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

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

Thursday, October 8, 2020
Asheville Goodwill BAC Online Meeting: Fall, the Flu Season + the Holidays
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

Let’s check in with the Health Department for recommendations on how to stay safe.

Guest Speaker: Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County Health & Human Services Preparedness and Security Officer

Generally, Goodwill provides lunch at these meetings. But under the current circumstances, this meeting will be a virtual potluck!

Things to do to prepare for the event:

1. Support a local restaurant by getting take-out to bring to the event.

2. When you join, we encourage you to join with video so we can see your smiling face.

3. Bring any questions you may have for this amazing group of speakers.

Once you have registered, a link to the meeting will be sent to you.

Economics Webinar with Tomáš Sedláček, Author of “Economics of Good and Evil”
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

UNC Asheville will continue its fall 2020 series of a free webinars on economics with a talk at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, by Tomáš Sedláček, chief macroeconomic strategist at Czech commercial bank CSOB and author of Economics of Good and Evil: the Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall StreetThis online event is free and open to everyone via Zoom.

This series is presented by UNC Asheville’s Department of Economics, the Cary Caperton Owen Professorship in Economics, and the student Economics Club.

 

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Politics Live with The Fix
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm
twitter

Join Washington Post reporters for a discussion on the latest politics.

What Do You Call A Novel, with Wiley Cash
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

In this online talk at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, bestselling novelist Wiley Cash will discuss two questions he always asks when writing a novel. First, “what is this?” Second, “what do I call it?” He also will discuss and read from his forthcoming novel. Pre-register at this link.

Cash is the New York Times bestselling author of three novels – A Land More Kind Than HomeThis Dark Road to Mercy, and most recently The Last Ballad. He won the SIBA Book Award and the Conroy Legacy Award, and was a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize. He is writer-in-residence and teaches creative writing at UNC Asheville where he earned his undergraduate degree.

This event is part of the Brown Bag series (now moved online) from UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library.

 

Catch Me If You Can CANCELLED
Oct 8 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Fall Color Ramble
Oct 8 @ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 3-11, guests can enjoy 20-minute guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Oct 8 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
The editor of Back of Beyond, Frances Figart: Interviews co-authors George Ellison + Janet McCue
Oct 8 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online
LEARN
BACK OF BEYOND

The editor of Back of Beyond, Frances Figart, will interview co-authors George Ellison and Janet McCue about their experience writing this award-winning publication. During the interview, the authors will read excerpts from the biography, share behind-the-scenes details about their research, provide insights into their writing process, and disclose mysteries of Kephart’s past still to be discovered.

Backstage Pass w/ Master Gardener Tamsin Allpress + Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 8 @ 3:00 pm
Online
Tamsin Allpress sitting in the
                Playhouse gardens. Sign in the background says
                "Welcome The Garden Is Always Open"

Tamsin Allpress will take you virtually through the gardens at Flat Rock Playhouse, explaining what is planted where and why. She’ll offer gardening tips, and tell her amazing story of her commitment to Flat Rock Playhouse and what it took to become a Master Gardener.  If you have not had a chance to wander around the property lately, you would be amazed at the wonders there, thanks to Tamsin and her team of volunteer gardeners. Please join us for the October session of Backstage Pass on October 8 at 3 pm RSVP at [email protected]

CiderFest Tours 2020
Oct 8 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Various Cider Houses

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, drink and outdoor

The eighth annual CiderFest NC fundraiser will be held in a brand-new format this fall that offers loyal guests the chance to celebrate, sample and savor cider safely and responsibly.

While the large annual festival will not be offered this fall in light of current health concerns, the event will continue this year through CiderFest Tours: small-group curated tours of three Asheville cideries that are being offered in partnership with local business Leap Frog Tours.

The tours will allow participants to visit three of Asheville’s cideries — Noble Cider, Urban Orchard Cider Company – West and TreeRock Social Cider House & Mead Bar — for intimate, small-group tasting sessions to sample unique takes on the craft beverage on each of the locations. Proceeds will be shared between Leap Frog Tours, the three participating cideries and Green Built Alliance.

To offer the largest number of people the opportunity to participate, the four-hour tours will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. on every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in October.

Tours can be reserved for groups of 2 to 14 individuals, and bookings open up today. To prioritize safety in light of COVID-19, all tours will be private without combining reservations from separate parties. (Visit our website or Leap Frog’s booking page for a full list of COVID-19 precautions being taken for the tours.)

The cost is $85 per person. The price includes a tasting at each cidery, a souvenir CiderFest tasting glass, and transportation by Leap Frog Tours from Aloft Hotel in downtown Asheville.

Since the event has sold out in recent years, people are encouraged to book their tours early. For more information and to book a tour, visit www.ciderfestnc.com.

Flat Rock Farmers Market
Oct 8 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Flat Rock Farmers Market

Celebrating over 15 years of bringing fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods to the community of Flat Rock NC.
Join us every Thursday, May – October at our location at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church at the corner of Upward Rd and Greenville Hwy. 

Flat Rock Playhouse Enrichment Program
Oct 8 @ 3:00 pm
Online

Vintage ticket graphic. Text
                reads Flat Rock Playhouse Admit One Backstage Pass

During this time of social distancing and virtual connections, we would like to offer you an hour of enrichment and education the second Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Next week, Thursday, August 13 at 3 pm is our first class. This monthly Enrichment Program is an opportunity to learn more about the Playhouse, meet some of the incredibly talented staff, and answer questions you might have! This month, we’re talking with Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Director Lisa K. Bryant about how COVID-19 has affected the theatre industry and what steps FRP has taken during this time.

The Zoom-based gathering is limited to 25 participants and will have time for a Q&A.

RSVP to [email protected] or call 828-693-0731.

Studio 52 Virtual Fall Classes: Musical Theatre 3rd-5th
Oct 8 @ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Online

Picture

Make ‘em laugh in a musical comedy class combining silliness and song! This virtual class integrates acting, singing, improv, and movement as actors use their voices, bodies, and imaginations to develop hilarious Broadway repertoire. At the end of the semester, students will share their uproarious musical revue in a one-of-a-kind virtual showcase.

Sep. 24 – Nov. 19
3rd – 5th Grades
Weekly Zoom class, one 20-minute private lesson
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover

Studio 52 Virtual Fall Classes: Musical Theatre 6th-8th
Oct 8 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Online
Picture

Become a star of the silver screen in this class celebrating Hollywood hits. With a combination of weekly Zoom classes and one private coaching, actors will take their singing, acting, and movement skills to the next level. Refine your on-camera performance technique with a combination of solos, small groups, and ensemble singing. Collaborate with like-minded peers, learn about cinema history, and develop a one-of-a-kind movie musical revue, presented in a final virtual screening!

Thursdays  from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Sep. 24 – Nov. 19
9th – 12th Grades
Weekly Zoom class, one 20-minute private coaching
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover

Virtual Candidate Forum for the NC State House
Oct 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Online

Virtual Candidate Forum for the NC State House candidates in State House Districts
114, 115, 116, 118, & 119. This free event is open to the public and will be focused on the
economy and issues for WNC workers. All candidates were invited from the following districts:
NC House District 114 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 115 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 116 (Buncombe County)
NC House District 118 (Haywood, Madison & Yancey Counties)
NC House District 119 (Haywood, Jackson, & Swain Counties
The event will be moderated by Aisha Adams from the Asheville View and can be accessed by
the public through a free zoom link. The event will also be streamed live on facebook.

Cultivating Digital Photography Skills: Exposure Triangle
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

October 8, 15, 22 & 29—Thursdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: October 6
This program will take place virtually via Zoom. Space is limited; to register, click here or call 828.253.3227 x122.

In this four-part class, learn how to shoot in manual mode on your digital camera or smartphone. Through a series of weekly assignments, explore the three ways of exposing images (also called the “exposure triangle”), and have more control when shooting motion, depth-of-field, and in extreme lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, journaling, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts and short readings.

This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind. Previous knowledge of digital photography is not needed to participate in and/or benefit from the class. Learning how to use a digital camera is manual mode is the focus; however, the instructor can answer other questions about digital camera functions and use as requested.

Hendersonville City Council Conversations
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Star of Bethel Church

3 women and 2 men smiling

Hendersonville City Council Members are venturing outside the traditional council meeting format to offer a series of ‘Council Conversations’ in the community.  2020 marks the third year Council Members have hosted collaborative meetings in various neighborhoods throughout the City.

“It is more important than ever for elected leaders to remain accessible to their citizens,” said Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk. “These meetings give the public an opportunity to ask questions and interact with City Council in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.”

Each meeting will last approximately one hour and be hosted by an individual member of City Council. Various City staff members will be available to answer questions as well.

NC Arboretum’s “Arbor Evenings”
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Relax and unwind at the Arboretum’s “ArborEvenings” after hours series. Held every Thursday, June – October, from 6 to 9 p.m., visitors will sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s beautiful gardens while enjoying live music amongst flowers and friends. Local beverages, including beer and wine, are available for purchase along with light food options.

Admission to ArborEvenings is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members.

ONLINE Spanish Conversation Group
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online

ONLINE Spanish Conversation Group

For safety precautions, we are asking that you sign up to attend the conversation group

Looking to practice your Spanish Language skills? Come to the Spanish Conversation Group at Pack! The group meets once a week to practice their language skills and to help each other out when needed. Newcomers are always welcome.

Sunset Mountaintop Yoga Hike
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville NC

Sunset Mountaintop Yoga Hike

Take a moment away from the busyness of life to breathe in breathtaking vistas as the sun sets before you. Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop and sink into a lovely all levels yoga practice on the summit while soaking up the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A unique way to practice self care and social distancing ;)

Need a different date? Sunset hikes are available daily for private groups of 1-20. Message me with your desired date and group size or visit the website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/ to browse options.

Covid Considerations: for a detailed rundown of the precautions we’re taking, visit our website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/

Tiny House Meetup
Oct 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whole Foods Market

We’re now associated with a Facebook group (LOTS of other members) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tinyhouseasheville .

This group was inspired by the need for affordable, sustainable and attractive housing. Driven by the struggles of the economy and combined with Asheville’s inherent sense of creativity, community, and environmental awareness, we are coming together to give life to the idea that there IS a solution to this problem and we can all contribute to each other’s success in achieving that goal… owning an affordable, sustainable, attractive home.

Together, we can better our own lives while helping the planet. All ages & levels of experience welcome! For more information, please see our Calendar of Events or Contact Us.

Our Goals

• Learn more about green building through lectures, tours, workshops, building, and sharing information

• Make green home building more affordable via our volunteer labor

• Bring attention to a housing (and life) crisis solution: A new type of “affordable housing” and the ethos behind it

We are just neighbors helping neighbors.

Labor and Birth Class
Oct 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Pardee Hospital

Expectant parents learn to prepare for the challenges of birth, including the labor and delivery process, relaxation and breathing techniques, positioning and comfort measures. A tour of Pardee Women & Children’s Center is included.

A minimum of two participants must be registered and present for a class to be held. Pardee Women & Children’s Center will adhere to Blue Ridge Community College’s inclement weather policies. In the event of inclement weather, classes will not be held when Blue Ridge Community College is closed.

Lawn Concert: Jon Stickley Trio
Oct 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

Image may contain: 3 people, people playing musical instruments and guitar

Jon Stickley Trio is a genre-defying and cinematic instrumental trio, whose deep grooves, innovative flatpicking, and sultry-spacy violin move the listener’s head, heart, and feet. “It’s not your father’s acoustic-guitar music—although Stickley’s pop showed him his first chords when he was 12 years old. Instead, Stickley’s Martin churns out a mixture of Bluegrass, Chuck Berry, Gypsy-Jazz, prog, and assorted other genres—all thoroughly integrated into a personal style,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. With inspiration ranging from Bela Fleck to Tony Rice to Nirvana, Grateful Dead, David Grisman and beyond, the Trio, which features violinist Lyndsay Pruett and drummer Hunter Deacon, is making waves with their unique sound.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 8 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Image may contain: text that says 'The= ADVENTURE CENTER Asheville A e.Trail JASHEVILLE'S FAMTLY FRIENDLY HAUNT October 9& 10, 22-25, 29 & 30 NEW LOCATION PRESENTED BY mellow MUSHROO PIZZA BAKERS'

The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2020 venue for the 8th Annual The Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-touch no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. Experience a family-friendly heart pumping walk with live actors (at a distance), spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.
This year The Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail will also be available for ages 4 and over. Climb on one family-friendly aerial trail while it is illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
In addition to the Trails, there will also be spooky live entertainment, no touch activities while in line, and food and beverages available including hot chocolate. It is a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season with the family.
As the Haunted Trail and the Adventure Center are committed to safety, Social Distancing and Wearing Face Masks (for ages 4 years old and over) are required. The Haunted Trail Scenes will have barriers and at least a 10-foot space between guests and the performers. Guests lining up for both activities will be separated into Family Groups.

An evening with Sarah Burton Live Stream
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: 1 person

Live stream to be broadcast on the ​Mountain Spirit Acoustic Facebook Page. This show is by “donation”- please consider what a ticket would cost to a Lounge concert ( $15-$20).

Sarah Burton’s career started in 2006 with a broken heart, a broken down van​ ​and a haphazard tour across Canada in a van named Lucky. This set the tone for an artist’s life driven by adventure, spontaneity, and a desire to connect with people from all walks of life. 3 Minivans, and several greyhound trips later, Sarah has played 200+ shows a year, released 4 albums and played many festivals across North America, finding and sharing the inspiration for hundreds of songs.

Burton’s new album, Give Me What I Want, marks her 5th release, and her migration from Toronto, Canada to Terlingua, Texas. Give Me What I Want tells classic stories in a modern age from love and lust, to enchantment and disenchantment, and that constant search for fulfillment. Rooted in folk, and skirting pop, rock and country – Sarah’s music is a collage of her own adventures, and the people she meets along the way. Her songs have made their way to the big screen, earned college radio charting in US and Canada and commercial radio play in Canada and Europe.

Ghosted: Comedy Walking Tour w/ LaZoom
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

GHOSTED: COMEDY WALKING TOUR

COVID has postponed our bus tours, but it won’t stop us from laughing! Our brand new experience is an up tempo theatrical walking tour of haunted Asheville. You and 13 others will depart from the LaZoom Room and follow an undead guide through Asheville’s creepy streets in search of window into the past. Along the way, we’ll encounter real ghosts that will have you jumping out of your skin. Not really! Or really? Take the tour and find out!

Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Scoop: Mitch's Totally Rad TRIVIA

Mitch Fortune brings you an irreverent and nostalgia filled night of pop culture trivia every Thursday night 7-9 pm at the One Stop in Downtown Asheville. A potpourri of movies, music, TV show trivia just for you!

Catch Me If You Can CANCELLED
Oct 8 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Nat Zegree Virtual Cabaret
Oct 8 @ 7:30 pm
Online

The crowd-favorite returns remotely to regale audiences with his signature musical talents and playful presence but in an intimate online performance unlike anything else he’s done on the Rock! Watch the trailer for this one-of-a-kind performance and learn how you can register below.