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.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
2023 Holiday Parade Accepting Applications
Sep 30 all-day
online
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer and showcase your creativity! We’re thrilled to invite individuals, organizations, and groups of all kinds to apply for an entry in the upcoming Holiday Parade set to dazzle Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 18. This year’s theme is “Snow Globe,” offering the perfect canvas for you to bring your winter wonderland dreams to life. This is your chance to be a part of a cherished community tradition that brings joy to thousands of onlookers. Whether you’ve got a beautifully decorated float, a lively marching band, a troupe of dancers, or a group of spirited volunteers, we want you to join us in making this year’s parade the most memorable one yet. It’s not just a parade; it’s an opportunity to make lasting memories and spread the festive spirit. Apply now, and let’s make this holiday season in Asheville truly magical for all!

You can click here to apply for an entry in the Holiday Parade before Monday, October 2.

Beer City Comic Con
Sep 30 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

A Convention Unlike Any Other…

Calling all science nerds, comic fans, cosplay enthusiasts, and those curious about our scene, the inaugural Asheville Beer City Comic Con will exceed your expectations and delight all your senses. This dynamic event will be marvelous thanks to exciting comic book and pop culture vendors, brave local artists, magnificently big brained speakers, and yummylicious beer from Western North Carolina’s best craft breweries. We’re packing into one weekend a super amount of musts, including:

  • Intellectual seminars with renowned brainiacs from comic, academic, and civic circles discussing the Con community’s role in keeping our planet safe from harm!
  • Panel discussions about the psychology of comic book characters and their influence on modern culture!
  • Pop-up dance and costume events with DJs for all you freaks and geeks!
  • Fancy philosophical conversations about the ontological themes of sci-fi, comics, and human nature!
  • Shamazing artwork from locals you won’t find anywhere else!
  • Speciality batch beers made only for BCCC—slurp!

Come to Asheville. Let’s get WEIRDER and WISER! We’ll have the best of the comic con community in a city that is welcoming and celebrates its own distinct uniqueness. This con will only be one once. (Imagine how great the t-shirts will look wrapped in polyethylene one day!)

Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 30 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

Sunday, October 1, 2023
2023 Holiday Parade Accepting Applications
Oct 1 all-day
online
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer and showcase your creativity! We’re thrilled to invite individuals, organizations, and groups of all kinds to apply for an entry in the upcoming Holiday Parade set to dazzle Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 18. This year’s theme is “Snow Globe,” offering the perfect canvas for you to bring your winter wonderland dreams to life. This is your chance to be a part of a cherished community tradition that brings joy to thousands of onlookers. Whether you’ve got a beautifully decorated float, a lively marching band, a troupe of dancers, or a group of spirited volunteers, we want you to join us in making this year’s parade the most memorable one yet. It’s not just a parade; it’s an opportunity to make lasting memories and spread the festive spirit. Apply now, and let’s make this holiday season in Asheville truly magical for all!

You can click here to apply for an entry in the Holiday Parade before Monday, October 2.

Beer City Comic Con
Oct 1 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

A Convention Unlike Any Other…

Calling all science nerds, comic fans, cosplay enthusiasts, and those curious about our scene, the inaugural Asheville Beer City Comic Con will exceed your expectations and delight all your senses. This dynamic event will be marvelous thanks to exciting comic book and pop culture vendors, brave local artists, magnificently big brained speakers, and yummylicious beer from Western North Carolina’s best craft breweries. We’re packing into one weekend a super amount of musts, including:

  • Intellectual seminars with renowned brainiacs from comic, academic, and civic circles discussing the Con community’s role in keeping our planet safe from harm!
  • Panel discussions about the psychology of comic book characters and their influence on modern culture!
  • Pop-up dance and costume events with DJs for all you freaks and geeks!
  • Fancy philosophical conversations about the ontological themes of sci-fi, comics, and human nature!
  • Shamazing artwork from locals you won’t find anywhere else!
  • Speciality batch beers made only for BCCC—slurp!

Come to Asheville. Let’s get WEIRDER and WISER! We’ll have the best of the comic con community in a city that is welcoming and celebrates its own distinct uniqueness. This con will only be one once. (Imagine how great the t-shirts will look wrapped in polyethylene one day!)

Something to Talk About
Oct 1 all-day
Laughing Elephant Yoga

Tired of small talk and never really making true connection?
Do you wish you had more skills to feel relaxed and social?
Would it be nice to feel seen and heard – even celebrated?
Gain skills / Give & Receive / Listen In… Have fun!

This is a fun and interactive time together remembering skills needed to build true community. Become more in tune with yourself, learn to engage others in positive ways while becoming the change you wish to see all around you. Walk away feeling seen, heard, accepted and having made real connections.

Tina FireWolf is your facilitator – Self Expression Coach and Master of Voice as Medicine
Register at Laughing Elephant Yoga 828-595-9747

Creekside Play @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

STATIONARY FUN – Creekside play area has a treehouse and wee slide ➤ The Big Barn has our Sound Silo full of instruments to play on and make noise, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor and cornhole boards(ask the staff for bags) ➤ On the grassy slope behind the Big Barn we’ve got our famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages, hammocks on the hill and tetherball!

Availability: All stationary fun is available every day during business hours of 10-5, starting September 2nd, through the rest of the season- tetherball will be back in action starting September 6th!

ANIMALS TO SEE – We will have a brooder house full of chicks in various ages and stages all season, there will typically be mama pigs and piglets in agritourism pens on the hill, more rarely there will be grazing cattle in a nearby field.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE

9/2 Sat  11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

9/16 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck – they will be serving HNG beef for their all-American burger!

9/24 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Root Down Farm Food Truck

9/30 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/7 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

10/14 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/15 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/22 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/29 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill Food Truck

11/4 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

FALL SEASONAL OFFERINGS

APPLES – Our partners in Edneyville, NC, Lyda Farms, bring some of the best in the region. Local and low spray, folks come every year to get the best of fall in NC by the bag to bake, stew, butter, sauce and of course, crunch into while sitting on the farm.

Availability: Apples will be available to buy starting September 9th, they will typically run out Mid to late October.

FRESH PRESSED CIDER – We press fresh apple cider every year, comprised of our historical orchard apples on the Old Sherrill’s Inn property and apples from our partner Lyda Farms. This is a raw, unpasteurized product – delicious and changeable as the season, no added sugar or seasonings.

Availability: 1st pressing September 13th, bottled cider will be in the store for purchase September 14th!

JACKOLANTERN PUMPKINS – We work with several WNC veggie farmers in the area, including Hawkins Farms. We’ll have pumpkins arranged all around the Farm Store to display their beauty AND make sure you get *just the right one*. The seeds are dynamite when roasted, too…

Availability: Coming Mid-September, they will typically run out by end of October so make sure you get yours! 

EDIBLE SQUASH & DECORATIVE GOURDS – From Mr. Anthony Cole’s farms, we have some long-lasting festive gourds to decoarate for the season, and a broad variety of edible squashes and pumpkins perfect for pies, soups and pasta.

Availability: Coming Mid-September.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Oct 1 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Hike and Sip Tour at Souther Williams Vineyard
Oct 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Souther Williams Vineyard

Every Friday from April through November (weather permitting),
check out the Hike and Sip Tour at Souther Williams Vineyard, a unique opportunity to hike our scenic rolling vineyards and enjoy
five different wines along the way, led by a private tour guide who will share the history of the farm and while you hike through the
vines, This educational experience will delight as you live the life of grape throughout its annual pilgrimage to the glass, This 1
hour tour requires moderate walking through hillside vineyards and appropriate farm/field attire, and can accommodate up to 12
people and reservations are required 2 days in advance, $50 per person, Souther Williams Vineyard, Hendersonville,

Dinner and Good Ol’ Girls Musical
Oct 1 @ 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
HART Theatre
By Paul Ferguson with music by Matraca Berg and Marshall Chapman
In the Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theatre
Directed by Shelia Sumpter

There’s a Good Ol’ Girl in all of us. Let yours out.

Join us at HART for a night of good eats, live music, and southern women! Two of Nashville’s leading singer/songwriters redefine the modern Southern woman in Good ‘Ol Girls, a musical about love, loss and laughter. Through the language of five unique southerners, Good ‘Ol Girls celebrates childhood through old age with big hair and bigger hearts. This new musical is based on the stories of two prominent Southern authors, Lee Smith and Jill McCorkle, with songs by Nashville hit-makers Matraca Berg (Reba McEntire, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill) and Marshall Chapman (Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Olivia Newton-John). This will be a one of a kind dinner theatre experience to provide you with an unforgettable night out at HART!

Suitable for all audiences. Dinner prices will be separate from ticket prices.

Dinner Schedule:
All dinner costs are SEPARATE and OPTIONAL

Desserts, regular concession items, wine by the glass or bottle, beer by the glass or pitcher available at the HART concessions window

Fri, Sept 22: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Sat, Sept 23: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Sun, Sept 24: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 12:45-2:00

Fri, Sept 29: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sat, Sept 30: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sun, Oct 1: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 12:45-2:00

Thurs, Oct 5: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Fri, Oct 6: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sat, Oct 7: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sun, Oct 8: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 12:45-2:00

Blue Ridge Roller Derby Meet + Greet at The Hop
Oct 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe

Join us on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. for an official Meet & Greet with Blue Ridge Roller Derby! Grab some ice cream or bubble tea and meet your favorite local skaters. Learn more about the league and the unique sport of roller derby all while enjoying an afternoon treat!

Maddy Winer + Masterpiece – Jazz
Oct 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Souther Williams Vineyard

Maddy Winer & Masterpiece – Jazz at Souther Williams Vineyard. 2-5pm, Maddy & Masterpiece entertained guests for many years
at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa with their wide variety of musical styles and unique interpretation of the Great American
Songbook. Maddy Winer expands the Songbook to include every style & era of music…Oldies, Beach, Big Band and, of course,
lots of jazz! Free, https://southerwilliams.com

Monday, October 2, 2023
2023 Holiday Parade Accepting Applications
Oct 2 all-day
online
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer and showcase your creativity! We’re thrilled to invite individuals, organizations, and groups of all kinds to apply for an entry in the upcoming Holiday Parade set to dazzle Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 18. This year’s theme is “Snow Globe,” offering the perfect canvas for you to bring your winter wonderland dreams to life. This is your chance to be a part of a cherished community tradition that brings joy to thousands of onlookers. Whether you’ve got a beautifully decorated float, a lively marching band, a troupe of dancers, or a group of spirited volunteers, we want you to join us in making this year’s parade the most memorable one yet. It’s not just a parade; it’s an opportunity to make lasting memories and spread the festive spirit. Apply now, and let’s make this holiday season in Asheville truly magical for all!

You can click here to apply for an entry in the Holiday Parade before Monday, October 2.

Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 2 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Oct 2 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Ribbon Cutting: Heart Strings Intimate Apparel
Oct 2 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Heart Strings Intimate Apparel

Ribbon Cutting:

Heart Strings Intimate Apparel

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 3 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Oct 3 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Ribbon Cutting for Reuter Family YMCA
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reuter Family YMCA Gym

The Reuter Family YMCA is one of seven local YMCAs operated by the YMCA of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit that strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, the YMCA of WNC engages more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

Join them to celebrate a greener future for the Reuter Family YMCA! You’re invited to a ribbon cutting to mark the installation of solar panels on the facility roof. This project was made possible by YMCA members Pete and Pat Wallenborn. Their generous gift helps the Y take a significant step toward sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. The Wallenborns will be recognized at the event. Attendees include representatives from Sundance Solar, the YMCA, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Light refreshments will be served. Meet at the front entrance of the Reuter Family YMCA on the Biltmore Park side. In case of rain, the event will be held in the lobby.

LEGO Builders Club
Oct 3 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs!
Show off your building skills and make new friends with other LEGO maniacs.

Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.

School Age – (grades K-5)
Wee Wine + Dahlias
Oct 3 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Building Our City Speaker Series: Access to Equity
Oct 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Collider
Access to equity for real estate deals is (more than) hard if you are black or a woman. Access to investment opportunities in real estate was impossible for all but the wealthiest until recently. Learn about moves made by the Obama administration that have led to a nascent but robust investment community online. And learn how SmallChange.co, a crowdfunding investment platform, has leveraged these rules to shake up the real estate industry big time.

Eve Picker’s world is wrapped around cities and change. With a background as an architect, city planner, urban designer, real estate developer, community development strategist, publisher, and instigator, Eve has a rich understanding of how cities and urban neighborhoods work – and how they can be revitalized.

Eve launched and leads Small Change, a real estate equity crowdfunding portal to help fund transformational real estate projects. Small Change connects every day investors with developers to help them build projects that make cities better, and provides investment opportunities for everyone who cares about cities and wants to see positive change. Small Change focuses on impact in 3 ways: 1) They measure the impact of each project to ensure they are equitable and innovative; 2) They embrace emerging minority & women developers; and 3) Everyone (18+) can invest to build wealth on Small Change.

The Building Our City Speaker Series is presented by The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation with support from the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, the City of Asheville, Carleton Collins Architecture, Mosaic Lifestyle Realty, Kimpton Hotel Arras and The Collider. The series is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association and Urban3.
Ping-Pong Tuesday Tournament
Oct 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge

Players of all skill levels gather at Shakedown Kava Lounge (Hendersonville’s kava
bar) every Tuesday for the kava bar’s weekly Table Tennis Tournament, Games to 11, best of 3, double elimination, paddles
included, winner receives eternal glory and a $25 bar tab, Entry is free.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 4 all-day
WNC Ag. Center

Plan to join us Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

A-B Tech • Bojangles • iHeart Media • FASTSIGNS of Asheville  • Advanced Business Equipment

Creekside Play @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

STATIONARY FUN – Creekside play area has a treehouse and wee slide ➤ The Big Barn has our Sound Silo full of instruments to play on and make noise, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor and cornhole boards(ask the staff for bags) ➤ On the grassy slope behind the Big Barn we’ve got our famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages, hammocks on the hill and tetherball!

Availability: All stationary fun is available every day during business hours of 10-5, starting September 2nd, through the rest of the season- tetherball will be back in action starting September 6th!

ANIMALS TO SEE – We will have a brooder house full of chicks in various ages and stages all season, there will typically be mama pigs and piglets in agritourism pens on the hill, more rarely there will be grazing cattle in a nearby field.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE

9/2 Sat  11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

9/16 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck – they will be serving HNG beef for their all-American burger!

9/24 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Root Down Farm Food Truck

9/30 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/7 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

10/14 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/15 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/22 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/29 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill Food Truck

11/4 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

FALL SEASONAL OFFERINGS

APPLES – Our partners in Edneyville, NC, Lyda Farms, bring some of the best in the region. Local and low spray, folks come every year to get the best of fall in NC by the bag to bake, stew, butter, sauce and of course, crunch into while sitting on the farm.

Availability: Apples will be available to buy starting September 9th, they will typically run out Mid to late October.

FRESH PRESSED CIDER – We press fresh apple cider every year, comprised of our historical orchard apples on the Old Sherrill’s Inn property and apples from our partner Lyda Farms. This is a raw, unpasteurized product – delicious and changeable as the season, no added sugar or seasonings.

Availability: 1st pressing September 13th, bottled cider will be in the store for purchase September 14th!

JACKOLANTERN PUMPKINS – We work with several WNC veggie farmers in the area, including Hawkins Farms. We’ll have pumpkins arranged all around the Farm Store to display their beauty AND make sure you get *just the right one*. The seeds are dynamite when roasted, too…

Availability: Coming Mid-September, they will typically run out by end of October so make sure you get yours! 

EDIBLE SQUASH & DECORATIVE GOURDS – From Mr. Anthony Cole’s farms, we have some long-lasting festive gourds to decoarate for the season, and a broad variety of edible squashes and pumpkins perfect for pies, soups and pasta.

Availability: Coming Mid-September.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Oct 4 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Ribbon Cutting for Fastest Labs
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fastest Labs

Fastest Labs is a drug, alcohol and DNA collection company that prides itself on accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. They specialize in providing fast and affordable drug and alcohol testing to employers and other organizations seeking to implement drug testing programs for their employees and members. Their franchise structure and certified collection site network allows them to provide stellar drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services in locations all over the country, with branches owned and operated by local business people.

 

They look forward to you joining them at the event as they celebrate one of their newest locations to service the community.   The event will be held from 11am – 12pm with light refreshments.

Smart Series: Business in Asheville – What’s Next?
Oct 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Boardroom

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

Wee Wine + Dahlias
Oct 4 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Trivia Night
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night