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.

Friday, September 1, 2023
Napoleon Dynamite: Film + Conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries
Sep 1 @ 7:30 pm
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

Event is BYOT (Bring Your Own Tots) The beloved indie classic “Napoleon Dynamite” was made almost almost 20 years ago. Since then much has changed; but the characters, as enduring as they are endearing, stay in our hearts.

Appealing to the inner-teenager in each of us, the story, and more importantly the dialogue, makes “Napoleon Dynamite” one of the most quoted movies of our time.

Napoleon Dynamite makes us laugh – and laugh hard – over and over again.

This unique evening includes a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro), and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico).

Monday, September 11, 2023
“Music Movie Mondays”: Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd
Sep 11 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Have You Got It Yet?
The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd
For Immediate Release: A new documentary explores the mystery of
what happened to the founder and leader of one of rock music/s most
legendary bands. A special September 11 one-night screening as part
of the Music Movie Mondays series at Grail Moviehouse will be hosted
by Asheville speaker, author, music journalist and Pink Floyd authority
Bill Kopp.
When Pink Floyd released their debut single, 1967’s “Arnold Layne,” it
marked the beginning of a momentous chapter in music. The song
showcased not only the psychedelic quality of the four-man group from
Cambridge and London, but the songwriting prowess and unique vision of the
band’s leader, Syd Barrett.
Guitarist and front man Roger Keith “Syd” Barrett was a promising artist,
creating unique songs that both captured the zeitgeist of the burgeoning
psychedelic movement and captured a particular kind of English whimsy, informed as much by poetry and fantasy as by
LSD. The band’s first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn featured a bounty of songs that displayed Barrett’s unique
and inimitable musical vision.
But little more than nine months after that album’s release, Barrett was gone from the group he had founded. Save for two
erratic and deeply idiosyncratic solo albums and a handful of unfinished recordings, that would be the last the world would
hear from the uniquely creative songwriter and musician. Completely leaving music behind, he went on to live a quiet life
in Cambridge, finally passing away in 2006, nearly 40 years after leaving (or being dismissed from) Pink Floyd.
What happened? Did Syd suffer a mental breakdown? Did he succumb to the effects of too many LSD trips? Did he
simply want to step out of the machinery of the music business? Or is the real story some combination of all of those
things and more? Until now, Syd’s life has been the subject of speculation and conjecture. But with the cooperation of
Barrett’s family and former band mates, director Roddy Bogawa explores the fascinating mystery that is the life and music
of Syd Barrett.
Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd is a new authorized documentary that digs deep into
the mystery that is Syd Barrett. As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Moviehouse in Asheville hosts a special
one-night-only showing of the film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author and music journalist Bill Kopp (author of
Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon) the evening will include a screening of the film
followed by an interactive discussion.

Hosted by author, speaker and music journalist Bill Kopp,
the evening will feature a screening of the film followed by
an interactive discussion. Have You Got It Yet? is the latest
in Grail Moviehouse’s popular series, Music Movie
Mondays.

“Going to the movies has always been a kind of communal experience,” says Kopp, host of
Music Movie Mondays. “Especially in this post-lockdown era, the opportunity to not only watch
a film but then to discuss it with others is something even more special. And music-related
films lend themselves remarkably well to this shared, interactive experience.”
Music Movie Mondays is sponsored by AshevilleFM. Hosted by Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp,
Grail Moviehouse presents a special screening of Have You Got It Yet? on Monday, Sep. 11 @ 7 pm. Sponsored by
AshevilleFM, the evening will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll watch the film together; afterward, we’ll engage in a
moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of Have you Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd is the latest in the
ongoing popular series of Music Movie Mondays at Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new
releases, classics and cult favorites.

Sunday, September 17, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Morgan Marie. Featuring James Burkes, Jack Pearson & more great comics!

Friday, September 22, 2023
Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Sep 22 @ 7:00 pm
pleb urban winery

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Join us for a night filled with laughter and good vibes at plēb urban winery! Get ready to have great night of standup comedy by some of the best comedians in the region. This in-person event is on tap for Fri Sept 22 2023 at7p-9p! Featuring Moira Goree, Petey Smith McDowell, Jess Cooley & Jason Webb. Hosted by Morgan Marie.
Foodtruck will be available for the whole show!
What: Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery in the River Arts District
When: September 22, 7-9p
Where: Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy!
Tickets: $20
Get $4 off with promo code: WINECOMEDYONTAP
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/710423163807?aff=oddtdtcreator
HOST Morgan Marie is an Asheville based comic capturing the playful and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She writes a monthly beloved humor column, “Best Medicine with Morgan Marie,” for the Mountain Xpress.
Peter Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell
Jess Cooley is a writer and stand up comic from Upstate South Carolina, where he learned how to walk, and talk, and eat food like a real boy. Currently based in Asheville, NC, his comedy involves personal subjects like Autism, religion, and the loss of his favorite sex toy during a home invasion. His unique and colorful perspective brings his stories to life, and his demons to the spotlight.
Moira Goree is from Asheville,Nc she’s a transgender woman who is darkly funny and authentic in her delivery. Her mix of storytelling and humor will mesmerize you while crying laughing,
Jason Webb is Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset.Festivals: Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest) !0,000 Laughs Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest), Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Orlando Indie Comedy Festival.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Sep 28 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

9.28.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday September 28, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Feature comic Julia Macias! An antenna for the unwell, Julia shares all the strange characters who filter through her life. She exploded into the Asheville comedy scene in late 2021 and has touring all over the Southeast. Her view video special will be released later this year.
Guest host for this show is the fantastically loved Ryan Cox! Slice is super happy to have him running the show. Ryan is a comedian’s comedian. He is also a comedian for people who aren’t comedians. Ryan has been performing stand-up around the Southeast since 2016, with jokes ranging from crafted one-liners to twisted parenting tales to the ghost of Kmart.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus a comedy open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table].
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Friday, September 29, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Monday, October 2, 2023
Community Reparations Summit Free Film: Black in Asheville
Oct 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Mullen & James Humanities Hall

Join the Community Reparations Commission, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County Government, and UNC Asheville’s Department of Education and Africana Studies program for a Community Reparations Summit.

Monday, October 2nd: Screening of Black in Asheville, followed by a Q&A with the Filmmaker, Todd Gragg. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:30 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Thursday, October 5th: Screening of The Big Payback. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:15 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Saturday, October 7th: The Community Reparations Summit program features attorney George Fatheree who helped return Bruce’s Beach, a property in Manhattan Beach (California), to the Black family who owned and lost it in the 1920s. Summit attendees will hear updates from the Community Reparations Commission’s Impact Focus Areas and in turn, provide feedback on their proposed recommendations. Attendance is limited, and registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees, and parking is available at no charge. The Summit will be hosted at the Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena, UNC Asheville Campus from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Doors open at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Join other film lovers who will unite in over 500 venues worldwide to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world at the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. MANHATTAN SHORT is the only film festival of its kind. The Final selections screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, where attendees vote for Best Film and Best Actor awards at each participating venue. Every short film selected will automatically become qualified for the Oscars of 2024.

This is a free event, but tickets are required and tickets will be limited in number. To receive your tickets please visit the Pack Memorial Library service desk, phone 828-250-4700, or email [email protected].  Light refreshments will be provided. Films are appropriate for ages 14 and up.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Oct 5 all-day
Pulp Lounge

10.05.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday October 5, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
There is a comedy open mic! [Performing comics get 3-5m of stage time, FREE entry and FREE snacks. Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for info! ]
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Guest host for this show is the fantastic Peter Smith-McDowell!! Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been tr aveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell

Community Reparations Summit Free Film: “The Big Payback”
Oct 5 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Mullen & James Humanities Hall

Join the Community Reparations Commission, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County Government, and UNC Asheville’s Department of Education and Africana Studies program for a Community Reparations Summit.

Monday, October 2nd: Screening of Black in Asheville, followed by a Q&A with the Filmmaker, Todd Gragg. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:30 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Thursday, October 5th: Screening of The Big Payback. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:15 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Saturday, October 7th: The Community Reparations Summit program features attorney George Fatheree who helped return Bruce’s Beach, a property in Manhattan Beach (California), to the Black family who owned and lost it in the 1920s. Summit attendees will hear updates from the Community Reparations Commission’s Impact Focus Areas and in turn, provide feedback on their proposed recommendations. Attendance is limited, and registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees, and parking is available at no charge. The Summit will be hosted at the Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena, UNC Asheville Campus from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Doors open at 9:00 am.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival
Oct 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, is a curated collection of stories showcasing the pursuit of wild spaces and peaceful places where fish seem most willing, the water appears in its purest form and our community connects. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Trout Unlimited

Friday, October 6, 2023
The 11th Annual Haunted Trail
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is excited to present the 11th 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. The Adventure Center of Asheville will host 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. Asheville Plays creates a show with a unique perspective on Halloween fun with 15 live action scenes for guests to watch and enjoy. 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 so that littles and parents can take a guided tour of the scenes to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two 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. Free Pirate activities for kids of all ages are located in Pirates Cove. Mellow Mushroom pizza is available on site as well as local beers and non alcoholic beverage options. There is something for every member of your family at 85 expo drive this Halloween season!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 6 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 6 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 7, 2023
It’s a Great Pumpkin Pop-Up Party
Oct 7 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made Art Gallery , Inside the Grove Arcade

Is it time to get your “Halloween Boo” on?

Halloween is not just a day; it’s a month-long experience! And what better symbol to represent this spooky season than the iconic pumpkin? As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. And this year, the Grove Arcade is about to get a whole lot spookier!

Here at Mountain Made Gallery, we are ghoulishly excited invite you to grab your costumes EARLY and join us inside Grove Arcade on Saturday, October 7 from 12-4 pm for a family-friendly fall event hosted by the Grove Arcade!

Here’s what you can expect at the Grove Arcade:
* Free Pumpkin Decorating Class: Unleash your creativity and design a pumpkin that stands out!

* Entertainment: Be mesmerized by life-size puppets from the Street Creatures collective and sway to live music that sets the perfect Halloween mood.

* Special Storefront Displays: Grove Arcade merchants, including Mountain Made Gallery, have curated special Halloween displays for you.

* And as a bonus event – Local Halloween Art at Mountain Made:
Don’t miss Mountain Made Gallery’s metal art and handcrafted glass “pumpkin patch” exhibit that promises to be a Spooktacular treat!

Never fear, we got some lovely, AND totally creepy Jack O Lanterns ready for you this year… Metal Halloween Art by Edwin Knies and Handblown Glass Pumpkins by Terri Sigler.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 7 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 7 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Tryon International Film Festival
Oct 8 all-day
Tryon Theatre

Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) is in its 9th year of offering an amazing array of film screenings of productions from around the globe, education offerings and events in Tryon, NC. This year TRIFF will also offer passes to its first Media Arts & Education Day on October 6 for middle and high school-age youth and has expanded its Education Institute on October 7 & 8.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
When Harry Met Sally On the Big Screen
Oct 10 @ 2:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
“When Harry Met Sally” is a timeless romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1989. The film revolves around the enduring question of whether men and women can truly be friends without any romantic complications. Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) meet as recent college graduates on a cross-country road trip to New York City. Their initial encounter is filled with tension and clashing personalities.

Over the course of several years, Harry and Sally run into each other at various points in their lives, each time with their own romantic challenges and personal growth. As they become close friends, they grapple with the complexities of friendship, attraction, and timing. The film explores the ups and downs of their relationship, capturing the essence of a genuine and heartfelt connection between two people who, against all odds, may just be meant for each other.

“When Harry Met Sally” is celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable scenes, and the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” diner moment. With its charming characters and poignant exploration of love and friendship, this film has remained a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023
When Harry Met Sally On the Big Screen
Oct 11 @ 2:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
“When Harry Met Sally” is a timeless romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1989. The film revolves around the enduring question of whether men and women can truly be friends without any romantic complications. Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) meet as recent college graduates on a cross-country road trip to New York City. Their initial encounter is filled with tension and clashing personalities.

Over the course of several years, Harry and Sally run into each other at various points in their lives, each time with their own romantic challenges and personal growth. As they become close friends, they grapple with the complexities of friendship, attraction, and timing. The film explores the ups and downs of their relationship, capturing the essence of a genuine and heartfelt connection between two people who, against all odds, may just be meant for each other.

“When Harry Met Sally” is celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable scenes, and the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” diner moment. With its charming characters and poignant exploration of love and friendship, this film has remained a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Friday, October 13, 2023
Freaky Friday Two Tides Takeover
Oct 13 @ 5:00 pm
DSSOLVR

This Friday the 13th join us for a night of pint-sized mayhem and body-swapping hilarity
as Two Tides are taking over the brewery, It’s a classic FREAKY FRIDAY SWITCHAROO!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 13 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 13 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Pups + Pints
Oct 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Square Parking Garage Rooftop

Join Pack Square Collection for a free rooftop paw-ty on October 14th from 11am-2pm on the top of the Pack Square Parking Garage at 26 Biltmore Avenue, through the stairs by White Duck Taco. Attendees can bring their four-legged friends for a paw-some good time with complimentary pet portraits, pet caricatures, live music, dog-friendly vendors and more!