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.

Thursday, October 14, 2021
Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

MANNA FoodBank Turkey Drive Drop off 9am–noon, and 1–3pm
Oct 14 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
MANNA’s Volunteer Center

MANNA is continuing to serve more people than we were prior to the pandemic. For the enjoyment of the holiday season, it is important that those families are able to celebrate the holidays like everyone else. Since food is a centerpiece of every holiday, it is our hope that our community will come together to help fill as many plates of food over the holidays as we can throughout WNC.
MANNA hopes to collect hundreds of turkeys this year, and invites the community to join the effort by supporting the Turkey Drive. The community can give in two ways:
1. Donate a frozen turkey, ham or other holiday table entrée to MANNA. Donations will be accepted at MANNA’s Volunteer Center (627 Swannanoa River Road, in East Asheville) Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9am–noon, and 1–3pm.
2. Support our efforts to purchase additional holiday turkeys and hams through our virtual food drive option.
LIFELONG GARDENING: A Seminar on Gardening with Limited Mobility
Oct 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WNC Regional Livestock Center

A love for gardening does not have to end when mobility and other issues arise. This program is open to gardeners of all ages and abilities who want to learn more about smart gardening techniques so they can continue to pursue their passion for gardening for years to come!
You will learn:
• How to adapt existing tools for more efficient use around the garden
• Proper body mechanics to use while working in the garden
• Garden design
The program is a 2-hour session where you will actively participate in your “learning by doing.” Instructors will be Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Wisconsin.
Local Carving Pumpkins For Sale
Oct 14 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!

Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest 🍂

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Friday, October 15, 2021
Winter Tree Carnival w/ Rabbit Rabbit
Oct 15 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

 

The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.

WINTER TREE CARNIVAL


Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE

 

  • $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
  • $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
2021 Asheville Holiday Parade Applications Available
Oct 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on  Saturday, November 20 beginning at 11am. The parade features more than a variety of entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits and businesses.

We will be consulting with local public health officials and follow any guidelines in place at the time. Entries will be limited to allow for spacing and we’ll incorporate other safety measures.

Find the 2021 rules for parade applicants here. It’s imperative that you carefully read the rules and regulations prior to filling out your application. Find the 2021 parade application here. Please be creative, parade entries must be entertaining and family friendly, not all entries will be accepted.
Thanks to Bojangles, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, Apple Tree Honda, WLOS, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Go Minis, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown and Asheville Color & Imaging.
Fall Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Lower Fair Grounds Parking Lot
WNC Fall Harvest Days
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show

Image result for WNC Fall Harvest Days

  • WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7

Farm Equipment EXPO

FEATURINGHit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More

Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until

Garden Helpline Remains Open Through October
Oct 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

To answer your gardening questions, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline operational. For the month of October, they are available to respond to voicemails and emails on Fridays only. Send an email or leave a voice message at any time, and a Master Gardener will respond to you the following Friday. When emailing, please include a photo, it helps describe your garden question.

 

MANNA FoodBank Turkey Drive Drop off 9am–noon, and 1–3pm
Oct 15 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
MANNA’s Volunteer Center

MANNA is continuing to serve more people than we were prior to the pandemic. For the enjoyment of the holiday season, it is important that those families are able to celebrate the holidays like everyone else. Since food is a centerpiece of every holiday, it is our hope that our community will come together to help fill as many plates of food over the holidays as we can throughout WNC.
MANNA hopes to collect hundreds of turkeys this year, and invites the community to join the effort by supporting the Turkey Drive. The community can give in two ways:
1. Donate a frozen turkey, ham or other holiday table entrée to MANNA. Donations will be accepted at MANNA’s Volunteer Center (627 Swannanoa River Road, in East Asheville) Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9am–noon, and 1–3pm.
2. Support our efforts to purchase additional holiday turkeys and hams through our virtual food drive option.
Local Carving Pumpkins For Sale
Oct 15 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!

Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest 🍂

Annual Eliada Corn Maze
Oct 15 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Elida Homes

 

Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!

Join us for aMAZEing fun!

We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada!  Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!

Service Pets Only!


Dates and Times

Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Fridays:

  • 3 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays:

  • 9 am – 7 pm

Sundays:

  • 10 am – 6 pm

You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.

6th Annual Pumpkinfest at Silvermont in Brevard
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park and Mansion

Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.

Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.

Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.

Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee

Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)

https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

9th Annual Haunted Trail
Oct 15 @ 6:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2021 venue for the 9th Annual Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. This Halloween character theatrical performance is presented on an outdoor spooky trail at the Adventure Center.  Experience a family-friendly heart-pumping walk with live actors, spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.

During the evening, you can also climb on our  Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail.  It is available for kids and adults ages 4 and over. Climb on two of our aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.

In addition to the Haunted & aerial Glow Trails, there will be:

  • Spooky Live Entertainment
  • Life-size Pirate Ship Escape Room
  • Giant Games (Connect-4, Broom Jousting, Jenga)
  • Kids Play Wall
  • Crafts
  • Live Contests

There will also be Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Doughnuts, Pop Corn, Ice Cream, Local Beer and Coffee/Hot Chocolate for sale.

IT IS A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE THE HALLOWEEN SEASON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

 

COVID-19 statement:  Based on the most recent CDC guidelines and Buncombe County mandates, face masks are no longer required at the Adventure Center of Asheville for Guests that have completed their vaccine regimen and waiting period while you are outside.  Regardless of vaccine status, when you are inside at our bathrooms, or if you choose to participate in the Pirate Ship Escape Room, face coverings are mandatory.  If you have not completed the vaccination process, we request that you wear a face covering at our activities,  as you will have periods of time when you will not be able to social distance from our staff or other guests. We will provide opportunities to unmask when social distancing is possible.

Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Over 5,000 magical pumpkins burst to life in this breathtaking immersive Halloween festival for the entire family at Tryon Resort.

Stroll through a host of all-new attractions that offer something for everyone, including:

  • The Midway Monster Party
  • Harvest Village & Pumpkin Patch
  • KidZone Trick-or-Treat Play Area
  • Enchanted Pumpkin Hollow
  • & the terrifying Gold Rush Haunted Mine!

This interactive experience is guaranteed to be safe, spooky, fun for all ages. We promise you’ll spend the night dancing, laughing, gasping with wonder, and screaming, “Happy Halloween” at the top of your lungs.

 


		Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular image

About Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort

Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.


		Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular image

 

The Haunted Farm
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The Haunted Farm

 

11 YEARS OF TERROR!

2021 will be our 11th Season providing Thrills, Scares, and Terrifying Fun for our guests and fans of all ages, and we love it year after year! Please join us this season for The 2021 Haunted Farm! Be Prepared to Be Scared!

Be sure to follow us on FacebookInstagram, and our other social media channels for a chance to participate in our FREE TICKET GIVEAWAYS, and for up-to-the-minute updates on schedule-changes related to inclement weather conditions.

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! WHILE WE DO NOT HAVE AN AGE LIMIT, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ATTRACTION IS MEANT TO FRIGHTEN AND STARTLE. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS SHOULD ANY GUEST CHOOSE TO NOT COMPLETE THE WALKTHROUGH. PLEASE READ OUR WARNINGS & DISCLAIMERS AND OUR COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS.

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

Written by John Heimbuch
Created in collaboration with Jon Ferguson
Based on the story by Washington Irving

Directed by Daniel Moore

 

In the quaint village of Sleepy hollow, stories of wonder and strangeness surround the legend of a mighty headless Hessian. When the humble schoolteacher Ichabod Crane vies for the hand of the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, the townsfolk might protest, but it is ultimately the Horseman who will decide his fate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Masks are required to be worn by all audience members, regardless of vaccination status, at all times during this show. The health and well-being of our patrons, students, and staff remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and assistance with PPH’s policies and procedures.

The Myers Haunted House
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
The Myers Haunted House

 

Saturday, October 16, 2021
Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Oct 16 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.”
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Oct 16 all-day
Organic Growers School

Mentor Services

Our Mentor Services help support beginning and intermediate farmers by pairing them with experienced, regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills.
These skills include systems management, marketing and business development, farm design and production, and connecting to the regional farming community
Winter Tree Carnival w/ Rabbit Rabbit
Oct 16 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

 

The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.

WINTER TREE CARNIVAL


Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE

 

  • $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
  • $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
Fall Antique Engine and Tractor Show
Oct 16 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Lower Fair Grounds Parking Lot
WNC Fall Harvest Days
36th Annual
Antique Engine and Tractor Show

Image result for WNC Fall Harvest Days

  • WNC Agricultural Center – Fairgrounds ENTER GATE #7

Farm Equipment EXPO

FEATURINGHit N’ Miss Engines, Tractors, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Collectibles, Toys & More

Parade of Power Daily – 2pm / Saturday: Kids Zone & Antique Tractor Pull 10 am until

Annual Eliada Corn Maze
Oct 16 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Elida Homes

 

Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!

Join us for aMAZEing fun!

We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada!  Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!

Service Pets Only!


Dates and Times

Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Fridays:

  • 3 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays:

  • 9 am – 7 pm

Sundays:

  • 10 am – 6 pm

You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.

4th Annual Wicked Halloween 5K +Fun Run
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Carrier Park

10:00-11:00 – registration

11:00 – 12:00 – 5k/Fun Run

12:00 – 1:00 – Awards & Costume Contest

Race Results will be posted HERE

Learn more about THE ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY HERE

Site Map


		4th Annual Wicked Halloween 5k & Fun Run - for The Asheville Humane Society image

 

 

Local Carving Pumpkins For Sale
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!

Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
 Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Oct 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Hayrides
Oct 16 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

May be an image of outdoors

We  have hayrides from 12-4 PM on the hour ($5/person, 10 people/ride) on the weekends, a corn maze, and food trucks most weekends in Sept. & Oct.
Come on out and enjoy this glorious weather, drink some local fresh-pressed cider, see the animals, and get in the fall spirit!
See y’all here! 🍂
6th Annual Pumpkinfest at Silvermont in Brevard
Oct 16 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park and Mansion

Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.

Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.

Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.

Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee

Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)

https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/