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, September 24, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 24 all-day
online
Free Training on Persuasion and Improv
Sep 24 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online (Zoom)

RidgefieldToastmasters invites everyone to its online open house to meet members and watch special presentations on persuasion and improvisation.
After hearing a session on how to structure and develop an effective process for changing thinking or behavior, the meeting will switch to fun and useful examples of impromptu speeches and improvisation. The event will include a demonstration of an effective evaluation.
Ridgefield Toastmasters Open House
September 24, 2021
Online (Zoom)
Meeting ID 854 5701 5028
Noon until 1300 (Eastern)

The Problem of Alzheimer’s
Sep 24 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
MemoryCare

A discussion with author, Dr. Jason Karlawish, and MemoryCare Founder, Dr. Margaret Noel. “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” is a definitive and compelling book that traces the disease from its beginnings to its recognition as a crisis. Dr. Karlawish is an internationally recognized speaker, dementia expert, geriatrician, bioethicist, researcher, writer, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Hosted by MemoryCare, a local nonprofit that assists families affected by dementia, for virtual attendance via Zoom only.

12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021 Kick-Off Party
Sep 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Lure

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Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have 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.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Show-stopping Dance Performances

Live Music  by The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

The return of Hot Lake Lure Nights dance lessons
hosted by Coach Natalie Foreverland

A Message from PanCAN

Nighttime Lakeside Screening of Dirty Dancing

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Saturday, September 25, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 25 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 25 all-day
online
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Lure

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have 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.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

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Professional Dance Lessons to the Original
Movie Soundtrack

Film-Inspired Dance Performances by the Asheville Ballet

Top-notch  Live Music by  DJ Michael Sprouse,  Envision, and ACE Party Band.

Watermelon Races for PanCAN

Selfie  Portraits with scenes from Dirty Dancing filmed here in Lake Lure

A Car Show featuring the 1957 Chevy Bel Air “Swayze” look-alike car

A variety of Movie-inspired Games

The Lake Lift Competition

And much more!

 

Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WCU's Intramural Field

dancing in front of stage

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is diligently working to create a safe environment for everyone, whereby booths and seating are spaced for physical distancing.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: BURTON STREET GARDEN GATHERING
Sep 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
PEACE GARDENS & MARKET

The past, present, and future of African-Americans in Asheville is a story of resilience. Join
DeWayne Barton and Hood Huggers International for a Garden Gathering in the Peace Gardens
& Market in West Asheville. Hood Huggers builds greater communication, connection and
wealth in systematically marginalized neighborhoods in the Affrilachian region through
the arts, environment, and social enterprise. The Peace Gardens & Market–a labor of love in
the heart of the Burton Street Community–is a sanctuary for positive action, designed to
create neighborhood food security, community cohesion, and a vibrant, sustainable local
economy. The Gardens are also a vibrant sculpture park, featuring installations created by
DeWayne Barton and other artists, telling a compelling story of social and environmental
justice and black history. The Gardens will be activated with food, drink, art, music, poetry and
performance

Sunday, September 26, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 26 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 26 all-day
online
The Gathering Festival At Paint Rock Farm
Sep 26 all-day
Paint Rock Farm
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: FOOD STORIES
Sep 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
FUNKATORIUM

Food is universal and central to all our lives. Chow Chow brings together diverse community
leaders who will be paired with chefs to tell their stories through food. Each lived experience
will inspire a multi-course, paired beverage tasting dinner, interpreting the personal stories
through food. The Chefs & Narrators will share with us their stories, and the process for
transforming a life story into a meal

Monday, September 27, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 27 all-day
online
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 28 all-day
online
Tacos + Trivia Tuesday
Sep 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog

Tacos & Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Tacos & Trivia!

Twisted Roots will be cooking up a variety of tacos and authentic sides (vegetarian options available) starting at 5 pm.

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for good food, a good time, and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 29 all-day
online
Trivia Night at Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
Sep 29 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Dust off your thinking caps, grab your friends, and join us for Trivia Night at the taproom every Wednesday at 6pm!

Witty Wednesday Trivia
Sep 29 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 30 all-day
online
Friday, October 1, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Oct 1 all-day
online
Saturday, October 2, 2021
InterBeing Festival
Oct 2 all-day
Samasati Sanctuary Retreat Center

We are excited to launch the first annual InterBeing Festival—A Celebration of Community!

It will be on Saturday, October 2, from 1-10 pm.

Schedule of Offerings (at Main Stage):
1:00 Doors open
2-2:30 Opening Ceremony – Yona (Cherokee wisdom-keeper) and others
3-4 Breathwork – Rajyo & Vinit
4-5 Sound Journey – Alex & Taylor
5-6 Kirtan – Rudy & Elizabeth
6-7:30 Potluck Dinner – bring something to eat or drink to share (veg only please)
7:30-8:15 Community Circle – what’s important to share at this time?
8:30-9:20 One Heart Band (Vinit’s band)
9:20-10 DJ dance – celebrate the stars!

Samasati Sanctuary Retreat Center
1700 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
Samasatisanctuary.org

Festival Venues:
Main Stage, a gorgeous 10-sided event canopy with stage, lights, sound, etc.
Tea Lounge, hosted by Elizabeth — Samasa-Tea Lounge: Festival Chill Zone
Fire Circle, hosted by Skylar — Igniting the Fire Within: an intimate council sharing

The Land: 11 beautiful acres of forest & meadows, with trails & sacred altars to explore

Registration:
$20 advance / $25 at the venue (a change from previous communication)
Limit 75 – likely to sell out
Register here: samasatisanctuary.org/festival

Parking: we can accommodate the first 15 cars here in our driveway; after that, you will be directed to the overflow parking area—it’s about 300 feet uphill slope walk to the Festival.

Information:
828.484.8579
[email protected]

Festival Hosts:
Rajyo & Vinit

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Oct 2 all-day
online
Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard’s Harvest Fall Festival
Oct 2 all-day
Ross Farm

Harvest Fall Festival + Meet and Greet with Lauren and the App Standard Family!
October 2nd, 2021 from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Explore our beautiful greenhouses and enjoy games, live music, food trucks, curated vendors selling art, craft, CBD products, and much more in one of Asheville’s most remarkable locales.

It’s our favorite time of the year! Harvest season is quickly approaching, and we at Ross Farms want to celebrate by inviting the Asheville community to our very own Harvest Fall Festival. We will have an exciting line-up full of great live music, including bluegrass, Buddhagraph Spaceship, and Appalachian Standard’s very own Substandards. Food will be available, with Ciao Y’all joining us and providing delicious Appalachian-inspired Italian cuisine as well as New Orleans Cusine sharing traditional New Orleans style cuisine. We will also have a ton of fall-themed games, including pumpkin tic-tac-toe and a mechanical bull. In addition, different featured artisans will be selling their wares and the greenhouse will be open and selling seasonal plants!

Some of our feature artisans include Red’s Resin Relics, Early-Zald Photography, and twentyfirstlotus.

The Harvest Fall Festival is free to the public. Parking is available on site, however can be limited so it is recommended that groups carpool. This is an outdoor event. Masks are encouraged. The first 100 people to join us will win a goodie bag!

Appalachian Standard is a veteran-owned, craft hemp farm and greenhouse nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Our hemp is greenhouse, field, and indoor-grown in small batches year-round by a team of experienced growers. Come experience music in one heck of a unique venue!

Just Brew It
Oct 2 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

Just Brew It is a homebrew competition and tasting in Asheville benefiting the work of Just Economics. The festival features close to 100 different beers and more than 40 amazing homebrewers. The competing homebrewers are some of the finest specialty homebrewers in the region.

You must be an individual member of Just Economics to attend Just Brew It.

Opening Event for Hominy Rising – Arts & Awareness on the Hominy Greenway
Oct 2 @ 3:56 pm – 6:56 pm
Hominy Creek Greenway

Hominy Rising – Arts & Awareness on the Greenway: The Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a reflection on the history, ecology and beauty of our Greenway. As part of this celebration we are hosting an art exhibition which will consist of temporary, outdoor art installations and an opening event with live performances including music and dance!

Sunday, October 3, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Oct 3 all-day
online
Asheville Veganfest 2021
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park

We are thrilled to announce that Asheville Veganfest will be held again this year in Pack Square on October 3 2021 from 11am-6pm. We will have food, clothing, and artisan booths showing the best there is on the vegan market. Our 2021 event is being presented by Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge!
There will be a DJ on the stage and live music performing in the back section.

Mountain Makers Craft Market
Oct 3 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Haywood Square Plaza

Mountain Makers Craft Market is a monthly indie art fair designed to cultivate community in Western NC. Located in Downtown Waynesville, we bring together 20+ artisans selling handmade and vintage goods that’ll make you smile! Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 12p-4p at 308 N. Haywood Street, and visit MountainMakersMarket.com