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, September 30, 2023
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 30 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Includes Park admission and access to Flock to the Rock: $25 Adult, $8 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.
Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

Farm Sale
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

After a year hiatus, the popular Farm Sale is back. Come out to the farm for a huge yard sale. All sorts of items await! Friday and Saturday from 8 AM-1 PM each day.

Food Scraps Drop Off: Buncombe County Landfill
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

    • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

    • Library open hours
Food Scraps Drop Off: Stephens-Lee Recreation Center
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

 

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

        • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hendersonville Farmers Market

Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods, and creates a vibrant community gathering space. With fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more, it’s a weekly outing with something for everybody!

Mills River Farmer’s Market
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mills River School
Monarch Butterfly Day
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

September is a busy time for monarch butterflies as they undergo their fall migration from Eastern North America to Mexico, and Western North Carolina is  a pit stop for some of these busy travelers.

You can celebrate these colorful creatures at Monarch Day, Saturday, September 30, with an amazing collection of activities and events including:

• Kid’s science and art activities

• Monarch butterfly tagging and release demonstrations

• The opening of the Monarchs and Milkweed Exhibit in the Baker Exhibit Center

• The Fall Plant Sale and Vendor Market

• Adult Education classes and guest speakers

Monarch Day 2023 promises to be a day full of fun and fanfare! Check back in September for more details.

North Asheville Tailgate Market
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Shoppers at the market

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

The 2023 Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Scarecrow Contest
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

 

Build your own scarecrow and set at up in Lake Julian Park. Scarecrows can be made of recycled materials, household items, traditional farm materials, repurposed wood, various items found in nature, etc. We just ask scarecrows are not made of any food items.

Registration is open now! Scarecrows can be set up in the park from October 14th-21st. On October 21st Lake Julian will hold its annual Fall-o-ween Festival where Scarecrows will be judged and awarded a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place trophy!

This is a fun family friendly activity for all ages! Great for families, couples, school groups, clubs, offices, teams, and more! We welcome all to celebrate the autumn season and get crafty with the agricultural tradition of making a unique personified sculpture!

U-PICK FLOWERS
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walker Town Farm

No reservations

We are 1/4 mile up the road on the left. Park in the designated mulched area at the bottom of the back flower field and check in at the white tent.

What’s provided:

  • Cup or bucket filled with water (you get to keep these.)

  • Pruners (please return these!)

Payment:

  • 32 oz cup: $30

  • 1.75 gallon bucket: $50

  • Cash or card accepted before you pick.

  • Liability release must be signed prior to picking

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Montreat to Mt. Mitchell Hike
Sep 30 @ 8:15 am
Montreat Nature Center

Starting in Montreat, this challenging 13.5 mile route with an elevation gain of 4000 feet will cover portions of the Greybeard Trail, the historic Old Toll Road, and the Buncombe Horse Range (Bridle) Trail, culminating in a 1,000 foot climb from Camp Alice to the Summit of Mount Mitchell.

This is a small group hike for experienced hikers with a limit of 15 participants. All hikers must be pre-approved. Those interested can register below, and will be contacted shortly after by a hike leader to be approved. Please note that on these hikes we do not charge your card the full amount until shortly before the hike. A $10 deposit is required. We will take your card information when you register, and you will be charged the remaining amount approximately two days before the hike.

We will meet at the parking lot at the Montreat Nature Center (301 Lookout Road, Montreat) at 8:15 am and arrive at the summit of Mt. Mitchell by approximately 4:00 pm. Hikers will then be transported back to their vehicles at the Nature Center.

Cost: $60 for Museum Members; $75 for Non-Members (some fees apply).

 

This is a small group hike for experienced hikers with a limit of 15 participants. All hikers must be pre-approved.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 30 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

West Asheville Edible Park Work Day
Sep 30 @ 8:45 am – 11:00 am
West Asheville Park
On Saturday September 30th 8:45-11:00am and Monday October 9th 10am-2pm we will be gathering to access and make plans to maintain the edible plantings at the West Asheville Park 198 Vermont Ave. If you want to learn more about what is already growing and get involved in making this park an abundant food forest join us on either of these days. Refreshments will be provided on Saturday morning! For more information contact [email protected]
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

COME CELEBRATE!

OPEN FROM MAY – NOVEMBER :: 9AM – NOON

Our market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. A family event every Saturday from May through November.

Visit us on Facebook!

Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Eliada Fall Festival
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Eliada Homes
Expand 23
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Join us where women entrepreneurs come together to expand their possibilities and opportunities! Come meet and network with other women who are also on the entrepreneurial journey.
This is where a bigger vision for you and your business will be unlocked with other go-getting women! At Expand 23, you will be inspired to expand your vision of yourself and for yourself.
Are you ready to expand your business and your mind? Your network and your net worth? If so, join us for this amazing, fun and inspiring event!
Tickets are $199. They can be purchased at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/expand-23

Expand 23
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Expand 23 is where women entrepreneurs come together to expand their possibilities and opportunities! You’ll get to meet and network with other women who are also on the entrepreneurial journey. And there are many fabulous workshops to choose from!
This is where a bigger vision for you and your business will be unlocked with other go-getting women. At Expand 23, you will be inspired to expand your vision of yourself and for yourself.
Surround yourself with women who are as determined as you to grow and succeed.
Tier two early bird pricing of $119 is in effect now. More information at plrconnectevents.com/expand-23

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1701385-3?pid=10412

Category: Lifestyle | Women

Hawk Watch
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Hawk Watch

Being a mile high has its advantages. From atop Grandfather Mountain, visitors can grab a front-row seat to one of nature’s most stunning spectacles — thousands of raptors migrating over the mountains and heading south toward their wintering grounds. Observe the raptors during the annual Hawk Watch, in which official counters and volunteers note the number of passersby in the sky throughout the entire month of September.

Raptors are birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. The telltale signs of the raptor are sharp talons, a hooked upper bill and incredible eyesight. While some raptors remain in place during winter, most will travel south, where food is more abundant.

Raptor migration looks very different from what many might imagine. Spectators will not see the “flying V” formation, as with geese, for instance. Instead of flapping, raptors spread their wings and soar by catching the warm updrafts that rise from the mountains.

Grandfather Mountain is a prime spot for viewing this phenomena, because it sits along the eastern escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains, and its rocky peaks generate strong thermal uplifts and allow prime visibility. Perhaps the most astounding visual display is the broad-winged hawk, which migrates in groups of hundreds or thousands, called kettles. Those sightings are most common around the second to third week of September.

During 2015’s Hawk Watch, Grandfather Mountain president and executive director Jesse Pope spotted a kettle of some 4,800 broad-wings passing over in less than 30 minutes, along with numerous other kettles of considerable size, amounting to nearly 10,000 raptors in one day. Read about the 2022 Hawk Watch.

Aside from offering a visual spectacle, Hawk Watch serves an important purpose. The annual counts from Grandfather Mountain and other locations help track hawk populations and migration routes over time and provide important data to inform land management decisions. In fact, Grandfather Mountain is one of more than 300 Hawk Watch sites officially designated by the Hawk Migration Association of North America.

Hawk Watch runs throughout the entire month of September, and counts are conducted every day the weather permits — hawks don’t typically fly in fog or storms — on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half-Moon Overlook and will be posted daily at HawkCount.org.

Spectators are welcome to observe the migration for free during their visit to Grandfather Mountain. Park staff and Hawk Watch counters are on hand to answer any questions and provide additional information.

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

North Asheville Library Bird Walk
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am
North Asheville Library
Sign Up

Join us this September and October as members of the Blue Ridge Audubon Society guide us on a bird-watching excursion around the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary!

Binoculars are available for checkout at the North Asheville Library, but folks are welcome to bring their own! This event will be held rain or shine.

Spaces are limited, so registration is required.

Savory Hub Naturalist Series: Fall Birding
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Explore the Farm and surrounding forest with birder and farmer Noah Poulos to spot the various species of birds that can be found in WNC- fall at the Farm is sure to be creeping around the bend, crispy breezes, hot sun, crunchy leaves, and so many species of birds great and small putting away their harvest for the colder months!

  • Edge habitat birding, learn how planned grazing benefits the local avian population.
  • We will be hiking in uneven and sometimes steep terrain, so please wear sturdy shoes and be dressed for the weather.
  • Learn about our Holistic Land Management from Farm Director Virginia, and how this practice works in tandem with the local flora and fauna.
  • Spotted on the farm by our farm crew, staff & neighbors: bluebirds, a rainbow of finches, downy & hairy woodpeckers, vultures, cardinals, wood doves, robins, red-shouldered hawks, northern goshawks, swifts, egrets, blue herons, hermit thrush, golden-winged warblers and this last year we’ve had a resident Bald Eagle!
  • Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch* from butcher Brian’s kitchen, as birding is hungry work. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery!
Therapeutic Recreation: Tennis + Bowling
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am
TBA

Therapeutic Recreation (TR)

For more info, contact Lori Long at [email protected] or (828) 232-4529. TR sports are designed for kids, teens, and adults who may excel with additional support. For TR social opportunities and movement, hiking, cooking, and crafting classes, check out more programs online.

TR Tennis Clinic, free

Registration ends September 5, clinics held each Saturday from September 9-30

Open to individuals ages 8 and older, Asheville Tennis Association and Abilities Tennis pros teach basics and players practice skills on the courts at Omni Grove Park Inn on 290 Macon Avenue.

TR Bowling, $35 per player

Registration ends September 30, games played each Saturday from October 7-November 4

Strikers 6 years-old and over play games adapted with ramps and bumpers in this five-week league at Sky Lanes on 1477 Patton Avenue.

For more info, contact Lori Long at [email protected] or (828) 232-4529. TR sports are designed for kids, teens, and adults who may excel with additional support. For TR social opportunities and movement, hiking, cooking, and crafting classes, check out more programs online.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

North Carolina Cyclo-Cross Pre-Season CX Series
Sep 30 @ 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Industry Nine
Join Industry Nine, North Carolina Cyclo-Cross, and friends for some Asheville-area to try cyclocross for the first time, get ready for the season, or test your fitness and skills! All are welcome!
Saturday, September 30th & Saturday, October 7th
Location: Industry Nine, 150 Westside Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
Race Entry: $30 adults and free for juniors. $15 second race. Fees include one day license if needed.
Food truck, beverages, and more will be available.
Awards for top three provided by Industry Nine.
10:30 am: Men’s C (CX 4/5/Novice), Masters Men 40+ C (CX 4/5/Novice), Juniors M 17-18, 30 min race
11:20 am: Women’s Open A/B/C (CX Pro/1/2/3/4), Masters Women 40+ A/B (CX1/2/3/4), 40 min race
12:20 pm: Juniors (M/F 9-10/11-12/13-14/15-16, F 17-18), Women’s C (CX 4/5/Novice, 30 min race
1:10 pm: Men’s Open (CX Pro/1/2/3/4), Masters Men 40+ (CX1/2/3/4), 45-50 min race
Strider/push bike/mini kids race available.
15th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Art Exhibition: Eden Revisited
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Bender Gallery
Eve

acrylic on canvas

16 x 12 inches

LAINE BACHMAN

Eden Revisited

September 30 – October 30

Bender Gallery is excited to present Eden Revisited, a solo exhibition of thirty-plus lush, botanical paintings by popular artist Laine Bachman featuring real and imaginary creatures and goddess-like women with a deep connection to the natural world. Often inspired by myths, folklore, and nature, Bachman infuses the colorful worlds she creates with verdant foliage, archetypal imagery, underlying themes, exotic fauna, and meticulous detail.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival Procession
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am
Downtown Asheville

On Saturday, September 30th, we will kick off the Twelfth Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival with a procession through the city of Asheville.

Join us as we proceed across the city and into the heart of the festival. We start gathering at 10 am at 16 South French Broad Ave. We will begin our procession at 10:30 am. Whether you are a business, a group, a congregation, community, family, solo or a pack of friends —join us on this half-mile journey.

This year’s festival, while keeping true to Blue Ridge Pride’s core “ACES” Advocate, Community, Educate, Serve, we are highlighting ADVOCATE. Our theme this year is ADVOCATE! We felt this year’s theme especially appropriate with the bad bills, anti-drag narrative and numerous other attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage you to make signs, carry a banner, wave your flags, and show your Pride! This procession is inclusive and we welcome anyone who supports the rights of the lgbtq+ community. We are working with disability specialists to ensure this will be an accessible procession.