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.

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

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

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
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.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

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.
LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Oct 3 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

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

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
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.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

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.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 5 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

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Sandburg Home Tours
Oct 5 @ 11:00 am
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.

*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

  • Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
  • Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
    *These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
    *You can purchase a pass online at 
    America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store.
  • 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
  • Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
  • Tours are limited to 6 persons.
  • Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.

    Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
    *Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.

    (credit card only)
    $10.00 for Adults 16 and older
    $6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
    Free for Children age 15 and under

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Oct 5 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Goodwill Business Advisory Council Fall Cookout
Oct 5 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Carrier Park Picnic Shelter

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint the landscape, we invite you to join us for a delightful community networking meeting to bid farewell to a fantastic summer and welcome the crisp, colorful days of fall.

Our Fall BAC Cookout promises to be a fantastic afternoon of connection. We’ll fire up the grill for some delicious hot dogs with all your favorite fixings and an array of sides. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity for us to come together, share stories of our summer adventures, and forge new connections as we head into the autumn season.

Whether you’re a long-time member of our Business Advisory Council or new to the group, we encourage you to join us for this enjoyable event. The more, the merrier!

Ribbon Cutting: ALLCHOICE Insurance
Oct 5 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
ALLCHOICE Insurance
Walking Foundy Tour
Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Foundy Tour

Join us on a walking tour of the Foundy in the River Arts District where we learn about the only existing Street Art Gallery in Asheville and all the artists who have created graffiti and mural installations that have made our town an urban art destination.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Oct 5 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Friday, October 6, 2023
Employer Registration Open for WNC Career Expo
Oct 6 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

French Broad River Tour Madison County
Oct 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ingles Market

Land of Sky Regional Council will offer a tour of each county in our region with a focus on how we can work together to protect the French Broad River while supporting the growth and development of region.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Hike and Sip Tour at Souther Williams Vineyard
Oct 6 @ 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,

Sandburg Home Tours
Oct 6 @ 11:00 am
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.

*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

  • Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
  • Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
    *These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
    *You can purchase a pass online at 
    America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store.
  • 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
  • Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
  • Tours are limited to 6 persons.
  • Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.

    Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
    *Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.

    (credit card only)
    $10.00 for Adults 16 and older
    $6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
    Free for Children age 15 and under

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Oct 6 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Autumn Amble Leaf Tours
Oct 6 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Highlands Nature Center

Autumn Amble leaf tours are back, and they’re better than ever! As the leaves begin to don their vibrant hues and the crisp autumn air fills the atmosphere, the Highlands Nature Center invites you on an enchanting journey through the beauty of the season.

Every Friday and Saturday in October at 4:00 p.m., join the Nature Center for FREE guided leaf tours open to the public. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking transformation of nature while exploring the captivating colors of fall foliage.

Weather dependent.

Walking Foundy Tour
Oct 6 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Foundy Tour

Join us on a walking tour of the Foundy in the River Arts District where we learn about the only existing Street Art Gallery in Asheville and all the artists who have created graffiti and mural installations that have made our town an urban art destination.