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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.

Saturday, October 23, 2021
The Myers Haunted House
Oct 23 @ 7:30 pm
The Myers Haunted House

 

Autumn at the Opry
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Autumn at the Opry

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.

Crowder The Milk + Honey Tour w/ special guest Sean Curran
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Crowder  The Milk & Honey Tour  w/ special guest Sean Curran | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Spafford
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Legend Of Tommy Hodges- Outdoor Drama
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Cradle of Forestry

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.

We’re Locals – LIVE Multimedia Show!
Oct 23 @ 8:00 pm
Sly Grog Lounge

WE’RE LOCALS IS COMING TO ASHEVILLE!

We’re Locals is a unique live multimedia show where two bozos (Dan Vetrano and Aaron Nevins) do their best to blend in with the natives in a completely different town every seven days, culminating in one dazzling show at the end of the week.

Dan and Aaron comb your bars, businesses and peculiar classified ads to find the most fascinating people around, following strange paths to meet even stranger strangers, scouring your thrift shops for choice finds, and generally embarking on insane life-changing experiences that they’ll tell you all about.

In addition, We’re Locals aims to showcase the colorful and vibrant idiosyncrasies of each town, rounding up local bands, comedians and artists and shining a spotlight on the workers, craftspeople and small businesses that make each place unique.

Come on out to We’re Locals for one night only of charmingly idiotic powerpoint presentations, games, surprises, and weird Wifi names from your neighborhood. By the end of the week, you might even confuse Dan and Aaron for your neighbors.

Zoe + Cloyd Album Release Show
Oct 23 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall--The Main Stage

Merging their contrasting musical backgrounds into a new and unique sound, Zoe & Cloyd seamlessly combine original bluegrass, klezmer, old-time and folk with sincerity and zeal. Hailing from opposite ends of the Appalachian mountains, renowned fiddler and vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein and award-winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist John Cloyd Miller, are long-time fixtures of the Asheville, NC music scene.

Zoe & Cloyd appeared in Season 5 of the nationally syndicated PBS show, David Holt’s State of Music in 2021, and in 2020, they were the first artists featured in Will & Deni Films’ Pandemic Arts Series. Their fourth studio album, produced by Jon Weisberger, will be released on Organic Records in the fall of 2021. Zoe & Cloyd will be joined by bandmates and master musicians Bennett Sullivan on banjo and guitar and Kevin Kehrberg on bass.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.

Asheville Cataclysm
Oct 23 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Club 27

Blackmage artist Horus Blak joins XBloodBathX, Vvitchboy, and Pvgvns for an industrial hip-hop/metal showdown at Asheville’s “Rock n Roll Bar and Music Venue” the 27 Club.

black midi
Oct 23 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

black midi

No second album syndrome and no sophomore slump for Britain’s most exciting and challenging young rock band. black midi’s follow up to Schlagenheim is a dynamic, hellacious, inventive success. Cavalcade, their second studio album for Rough Trade, scales beautiful new heights, reaching ever upwards from an already lofty base of early achievements.

 

Sunday, October 24, 2021
2021 Brevard Music Center Raffle
Oct 24 all-day
Online

Official 2021 Raffle RulesAudi

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

Art Exhibit: Passage at the Asheville Airport
Oct 24 all-day
Asheville Airport

For the first time in more than a year, local artists and instrumental musicians have been welcomed back to the airport, as part of the Art in the Airport program.
Passage, the exhibit on display in the art gallery now through November 2021, features six local artists of multiple disciplines. The show brings a feeling of movement and vibrant color to the airport, and provides a passage with a unique view. The exhibit highlights:
  • a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
  • well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
  • a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
  • communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
  • vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
  • and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.
This month, passengers in the airport will also hear stylings from local pianists Mike Andersen and Phil Okrend, as well as Blues/Americana vibes from Mr. Jimmy accompanied by Charles Wilkinson.
“We have missed the art gallery being available for passengers to enjoy the work of local artists, and the sounds of local musicians playing welcoming tunes,” said Alexandra Ingle, Brand and Experience Designer at AVL and curator of the gallery. “Welcoming back these local makers allows travelers to experience a taste of our vibrant region.”
Artwork can be purchased from the gallery by emailing [email protected]. Artists who reside in any of the eleven counties within AVL’s primary service market may apply for acceptance into upcoming exhibits. Details about the program, including application instructions, can be found on the airport’s website at flyavl.com/artintheairport.
Asheville Art Museum From Home
Oct 24 all-day
online
WORK OF THE WEEK
Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Asheville Regional Airport Announces New Nonstop Service to Minneapolis/St. Paul
Oct 24 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport
Asheville Regional Airport
The Asheville Regional Airport welcomes its newest airline, Sun Country. Sun Country is based in Minneapolis and will celebrate its inaugural flight on October 7th.
Allegiant has also introduced its sixteenth nonstop flight destination from AVl with flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul beginning October 7th.
The airport team will be at the gates with passengers and crews celebrating each inaugural flight.
Become a Sponsor! of Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 24 all-day
online w/Flat Rock Playhouse

Celebrate the holiday season and the joy of live theater by becoming a sponsor for A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Your support sustains the impact of the performing arts on our hearts and minds as well as our local economy.
Act now!

Bob Moog Foundation And Moogseum Membership Programs
Oct 24 all-day
online

A wide range of Membership Program packages are available, offering benefits and perks including one-time or unlimited admission to the Moogseum for a year, guest passes, gift membership packages, access to virtual archival galleries and live streamed events, free or discounted admission to in-person and virtual events, and even private Moogseum tours. Membership packages are offered at price points from $25 – $500 per year.

Become a member of the Bob Moog Foundation and the Moogseum, which allows you access to tangible, members-only benefits and allows you to be an advocate in support of Bob’s legacy and contributions that revolutionized music!

Your membership provides invaluable resources and funding to support our mission to innovate, inspire, and ignite creativity.

 

Review the Membership Packages below and choose the one that best suits you!*

All packages include the Members-only “Synth-Insider” newsletter, sent quarterly,

and a 10% discount on Bob Moog Foundation Merchandise.

Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan: Library Craft Kits for Kids
Oct 24 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

Buncombe County is beginning a comprehensive planning process and would like to hear from residents of all ages. The comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. Our plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs. Information regarding the comprehensive planning process will be available online and in all 12 Buncombe County Libraries starting in October.

Also during October, the libraries will provide an opportunity for children in Buncombe County to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Post Card Project.  Come to the library and pick up your craft kits (while supplies last) that include a postcard where kids can draw what they want their neighborhood to look like. This is a chance for young people to vote for their future and say what they want County government to address in the next 20 years. These postcards will give the County valuable input and may be featured in the final comprehensive plan!  If you have any questions, contact your neighborhood librarian or visit the Comprehensive Plan online.

Buncombe County COVID Rates Decline Slightly but Transmission Remains High
Oct 24 all-day
Buncombe County

Since July 1, there have been more than 9,500 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Buncombe County and more than 80 COVID-19 related deaths in this same timeframe. While cases have declined slightly, transmission remains high, and 412 Buncombe County residents have died as a result of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. The percent positivity as of Oct. 18 was 6.1%.

“I wanted to take a moment to highlight vaccination status on COVID-19 outcomes,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders in a briefing to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “As we are moving through this Delta surge, vaccination status has mattered. In particular, those who were unvaccinated had a risk over four times that of the vaccinated to become ill. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of hospitalizations (over 85%) and ICU utilizations (90%) were in the unvaccinated, showing us that the COVID-19 vaccine that is widely available to us right now is reducing our risk of becoming ill, reducing the risk of serious illness should someone become ill and significantly reducing the risk of need for ICU intervention. Lastly, most recent data from NC DHHS indicates that the risk of dying for the unvaccinated is almost 20 times than of an unvaccinated individual.”

In Buncombe County, 73% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 71% of the eligible population ages 12 and up has been at least partially vaccinated. To date, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) has administered 102,483 doses of the vaccine, including 231 to homebound individuals.

Saunders also warned about cold and flu viruses, which are also spreading and can present with some similar symptoms: “If you are having any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, which sometimes are the same as a cold, please get tested. Don’t assume it’s a cold.”  Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. StarMed offers testing at Harrah’s Event Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays at A-B Tech from noon until 4 p.m.

With fall events and celebrations approaching, BCHHS recommends the following attending outdoor or virtual events where the risk for spread of COVID-19 is lower. If you are planning to attend in-person, indoor events with groups of people:

  • Get your COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already and encourage others attending your gathering to do so. Pfizer boosters are available via a drive-through at Biltmore Church – Arden between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until Oct. 22
  • Have guests wear a face covering and maintain physical distance from others when they are indoors
  • Move events and activities outdoors to reduce the risk of spread

The FDA is scheduled to meet on Oct. 26 about vaccines for children ages 5-11, and it’s anticipated that vaccine eligibility to begin for that age group in early November.

Stay up-to-date about vaccine opportunities using the Buncombe County emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or go to www.buncombecounty.org/codered.

Currently, locally funding $100 incentive cards are available while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic or at any BCHHS pop-up clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

City of Asheville to launch Neighborhood Grant Program
Oct 24 all-day
online
neighborhood grant collage
As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

 

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

  • Neighborhood associations;
  • Homeowners associations;
  • Neighborhood coalitions; and
  • Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

 

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

 

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

 

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

 

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

 

 

 

 

Cooper River Bridge Run Registration Open
Oct 24 all-day
Cooper River Bridge

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Oct 24 all-day
online

Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Oct 24 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Every dollar you give will be matched by a generous donor up to $5000! for LITERACY TOGETHER
Oct 24 all-day
online

Help reach our matching gift challenge. We are halfway to our goal.

 

Experience Fall at Biltmore
Oct 24 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Image result for fall at the biltmore

$76–$106

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Audio Guide of Biltmore House including personal Vanderbilt stories and archival details
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

$284–$314

  • Access to Biltmore House & Gardens
  • Immersive 90-minute guided small group tour of America’s Largest Home®
    • Experience the house as one of the estate’s very first guests
    • Hear estate history and inside stories about Vanderbilt guests’ impressions of Biltmore
    • Visit rarely-accessed areas: Louis XVI Room, Library balcony, more
  • Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Wine Tasting (limited availability)
  • Complimentary parking

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Oct 24 all-day
Eliada Homes

Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!
Sponsor a Child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
Sponsor Multiple Children:
We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.
Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!
Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
Help Our Summer Fundraiser Meet Its Goal!
Oct 24 all-day
online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association

Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to find new and innovative ways to fulfill our mission of preserving and promoting the history and legacy of western North Carolina through interpretation, education, collection, and collaboration.
We’re only a few hundred dollars short of our goal!
Donate today to help us continue to offer outstanding adult programs, engaging exhibits, and educational activities for youth by making a donation to our annual fund today!
History @ Home – Visit Virtually Western North Carolina Historical Association
Oct 24 all-day
online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Deep Dive into Archives is a living exhibit shining a light on the individuals who were once enslaved at the Smith-McDowell House through primary documentation.

 

 

 

Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at Ellington’s iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
HillBilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
How Are We Doing? Buncombe Seeks Public Input on Variety of Services
Oct 24 all-day
online

Need to get something off your chest about Buncombe County? Are you concerned about issues and areas where we could be providing better service? There’s a survey for that. Your voice can help change the future of Buncombe County. All we need is 10-15 minutes of your time.

Buncombe County is continually striving to make its strategic priorities a reality. To that end, we are launching the Buncombe County Community Survey to help us gather valuable input that will guide us in future decisions concerning everything from economic development, to County park facilities.  A randomly selected sample of County residents will receive the survey, and your anonymous answers will help drive key initiatives, programs, and identify other opportunities and challenges. “It is vitally important for residents to have the opportunity to share their opinions with us, and we hope the Community Survey provides one more avenue for that feedback,” says County Manager Avril Pinder.

The ETC Institute in partnership with Buncombe County’s Strategy & Innovation Department will administer the survey. Households will receive a questionnaire by mail, and staff asks that anyone 18 years or older complete and return it using the enclosed paid postage. The community survey is available in multiple languages, should take about 10-15 minutes of your time, and instructions are included to complete online or over the phone if needed. The survey will not ask residents to share any personal identifying information.

We thank you for your time and valuable insights as we continually evaluate our existing programs and resources while searching for new opportunities to better serve our community. Your voice is important and Buncombe County Government is committed to offering a broad range of opportunities for public input. If your household does not receive a survey we encourage residents to sign up for our e-newsletter at buncombecounty.org, or text bcalert to 99411 to stay informed about community meetings and engagement opportunities. To share your concerns anonymously please email [email protected].

It’s fall! Adopt a Stormdrain help keep creeks clean
Oct 24 all-day
various locations
Click Here to Adopt a Stormdrain

It’s fall! Along with beautiful leaves & cozy sweaters comes clogged storm drains, flooding streets, & polluted rivers

Help us reach our goal of 100 storm drains adopted by the end of 2021! If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity this year to help keep your community clean, safe, and beautiful, look no further than the Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. This volunteer program allows individuals or businesses to adopt a storm drain in the Central Asheville Watershed and keep it clean by picking up trash and debris several times a month. The adoption process is easy: pick a storm drain using the link below that you would like to adopt, fill out the adoption form, meet with a member of RiverLink to go over the responsibilities, and begin!

Matching Gift Challenge! for Asheville Community Theatre
Oct 24 all-day
online

Amazing!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Oct 24 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.