Calendar of Events
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.
Kids of ALL AGES are invited to a howling good time during the Asheville Outlets’ (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) annual Halloween BOO BASH on Thursday, October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An annual favorite, Boo Bash will feature multiple trick-or-treating spots at participating retailers, strolling magic, arts and crafts activities, balloon art, strike a pose at our photo spot, and MORE! All activities are FREE and open to the public (first come, first served, while supplies last).
Vermont Ave is closed to traffic from 5:30 to 9:00 on Halloween night to create a safe and fun trick-or-treating environment. Residents receive 1500 – 2000 trick-or-treaters (or more?).
That’s a lot of candy!
Bring the whole family for a night of fun activities, inflatables, and candy! It all takes place at the Asheville Mall on October 31 from 6 to 9 PM. Visit biltmorechurch.com/fun for more details and to register for this FREE event.
Halloween night at Haiku I Do!
Two dance floors powered up by some of Asheville’s finest
?️DJ Bowie
?️DJ Brett Rock
?️Cpt. Hyperdrive
?️DJ Cotton Kandy
?️Trillium Dance Company
Come in costume and get a discount at the door!
There will be a TON of sausage samples this year!! We listened to the feedback from last year and you’ll get to not only sample lots of different sausages, but we’re also showing you how we make it in a live demo. Brian, our butcher, has 18 different flavors and will be adding a special sausage just for the festival.
With your ticket, you’ll take part in:
- Sausage sampling ALL DAY LONG!
- Fantastic sausage-centric menu
- Live sausage making demos
- Adult Musical Chairs (with prize)
- Oktoberfest Games like “Pass the Pretzel”
- Local beers and ciders
- Fresh soft pretzels by Blunt Pretzels
- Live Music by Mile High Band
- Hot Beverages by Snowbird Mountain Coffee
- All Fall Festival activities like hay rides, etc.
Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing the 3rd Annual Asheville Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival to Asheville Outlets on Saturday, Nov 2, in Asheville, NC from Noon-5pm (VIP hour 11am-Noon). While popular food trucks dish out fan favorites, craft ales and beers will be available for sale. There will also be music playing, lawn games to enjoy, and an artisan market where local artists will showcase their work.
For those foodies that want a little more out of their festival experience, the VIP hour is for you (from 11am-Noon)! VIP tickets are $25 in advance online and entitle you to:
• Early access to the festival
• No lines!
• One free dessert from our designated VIP food truck
• Unlimited bottled water throughout the festival
• $1 off any craft beer throughout the festival
This year for beer lovers looking for something special FTFA is introducing their new Beer Lovers Package. These tickets are $40 in advance online only and includes:
• Early access to the festival (11 AM)
• 3 beer tickets for 3 craft beers of your choice
• $1 off additional craft beers
• Free FTFA koozie
• Unlimited bottled water
You can also purchase our Beer 6-pack add on in advance and get 6 beers for the price of 5!
Ticket Information
General admission tickets will be available for purchase in advance online for $5, or at the gate for $10. Children 12 and under are free.
For more information or to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com.
Paying Tribute to the Amazing Work of Those Who Keep Us Safe
First Responders will receive Free Admission at all festivals – from police, to fire, to EMTs – with a valid ID.
More Information
For the very latest news please follow @FTFofAmerica on Twitter and “like” us on www.facebook.com/FTFofAmerica/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS BENEFIT AUCTION
ASHEVILLE, NC (October 11, 2019)
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS announces the 7th Annual Odyssey Auction. Taking place November 2nd in their studio and gallery from 6-9pm, this year’s auction will feature over 140 items by established artists and local businesses. This year the auction will feature work by renowned potters Perry Haas, Bandana Pottery, and Will Dickert.
In addition to providing over $7000 in scholarships and tuition assistance to students annually, proceeds from the auction directly support the studio’s work with veterans suffering from PTSD, substance and alcohol abuse recovery programs, and adults with developmental disabilities.
Over 200 guests are expected to attend this lively event featuring a silent and live auction, beautifully catered food and drink, as well as music and dancing throughout the night. According to Studio Director Gabriel Kline, “Odyssey is known throughout the ceramics world as a premier teaching studio and we have made tremendous connections over the years. We will have work available by some of the finest artists in the country. The auction is a unique opportunity to bid on works by some of America’s most collectible ceramic artists.”
A limited number of tickets are available for the event on the Odyssey ClayWorks website, www.odysseyclayworks.com. Please call the studio for more information at 828 285 0210.
Swan Lake, which has mesmerized audiences for over a century, is based on a German fairy tale. Tchaikovsky’s score tells the tragic love story of Prince Siegfried and Swan Princess, Odette, who is cursed to be a swan by day but a young woman at night. The Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production will captivate audiences with time-honored Russian traditions while adding new choreography, hand painted sets, radiant hand sewn costumes, artistic hair designs and special effects makeup.
The production’s hand-painted sets and more than 150 hand-sewn costumes were created in the tradition of the great masters by young, accomplished designer Sergei Novikov (Mariinksy Theatre, Omsk State Music Theatre, St. Petersburg State Music Hall). The SFX makeup is done by Award-winning Irina Strukova (Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix, HBO) and will make ballet devotees feel as though they are seeing the beautiful Swan Lake for the first time!
Spend some time with your family detoxing naturally in the Salt Cave. Adults $25, 4-12 years old $15, 3 and younger are free.
From traditional paintings, jewelry, wood, pottery, and glass, to unique photography, furniture, clothing, and mixed media art; the idea behind Artisanville is to have something for everyone to appreciate and to take home.
Artisanville invites its guests to investigate and explore our unique items during a two-day long fine art and craft show. With over 175 regional and national artists—each handpicked and personally invited to the event— this show promises to surprise and entrance you. Visitors can interact with artisans, see live art demos, purchase beautiful artwork, or simply enjoy the craftsmanship behind each piece. When in need of a break, art lovers can also relax, get a drink or snack, listen to live music and log into the Internet at the new Art Patron Lounge area. There are even free drawings for “Artisanville bucks” to spend at the show. Be sure not to miss ARTISANVILLE…the newest Fine Art/Fine Craft Show coming to Greenville, SC!
Starting Thursday October 24 at 5pm, Bring your family & friends to join you as you make your way in…and hopefully out of the scariest experience you’ve ever had. Think you can get out? Get your tickets and find out!
Lose your head at Cherokee, NC’s newest and most thrilling Halloween attraction: The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Step into a fresh, horrifying new take on the world of the classic Washington Irving tale as the audience becomes part of the action. But be aware of what’s in front of you… and behind you… The Headless Horseman is waiting… Nationally renowned theatre producer Brian Clowdus invades Unto These Hills this Halloween season with a 360-degree immersive theatrical nightmare that has taken the country by storm. In this modern retelling, Ichabod Crane is still being pursued by the Headless Horseman, but the pulse-quickening drama and terror have increased tenfold. Don’t miss this reimagining, which was named one of the “Top 5 Halloween Plays” in the USA by American Theatre magazine.
The Sleepy Hollow Experience
October 17th-November 3rd
Thursday-Sunday at 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Mountainside Theatre, 688 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
For tickets visit: www.cherokeehistorical.org
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
Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).
Below is a list of upcoming classes:
- Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
- It’s critical for planners to know how to effectively organize, budget and market a variety of different events to keep the company in the green, out of trouble, and on the minds of donors, business partners, and customers. Earning a certificate in Event Planning will expose you to the many different facets of being an event planner from managing people and projects to increasing exposure and dollars for your organization. Participants can earn a certificate by attending six of the designated event planning workshops (EP), which are offered each semester. Participants do not enroll in the certificate program, but rather complete the workshops at their own pace. Workshops are offered each semester (spring and fall) on either Thursday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at WCU at Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC.
Instructors will distribute a case study at the end of each EP workshop, and participants submit the case studies to the program coordinator when all 6 workshops are completed to complete the final requirement for the certificate. The workshop instructors include professionals from the Western North Carolina business and hospitality industry and faculty from Western Carolina University.
Complete 6 of the below EP workshops and earn a certificate.
Fee: $119 per workshop or register for 6 workshops for $640 (a 10% discount!) Workshops include lunch and continuing education credits.
- FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Friday, August 16, 2019
- MAKING EVERY PENNY COUNT: EVENT BUDGETING 101 Friday, September 20, 2019
- CURRENT & TESTED SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL MARKETING Friday, October 18, 2019
- ENGAGE, STRATEGIZE, CULTIVATE – THE ART OF SECURING EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Thursday, October 24, 2019
- MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN FROM TRADESHOWS, EXPOS AND FAIRS Thursday, November 7, 2019
- CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, LIABILITY AND RISK FACTORS Friday, November 22, 2019
Explore the History of the French Broad Riverfront in Asheville with RiverLink’s Bus Tour
The RiverLink bus tour, offered through Leap Frog Tours, is an opportunity to learn the exciting history of the French Broad River and its important role in the development of Asheville. Participants will also learn about current improvements along the French Broad River and what is expected in the coming years to make the River and Watershed a better place to live, learn, work and play.
Tours run from 10 AM-1 PM on the first Thursday of the month from March-November. Tour groups meet at the parking lot of New Belgium Brewing in the River Arts District of Asheville. Cost is $45 with a portion of the proceeds donated to RiverLink to support their mission to promote the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed.
For more information and to register visit: https://tinyurl.com/BookRiverLinkTourToday
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
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.
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
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
December 1, 8 & 15, 2019 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. inside Food Court
Bring your furry friend to meet Santa and capture the moment with a FREE photo package, courtesy of Asheville Outlets. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be on-site to share information on fostering, adopting, or volunteering this holiday season. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Spend your evening learning about the Red and Grey Wolves of North America. We’ll start with an indoor presentation on these elusive creatures, followed by a trek to our wolf compound located onsite at the Nature Center for a howling session. Discover the legends and lore of these top predators and find out the truth about wolves. Geared toward an adult audience.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Discovery Day: The UNC Asheville Open House takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, giving college-bound students and their families a chance to talk with current students, meet one-on-one with faculty and staff, tour campus and discuss academic programs, financial aid, scholarships and the application process. Learn more about and register for Discovery Day on the Admission Office website. UNC Asheville is among the nation’s top public liberal arts universities – tied for eighth in the U.S. News & World Report’s “2020 Best Colleges” rankings and included on U.S. News’ Most Innovative Schools list. For those unable to attend Discovery Day, individual and group tours are also available for prospective students and their families.
The community is invited to attend Voter ID Public Seminars. Beginning in 2020, voters will be required to provide photo identification before they vote. This includes both in-person and by-mail voting, with some exceptions. The Buncombe County Board of Elections is teaming up with the libraries to hold educational seminars about voter photo identification requirements. The seminars are free and open to the public.
Dates & locations:
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 am (Weaverville Library)
Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 pm (Black Mountain Library)
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 pm (Leicester Library)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 pm (South Buncombe Library)
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
This event at the Salvage Station celebrates art and craft from 30+ local makers. Come enjoy live music, food and beverages – and you can buy locally made, beautiful handcrafts from vendors that include community members as well as staff, students and ACS families! Parent and family teams from Asheville Primary, Claxton Elementary, Hall Fletcher Elementary, Ira B. Jones Elementary, Vance Elementary, Isaac Dickson Elementary, North Star, and Asheville Middle are joining in this year to make this a great community event that.
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the “STAFF ONLY” doors at the Nature Center?
Now’s your chance to find out! Areas visited on the Wild Walk may* include the Small Mammal habitat, the Predator area, and the Animal Kitchen. Don’t miss out on this amazing up-close encounter with some of your favorite wildlife!
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.