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 12, 2019
Chair Arch Unveiling & Curve Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration RAD
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Curve Studios

Silver River Center for Chair Caning, the only chair caning school and museum in the USA, has created an 8 ft tall chair arch to honor Torno’s three decades of contributions to the RAD. Built by chair nerds, Brandy Clements, Dave Klingler, and Lucy Kruesel, the CURVE garden Chair Arch is inspired by a chair arch built in 1877 by the furniture makers of High Wycombe, UK to welcome Queen Victoria. The Chair Arch will be unveiled @ 4:30pm in the garden with a bit of the bubbly.

10am to 6pm                    Extended Open Studio Hours • all studios

2pm                                  Cassie Butcher Artist Talk “Unearthing the Soul “ • 5 downstairs

4 to 6pm                          Happy Hour • drinks and snacks in the garden Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

4:30pm                            Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

5pm                                 CURVE 30th Birthday Cake cutting • 5 downstairs

CURVE Studios 30th Birthday Celebration is free to the public. Plenty of parking is available at CURVE and in two adjacent public lots & a free trolley will be available to take visitors around the River Arts District from 11am to 5pm. This event will happen, rain or shine!

Multi-Kiln Opening Celebration
Oct 12 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Village Potters Clay Center

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The event will include rotating demonstrations in Raku, large-pot-throwing, carving and other surface design treatments. Over 1000 pots from the Raku, oxidation, gas, and wood ash kilns will be for sale, and the gallery will feature a special exhibit titled “Women of Influence: Honoring women who shape us”. Patrons who make any purchases in the gallery will automatically be entered to win a very special prize, and events will take place throughout the entire facility.

The annual Multi-Kiln Opening has become a highlight of the year at The Village Potters Clay Center, giving the public a chance to see the expanded facility and experience the full spectrum of works being produced by six resident potters, as well as learn about new things happening. In 2019, for instance, a newly created Hands-On Workshop was inaugurated, and several more workshops are planned for later this year and into 2020. And in addition to the continued growth of the Clay Distribution Center, where area potters and teaching facilities can stock up on Laguna Clay, attendees will be able to see models of and place orders for the “Clontz Kiln”, a portable Raku kiln, and the “Rolland Kiln”, a reduction kiln design by TVPCC co-founder George Rolland.

The festivities, which are also taking place during American Craft Week, occur on Second Saturday in the River Arts District, and so patrons may enjoy a free trolley between 11am-4pm throughout the area.

 

 

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 12 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 12 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Bryson City Depot

 

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

 

Call for art: 13th Annual “Anything Goes…Everything Shows!”
Oct 12 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

uncensored free-style mail art show using the postal system as a medium. ALL submissions received by mail WILL be exhibited. ANY medium, size, shape or theme! ANYONE can enter!

Mail artists typically exchange ephemera in the form of illustrated letters; zines; rubberstamped, decorated, or illustrated envelopes; artist trading cards; postcards; artistamps; faux postage; mail-interviews; naked mail; friendship books, decos and three-dimensional objects. Based on Dada and Fluxus art movements, such as by Ray Johnson from Black Mountain College, mail art can range from pop art to found objects to just about any medium. You don’t need to be an artist, just decorate something and put a stamp on it and our address, if it makes it through the post office to us, we will exhibit your work! Don’t put it in a box!!! Don’t hide your art and expression! Let all who touch it experience its journey! Just stamp and mail.

Deadline: Postmark by Oct. 7, 2019

Any medium, size, shape or theme! if you can stamp it, send it!
NON-RETURNABLE. No entry fee. Not for sale. Cannot be hand-delivered.

Mail entry to:
Carlos Steward/Flood Gallery
P.O. Box 9907
Asheville, NC 28815

Opening: Sat, Oct. 12 • 6-9pm
Live Music by The Greenblues (Americana/Blues/Folk)
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Sunday, October 13, 2019
Muse on the Loose
Oct 13 all-day
Sugar Britches

Spend a weekend with Artist and Creativity Coach, Elizabeth Foley, nurturing yourself with creative play. Experiencing a transformational art process that will embolden and reignite the creative spirit that lives inside you.

Let go of the resistance that holds you back from committing to creative expression and feel the power of being in community as we share laughter and deep connection with a small group of supportive, encouraging women.

When we allow ourselves the freedom to express our unique creative voice we open space to feel more freedom, more alignment with our true selves and a heightened sense of wellbeing.

Join us for Muse on the Loose and return to your life inspired by your self-discovery and creative expansiveness.

This is art for anyone – no experience or skills necessary!

Carolina Bonsai Expo @ The NC Arboretum
Oct 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Property

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 13 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 13 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Bryson City Depot

 

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Storytime & Art Enka-Candler Library
Oct 16 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Enka-Candler Library on third Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Thursday, October 17, 2019
ha!ppenings
Oct 17 all-day
ha!

Visit ha! for Third Thursdays Marshall as we celebrate…so many things! Playful and show-stopping Kantha cloth jackets and vests by local artist Janice Schmidt, needle felted flora and fauna objects by Heidi Bleacher, new works in the shop for fall and holiday and Marshall’s own Walnut Schoolhouse serving up decadent Scandinavian treats. And let’s raise a toast to the a in ha!, Amber M. Jensen, for bringing home the Our State Magazine “Made in NC” win with our Classic Patchwork Pack. We can’t wait to invite you in!

Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

nc craft fair, asheville arts festival, nc pottery, nc clay, asheville events

Meet the artisans of the Southern Highlands exhibiting contemporary & traditional works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, & jewelry.

Thursday – Saturday, 10 – 6pm

Sunday, 10 – 5pm

Storytime & Art Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Oct 17 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Skyland/South Buncombe Library on third Thursdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Caitlin Donovan: “In The way of all Flesh”
Oct 17 @ 6:30 pm
Firestorm bookstore

A new spooky book just in time for Halloween.  Caitlin Donovan will present works from  her young adult book “In The way of all Flesh” a paranormal fantasy novel; October 17th at 6:30 at the Firestorm bookstore in West Asheville. There will be giveaways, snacks and a Q&A session. Donovan has written for several magazines and blogs including Cracked, Anime feminist and Epicstream. She currently lives in Asheville and is working on a new book. For more information please  visit caitlinalisedonovan.com###

LaZoom Comedy: Kevin O’Brien
Oct 17 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Kevin O’Brien is Brooklyn based comedian, DJ, writer, and overall expressionist. A regular at clubs and colleges across the country he has opened for some of the biggest names in comedy from Dave Chappelle to Irene from “The Real World.” He has been featured on Viceland, the A.V. Club, and NPR. His comedy has been described as, “Very funny, very depressing” by Youtube commenter Ssgt Griggs. He has also appeared at a number of festivals including TruTv’s High Plains Comedy Festival, Laughing Devil Comedy Festival, and Fest in Gainesville.

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-kevin-obrien-tickets-70194548785

Friday, October 18, 2019
Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 18 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

nc craft fair, asheville arts festival, nc pottery, nc clay, asheville events

Meet the artisans of the Southern Highlands exhibiting contemporary & traditional works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, & jewelry.

Thursday – Saturday, 10 – 6pm

Sunday, 10 – 5pm

The Trail Mixer featuring Local Adventure Pop Up Shop
Oct 18 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

If you’re keen to explore Asheville but don’t know where to go, then don’t miss Diamond Brand Outdoors Local Adventure Pop-Up Shop at Aloft Asheville Downtown’s Wxyz Bar. We’ll have our local experts there to share their favorite hikes, gear essentials, and uniquely Asheville souvenir suggestions.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 18 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Bryson City Depot

 

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

 

Saturday, October 19, 2019
Art and Architecture Day in Hendersonville
Oct 19 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Center for Art & Inspiration
Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

nc craft fair, asheville arts festival, nc pottery, nc clay, asheville events

Meet the artisans of the Southern Highlands exhibiting contemporary & traditional works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, & jewelry.

Thursday – Saturday, 10 – 6pm

Sunday, 10 – 5pm

Open Studio Art Tour at Grovewood Village
Oct 19 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grovewood Village

Grovewood Village will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided.

Close-up of Carl Powell's hands working on a glass sculpture in his Grovewood Village studio.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Landscapes of Southern Appalachia by Shawn Krueger Opening Reception
Oct 19 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grovewood Gallery

Landscape oil painting by artist Shawn Krueger titled Daybreak: Hot Springs.

Join us at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, October 19 from 2 – 5pm for the opening of Landscapes of Southern Appalachia, a solo exhibition of work by contemporary landscape painter Shawn Krueger. This event is free and open to the public. The show will remain on view through Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shawn Krueger received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Calvin College in the late 90s. His approach to painting is rooted in the American Arts & Crafts and Tonalist traditions – both based on love and respect for nature, hand-craftsmanship, and good design. Landscapes of Southern Appalachia will feature studio works from plein air studies Krueger did on his recent travels in and around Western North Carolina.

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 19 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Bryson City Depot

 

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

 

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.

Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

nc craft fair, asheville arts festival, nc pottery, nc clay, asheville events

Meet the artisans of the Southern Highlands exhibiting contemporary & traditional works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, & jewelry.

Thursday – Saturday, 10 – 6pm

Sunday, 10 – 5pm

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 20 @ 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Party
Oct 20 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

Join Aloft and Charlie’s Angels for a howling good time at our Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Party on Sunday, October 20! From 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., party with your pooches and compete in our costume contests to win fun prizes. Lounge around w xyz Bar for drink specials and tasty treats for humans and dogs alike.

Does your pup have what it takes to strut their stuff? Check-in for the dog parade and costume contest begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by the parade and costume contest at 5:00 p.m. Furry friends can be registered based on small, medium or large breeds and the top three winners will receive a prize! All dogs who enter the contest will receive a treat and owners will receive a $5 voucher to w xyz Bar.

Are you and your pup a package deal? Enter in our dog and family costume contest for the change to take home the first-place prize! Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the contest will begin at 6:00 p.m.

A minimum $5 donation is required for entry. Call 828-232-2838 for more details and be sure to RSVP on Facebook. We’ll see you there!

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Railroad Smokey Mountains
Oct 20 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Bryson City Depot

 

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:

  • campfire marshmallows
  • coloring station
  • temporary tattoos
  • trick or treating
  • bouncy house (weather permitting)
  • wagon rides

And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Unique ikebana techniques, Demonstration and Workshop
Oct 22 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Unique techniques of leaf manipulation will be demonstrated by Suzanne Dillingham of the Ichiyo School. Leaves can be changed beyond recognition and provoke a bit of mystery.

A ‘Friendship Through Flowers’ workshop will follow and is open to members and non-members with a paid RSVP. This is an unusual opportunity for non members to participate with skilled ikebanists and stretch their imagination.

Demonstration is free. For workshop participation, contact Suzanne Dillingham by October 18 for details and payment of $20: [email protected]

For more information on our programs, teachers and workshops, contact Lynn Forbes, Chapter President, 828-273.2222; [email protected] or www.ikebanaasheville.org