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, October 18, 2019
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.

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.

Bears Bees + Brews
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

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! ???

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.

Fall Stargazing and Cosmic Storytelling
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join local astronomer and author Stephan Martin on a tour of the stars and constellations of the fall night sky above the farm. We’ll discuss some of the myths of the constellations along with the seasonal changes in the sky at this time as well as some of the latest discoveries in astronomy and theories of the universe. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

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

Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Oct 20 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

St. John Church and Cemetery Tour The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness Flat Rock
Oct 20 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

The cemetery is of historic significance, with graves of men and women whose names are
written in the history books of South Carolina and the United States. First Families of the early
years of our country, descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential
politicians of the 19th century, military leaders and others of note are buried in the churchyard.
The tour will last about an hour, Please wear comfortable shoes.

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

Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Donation Yoga Hike: Save Local Forests and Wetlands
Oct 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Pinkbeds Picnic Area

Photo of people practicing yoga my a creek

Miranda will guide us on an all-level yoga and meditation class to help us connect with ourselves and with nature. Then we’ll enjoy a 2-mile hike into rare mountain wetlands. On our hike, I’ll share with you the value and the magic that wetlands provide our communities and the planet. We’ll talk about the threats that these valuable ecosystems are facing today and what you can do to protect them.

Join this fun class full of diverse ways to connect with nature!

All proceeds benefit Dogwood Alliance and our Southern wetland forests!

About your guides:

Miranda Peterson started Namaste in Nature, a uniquely Asheville yoga and hiking experience with mountains and waterfalls, after completing her yoga training in India and hiking around the world, including the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Andes.

Lucia Ibarra is the Wetland Wanderer, exploring wetland forests across the US South to highlight the interconnection of wetland forest protection, climate change, and community justice.

Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Oct 24 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Saturday, October 26, 2019
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Oct 26 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Weave October 26th Fall pop-up market @ Salvaterra Pottery in Weaverville
Oct 26 all-day
Salvaterra Pottery

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

Aston Park Tennis, Tricks & Treats Halloween Tournament
Oct 26 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Asheville Fine Art Show
Oct 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Square

Asheville, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities are well-known for its vibrant art scene and historic architecture.  From the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence, to the 19th-century Biltmore Estate, and an Art District filled with galleries and museums, Asheville is an excellent place to host up to 150 renowned Juried Artists. Come join us and see for yourself why the Asheville Fine Art Show was voted as one of the Top 100 art shows in America!

Howl-o-ween at the Nature Center
Oct 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Our annual Halloween family festival offers spooky arts & crafts, games and face painting, a hay maze, and educational animal encounters throughout the day. Don’t forget to dress in your best costume for the costume contests at 12:30pm and 4pm!
Regular Nature Center admission rates apply; As always, Friends members get in free! Purchase your membership here.
Meet renowned glass artist, Jack Pine Oct. 26 – 27
Oct 26 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Bellagio Art to Wear

Meet renowned glass artist, Jack Pine, and preview his new collection featured at Bellagio Art to Wear in Historic Biltmore Village.

Saturday, Oct. 26th 10am – 6pm
Sunday, Oct. 27th 12pm – 5pm

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Having grown up in Southwestern Ohio, which is the birth place of the North American Studio Glass Movement, Jack was constantly exposed to glass artists and their varied techniques. As a child, Jack would experiment with molten bottle glass in campfires on his family’s farm. Today he is the creative force behind Jack Pine Studios, which has become a mecca for talented soft glass artisans. At the heart of the studio are the designs and techniques developed by Jack.

“I enjoy the intense demand on my skill and the focus involved with working with molten glass. All the energy I use to create a piece is captured in the glass, and thus is frozen in time forever.”
— Jack Pine

Watercolor Class with local artist Joan Doyle
Oct 26 @ 2:00 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library


Join us for a free watercolor class with local artist Joan Doyle.  Class limited to 10 participants – teens over 15 and adults. No group sign ups please. All materials provided.

13th Annual Lynn Boggess Exhibition Opening Reception
Oct 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Haen Gallery

Lynn Boggess is one of the most unique and noteworthy American landscape painters of the 21st Century. He resides in West Virginia, a state whose diverse mountains, forests, and rivers provide abundant inspiration for the artist’s plein air paintings. In place of brushes he uses palette knives and trowels to thickly layer the broad sweeping strokes and exquisite fine detail that capture all the colors of the seasons in rushing rivers, snow covered hillsides, and thick forest vegetation.

Mr. Boggess’ work is recognized internationally for its incredible three-dimensional texture, rendered solely in oils. These remarkable paintings combine elements of Abstract Expressionism and Photorealism to create a style that is totally unique and original.

To preview the exhibition catalog, please click here.

Ghost Train
Oct 26 @ 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

September 20-21, 27-28, October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance Tickets Required.

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!

Sunday, October 27, 2019
Asheville Fine Art Show
Oct 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Square

Asheville, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities are well-known for its vibrant art scene and historic architecture.  From the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence, to the 19th-century Biltmore Estate, and an Art District filled with galleries and museums, Asheville is an excellent place to host up to 150 renowned Juried Artists. Come join us and see for yourself why the Asheville Fine Art Show was voted as one of the Top 100 art shows in America!

Aston Park Tennis Center Tricks and Treats Tennis Tournament
Oct 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Large Format Puppet Hand Building Workshop for Holiday Parade
Oct 29 @ 6:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The Buncombe County library system is trying to get into the Asheville Holiday Parade this year and we need your help!  We’re building large format puppet hands and small props to support our theme and we need all of the creative help we can get. We’ll be having creator’s workshops on Tuesday evenings beginning September 24 at Pack Memorial Library. We’ll also have stations at branches starting in October for origami bird making. All of the birds made will be a big part of our holiday parade!    If you like to work in teams, get your hands dirty, and get crafty come join us, everyone is welcome! Open workshops, drop in and help when you can on posted dates

Friday, November 1, 2019
Teapot Exhibition Opening at Gallery 101
Nov 1 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
New Community Championed Live Work Spaces

The Exhibition opens Friday, November 1st, 5pm-8pm and will run the entire month of November Thursday-Sunday 12pm-6pm.

A Teapot exhibition to kick off a wonderful gesture by local artist and gallery owner, Jun Seo, giving back to the community. Thanks to the efforts of the community, Asheville is home to a beautiful live/work facility that features some of the cities best small business artisans. One such artisan is Jun Seo, owner of Gallery 101. To give back to the community he has decided to devote a portion of his gallery space to rotating exhibits of fellow local artists. His first exhibition will feature ceramic artists Catharine Healy and Tori Motyl in a specialty teapot exhibition that celebrates traditional ceramic art making techniques.

Saturday, November 2, 2019
2019 Shut-In
Nov 2 all-day
Bent Creek

Race Day: Saturday, Nov. 2nd, 2019

Entry information

Registration This is the 40th Year Anniversary for this event! We have transitioned to a LOTTERY system. Interested runners should enter the lottery in the two week period August 1st at 12:00 am EST and August 14th at 12:00 am EST.
It does not matter when you enter, as long as it is within this two-week period. All prospective entrants will be required to use Ultra signup to enter the lottery. There will be NO in-store entries.
Priority will be given to previous winners, those who have completed the race the last five years consecutively, eight or more times cumulatively, and previous race volunteers, then by date of entry receipt some consideration will be given to first-time applicants.
***It is still imperative that these runners still enter the lottery*** 
Packet Pickup:
Packet pickup will take place on RACE MORNING ONLY and will be from 8:30-9:45 am at the NC Arboretum.
Packet Pickup:
Packet pickup will take place on RACE MORNING ONLY and will be from 8:30-9:45 am at the NC Arboretum.
Race Day/Course:
This is a 17.8-mile trail race conducted over the historic Shut-In Ridge Trail that begins at Bent Creek near Asheville, NC and climbs over 5,000 feet along the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Mt. Pisgah parking lot. The race will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 2th, 2019 at the North Carolina Arboretum’s Visitor Education Center. Enter from Highway 191 at the entrance ramp for the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Awards/Post-Race Celebration:
Post-Race Celebration will take place at 7:00 pm at the Wedge Foundation, located at 5 Foundry St., Asheville, NC 28801
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Nov 2 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Artist Event With Coppersmith Andy Brinkley
Nov 2 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
New Morning Gallery

NC coppersmith Andy Brinkley and his master craftsman Mark Shrum will demonstrate the techniques used to create unique garden sculptures.