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, October 30, 2022
Virtual Halloween Photo Contest
Oct 30 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook

2022: A SPACE PAWDYSSEY Halloween Dog Parade
Oct 30 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

SPACE THEMED HALLOWEEN DOG PARADE

Join us Sunday, October 30th for our first annual Halloween Dog Parade! Watch the costume parade, visit with local dog-themed vendors and enjoy the festivities in the fall gardens. The 2022: A SPACE PAWDYSSEY Parade starts with a Master of Ceremonies and prizes will be awarded for best costume. Want to enter your furry friend into the costume contest? Details below.

1:00 PM REGISTRATION
Education Center Plaza

2:00 P.M. 2022: A SPACE PAWDYSSEY PARADE

3:30 GRAND PRIZE ANNOUNCED
Baker Visitor Center Lawn

To participate in the Parade:
Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. in the Education Center Plaza. Registration includes one dog and one dog handler to walk in the parade. Participants will be given a number to be eligible for prizes. Advanced registration is not required and there is no registration fee

 

While we are all excited to meet your furry friends in the garden, please note that both buildings and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden are off-limits for pets.

Little Shop of Horrors
Oct 30 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Carol Belk Theatre

Little Shop of Horrors

A horror comedy rock musical about a Skid Row flower shop worker with low self-confidence who finds and raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Book + Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

$15 for General Admissions, $10 for UNCA Faculty/Staff, and $5 for UNCA Students.

This event will be held at the Carol Belk Theatre on UNC-Asheville’s campus.

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
Oct 30 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by Shirley Jackson

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN FORRESTER

In a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror, a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in desolate and deserted Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil. The visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess—powers which have brought madness, murder and suicide to those who have lived there in in the past. As disturbing events begin to transpire, the house begins to influence (and overtake) the visitors’ psyches. To stay sane, they must be stronger than the traumas the house has brought upon them.

The 10th Annual Haunted Trail at The Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 30 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to host the 10th annual Haunted Trail, Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. This is the third year in a row the Adventure Center has hosted this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. Every year the show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and we hope to see you there! For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time and they can decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is also available for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two of our aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room- Test ‘yer wit mateys! 10 voyages available nightly for purchase (groups of up to 6 per voyage) Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity. Pirate activities including a walk the plank obstacle course and shark feeding In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be a giant festival tent with several local vendors, delicious Mellow Mushroom Pizza and more! Ticket sales to this event raise meals for MANNA food bank, come have fun and help us say BOO! to hunger!

The Haunted Farm
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm
The Haunted Farm

The Haunted Farm

HAUNT SEASON IS COMING!

2022 will be our 12th 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 for our The 2022 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.

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

The Myers Haunted House a self guided, old school haunt featuring Hollywood horror film characters Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface & more. The haunt is located in East Flat Rock, NC.

Monday, October 31, 2022
Asheville Historic Haunts Creepy Legends, Mysteries, and History
Oct 31 all-day
Online self guided tour
Virtual Halloween Photo Contest
Oct 31 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook

Green House of Horror
Oct 31 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

Walk through and experience a haunted greenhouse where the plants come alive at night. Each participant will receive a plant goodie bag. Refreshments will be provided. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Greenhouse of Horror
Oct 31 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Experience a haunted greenhouse where the plants come alive at night. Each participant also receives a plant goodie bag and light bites.

Halloween Boo’th Fest
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Put on your costume, make memories, and take pics while receiving treats!

The Haunted Farm
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Haunted Farm

The Haunted Farm

HAUNT SEASON IS COMING!

2022 will be our 12th 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 for our The 2022 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.

The Myers Haunted House
Oct 31 @ 7:15 pm
The Myers Haunted House

The Myers Haunted House a self guided, old school haunt featuring Hollywood horror film characters Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface & more. The haunt is located in East Flat Rock, NC.

Halloween Party + Costume Contest
Oct 31 @ 8:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

On Monday, October 31st, Hickory Tavern Asheville will host an adult Halloween Party! Come dressed in your best costume for a chance to win special prizes. Enjoy live music with Commodore Fox, drink specials, and ghoulish fun! Event kicks off at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Asheville Historic Haunts Creepy Legends, Mysteries, and History
Nov 1 all-day
Online self guided tour
Virtual Halloween Photo Contest
Nov 1 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook

Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Virtual Halloween Photo Contest
Nov 2 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Virtual Halloween Photo Contest
Nov 3 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook

World Ballet Series: Swan Lake
Nov 3 @ 7:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Experience the legendary!

A part of the World Ballet Series, the Swan Lake will be performed live by a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most famous love story to life.  See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by the Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music.

The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic.

Little Shop of Horrors
Nov 3 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Carol Belk Theatre

Little Shop of Horrors

A horror comedy rock musical about a Skid Row flower shop worker with low self-confidence who finds and raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Book + Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

$15 for General Admissions, $10 for UNCA Faculty/Staff, and $5 for UNCA Students.

This event will be held at the Carol Belk Theatre on UNC-Asheville’s campus.

Friday, November 4, 2022
Entries for the 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ are now being accepted!
Nov 4 all-day
online

 

The Omni Grove Park Inn, an award-winning, 513-room resort set in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C., is celebrating The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™, which is the nation’s largest, hosted at the resort annually. Beginning July 6, 2022 the competition registration is officially now open here through November 14, 2022. The competition will be held and winners will be announced on November 21, 2022.

 

New elements for The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™ include:

  • Introduction of 10th Judge, Ashleigh Shanti, chef/owner of Good Hot Fish & 2020 James Beard finalist.
  • Addition of six brand-new specialty awards and increased prizes (60% increase to years past) across the four age categories, which include Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star, Most Innovative Structure, and Best Use of Spice.
  • All registered competitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece of the entire competition to determine the winner of the new People’s Choice: Best in Show award.

 

The full press release announcing the official rules and entry forms can be found here and below, and a highlight reel and hi-res imagery from last year’s competition can be found here. Please let me know if you will consider the news on behalf of The Omni Grove Park Inn!

Santa’s Shoppe
Nov 4 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Santa’s Shoppe 2022 will be held November 4 – November 6, 2022 at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

Friday, November 4th: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 5th: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, November 6th: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased from JLS members, online, or at select local retailers.

Cost: $5.00 in advance, $10 at the door

Little Shop of Horrors
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Carol Belk Theatre

Little Shop of Horrors

A horror comedy rock musical about a Skid Row flower shop worker with low self-confidence who finds and raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman

Book + Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)

Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization

$15 for General Admissions, $10 for UNCA Faculty/Staff, and $5 for UNCA Students.

This event will be held at the Carol Belk Theatre on UNC-Asheville’s campus.

Saturday, November 5, 2022
Entries for the 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ are now being accepted!
Nov 5 all-day
online

 

The Omni Grove Park Inn, an award-winning, 513-room resort set in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C., is celebrating The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™, which is the nation’s largest, hosted at the resort annually. Beginning July 6, 2022 the competition registration is officially now open here through November 14, 2022. The competition will be held and winners will be announced on November 21, 2022.

 

New elements for The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™ include:

  • Introduction of 10th Judge, Ashleigh Shanti, chef/owner of Good Hot Fish & 2020 James Beard finalist.
  • Addition of six brand-new specialty awards and increased prizes (60% increase to years past) across the four age categories, which include Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star, Most Innovative Structure, and Best Use of Spice.
  • All registered competitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece of the entire competition to determine the winner of the new People’s Choice: Best in Show award.

 

The full press release announcing the official rules and entry forms can be found here and below, and a highlight reel and hi-res imagery from last year’s competition can be found here. Please let me know if you will consider the news on behalf of The Omni Grove Park Inn!

Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Nov 5 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

Cookies with Santa
Nov 5 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Our ever-popular, Cookies with Santa, will take place on Saturday, November 5. Join Santa for a fun hour of pictures, crafts, cookie decorating, and more! Be sure to purchase tickets early as this event does sell out and additional seats/tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Cost: $20 per child* (*ticket includes one free accompanying adult); Tickets sold ONLINE ONLY

Seatings: 8:30 am | 10:00 am | 11:30 am | 1:00 pm | 2:30 pm | 4:00 pm

Santa’s Shoppe
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Santa’s Shoppe 2022 will be held November 4 – November 6, 2022 at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

Friday, November 4th: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 5th: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, November 6th: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased from JLS members, online, or at select local retailers.

Cost: $5.00 in advance, $10 at the door

The Smoky Mountain Toy Run
Nov 5 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kearfott Corporation
2022 Smoky Mountain Toy Run SIP (Santa's Important People) image

Be one of Santa’s Important People with the fun new way to participate in the 42nd annual SMOKY MOUNTAIN TOY RUN!

SIP participants will have reserved parking at Kearfott, a specially designed commemorative Toy Run hoodie sweatshirt, rocker and patch. Additionally the SIP participants will lead the way to Downtown Asheville!

$75.00 per single rider or $100.00 per couple on a bike also includes event entrance fee.

Gates opens at 10:00 am and the SIP’s will lead the ride to downtown Asheville at 1:00 pm.

The Smoky Mountain Toy Run is the oldest running Toy Run in North Carolina!

Celebrating 42 years of insuring a Merry Christmas to children in need!

In an effort to guarantee shirts are available for all SIP participants we ask that you please pre-register before October 30!

Additional 2022 tee shirts and hoodies available at the event, as well as, a limited selection of vintage designs.

Come be a part of this wonderful community event that helps children of our community have a brighter holiday!

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT

EBLEN CHARITIES

SAINT NICHOLAS PROJECT

2022 Smoky Mountain Toy Run SIP (Santa's Important People) image

You can be one of Santa’s Important People!

is almost here, and you can still be one of Santa’s Important People. Visit this link to learn more and sign up.

All funds and toys collected will go to support our St. Nicholas Project store, now in its 12th year. Last year we helped more than 1,350 families with holiday gifts for their children. We’re grateful to the Smoky Mountain Toy Run folks and all who help us make this a magical holiday season for kids, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Harvest Celebration
Nov 5 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center- Expo Building

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Harvest Celebration
See the “People’s Tree” and special guests Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and Santa Claus

Come celebrate and help us send one very special red spruce, Ruby, on her grand adventure from the mountains to sea and all the way to Washington, D.C. The U.S. Forest Service is hosting a harvest celebration for the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the People’s Tree, on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the WNC Agricultural Center Expo Building.

 

 

Be among the first to see the tree before it begins the journey from western North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and sign the banners on her truck to send your well wishes to all the communities hosting her along the way. Visitors can take a “walk” through an interactive display of the four national forests in North Carolina and learn about each forest’s ecosystems and employees. There will also be over 25 partner organizations offering fun family-friendly games and U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise. This event is free and open to the public.