Street and Page Avenue. With the help of the award-winning consultant team Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, residents can anticipate up to three conceptual designs for Council consideration for the acre of land at the intersection of Haywood and Page in downtown Asheville.

The two public sessions will take place on October 24 at the , 87 Haywood St., and on site around the property.

  • Meeting #1:

    • Noon — Food truck lunch at 68 Haywood Street and site walk-throughs

    • 1:15 p.m. — Presentation at U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

  • Meeting #2:

    • 5:30 p.m. — Food truck dinner at 68 Haywood Street and site walk-throughs

    • 6:45 p.m. — Presentation at U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

During the meetings  the consultant team will walk residents through a mapping exercise, followed by a site walk with community dossiers at key points of interest in and around the site.

During this phase, the primary objective will focus on creating bold and vibrant designs for the Haywood/Page property. Based on the meetings, the City and the consultant team will bring back designs to the community in winter.

Lunch and dinner will be provided. Parking  in the Civic Center Garage is free of charge, attendees should see staff for a validation sticker. RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Register here. For more information, please visit ashevillenc.gov.

City Dance
Oct 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, October 25, 2019
Asheville Alleyway Kidnapper
Oct 25 – Nov 2 all-day
Escape Out

This is an immersive experience,in Downtown Asheville. It’s not just a Haunted House, it’s a survival experience.

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair
Oct 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center,

THE FAIR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Join us for 3 days of fun for the entire family! See spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, sheep, goats and much more! Join a workshop class to improve your skills or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearables.

Friday The 25th w/ Dj Audio + Brent Brown
Oct 25 @ 9:00 pm – Oct 26 @ 2:00 am
Ole Shakeys Getaway

On Friday OCT the 25th, DJ AUDIO + Brent Brown are coming to Ole Shakey’s to kill everything! Get ready to dance that ass off to big beats under the most amazing light show ever . Music Powered by the Hottest Dj’s in the city. NO COVER. 21+. RSVP NOW & Tag a friend!

Saturday, October 26, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 26 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
HAUNTED GROVE HOUSE INFERNO 2019
Oct 26 all-day
The Grove House

#1 HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

3-DANCE FLOORS ~ 4-DJ’s ~ 5-BARS

THREE VENUES / ONE PRICE

$1,000 COSTUME CONTEST

The GROVE HOUSE Entertainment Complex is famous for the scariest and BEST annual Halloween costume and dance party in WNC! This year will be the most frightening and fun to-date!

You’ll be terrified by monsters lurking around every corner…beware as you walk through each themed-area dripping with creepy décor. You will succumb to your fears as you migrate throughout the HAUNTED GROVE HOUSE INFERNO’s three levels – themed to Dante’s Nine Circles of Hell.

Enchanted Forest

Descent

Disembodied Heretics

Spider Chasm

Psychedelic Passage

Limbo

Lost Souls

Abyss

THREE LEVELS OF DANCING

4-DJ’s playing a variety of music genres

REMEMBER!!! – $1,000 IN CASH COSTUME CONTEST…so deck-out in your most terrifying best (or worst), and you may end the night with a fist-full of cash! Gates open at 9pm and ONE price gives you access to the ENTIRE complex (Club Eleven On Grove, Scandals Nightclub, and BOILER ROOM.)

Gates open at 9pm (18 & over)

Contest registration/pre-judging from 9:30pm-12:30am

Contest on main stage at 1am

Closing is at 3am

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair
Oct 26 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center,

THE FAIR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Join us for 3 days of fun for the entire family! See spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, sheep, goats and much more! Join a workshop class to improve your skills or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearables.