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.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 3 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Pumpkins and Boosters for Eblen Charities
Oct 3 all-day
Various Locations in WNC
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 4 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Jones Park Rebuilding Volunteer Opportunity
Oct 4 all-day
online
JONES PARK IS BEING REBUILT AS CANDACE PICKENS PARK OCTOBER 2023!

We need your help to get this built – it will be a volunteer-built park October 4-8, 2023.

Rendering of the future Candace Pickens Park to be built October 2023. Learn more about Playgrounds by Leathers.

Sign Up to Help!

*** If you’d like to volunteer to help please SIGN UP HERE ***

Before the build dates it will take a lot of coordination – we’re looking for a few good people to help as:

Childcare Coordinators – providing supervision and fun activities for kids during construction

Food Coordinators – acquiring food from the community for each day of the build

Want to help? Know someone who might be able to help with one of these coordinator positions? Email: [email protected] or call David Rodgers 828.545.9571

In mid-May we will have a design similar to the former playground to present to the community.

Donate to help build the park!

Click here to make a donation via PayPal to Asheville City Schools Foundation, our partner for this project. 

There will be a transaction fee of 2.89% plus .30 USD for PayPal transactions. For transactions of $500 or more the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) strongly recommends checks or wire transfers. For wire transfers or the transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide at [email protected]. ACSF is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are normally tax deductible. However, always consult your taxadviser. Cash should be conveyed in person, of course. 

Checks should be mailed to:

Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802 Foundation
Memo: Candace Pickens Park

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 4 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Community Build, Jones Park – Candace Pickens Memorial Park
Oct 5 all-day
544 Kimberly Avenue

Jones Park Playground was a treasured community park used by families from across the city of Asheville. Unfortunately, it was removed without a replacement plan in September of 2021. Members of the community began working immediately to find a solution to get this playground rebuilt with donated funds and labor from the community. In this process the park was renamed Candace Pickens Memorial Park. Candace played in this park and brought her son to play. She was tragically killed here in 2016. October 4-8 hundreds of volunteers from neighborhoods across the city and county will be giving their time to help bring this playground back. Working side by side we are building more than just a playground, we are building community and connections that will last lifetimes.

Jones Park Rebuilding Volunteer Opportunity
Oct 5 all-day
online
JONES PARK IS BEING REBUILT AS CANDACE PICKENS PARK OCTOBER 2023!

We need your help to get this built – it will be a volunteer-built park October 4-8, 2023.

Rendering of the future Candace Pickens Park to be built October 2023. Learn more about Playgrounds by Leathers.

Sign Up to Help!

*** If you’d like to volunteer to help please SIGN UP HERE ***

Before the build dates it will take a lot of coordination – we’re looking for a few good people to help as:

Childcare Coordinators – providing supervision and fun activities for kids during construction

Food Coordinators – acquiring food from the community for each day of the build

Want to help? Know someone who might be able to help with one of these coordinator positions? Email: [email protected] or call David Rodgers 828.545.9571

In mid-May we will have a design similar to the former playground to present to the community.

Donate to help build the park!

Click here to make a donation via PayPal to Asheville City Schools Foundation, our partner for this project. 

There will be a transaction fee of 2.89% plus .30 USD for PayPal transactions. For transactions of $500 or more the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) strongly recommends checks or wire transfers. For wire transfers or the transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide at [email protected]. ACSF is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are normally tax deductible. However, always consult your taxadviser. Cash should be conveyed in person, of course. 

Checks should be mailed to:

Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802 Foundation
Memo: Candace Pickens Park

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 5 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Intro to Ukulele
Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

Queer Music Exploration
Oct 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.

A Taste of the Vineyard ~ Roaring 20’s
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyard

Tickets for A Taste of the Vineyard Roaring 20’s 2023 are on sale now! Visit the website here to purchase tickets. The evening will include dinner by Amanda’s Catering, live music by Dinah’s Daydream, a complimentary glass of wine, and access to a silent auction!

Join us in our efforts to raise $30,000 to support our mission of igniting the power and promise in youth!

Friday, October 6, 2023
16th Annual HEAL Conference
Oct 6 all-day
Mountain Area Health Education Center

Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED) and Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) are pleased to present the 2023 HEAL Conference. This program addresses disordered eating and eating disorders recovery by experts speaking on the most current research and practices. HEAL offers professional development and networking for providers as well as education for the general public. The annual conference, now in its 16th year, is expanding through collaboration between CRC for ED and MAHEC.

The 2023 program includes educational sessions, a networking event, and a care-for-the-provider retreat after lunch Friday!

Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 6 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Jones Park Rebuilding Volunteer Opportunity
Oct 6 all-day
online
JONES PARK IS BEING REBUILT AS CANDACE PICKENS PARK OCTOBER 2023!

We need your help to get this built – it will be a volunteer-built park October 4-8, 2023.

Rendering of the future Candace Pickens Park to be built October 2023. Learn more about Playgrounds by Leathers.

Sign Up to Help!

*** If you’d like to volunteer to help please SIGN UP HERE ***

Before the build dates it will take a lot of coordination – we’re looking for a few good people to help as:

Childcare Coordinators – providing supervision and fun activities for kids during construction

Food Coordinators – acquiring food from the community for each day of the build

Want to help? Know someone who might be able to help with one of these coordinator positions? Email: [email protected] or call David Rodgers 828.545.9571

In mid-May we will have a design similar to the former playground to present to the community.

Donate to help build the park!

Click here to make a donation via PayPal to Asheville City Schools Foundation, our partner for this project. 

There will be a transaction fee of 2.89% plus .30 USD for PayPal transactions. For transactions of $500 or more the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) strongly recommends checks or wire transfers. For wire transfers or the transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide at [email protected]. ACSF is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are normally tax deductible. However, always consult your taxadviser. Cash should be conveyed in person, of course. 

Checks should be mailed to:

Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802 Foundation
Memo: Candace Pickens Park

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 6 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

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.

Media Arts Education + Career Day
Oct 6 @ 9:00 am
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Aspiring artists ages 6th Grade+ are invited to Drop In on October 6 from 9 AM to 2 PM for a Career & Education Fair focused on Media Arts!

Our booths, hosted by schools and businesses in the industry from all over the country, will lead you from pre-production to post production, giving you a taste of the different types of jobs out there, and giving you resources to get started.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect high education option, an internship, or a job, this fair is the perfect place for you.

Thank you for signing up for our Career & Education Day! We can’t wait to meet you!

You are invited to stay for the entire event and/or drop in:

Media Arts Education & Career Fair – 9 AM – 11:30 AM
Media Arts Classes: – 9 AM – 11:30 AM
Media Arts Education & Career Fair Keynote Speaker Linda Burns, PA Academy – 11:45 AM
Next Generation Student Film “Awe” Project – 1:30 PM – 2 PM
There will be room for the bus to pull in and unload on the left side of the building. They may park in the parking lot.

If your group would like to pack a lunch, there is a grassy area and an amphitheater that you are welcome to picnic on.

For more information, email Ashley at [email protected].

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Home in One Golf Tournament
Oct 6 @ 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Cummings Cove Golf Course

Attention Golfers!

 

Please join the Housing Assistance Corporation for a day on the green to support workforce and affordable housing initiatives in Henderson County and surrounding areas.

Check-in will begin at 10:30am with a shotgun start at 11:30am

Lunch and after play snacks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and we have a fabulous door prize raffle.

Pawpaw Seedling Sales
Oct 6 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Hop

Support Asheville GreenWorks’ Urban Forestry program by planting a native Paw Paw grown in our nursery to celebrate the release of The Hop’s Paw Paw ice cream.

You’ll need a mate to pollinate! – If you don’t have a Paw Paw already planted at your home, you may want to consider purchasing 2 from us. We will choose two different genetic strains, which is needed for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Paw Paws are self-infertile, so for good fruit set, each variety must be fertilized with pollen from a different variety of Paw Paw tree.

Paw Paws are also the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about Paw Paws.

Paw Paw’s can be picked up on either:

  • (Paw Paw Ice Cream release day!) Friday October 6th, 3-6pm at The Hop Merrimon – 640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804

  • Tuesday October 10th, 10am-1pm at the Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park 24 Apac Circle, Asheville, NC 28804 (first parking lot on the left past the dog park)

Please note, seedlings vary in size and will be in either 1 or 3 gallon pots.

Saturday, October 7, 2023
Jones Park Rebuilding Volunteer Opportunity
Oct 7 all-day
online
JONES PARK IS BEING REBUILT AS CANDACE PICKENS PARK OCTOBER 2023!

We need your help to get this built – it will be a volunteer-built park October 4-8, 2023.

Rendering of the future Candace Pickens Park to be built October 2023. Learn more about Playgrounds by Leathers.

Sign Up to Help!

*** If you’d like to volunteer to help please SIGN UP HERE ***

Before the build dates it will take a lot of coordination – we’re looking for a few good people to help as:

Childcare Coordinators – providing supervision and fun activities for kids during construction

Food Coordinators – acquiring food from the community for each day of the build

Want to help? Know someone who might be able to help with one of these coordinator positions? Email: [email protected] or call David Rodgers 828.545.9571

In mid-May we will have a design similar to the former playground to present to the community.

Donate to help build the park!

Click here to make a donation via PayPal to Asheville City Schools Foundation, our partner for this project. 

There will be a transaction fee of 2.89% plus .30 USD for PayPal transactions. For transactions of $500 or more the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) strongly recommends checks or wire transfers. For wire transfers or the transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide at [email protected]. ACSF is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are normally tax deductible. However, always consult your taxadviser. Cash should be conveyed in person, of course. 

Checks should be mailed to:

Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802 Foundation
Memo: Candace Pickens Park

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 7 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Oct 8 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Asheville Veganfest
Oct 8 all-day
Pack Square Park

We are thrilled to announce that Asheville Veganfest will be held again in Pack Square on October 8, 2023 from 11am-6pm.
We’re excited for Veganfest this year and hope you’ll support our FREE festival by donating to our fundraiser.
We’re bringing a very FUN Family Fun Zone, shopping, live music, and lots of incredible vegan food, and more back to Asheville!
$25 – VIP tickets – enter the event 30 minutes early. Get a cool upgraded goody bag that is reusable with items different from the GA bags. Limited to 100. Get entered into our raffle and get 25 entries for each VIP Entry you purchase.
****NEW THIS YEAR****
$35 – VIP PLUS – Not interested in a bag filled with items you don’t want or need? Our VIP PLUS will be a cool reusable bag (different from the VIP bag) and also comes with our newest shirt design, Unapologetically Vegan. 35 entries into our raffle too! Make sure to let us know your shirt size!
Winners will be picked randomly after the festival and winners will be notified via email. Prize Packs TBD.
Please donate $5 or more or get a free ticket to help our vendors know how much to prepare ahead of the festival.
This will be a FREE festival with a $5 (or more) suggested donation.
*Food Trucks
*DJ & Mz. Jazzy
*Family Fun Zone
*Free Face Painting
*Vegan Food
*Shopping
Come out and support our vendors and plan on enjoying the music, too. Our Be-Ve Kids’ Family Fun Zone is perfect for children of all ages and includes life-sized games, coloring, basketball hoop game, and more!

Jones Park Rebuilding Volunteer Opportunity
Oct 8 all-day
online
JONES PARK IS BEING REBUILT AS CANDACE PICKENS PARK OCTOBER 2023!

We need your help to get this built – it will be a volunteer-built park October 4-8, 2023.

Rendering of the future Candace Pickens Park to be built October 2023. Learn more about Playgrounds by Leathers.

Sign Up to Help!

*** If you’d like to volunteer to help please SIGN UP HERE ***

Before the build dates it will take a lot of coordination – we’re looking for a few good people to help as:

Childcare Coordinators – providing supervision and fun activities for kids during construction

Food Coordinators – acquiring food from the community for each day of the build

Want to help? Know someone who might be able to help with one of these coordinator positions? Email: [email protected] or call David Rodgers 828.545.9571

In mid-May we will have a design similar to the former playground to present to the community.

Donate to help build the park!

Click here to make a donation via PayPal to Asheville City Schools Foundation, our partner for this project. 

There will be a transaction fee of 2.89% plus .30 USD for PayPal transactions. For transactions of $500 or more the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) strongly recommends checks or wire transfers. For wire transfers or the transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide at [email protected]. ACSF is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are normally tax deductible. However, always consult your taxadviser. Cash should be conveyed in person, of course. 

Checks should be mailed to:

Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802 Foundation
Memo: Candace Pickens Park

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 8 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Oct 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.