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.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Storytime & Art Enka-Candler Library
Oct 16 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Enka-Candler Library on third Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Oct 16 @ 8:00 pm – Oct 17 @ 2:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748867719580

Thursday, October 17, 2019
ha!ppenings
Oct 17 all-day
ha!

Visit ha! for Third Thursdays Marshall as we celebrate…so many things! Playful and show-stopping Kantha cloth jackets and vests by local artist Janice Schmidt, needle felted flora and fauna objects by Heidi Bleacher, new works in the shop for fall and holiday and Marshall’s own Walnut Schoolhouse serving up decadent Scandinavian treats. And let’s raise a toast to the a in ha!, Amber M. Jensen, for bringing home the Our State Magazine “Made in NC” win with our Classic Patchwork Pack. We can’t wait to invite you in!

Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 17 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 17 @ 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

Storytime & Art Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Oct 17 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Skyland/South Buncombe Library on third Thursdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Caitlin Donovan: “In The way of all Flesh”
Oct 17 @ 6:30 pm
Firestorm bookstore

A new spooky book just in time for Halloween.  Caitlin Donovan will present works from  her young adult book “In The way of all Flesh” a paranormal fantasy novel; October 17th at 6:30 at the Firestorm bookstore in West Asheville. There will be giveaways, snacks and a Q&A session. Donovan has written for several magazines and blogs including Cracked, Anime feminist and Epicstream. She currently lives in Asheville and is working on a new book. For more information please  visit caitlinalisedonovan.com###

Friday, October 18, 2019
Drink Coffee, Support Special Olympics
Oct 18 all-day
various locations in buncombe county

Buncombe County Special Olympics’ annual Coffee for Champions fundraiser returns for a third year on October 1. During the month of October, local coffee shops donate up to five cents for each cup of coffee purchased at their establishments to support Special Olympics training and competitions for area youth and adults.

“We are a completely volunteer-driven, donation-funded program focused on inclusionary sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Karla Furnari of Buncombe County Recreation Services, who is also a Buncombe County Special Olympics coach and Local Coordinator. “Coffee for Champions helps build connections between our athletes and the community. It also allows us to move away from labor intensive fundraising campaigns that often pull volunteers from other critical program needs such as coaching and transporting athletes.”

A map on the organization’s website lists participating coffee shops:

  • Donating Five Cents Per Cup
    • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
    • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
    • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)
  • Donating One Cent Per Cup
    • Dynamite Roasting Company (3198 US Highway 70 in Black Mountain)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company East (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)
    • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit buncombecountyspecialolympics.org.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Buncombe County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for youth and adults. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with South Slope CrossFit and Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 18 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

Craft Fair Of The Southern Highlands
Oct 18 @ 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

Summer Concert Series: Zydeco Ya Ya Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Live music, family fun, and delicious food!

Zydeco Ya Ya, a powerhouse band from the Piedmont area of the Carolinas, and Georgia, delivers a zydeco groove guaranteed to let the good times roll.

About our Food:

During the show we serve a complete spread of delicious farm-to-fork dinner options using our own pasture raised meats and locally sourced produce. Meals are prepared fresh by our in-house culinary team and are available for an additional cost along with alcoholic (beer/wine) and non-alcoholic beverage options.  The menu typically consists of 3 meats and 4 sides. The full menu will be advertised on the event Facebook page a few days in advance of the concert.  Be sure to follow us online for the latest updates!

Saturday, October 19, 2019
Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 19 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

Gate 7 opens Thursday.   8AM to 5 PM rain or shine

Adult Admission $8 a day or $20 for 3 days includes ACAETA pulls
Children under 12 free with paid adult.
Unreserved selling spaces $40, free admission to qualified exhibitors,
limited 2 people per registration; 3rd and above pay admission.

– Pulls –
Farm Tractors 1964 & earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am
Tractor Pulls will be under the covered arena – enter through Gate 7.

Farm Game Challenge
Oct 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC AG Center
The Antique Engine & Tractor Club will host “The Farm Game Challenge” set for Saturday October 19th at the Western North Carolina Ag Center.
Teams of four to five Teen’s are encouraged to participate in the Farm Games, which will include but not be limited to Straw/Hay Bale Stacking Timed Event , Corn Shucking Timed Event, Corn On the Cob Eating Timed Event, Sheath Toss, and other games.  The Teams will compete against each other with an elimination challenge.  Small Children will get to “Find the Prize” in the Straw/Hay Stack.
All Four Henderson County High Schools have been notified of the games and are encouraged to submit teams to the Farm Game Challenge.  Teams within each school will compete to see which Team will represent it against the other High Schools, Winning teams from each school will compete against each other to claim First Prize in the Farm Games.
To sign up for the Farm Games, please e mail [email protected] with name of team, and  team members.  Teams may be all male, all female, or Co-ed. Teams are limited to Four to Five Members.
The 34th Fall Harvest Days run from October 17-19,2019.  Antique Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Food and Kids activities will be available.  Antique Tractor Pull, Saturday.
For more information contact the web site www.applecountry.org
Art and Architecture Day in Hendersonville
Oct 19 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Center for Art & Inspiration
BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

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! ???

Blind Wine & Cheese Tasting at Rustic Grape
Oct 19 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Rustic Grape Wine Bar

How well do you think you know your wines? Can you spot the differences between reds? What about all whites? Join them for a fun, educational blind wine tasting. Blind tastings can be one of the best ways to become more familiar with the different varietals. Share the last Saturday in September with them for an interactive yet informative tasting. Before they’re done, they’ll throw some local and imported cheeses in the mix to explore how cheese can change the experience of each wine. A twice a month ‘themed’ wine and cheese tasting in celebration of local goods and global wines.

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.

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.

Drink Coffee, Support Special Olympics
Oct 20 all-day
various locations in buncombe county

Buncombe County Special Olympics’ annual Coffee for Champions fundraiser returns for a third year on October 1. During the month of October, local coffee shops donate up to five cents for each cup of coffee purchased at their establishments to support Special Olympics training and competitions for area youth and adults.

“We are a completely volunteer-driven, donation-funded program focused on inclusionary sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Karla Furnari of Buncombe County Recreation Services, who is also a Buncombe County Special Olympics coach and Local Coordinator. “Coffee for Champions helps build connections between our athletes and the community. It also allows us to move away from labor intensive fundraising campaigns that often pull volunteers from other critical program needs such as coaching and transporting athletes.”

A map on the organization’s website lists participating coffee shops:

  • Donating Five Cents Per Cup
    • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
    • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
    • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)
  • Donating One Cent Per Cup
    • Dynamite Roasting Company (3198 US Highway 70 in Black Mountain)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company East (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)
    • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit buncombecountyspecialolympics.org.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Buncombe County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for youth and adults. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with South Slope CrossFit and Buncombe County Recreation Services.

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

Hendersonville Oktoberfest
Oct 20 @ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

A great afternoon at the vineyards with a German twist! Bring your Lederhosen and Polka shoes. We’ll have the wine and German party atmosphere ready.

Cider Making 101
Oct 20 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Noble Cider

Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own apple cider? Join Noble Cider Co-Founder and Lead Cider-Maker Lief Stevens for an introductory class in hard cider making.  Participants will receive all the necessary tools for making one gallon of hard cider.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at our Cidery here in Asheville, N.C. Tickets are $30.00 per person

Max of 20 participants. Must be 21+ to attend.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Drink Coffee, Support Special Olympics
Oct 22 all-day
various locations in buncombe county

Buncombe County Special Olympics’ annual Coffee for Champions fundraiser returns for a third year on October 1. During the month of October, local coffee shops donate up to five cents for each cup of coffee purchased at their establishments to support Special Olympics training and competitions for area youth and adults.

“We are a completely volunteer-driven, donation-funded program focused on inclusionary sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Karla Furnari of Buncombe County Recreation Services, who is also a Buncombe County Special Olympics coach and Local Coordinator. “Coffee for Champions helps build connections between our athletes and the community. It also allows us to move away from labor intensive fundraising campaigns that often pull volunteers from other critical program needs such as coaching and transporting athletes.”

A map on the organization’s website lists participating coffee shops:

  • Donating Five Cents Per Cup
    • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
    • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
    • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)
  • Donating One Cent Per Cup
    • Dynamite Roasting Company (3198 US Highway 70 in Black Mountain)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company East (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)
    • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit buncombecountyspecialolympics.org.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Buncombe County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for youth and adults. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with South Slope CrossFit and Buncombe County Recreation Services.

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

Fire Cider Sensory Analysis
Oct 22 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Urban Orchard South Slope

Taste and analyze their one of a kind “Fire Ciders”. These ciders were crafted in the spirit of Halloween and in honor of their Anniversary with a variety of hot peppers. The evening of sensory analysis will introduce the sensory techniques used for wine, beer and cider. How to discern between different aroma and flavor compounds and more. You will also be given an in-depth tour of the cider production facility so that you can understand how the cider flavors you taste later are affected by their unique production process.

Social Justice Book Club
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…