Calendar of Events
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.
Family friendly fun. try out the various games and challenges provided by Buncombe County Recreation Services. Face painters, popcorn, Fire Truck and much more. This is a FREE event.
This annual mountain family tradition is free and open to kids, teens, and adults of all ages. This year’s theme, Get Curious About the Outdoors, is inspired by the adventures of Curious George that feature themes of learning, forgiveness, and playful curiosity. Festival goers are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite children’s book characters or in another costume.
“Autumn is a special time at Lake Julian, with vibrant colors on the trees and crisp air that’s distinct to our area,” according to Lynn Pegg, Buncombe County Recreation Services Program Manager. “This year, the Fall Festival celebrates the creativity and boundless imagination of Buncombe County’s youngest citizens throughout the park.”
Festival games include an obstacle course, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, ring toss, baseball target, foam bow and arrow, and alphabet walk. Free face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and storytelling areas will be set up within Lake Julian Road, the main loop in in the park. Regular park amenities including the pirate-themed playground (installed in 2018), volleyball, horseshoes, picnic tables, walking trails, and disc golf are also accessible at no cost.
Fishing, paddleboats, water trikes, and a boat launch are available for a small fee. Food will be offered for purchase from Frank & Steins Hot Dogs, Kona Shaved Ice, and Papa John’s Pizza. Publix has provided supplies for a free cupcake decorating station. Free water stations are sponsored by Mountain Valley Spring Water. (Please bring your reusable water bottle.)
Other stations include Asheville Museum of Science (learning activities), Buncombe County Fire Marshal (kids’ fire house), Buncombe County Libraries South Asheville Branch (story time), Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BEAR CAT tactical vehicle and K9 handler), Lakeview Putt and Play (mini golf), Skyland Fire and Rescue (fire engine), Smokey the Bear and the United States Forest Service (outdoor education), and WNC Safe Kids (safety information).
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.
Celebrating our 5th year in Mills River, Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest welcomes thousands of lederhosen-clad and dirndl-sporting beer lovers to hoist a stein and Prost like a Pro! Join us for a festive night of craft beer, bountiful food, costumes, dancing, raucous music, and more. Dress your best and brush up on your Chicken Dance skills.
A German-inspired celebration featuring our beer (including our new Oktoberfest Collaboration), ample fest food (think brats, kraut, pretzels and way more), live music, glass blowing demonstrations, a Chicken Dance contest, a Flash Your ‘Stache competition, and more!
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
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
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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! ???
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.
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
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.
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
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
5:30 pm 5k Squatch Stroll
More details to come!
6:30 pm Volunteer/Sponsor Appreciation
Dinner
7:30 FREE Kid’s Movie – Smallfoot
8:00 FREE Movie – The Legend of Boggy Creek
Adam Mamawala is a stand-up comedian based out of New York City. Named one of Funny or Die’s “Top 30 Under 30: Comedians to Watch”, Adam has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, BET and SeeSo, and his debut album One of the Good Ones debuted at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts in December of 2017. Adam has headlined over 200 colleges across more than 35 states and his recent festival appearances include the NBC/Second City Breakout Comedy Festival, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, and New York Comedy Festival. Adam has been a freelance contributor to Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update and a writer for Someecards.
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adam-mamawala-at-lazoom-friday-tickets-70464738931
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adam-mamawala-at-lazoom-saturday-tickets-70464921477
This Fall outdoor market will feature over 25 local artists and small businesses. Watercolor paintings, wire bonsai tree art, jewelry, organic clothing, natural home cleaning products, locally sourced seasonings and herbs, leather goods, home décor, Hemp/CBD Products and much more!
October 26th 10am-4pm