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.

Sunday, November 10, 2019
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Nov 10 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Woodturning Demo
Nov 10 all-day
Foundation Woodworks

Visit and shop Gallery 17 at Foundation Woodworks, 17 Foundy St., Asheville during Studio Stroll weekend in the River Arts District, Nov. 9 & 10 (Sat. 11 – 5, Sun 12 – 5) and watch live lathe woodturning demo with Allen Davis and Mike Juett of Winchester Woodworks, Waynesville, NC. Kids of all ages welcome!

Monday, November 11, 2019
Veterans Free Fishing Day at Owen Park
Nov 11 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Charles Owen Park

Veterans or Active Duty Military may fish without a NC Fishing License at Charles D. Owen Park.  Must show proof of Military duty.  This event is FREE and we’ll provide a hotdog lunch at noon.

Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 11 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 11 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 13 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Lunch & Learn: Wildlife Connectivity
Nov 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
SAHC Office

Jeff Hunter, Senior Program Manager with National Parks Conservation Association will join us to discuss the work of the Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Connectivity Collaborative. This group of federal, state, tribal and non-governmental organizations, which includes SAHC, are working together to improve wildlife’s ability to safely cross Interstate 40 just outside the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Join us! Free and open to the public, but spaces are limited. Please RSVP to [email protected] to attend.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 13 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Thursday, November 14, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Asheville Art Museum Announces Grand Opening!
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

November 8, 2019
4–7pm
(Patron Level Members and above)

Grand Opening Celebration
November 9, 2019
6–10pm
Tickets: $225

Members-Only Preview
November 10, 2019
11am–6pm
Free for all Members

Ribbon-Cutting & Public Preview
November 13, 2019
1–6pm
FREE

Opening Day
November 14, 2019
11am–6pm

After-Hours Party (21+ only)
November 16, 2019
8pm–midnight
Tickets: $75

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Storytime & Art West Asheville Library
Nov 14 @ 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.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Markers on the Trail Asheville Art Museum
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Appalachia Now! artist Clarissa Sligh and special guest Kimberly Purser perform a reading of excerpts from Sligh’s artists’ books: Transforming Hate: An Artist’s Book (2016) and My Mother, Walt Whitman and Me (2019). Historical elements, photography, and memory are used as framing devices to construct the evolution of personal and social identity. Both books were published in Asheville.

Free for Members or included with Museum admission, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Friday, November 15, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Art Break: 50 Years of WNC Glass
Nov 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Harvey K. Littleton, Lyrical Movement (Lemon-Cranberry), 1989, glass. Gift from the James & Judith Moore Glass and Craft Collection, 2018.55.09.

Drop in to one of our lunchtime Art Breaks! Taking place on selected Fridays at 12pm, these informal gallery talks and presentations both inform and engage you in dialogue with our curatorial and education staff, docents, or special guests.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Saturday, November 16, 2019
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate Sign Up Now
Nov 16 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Woman running in front Biltmore House.jpg

The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added.  In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day.  To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.

The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.

For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit

https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fall Colors Run 5K
Nov 16 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Olivette
Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Nov 16 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

Crafty Historian: a Crafty Hodge-Podge
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House

Hodge-Podge is a mixture of different things!

It’s time to use up lots of leftover craft supplies. You can choose from a variety of beading, weaving, decoupage, and much more. Crafters are welcome to bring objects that you want decorated with beads, sequins or decoupage (like picture frames, glass bottles, etc).

 

Here is a link to some ideas of things to bring that you might like to decorate, but I’ll have lots of things to make that you won’t need extra items. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oXICKNyAwSoj0pD0s3NRmLjevxazIG2ORoGsp8PQg24/edit?usp=sharing

 

Be prepared for a bit of confusion with lots of things going on, but it will be LOTS of fun!!

This might be the last Crafty Historian since our resident Crafty Historian will be resigning as of Nov 30 – so if you’ve been a fan of these events, this is not one you want to miss!

 

Fill out the reservation form here  https://forms.gle/AL1sAdv7PTZ11ZuZ6 , and I’ll email a confirmation to you. If you have questions before or after your reservation, be sure to email Lisa at [email protected]

 

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 16 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Winding Creek Fall Festival
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Winding Creek Stables

Join us for games, food, entertainment, pony rides and more at our inaugural Fall Festival! Free admission. Pay for activities.

Center for Craft Grand Reopening
Nov 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

The Center for Craft will host a Public Reopening in their newly renovated space in downtown Asheville to welcome and connect the community.

About Organizer:
The Center for Craft advances the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Co-founder Aurelia Kennedy Celebration of Life
Nov 16 @ 2:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join us in gathering at the grounds of Relia’s Garden on the campus of Nantahala Outdoor Center as we celebrate the life of Aurelia Kennedy.

Bring stories and remembrances of Aurelia and a Thanksgiving dish to share. Nantahala Outdoor Center will provide a main course featuring turkey and dressing.

Please RSVP here if you are attending so that NOC may plan the meal and space accordingly. If you would like to make a donation honoring Aurelia and further her life’s mission, donations may be made through the North Carolina Community Foundation for the Kennedy Endowment Fund. From this page you may search for and give to the Kennedy Endowment Fund.

Donation checks may be sent to:
The North Carolina Community Foundation
3737 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 460
Raleigh, NC 27612
*Please indicate that contributions are for the Kennedy Endowment Fund, #000386. All contributions are tax deductible.

Recipient organizations of the Kennedy Endowment Fund for 2019 in order of magnitude from $5,000 to $1,000 were:

  • Clinic Nepal
  • SOS Children’s Villages
  • Medic Force
  • Adventure Amputee Camp
  • Swain County New Century Scholars
  • American Red Cross
  • IPAS
Soul on Fire: A Celebration of Heritage through Art, Culture & Music!
Nov 16 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ab Tech Conference Center
Join Delta House Life Development + local artist, historian, art educator and leader, Mrs. Shirley Whitesides for an evening of art!

Soul on Fire: A Celebration of Heritage through Art, Culture & Music is an evening dedicated to offering a new narrative to the community about the power of one individual to make change, forge community connections, and support youth…all through the power of arts + culture. Join adé PROJECT and friends for an Opening Reception to “My Soul Looks Back”, an art exhibit featuring the collected works of Mrs. Shirley Whitesides from over nearly 50 years. And then, dance the night away with Free Flow Band, enter into a raffle or silent auction for great prizes, or sign up for the opportunity to get a one-of-a-kind tattoo from Miya Bailey, a former student of Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, and nationally known artist. Here is an idea of the event agenda:

– 5pm – Doors open for RECEPTION

– 5:30-6:30pm – “My Soul Looks Back”, an exhibit by Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, Opening Reception, sponsored by AB-Tech

– 6:30pm – Doors open for DANCE

– 7pm – The story of Delta House Jazz Band

– 7:05pm – Welcome Address – Lakesha McDay, Dogwood Trust

– 7:15pm – Free Flow Band

– 9pm – Intermission Address – Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, Delta House Life Development + Miya Bailey, City of Ink

– 9:15pm – Free Flow Band

– 11pm – Event concludes

In addition to all of the art and artistic experiences, there will be delicious food, beer + wine and the promise of community connections from past, present, and future!