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.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Autumn at the Opry
Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.
Grab your guitars and dust off your cowboy boots before heading back out to the Playhouse Barn for the second chapter in our Pickin’ and a Grinnin’ Series. Autumn at the Opry showcases everything from bluegrass to honky-tonk, tin pan alley to pop standards, and the blues to rock-n-roll. This ode to The Grand Ole Opry guarantees a hand-clappin,’ foot-stompin’ good time.
The Greenville-centric story opens on Halloween night. While most families make their rounds through the well-known neighborhoods, a handful of kids break off from the group. Hoping to reveal an unspoken Greenville secret, they head to an abandoned mansion along the Reedy River. They knock on the door, and after no answer, a brave little girl says “Let’s go!” and pushes it open.
Lightning flashes to reveal a silhouette of a couple who dance a pas de deux to a string quartet medley of several Michael Jackson-inspired tunes. Ghosts creep out of every crevice but will not lunge into the audience at the matinee performance. Startling sound effects will also be kept to a minimum during the matinee performance.
Music By Michael Jackson and Choreography by Hernan Justo.
Runners at the 7th Annual Trick or Trail 5k presented by Hunter Subaru get to once again
experience the beauty of DuPont State Forest in a unique nighttime racing format. Participants
will strap on headlamps and light up the night as they duke it out in the dark. The twists and
turns of DuPont’s famous trail system will dare them to push forward in this one-of-a-kind, trail
race at dark.
The Trick or Trail 5k takes place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7:15pm at Dupont State
Forest. To eliminate congestion on the course, we are limiting this year’s race to 150
participants. We expect this highly-anticipated and one of our most popular fall events to sell out
prior to race day. “We are thrilled to be able to host this race again at Dupont State Forest. It is
a local favorite, and the trails and 5k loop in the forest are ideal for this night-time style event for
our community of runners. The route is easy to navigate in the dark and is on non-technical
wide service roads and double track trails, making it a perfect race for all abilities of runners,
joggers and walkers.” said Race Director, Daphne Kirkwood. Participants will light up the trail
with their own flashlight or headlamp, and are required to participate. The course is marked
impeccably with signs and course markings and volunteers will be along the way, so runners
can easily find their way.
Gasp-worthy Swag
All pre-registered Trick or Trail 5k participants receive a pair of our participant favorites,
custom-designed, Defeet running socks, glow swag and a loaded Hunter Subaru goody bag.
Run your way through the dark and receive a custom-designed, color changing cup filled with
yummy candy at the finish line! At the post race party a bonfire with yummy s’mores, hot soup
and other fall favorite snacks, with complimentary massages by Yoga and Massage and injury
screenings and adjustments by PT Solutions await the finishers.
Halloween Theme Announced!
Each year the race has a fun theme, which is a great chance for kids, youth and kids-at-heart to
have their own fun at a Halloween themed event and break in costumes early! “We all grew up
watching the classic Disney movies, so this year it’s time to embrace your favorite Classic
Disney character and get dressed in Disney style,” said Kirkwood. Costumes are highly
encouraged, and awesome prizes will be given out for the best ones that tie into this year’s
theme.
Running for a great cause
Friends of Dupont Forest has been named as the 2021 non-profit partner for this event.
Donations are accepted during online registration. The mission of the Friends of Dupont align
with idaph events core values of preservation and conservation of our WNC land. “We believe
DuPont Forest should be protected forever. Join us and help keep the water clean, the wildlife
safe and the trails awesome.”
Registration is Now Open.
Returning 2021 – 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.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Runners will experience the beauty of DuPont Forest in a unique nighttime racing format with the option of a 5k trail run or the one mile trail run. This is the only race of its kind in our region! Participants will strap on headlamps and light up the night as they duke it out in the dusk. The twists and turns of DuPont’s famous trail system will dare them to push forward, not knowing what bogies and specters might lurk around each corner! The One Mile Fun Run will be Halloween themed, and a great chance for kids and kids-at-heart alike to break in their costumes a few days early!
Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for an evening of haunted history in Black Mountain! In these outdoor walking tours through Black Mountain’s downtown historic district, visitors will learn about the humorous, haunting and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. This event, which is a fundraiser for the museum, will highlight the town’s many tragedies and triumphs- and the many ghosts, friendly and frustrated, born from these events.
Tours will last approximately 2 hours.
October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very prominent, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. Our class is also during the time of the Orionid meteor shower, so hopefully some of these celestial fireworks will grace our skies during our nighttime observing.
Our goal for this class is to create a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing that can be applied on your own on any clear night throughout the year. We’ll start in the classroom by exploring some of the best print and digital resources for exploring the night sky and cover some of the basics of stargazing and how to orient to the night sky. We’ll also discuss the use of planispheres, star maps, and star charts to find some of the most beautiful deep sky wonders that can be seen through binoculars or small telescopes. During the evening hours, we’ll be out at various viewing locations on the mountain, practicing our stargazing skills while looking for meteors and learning about some of the most prominent stars, constellations, and other objects visible this time of year.
Your instructor, Stephan Martin, has been a stargazer since he was very young growing up under dark skies of South Florida. Steve is also an astronomer, educator, and author who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges, universities, and learning centers across the US and internationally for over twenty-five years. He has worked as a data analyst for the Hubble Space Telescope and as Observatory Supervisor at Williams College, where he participated in scientific research expeditions around the world to study the dynamics of the solar corona during solar eclipses.
Adult Field Courses
Welcome to Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s (GMSF) Field Courses! We are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain.
The series runs from May through October, with topics including bird ecology and behavior, ecology, photography, painting, climate change and stargazing. Cost is $60 per person (or $25 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club program), with registration required in advance. To learn more or become a member, click here.
NOTE: Bridge Club members must present valid Bridge Club ID upon arrival, or they will have to pay the full price.
CANCELLATION POLICY: These events are extremely popular and usually have an extensive waiting list. If for some reason you are unable to attend, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Cancellations made less than one week prior to the event will not be eligible for refund. Cancellations made within a week or greater, or in the event that we are forced to cancel, will be fully refunded.
October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear, and the summer constellations are still very prominent, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. Our class is also during the time of the Orionid meteor shower, so hopefully some of these celestial fireworks will grace our skies during our nighttime observing.
Our goal for this class is to create a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing that can be applied on your own on any clear night throughout the year. We’ll start in the classroom by exploring some of the best print and digital resources for exploring the night sky and cover some of the basics of stargazing and how to orient to the night sky. We’ll also discuss the use of planispheres, star maps, and star charts to find some of the most beautiful deep sky wonders that can be seen through binoculars or small telescopes. During the evening hours, we’ll be out at various viewing locations on the mountain, practicing our stargazing skills while looking for meteors and learning about some of the most prominent stars, constellations, and other objects visible this time of year.
Your instructor, Stephan Martin, has been a stargazer since he was very young growing up under dark skies of South Florida. Steve is also an astronomer, educator, and author who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges, universities, and learning centers across the US and internationally for over twenty-five years. He has worked as a data analyst for the Hubble Space Telescope and as Observatory Supervisor at Williams College, where he participated in scientific research expeditions around the world to study the dynamics of the solar corona during solar eclipses.
Adult Field Courses
Welcome to Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s (GMSF) Field Courses! We are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain.
Our online silent auction is back! Starting Friday, October 8 at 5pm sharp, you can shop an exciting selection of products and services from Asheville-area businesses — many of which are truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Stay up-to-date on the offerings by RSVPing to our FaceBook event. We’ll be sharing items as they come in… trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this years’ event!
We are looking for volunteers to help make this year’s Haunted History tours on October 22nd and 23rd a success! Volunteers can play the parts of walking guides, spirits, historians, and greeters, as well as help with setup and decoration. Volunteers do not need to be available both the 22nd and 23rd to participate- even one day is helpful!
Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.
Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.
Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.
Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee
Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)
https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/
- 5 PM DOORS // 6 PM SHOW
- ALL AGES
- GENERAL ADMISSION PATIO SHOW (SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED)
Sylmar is an indie-rock stoner jazz quintet taking the rock genre to the meat grinder. Through contagious hooks and crafty crescendos, Sylmar songwriting conflicts with cutting rhythms that counter and combine, drive and float, easy to digest but difficult to harness – all the while charming audiences with their increasingly popular feverish live performances.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2021 venue for the 9th Annual Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. This Halloween character theatrical performance is presented on an outdoor spooky trail at the Adventure Center. Experience a family-friendly heart-pumping walk with live actors, spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.
During the evening, you can also climb on our Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail. It is available for kids and adults ages 4 and over. Climb on two of our aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
In addition to the Haunted & aerial Glow Trails, there will be:
- Spooky Live Entertainment
- Life-size Pirate Ship Escape Room
- Giant Games (Connect-4, Broom Jousting, Jenga)
- Kids Play Wall
- Crafts
- Live Contests
There will also be Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Doughnuts, Pop Corn, Ice Cream, Local Beer and Coffee/Hot Chocolate for sale.
IT IS A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE THE HALLOWEEN SEASON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
COVID-19 statement: Based on the most recent CDC guidelines and Buncombe County mandates, face masks are no longer required at the Adventure Center of Asheville for Guests that have completed their vaccine regimen and waiting period while you are outside. Regardless of vaccine status, when you are inside at our bathrooms, or if you choose to participate in the Pirate Ship Escape Room, face coverings are mandatory. If you have not completed the vaccination process, we request that you wear a face covering at our activities, as you will have periods of time when you will not be able to social distance from our staff or other guests. We will provide opportunities to unmask when social distancing is possible.
During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1908 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School who went missing one autumn night. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. In addition, audience members are invited to dress up in Biltmore Forest School-era clothing (early 1900’s) to fully immerse themselves in the event and take part in the story.
The show is a one-mile-long experience, as the audience walks the well-lit trail to see the entire play and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The story is better suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and although we love our pets as much as you, we ask that you please leave them at home. Ponchos and other raingear are welcome if the weather is drizzly, but please leave umbrellas at home so everyone has a chance to see the show unobstructed.
Admission to the show is $14.00 for ages 13 and up, $7.00 for youth 12 and under as well as for Cradle Annual Pass, America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passport holders. Please call the Cradle at (828) 877-3130 if the weather is severe as the show may be cancelled. The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. Tickets will be sold in person at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Cradle of Forestry. For more information call (828) 877-3130.
The Blue Ridge Big Band takes the stage at CAE for your listening and (safe) dancing pleasure! With 19 WNC musicians who hail from around the country and share a common love of big band music, their sounds cover everything from Glenn Miller to the Beach!
Over 5,000 magical pumpkins burst to life in this breathtaking immersive Halloween festival for the entire family at Tryon Resort.
Stroll through a host of all-new attractions that offer something for everyone, including:
- The Midway Monster Party
- Harvest Village & Pumpkin Patch
- KidZone Trick-or-Treat Play Area
- Enchanted Pumpkin Hollow
- & the terrifying Gold Rush Haunted Mine!
This interactive experience is guaranteed to be safe, spooky, fun for all ages. We promise you’ll spend the night dancing, laughing, gasping with wonder, and screaming, “Happy Halloween” at the top of your lungs.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort
Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.
This show was originally scheduled at The Orange Peel in 2020. Previously purchased tickets will be honored at this show.
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
RAIN OR SHINE
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Thursday, October 28 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Friday, October 29 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
|
The Greenville-centric story opens on Halloween night. While most families make their rounds through the well-known neighborhoods, a handful of kids break off from the group. Hoping to reveal an unspoken Greenville secret, they head to an abandoned mansion along the Reedy River. They knock on the door, and after no answer, a brave little girl says “Let’s go!” and pushes it open.
Lightning flashes to reveal a silhouette of a couple who dance a pas de deux to a string quartet medley of several Michael Jackson-inspired tunes. Ghosts creep out of every crevice but will not lunge into the audience at the matinee performance. Startling sound effects will also be kept to a minimum during the matinee performance.
Music By Michael Jackson and Choreography by Hernan Justo.
Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well … dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.
Please come prepared to wear a mask for the entire performance. Masking requirements may change based on the recommendation of federal and/or state health officials; please check our website for ACT’s most up-to-date masking policy.
Seats have been blocked throughout the audience to provide social distancing between patrons. Patrons may purchase in groups of one or two only.
All tickets are subject to sales tax and a $3 ticketing system fee. All sales final. No exchanges or returns.
Dracula: The Failings of Men
Synopsis: A ghost ship washes ashore near London in 1897 and an ancient evil springs to life! DRACULA is an action-horror reimagining of the classic Bram Stoker novel. Walk along with Ada Van Helsing as she battles against the darkness in this cirque inspired adaptation.
Our Dracula is not a typical theatre show. In our production, patrons follow the action as they stroll through the theatre. This show is not recommended for Children under 10.
Where: Mountainside Theatre, home of “Unto These Hills” 688 Drama Road, Cherokee, North Carolina, 28719
Capacity: Limited to 199 patrons per show
When: Select days, October 1-31, 2021
First Release days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Overflow Days: Wednesday and Sunday
House will open at 7:00 PM Show Starts at 7:30 PM Show runs approximately 90 minutes**Tickets will be sold for Thursday through Saturday until it is necessary to release more tickets. If more seats are needed CHA will release Wednesday and/or Sunday tickets.
(20) VIP Experiences are available each night for an extra $20.00. (Ticket + VIP Upgrade)
https://www.havocmovement.com/
Elwood P. Dowd is an affable man who claims to have an unseen (and presumably imaginary) friend Harvey — whom Elwood describes as a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall pooka resembling an anthropomorphic rabbit. Elwood introduces Harvey to everyone he meets. His social-climbing sister, Veta, increasingly finds his eccentric behavior embarrassing. She decides to have him committed but things… don’t go as planned. This Pulitzer Prize winning play is considered to be one of the greatest comedies ever written. Of course, it all gets sorted out in the end, but there are many surprises (as well as comic doses of wisdom) along the way, as everyone questions just what exactly is real.
Suitable for all audiences
Living Dead in Denmark – Oct. 22 – 31
by Qui Nguyen
An action-adventure/horror sequel to William Shakespeare’s HAMLET. Set five years after the events of the original, the undead have risen to power and are trying to take over the world, led by the zombie lord and true king of Denmark
11 YEARS OF TERROR!
2021 will be our 11th Season providing Thrills, Scares, and Terrifying Fun for our guests and fans of all ages, and we love it year after year! Please join us this season for The 2021 Haunted Farm! Be Prepared to Be Scared!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and our other social media channels for a chance to participate in our FREE TICKET GIVEAWAYS, and for up-to-the-minute updates on schedule-changes related to inclement weather conditions.
ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! WHILE WE DO NOT HAVE AN AGE LIMIT, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ATTRACTION IS MEANT TO FRIGHTEN AND STARTLE. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS SHOULD ANY GUEST CHOOSE TO NOT COMPLETE THE WALKTHROUGH. PLEASE READ OUR WARNINGS & DISCLAIMERS AND OUR COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS.
Written by John Heimbuch
Created in collaboration with Jon Ferguson
Based on the story by Washington Irving
Directed by Daniel Moore
In the quaint village of Sleepy hollow, stories of wonder and strangeness surround the legend of a mighty headless Hessian. When the humble schoolteacher Ichabod Crane vies for the hand of the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, the townsfolk might protest, but it is ultimately the Horseman who will decide his fate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Masks are required to be worn by all audience members, regardless of vaccination status, at all times during this show. The health and well-being of our patrons, students, and staff remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and assistance with PPH’s policies and procedures.