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.

Thursday, September 20, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. History Gathering
Sep 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Leicester History Gathering, meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm.  Different local history topic discussed each month.

Friday, September 21, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 21 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Snapshots of Summer Photo Contest
Sep 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  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 FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Downtown After 5
Sep 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The 30th anniversary season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, kicks off Friday, May 18 from 5-9pm. Downtown After 5 takes place the 3rd Friday of the month May – September and is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 22, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 22 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Korean Culture Show
Sep 22 @ 2:00 pm
TC Roberson High School Gymnasium

Discounted tickets are on sale now for the K-Wave Korean Culture Show that will be held at TC Roberson High School on September 22, 2018 (http://kaanow.com/).

Youth tickets (ages 6-13) – $15 each
Adult tickets (ages 14 and up) – $20 each

Starting September 17th, ticket prices will increase to $20 each for Youth and $30 each for Adults.

You can buy tickets online or at any of these locations:

-Tiger Bang’s Martial Arts Academy (http://www.tigerkicks.com/)
-Korean House (https://www.koreanhousenc.com/)
-Kim’s Oriental Food and Gifts (http://kimsorientalfoodgifts.placeweb.site/)
-Lee’s Asian Market (https://www.facebook.com/LeesAsianMarket/)
-Nu Way Cleaners (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nu-Way-Cleaners/123563057697108)
-Kim’s Alterations (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kims-Alterations/103023333378073)

Sunday, September 23, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 23 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets
Sep 23 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets
First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets @ Asheville Outlets |  |  |

SAVE THE DATE for the first annual Give to the Music Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a special VIP Hour from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by iHeart Radio – Asheville and Ingles Markets, will feature a variety of wines from across the region.

Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the gate. Ticket cost includes live music, wine sampling, food tastings, educational seminars, games and more! Visit www.shopashevilleoutlets.com to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets. If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact Toni Pisani at [email protected], 828-279-6396. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

First Annual Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets
Sep 23 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

SAVE THE DATE for the first annual Give to the Music Wine & Jazz Fest at Asheville Outlets Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a special VIP Hour from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by iHeart Radio – Asheville and Ingles Markets, will feature a variety of wines from across the region.

Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the gate. Ticket cost includes live music, wine sampling, food tastings, educational seminars, games and more! Visit www.shopashevilleoutlets.com to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets. If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact Toni Pisani at [email protected], 828-279-6396. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

Monday, September 24, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 24 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Ask the Gardener
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Do you have a gardening question? Looking to get that mystery plant identified? Need pruning advice? The North Carolina Arboretum is proud to introduce its newest educational series, “Ask the Gardener.” Every Monday from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, April through October, gardening experts will be on-site in the Arboretum’s Library, located upstairs in the Education Center, to help members and visitors address both common and unique gardening and landscape questions. The Arboretum’s extensive resource book collection will also be available for use by participants. The program is free, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are welcomed.

Don’t get stumped! Let the Arboretum’s gardening experts help.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 25 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 26 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Thursday, September 27, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 27 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

City Dance
Sep 27 @ 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, September 28, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 28 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Saturday, September 29, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 29 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Nature Alliance Club
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Meeting

To gather and to know each other

Nature Alliance Club
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Meeting

To meet and to know each other. Please joint us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nature-Alliance-Club-1948564375210747/

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Low Cost Rabies Clinic
Sep 29 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Low Cost Rabies Clinic

‘Moving with Makers:’ an NC Dance Festival Workshop for Area Students
Sep 29 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville School

Join Asheville School for a dance technique and repertory workshop with NC Dance Festival Touring Artists Kristen Taylor Duncan and Megan Mazarick. Open to students in 8th – 12th grade.
The NC Dance Festival is an annual festival produced by the Dance Project that aims to support the creation of new choreography and the presentation of high-quality repertory, build and strengthen relationships between dance artists within North Carolina and provide access to and education about modern and contemporary dance to audiences and students. The festival presents work by some of the best modern dance choreographers in the state. This year, the festival has performances in Asheville, Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro.

In conjunction with the NC Dance Festival Asheville performances, the Asheville School Fine Arts Program will host “Moving with Makers,” a dance technique and repertory workshop featuring two NC Dance Festival artists on Saturday, September 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for area students in eighth through twelfth grades. The workshop will take place in the Walker Arts Center’s Graham Theater on Asheville School’s campus.

Students are invited to join NC Dance Festival artists Kristin Taylor Duncan and Megan Mazarick for an afternoon of movement. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a technique class and learn selected repertory while gathering insight into the artists’ choreographic approaches.

This class pairs with the NC Dance Festival’s opening show, which will take place at the BeBe Theater in Asheville on Friday, September 28. The show will feature the work of four NC Dance Festival artists, including Duncan and Mazarick. By pairing the workshop with the evening performances, students will gain a deeper perspective into the world of working artists.

For more information or to sign up for “Moving with Makers,” contact Asheville School Chair of Fine Arts Kathy Leiner at [email protected] or 828-215-2410. Workshop tickets are $5 or free with the purchase of tickets to the NC Dance Festival in Asheville: Bebe Theater.

Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
Sep 29 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain
COST: $40 general; $20 for Bridge Club
Enjoy rare after-dark tours of Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents. Limited to 48 participants. Registration opens Sept. 1.

Sunday, September 30, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Sep 30 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Sep 30 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.

Monday, October 1, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Oct 1 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Ask the Gardener
Oct 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Do you have a gardening question? Looking to get that mystery plant identified? Need pruning advice? The North Carolina Arboretum is proud to introduce its newest educational series, “Ask the Gardener.” Every Monday from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, April through October, gardening experts will be on-site in the Arboretum’s Library, located upstairs in the Education Center, to help members and visitors address both common and unique gardening and landscape questions. The Arboretum’s extensive resource book collection will also be available for use by participants. The program is free, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are welcomed.

Don’t get stumped! Let the Arboretum’s gardening experts help.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Oct 2 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are rquired. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Guided Trail Walk (Free)
Oct 2 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.

Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.