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 12, 2019
MAking Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk
Oct 12 all-day
Pack Square Park

UNITE FOR A WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER
Join the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Join the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 12th, at Pack Square to help ignite the fight against breast cancer. Registration begins at 9:00am and the 5K walk starts at 10:00am. Funds raised at this noncompetitive, family-friendly event enable the American Cancer Society to save lives from breast cancer by investing in groundbreaking research; providing free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by the disease; and helping people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit MakingStridesWalk.org/AshevilleNC to sign up and help save lives.

HELP SAVE LIVES FROM BREAST CANCER
Participate in the annual American Cancer Society Walk or Make an Online Donation

Form a team, join a team, walk as an individual, or make a donation for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk on October 12th, at Pack Square. Registration begins at 9:00am, and the walk starts at 10:00am. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit MakingStridesWalk.org/AshevilleNC to sign up or donate today.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT BREAST CANCER WALK
We need you to help to save lives from breast cancer. Volunteers are needed for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk on October 12th, at Pack Square. Call the American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 or visit MakingStridesWalk.org/AshevilleNC for details.

Montreat College Homecoming and Family Weekend
Oct 12 all-day
Montreat College

All students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and their family and friends are invited to Montreat’s Homecoming & Family weekend, taking place Friday, October 11 – Saturday, October 12. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you during the festivities!

Carolina Bonsai Expo @ The NC Arboretum
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Property

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Haydn’s Creation The Asheville Choral Society
Oct 12 @ 4:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church

The City of Music Hendersonville Symphony
Oct 12 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Concert Hall

The City of Music

Featuring Zachary DePue, violinist

Vienna – the city of music: a world music capital where more famous composers lived than any other city. They came, stayed, and wrote immortal music. From the Musikverein, the State Opera House and the Volksoper to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace, classical musical is literally in the air.

Lehar – Overture to The Merry Widow

Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 5

Beethoven – Egmont Overture

Brahms – Variations on a Theme of Haydn

Strauss – The Emperor Waltz, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka

GUEST ARTIST ZACHARY DePUE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY  KNOX LAW FIRM

SUPPORTING SPONSOR HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS FLAT ROCK

Tim Hawkins
Oct 12 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins has been establishing himself as one of the most in-demand comedians in the country. With 1 million+ social media followers and 100 sold-out concerts every year, his Jackwagon Crew has grown into a revolution of multi-generational proportions. But don’t take it from us…
Tim’s gut-busting comedy show entertains the entire family while doubling down on the funny, a daunting task in an age where the obscene has become routine. His act is 1 part gifted + 2 parts twisted, the only certainty being his on-the-nose observations that expose the ridiculousness of daily life while marveling in its hilarity. The perils of marriage, homeschooling, and growing up in the Midwest may not exemplify the rock star life, but they make for really good punchlines.

Sure he’s funny, but fans are often even more amazed at his singing voice and guitar chops. Tim’s hilarious music videos have brought him viral YouTube fame with fan favorites including Sounds of Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Yoga Pants, Aging Rockers, Things You Don’t Say to Your Wife, Cletus Take the Reel, A Homeschool Family, and The Government Can. Still, Tim is no rock star: “It’s not like I have a choice. Comedy is my only life skill.”

Tim reminds us that for life’s many difficulties, laughter is always the best medicine- when the medication runs out. He just released his 9th comedy DVD, “Just About Enough”. Tim lives in Missouri with his wife and four crud muffins.

Uber Fan Package includes reserved seating in the first two rows of the theatre, a special concert laminate, a $10 voucher for Tim’s merchandise at the event and a post-show meet and greet with Tim. Space is limited.
Ticket Prices: $30, $38, $45, $65 Uber Fan Package

Sunday, October 13, 2019
Southeast Wise Woman Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center

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The Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference was inspired by the thriving herbal conferences for women in the Northeast, Northwest, and California, which were founded in the 1990’s. After many years of running Red Moon Herbs and teaching herbal medicine for women, Corinna Wood—student and apprentice of  Wise Woman Herbalist Susun Weed—recognized that the Southeast, too, would be eager for this kind of gathering. From our first annual event in 2005 with 200 women attending, we quickly discovered that the community was more than ready, that this event is filling a deep hunger for the Wise Woman Ways in this region. The conference now has a heart and soul of its own. For many, it has become an annual event—with over a thousand women, the October gathering is a tradition in education, inspiration, and sisterhood.

3 Full days of workshops, intensives, gatherings and more.

For a complete schedule visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HcEve8IzhO29Qt_ZFRQXF3jcXtsffDk31v5HEbUNm_A/edit#gid=2075348263

Carolina Bonsai Expo @ The NC Arboretum
Oct 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Property

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

Fall Tree Giveaway Green Works
Oct 13 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The GreenWorks Nursery

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Take home a native tree for your home!

Hometown Gospel Celebration
Oct 13 @ 2:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts for a Sunday afternoon celebration of Hometown Gospel favorites. Featuring Turning Home, the White Sisters, the Dendy Sisters and more.

Ticket Prices: $10 General Admission

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 13 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Gin Blossoms: New Miserable Experience Live
Oct 15 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

October 15, 2019 8:00 PM
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Gin Blossoms – Meet & Greet Package includes:
· One general admission ticket
· VIP Early venue entry
· Exclusive pre-show meet & greet with Gin Blossoms
· Personal photograph with Gin Blossoms
· Intimate 2-song acoustic performance by Gin Blossoms
· Limited edition tour poster autographed by Gin Blossoms
· Specially designed Gin Blossoms tote bag
· Official meet & greet laminate
· Merchandise shopping before doors open to the general public – Limited availability
· Download card for Gin Blossoms album Mixed Reality

Support:
Great American Canyon Band

Ages 18+

In the late 80’s, Gin Blossoms started to grow a huge following as the #1 local music draw in Phoenix and certainly were the hometown heroes of their favorite hang, Tempe, Arizona.

Gin Blossoms indelible jangle-pop sound was evolving during radio’s diverse mix of hair bands and grunge music superstars. They qualified to perform at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin Texas in 1989. That same year College Music Journal dubbed them “The Best Unsigned Band In America” and added an invitation to perform on MTV’s New Music Awards in New York City. Their breakout record New Miserable Experience was where their rise to fame began. This album kept the band on the chart for almost 3 years with singles “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” Until I Fall Away,” “Mrs. Rita,” and “Found Out About You.” The crossover hits on New Miserable Experience played on 4 radio formats and, to date, have sold over 5 million records.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Volunteers Needed
Oct 16 all-day
various

Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.

Isis Music Hall Free Music Lawn Series
Oct 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Isis Music Hall & Kitchen

Every Wednesday and Thursday (weather permitting) we will be featuring local bands on the Isis Lawn. Music starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm. It’s an evening of community. Bring a chair or blanket or grab one of ours that we offer.

Thursday, Oct 3rd :: 6:00PM :: Matt Fassas Trio
Wednesday, Oct 9th :: 6:00PM :: Upland Drive
Thursday, Oct 10th :: 6:00PM :: Pimps of Pompe
Wednesday, Oct 16th :: 6:00PM :: Queen Bee and the Honeylovers
Thursday, Oct 17th :: 6:00PM :: Fwuit!
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Isis Music Hall Free Music Lawn Series
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Isis Music Hall & Kitchen

Every Wednesday and Thursday (weather permitting) we will be featuring local bands on the Isis Lawn. Music starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm. It’s an evening of community. Bring a chair or blanket or grab one of ours that we offer.

Thursday, Oct 3rd :: 6:00PM :: Matt Fassas Trio
Wednesday, Oct 9th :: 6:00PM :: Upland Drive
Thursday, Oct 10th :: 6:00PM :: Pimps of Pompe
Wednesday, Oct 16th :: 6:00PM :: Queen Bee and the Honeylovers
Thursday, Oct 17th :: 6:00PM :: Fwuit!
Friday, October 18, 2019
The Trail Mixer featuring Local Adventure Pop Up Shop
Oct 18 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

If you’re keen to explore Asheville but don’t know where to go, then don’t miss Diamond Brand Outdoors Local Adventure Pop-Up Shop at Aloft Asheville Downtown’s Wxyz Bar. We’ll have our local experts there to share their favorite hikes, gear essentials, and uniquely Asheville souvenir suggestions.

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!

80s vs 90s Dance Party
Oct 18 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Volunteers Needed
Oct 19 all-day
various

Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.

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! ???

The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band
Oct 19 @ 4:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This performance is free of charge and requires a ticket for admission. Tickets may be reserved online, at the Wortham Center Box Office, or by phone at 828-257-4530 .

The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. Formed in 1969, this 19-member ensemble has received great acclaim at home and abroad performing America’s greatest original art form, jazz.

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors.

The Jazz Ambassadors has appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Recent notable performances include concerts at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and an appearance on the Colbert Report. Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet are just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with the Jazz Ambassadors. The band has been featured in joint concerts with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. The Jazz Ambassadors’s rigorous touring schedule and reputation for excellence has earned it the title “America’s Big Band.”

Ticketholders should be seated by 3:45 PM
Unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticketholders at 3:50 PM

Songwriting Folk Duo Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall & Kitchen

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MA based Folk troubadours Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards will perform Friday October 19 at 7 pm at Isis Music Hall. Mandeville & Richards offer some new material and  songs from their CD “Live in Manitoba” featuring original songs and stories recorded live during a two week tour of house concerts throughout the province of Manitoba, Canada. 

The duo were invited by the organization Home Routes to complete a route during their fall 2017 season. Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous was initiated by the founders of the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the West End Cultural Centre, (Mitch Podolak and Ava Kobrinsky in collaboration with Tim Osmond) to create new performance opportunities for French and English speaking musicians and audiences in rural, remote and urban, communities across Canada, hosted by volunteers in their homes and other community venues.  

Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards have just completed their 10th Annual walking tour of Massachusetts. Each summer since 2010 they have organized the “Massachusetts Walking Tour” where they hike the roads and trails of the Commonwealth, more than 100 miles in less than two weeks, in support of the arts in local communities along the way. Each evening they stop over in yet another Massachusetts town, putting on a free concert there, along with local performers and fellow artists who accompany them on their journey. These annual two-week treks also raise awareness of the trails and greenways in Massachusetts, using music to make important connections. In the fall of 2017 Mandeville and Richards received official recognition before congress and were added to the congressional record by Senator Ed Markey for their efforts in the community through the Massachusetts Walking Tour.

Departure: The Journey Tribute Band
Oct 19 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

After 8 years together, DEPARTURE has become the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. DEPARTURE replicates the look, sound and feel of the original 80’s rock super group. The five band members are from the original line-up and have been together from the very beginning. These veteran musicians have developed an amazing on-stage chemistry and pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. DEPARTURE plays all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves and was voted “Best Local Entertainer” for 2011, 2012 and 2014 by Gwinnett Magazine. Performing approximately one-hundred shows annually, DEPARTURE brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.
Ticket Prices: $18, $20

Asheville Symphony Fright Night
Oct 19 @ 8:00 pm
US Cellular Center

Desert Dwellers
Oct 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Desert Dwellers

October 19, 2019 9:00 PM
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Ages 18+

Desert Dwellers is the convergence of music producers Amani Friend and Treavor Moontribe, who honed their individual skills in the mystical deserts of New Mexico and California, long before electronic music reached the mainstream. Amani and Treavor combine the raw sounds of the natural world, wrapped in dance-floor and chill-out productions; blending deep bass, earthy percussion, etheric voices, and cross-cultural instrumentation into a sonic incense for the mind and body. Desert Dwellers’ unique global sounds are a bridge between worlds, and their label Desert Trax has become a platform to spotlight similar alchemical artists.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Sunday, October 20, 2019
?Fall LEAF Festival Lineup Release! ?
Oct 20 all-day
Lake Eden
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Oct 20 all-day
various locations see details

August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville

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.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 20 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/