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Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 8 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Fall Wellness Fair at The Free Clinics: Free Flu Shots, Health Screenings & Voter Registration
Oct 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Free Clinics

The Free Clinics (TFC) continues our efforts to make Henderson and Polk Counties healthier places to live, work, and play with a community wellness event featuring free flu shots, health screenings, and voter registration.

The event is free and the community is welcome to attend. Working in partnership with Walgreens, Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP), and the League of Women Voters of Henderson County (LWV) to present the event, TFC encourages residents of Henderson and Polk counties to take advantage of the free flu shots provided by Walgreens, along with screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure by TFC nurses, free HIV and Hepatitis C tests offered by WNCAP, and voter registration facilitated by LWV.

“Make plans to get vaccinated before flu season begins! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body,” says RN Jacquelyn Rose, TFC’s Clinical Services Director.  Rose adds, “The CDC recommends that people get a flu shot by the end of October,” and clarifies that no pre-registration is required for the event and individuals may drop in to be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information about the Fall Wellness Fair, please contact Clinical Services Director Jacquelyn Rose at 828.697.8422 or [email protected].

107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 8 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 9 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 9 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 9 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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.

Thursday, October 10, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Oct 10 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

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 10 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 10 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

Storytime & Art West Asheville Library
Oct 10 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
West Asheville 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 West Asheville Library on second Thursdays.

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.

Casa de Coco Launch Party
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
REVOLVE at RAMP SOUTH Studio

CASA DE COCO LAUNCH PARTY
October 10, 2019 6 PM to 9 PM

Casa De Coco’s film premiere for Cosa Buena

Live score performed by Mike Johnson, Zack Kardon, and Jack Victor.

Pop up shop featuring Casa De Coco’s F/W19 collection, A Conversation About Color

Installations by Spoon & Hook, Palm + Pine, Casa De Coco, and more.

Polaroid photo booth by Carlos Famania

DJ set TBA

Flora, fruit, some snacks, and bubbles

This event will be an exclusive look at screen dance, Cosa Buena, and the Fall/Winter 2019 clothing collection, A Conversation About Color. The first garment in this collection was made in 2015. Since then, this collection has metamorphosed into a colorful wardrobe, a dance, an exploration of identity, and little moments for the camera. Casa De Coco invites Asheville and surrounding area folks to what will be a fun film premiere and the most interactive pop up this fall.

All ages welcome.

Veterans Support Group
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Epiphany Wellness Center

The group will be led initially by a veteran who is a licensed counselor. ALL veterans of all ages are welcome and there is no charge.

Friday, October 11, 2019
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 11 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 11 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Wetland Forest Priority Maps
Oct 11 all-day

Cypress Tree

Restoring and protecting wetland forests in the US South will provide extensive financial, social, and environmental benefits. We hope that you’ll visit the Wetland Forest Priority Maps and explore the information and stories found within.

We’ve highlighted fourteen potential watersheds to prioritize for conservation work in wetland forests, including:

  • The Lower Pee Dee Watershed in coastal South Carolina and North Carolina
  • The Apalachicola Watershed in the panhandle of Florida and inland Georgia
  • The Atchafalaya Watershed in Louisiana
  • The Mobile-Bay Tombigbee Watershed in Alabama

These are the watersheds that we may look to when developing relationships with landowners, working with community members on flood resilience, or improving wildlife habitat in the region.

The Wetland Forest Priority Maps identify high priority watersheds based on wildlife, human communities, and threats. Wa

107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 11 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

Literacy Changing Lives Tour
Oct 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Literacy Council

Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.

Space is limited. Please RSVP below and click here to use the driving directions from our website.

Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont
Oct 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park- multiple dates Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26

Fri and Sat Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 from 7-9 pm
and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)
Family friendly, great date night, and fantastic artistic fun with beautiful lighted pumpkin trails, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, dress up like a pirate for kids, white squirrel scavenger hunt, historic mansion open. Accessible trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help park and historic mansion. Admission $5. 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- Tin Roof Pizza and Bill’s Boilerhouse Coffee

Music schedule 7-9 pm except Oct. 26- 5-9 pm
Oct 11: Hammond George and Friends
Oct 12: Unpaid Bill and the Bad Czechs
Oct 18: Marc Brown & Friends
Oct 19: Marion Boatwright & Friends
Oct 25: Tom Anderson & Friends
Oct 26: North Carolina Slim and the Dangerous Gentleman (Brian Phillips and Eddie Martin)

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

Saturday, October 12, 2019
Foster Parent Training Classes Announced for 2020
Oct 12 all-day
with in Buncombe County

News
                            article image

You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!

These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.

2020 Schedule: 

  • Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
  • Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
  • Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
  • Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
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!

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 12 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids)
Oct 12 @ 8:30 am – 9:45 am
First Congregational Church Library

You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West.  It’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s about getting on with life.

107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

19th Annual Eblen Charities Walk, Run or Roll 5k/10k
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB-Tech

You can join a team, create a team or sign up as an individual. Minimum donation of $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are FREE! up as an individual. Minimum donation of $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are FREE!

We want YOU to join us, Saturday, October 12th, for the 19th Annual Eblen Charities Walk, Run, or Roll 5K/10K, held on the campus of A-B Tech. The Walk, Run, and Roll is a non-competitive and family friendly 5k (three miles) or 10k (six miles) around the beautiful campus of our community college, beginning at 9:00 am and finishing around noon with lunch from Outback.
The Walk raises money to help children, adults, and families in our community in their time of need. This is a great chance to put on your walking shoes, get your family, friends and co-workers together for a fun community event.
Last year, nearly 700 walkers participated in raising more than $28,000 to assist local students in our schools and families in our community with medication, food, heat, rent and shoes and clothing and other emergency aid. It’s only a $20 minimum donation, which can be raised by getting friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you.  We encourage you to raise more, as every dollar helps!
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.

Chair Arch Unveiling & Curve Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration RAD
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Curve Studios

Silver River Center for Chair Caning, the only chair caning school and museum in the USA, has created an 8 ft tall chair arch to honor Torno’s three decades of contributions to the RAD. Built by chair nerds, Brandy Clements, Dave Klingler, and Lucy Kruesel, the CURVE garden Chair Arch is inspired by a chair arch built in 1877 by the furniture makers of High Wycombe, UK to welcome Queen Victoria. The Chair Arch will be unveiled @ 4:30pm in the garden with a bit of the bubbly.

10am to 6pm                    Extended Open Studio Hours • all studios

2pm                                  Cassie Butcher Artist Talk “Unearthing the Soul “ • 5 downstairs

4 to 6pm                          Happy Hour • drinks and snacks in the garden Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

4:30pm                            Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

5pm                                 CURVE 30th Birthday Cake cutting • 5 downstairs

CURVE Studios 30th Birthday Celebration is free to the public. Plenty of parking is available at CURVE and in two adjacent public lots & a free trolley will be available to take visitors around the River Arts District from 11am to 5pm. This event will happen, rain or shine!

Fall Festival Lake Julian Park
Oct 12 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Family friendly fun.  try out the various games and challenges provided by Buncombe County Recreation Services.  Face painters, popcorn, Fire Truck and much more.  This is a FREE event.

Lake Julian Park’s Fall Festival
Oct 12 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lake Julian

This annual mountain family tradition is free and open to kids, teens, and adults of all ages. This year’s theme, Get Curious About the Outdoors, is inspired by the adventures of Curious George that feature themes of learning, forgiveness, and playful curiosity. Festival goers are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite children’s book characters or in another costume.

“Autumn is a special time at Lake Julian, with vibrant colors on the trees and crisp air that’s distinct to our area,” according to Lynn Pegg, Buncombe County Recreation Services Program Manager. “This year, the Fall Festival celebrates the creativity and boundless imagination of Buncombe County’s youngest citizens throughout the park.”

Festival games include an obstacle course, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, ring toss, baseball target, foam bow and arrow, and alphabet walk. Free face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and storytelling areas will be set up within Lake Julian Road, the main loop in in the park. Regular park amenities including the pirate-themed playground (installed in 2018), volleyball, horseshoes, picnic tables, walking trails, and disc golf are also accessible at no cost.

Fishing, paddleboats, water trikes, and a boat launch are available for a small fee. Food will be offered for purchase from Frank & Steins Hot Dogs, Kona Shaved Ice, and Papa John’s Pizza. Publix has provided supplies for a free cupcake decorating station. Free water stations are sponsored by Mountain Valley Spring Water. (Please bring your reusable water bottle.)

Other stations include Asheville Museum of Science (learning activities), Buncombe County Fire Marshal (kids’ fire house), Buncombe County Libraries South Asheville Branch (story time), Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BEAR CAT tactical vehicle and K9 handler), Lakeview Putt and Play (mini golf), Skyland Fire and Rescue (fire engine), Smokey the Bear and the United States Forest Service (outdoor education), and WNC Safe Kids (safety information).