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
VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 3 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

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.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy Programs 2023-2024 Season
Oct 4 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

2023-2024 Season

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy facilitates a life-long appreciation and advocacy of the arts by providing a loving community where students discover the tools needed to navigate life on and off the stage.

Mission

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance, and drama.  We foster a love and appreciation for the arts through student-teacher relationships, which encourage and help you to excel at your dream. We offer high quality instruction and educational experiences because we are committed to the art of teaching and the teaching of the arts.  It is our hope to build art and awareness in the community and provide a home for families to pursue their dreams.

With classes for students of all ages, the Asheville Performing Arts Academy is your place to discover the love of music, drama, and dance in your life.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy… where the arts come alive!

November 10-12, 2023

An APAA Cabaret (Company)

 

December 8-10, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Prep)

 

December 15-17, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Community)

February 2-4, 2024

Mean Girls, Jr.

(Middle School Community)

 

February 9-11, 2024

Mean Girls HS Version

(High School Community)

 

March/April 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Homeschool Academy)

April 25-28, 2024

Little Shop of Horros (Company)

 

May 10-12, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Prep)

 

May 17-19, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Community)

VOTE FOR Appalachian Wild: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award
Oct 4 all-day
online

APPALACHIAN WILD AND HELP THE ORGANIZATION WIN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER

VOTE TODAY! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

VOTE!

 

 

Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 4 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

The 2023 Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Scarecrow Contest
Oct 4 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

 

Build your own scarecrow and set at up in Lake Julian Park. Scarecrows can be made of recycled materials, household items, traditional farm materials, repurposed wood, various items found in nature, etc. We just ask scarecrows are not made of any food items.

Registration is open now! Scarecrows can be set up in the park from October 14th-21st. On October 21st Lake Julian will hold its annual Fall-o-ween Festival where Scarecrows will be judged and awarded a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place trophy!

This is a fun family friendly activity for all ages! Great for families, couples, school groups, clubs, offices, teams, and more! We welcome all to celebrate the autumn season and get crafty with the agricultural tradition of making a unique personified sculpture!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Oct 4 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

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.

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
Kids Storytime at Barnes and Noble
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am
Barnes and Noble

Kids Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Family Ukulele Lessons with Asheville Ukulele Society
Oct 4 @ 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
East Asheville Library

Come learn to play the ukulele with the Asheville Ukulele Society. Lessons are free, but space is limited. To register, sign up at the library front desk or call 828-250-4738.

Open to everyone elementary school-age & up. Parents of children ages 15 & under must attend with their children. Parents of teens are encouraged to come learn together!

Parkway Playhouse-Willy Wonka JR
Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

November 3-11, 2023

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Roberta Whiteside
Choreography by Melanie Veazey

Evolution of Modular Synthesis w/ Chris Meyer and Dave Rossum
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm
Citizen Vinyl

The Bob Moog Foundation is excited to announce our upcoming event, The Evolution of Modular Synthesis, featuring modular synthesis educator, musician, and inventor of vector synthesis, Chris Meyer, and legendary synthesizer pioneer and innovator Dave Rossum! 

The event will feature Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, interviewing Meyer and Rossum about the fascinating evolution and recent resurgence of modular synthesis from 1960s to present, followed by a concert with Meyer using his contemporary modular setup and a question and answer session with the audience. 

Due to current ticket demand, the event will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 7pm at the Citizen Vinyl i n Asheville, NC. Tickets for the Asheville event are $20. 

SPACE IS LIMITED. 

A livestream of the event will also be offered. 
Access to the livestream will be pay-what-you-can, starting at $10. Tickets to the livestream can be purchased here: https://liveatmoogseum.org/livestream. A recording of the livestream will be available for 72 hours after the event for all livestream ticket holders.

 

More details from our press release:

Chris Meyer has led three lives in the music industry: creating electronic music instruments and tools for companies like Sequential, Digidesign, and Roland (including inventing Vector Synthesis); teaching electronic music synthesis through numerous magazine articles, online courses, and his website LearningModular.com; and now performing his own unique vision of emotional, impressionistic electronic music under the name Alias Zone. He is also the co-author of the acclaimed, Patch & Tweak with Kim Bjørn. 

Each of Chris’ compositions is based on a story that informs its creation. He starts with a sonic image that captures his imagination: a complex sound, an alluring rhythm, or a field recording that documents a specific time and place. The story they hint at then becomes the touchstone that determines each layer Chris adds to the piece, be they richly textured ambient environments, unique sounds he programs on his modular synthesizers, exotic percussion, and more. His goal is to convey emotions of mystery, longing, and joy, creating a deeply human experience. In contrast to many electronic music composers who focus primarily on studio work, virtually all Alias Zone tracks are conceived as live performances, and are then later edited into album form.

Fifty years ago, Dave Rossum dropped out of graduate school to found E-mu Systems.  In his role as E-mu’s Chief Wizard, he invented numerous modular synthesis technologies including ultra-stable oscillators, modular sequencers, polyphonic keyboards and analog synthesizer chips, before pioneering Digital Sampling Synthesis with the Emulator, and later the Drumulator, the SP-1200, and the Proteus.  Dave also assisted other companies in their groundbreaking products, such as the Oberheim 4-voice and the Sequential Prophet 5.  

In 1994, E-mu was acquired by Creative Labs, and Dave became their Chief Scientist.  During the Creative years, E-mu produced the E-64, ESI, Emulator IV, and other well known samplers.  Dave left Creative in 2011 for a 5 year stint as the architect of DSP ICs for cell phone audio.  Then in 2016, Dave founded Rossum Electro-Music, signed on as a Technical Fellow at Universal Audio, and began designing analog integrated circuits for Sound Semiconductor.  When he’s not inventing new synthesis technologies, you’ll find Dave running marathons, SCUBA diving, or backpacking in the High Sierra with his standard poodle, Lily.

________________________

Bob Moog was an innovator in the field of modular synthesis and beyond. The Bob Moog Foundation celebrates synthesis in all of its forms, and through this event celebrates the renaissance of modular synthesis. The organization’s interactive Moogseum, located in Asheville, NC, recently added Patching Sound, an exhibit that teaches visitors of all ages how to create sound with a modular synthesizer. 

 

“The Bob Moog Foundation is thrilled to provide this unique opportunity for people from all over the world to delve into the foundational aspects of modular synthesis, trace its use over many decades, and to explore the music that results from it,” noted Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “We are honored to be examining this subject with two renowned figures from synthesizer industry. The pairing of Chris Meyer and Dave Rossum will provide for unique insights and reflections into this fascinating realm of sonic expression.”

Music to Your Ears Discussion Series: Led Zeppelin’s HOUSES OF THE HOLY
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Guitar Bar

TWO SPECIAL EVENTS –
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS: Houses of the Holy
MUSIC MOVIE MONDAY: The Song Remains the Same
For Immediate Release: Two special events in Asheville’s River Arts District celebrate
peak-period Led Zeppelin. On Wednesday October 4, Asheville Guitar Bar hosts the
latest entry in Bill Kopp’s Music to Your Ears discussion series, featuring Led
Zeppelin’s landmark 1973 LP Houses of the Holy. And on Monday October 9, Kopp’s Music Movie Monday series at Grail
Movie House will feature a screening of the Led Zeppelin concert film The Song Remains the Same, with a discussion to
follow.

In the early to mid 1970s, Led Zeppelin reigned supreme in the world of rock. Rising
from the ashes of seminal ‘60s band the Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin drew upon classic
American blues for its sound, but added levels of power, sophistication, nuance and
(sometimes) malevolence to create something remarkable and new. Every one of their
studio albums – eight released between 1969 and 1979 – went multi-platinum, often many
times over. Led Zeppelin concert tours were emblematic of the era, with the band playing
ot packed arenas across the globe. The excess of that era was on full display: the group
traveled in its own branded jet, and tales of backstage and hotel room mayhem were
legion.
But at the center of it all was the music. And While most all of Led Zeppelin’s music
enjoys critical acclaim commensurate with its commercial appeal, the band was arguably
at the pinnacle of its creativity on 1973’s Houses of the Holy. The music effectively
melded the subtlety and grace of Jimmy Page’s acoustic guitar with the crushing roar of
his electric work, and it all worked closely with Robert Plant’s distinctive vocals, John
Paul Jones’ underrated bass and keyboard playing, and the thunderous, commanding
percussion of John Bonham.

Houses of the Holy features several hit album tracks including “No Quarter,” “The Rain Song, “D’yer Maker” and “Over the
Hills and Far Away.” And the record holds together as a cohesive, complete work as well.
Touring in support of Houses of the Holy, Led Zeppelin would document its live show by filming a documentary, The Song
Remains the Same. Crews captured the sound and visuals of the band’s multi-night engagement at New York City’s Madison
Square Garden. The film was released to theaters in 1976; directed by Peter Clifton and Joe Massot, the film also included
arty, impressionistic fantasy sequences; it’s very much an artifact of the hedonistic 1970s.
The October 4 event at Asheville Guitar Bar will feature a discussion of Houses of the Holy, led by author, speaker and
music journalist Bill Kopp, joined by special guest Christopher Everett, lead guitarist with Hustle Souls. And the October 9
screening of The Song Remains the Same will include a moderated discussion led by Kopp. Both events are sponsored by
AshevilleFM. Don’t miss this special opportunity to convene with your fellow rock fans for these two interactive evenings.

The Last Revel
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm
The Outpost

The Last Revel
After a 5 year hiatus, The original trio has reunited to produce new music with a revitalized appreciation for camaraderie and creativity. Now living in three different cities across the US, these three independently talented singer-songwriters bring together the sounds of Nashville TN, Minneapolis MN, & Bozeman MT to create Front Porch Americana soundscapes that are equally original as they are timeless. Drawing influence from their salt-of-the-earth Midwest ethos the band’s songs so naturally blend the genres of Folk, Old Time String-Band, and Indie Rock to create a sound that echoes the current heartbeat of America.

The Last Revel utilizes their multi-instrumental abilities to bring the full spectrum of modern Americana to life with lush arrangements of three-part vocal harmonies, acoustic and electric guitars, upright bass, fiddle, and 5-string banjo to consistently support impassioned performances of their honest and heartfelt songwriting.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Asheville Performing Arts Academy Programs 2023-2024 Season
Oct 5 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

2023-2024 Season

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy facilitates a life-long appreciation and advocacy of the arts by providing a loving community where students discover the tools needed to navigate life on and off the stage.

Mission

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance, and drama.  We foster a love and appreciation for the arts through student-teacher relationships, which encourage and help you to excel at your dream. We offer high quality instruction and educational experiences because we are committed to the art of teaching and the teaching of the arts.  It is our hope to build art and awareness in the community and provide a home for families to pursue their dreams.

With classes for students of all ages, the Asheville Performing Arts Academy is your place to discover the love of music, drama, and dance in your life.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy… where the arts come alive!

November 10-12, 2023

An APAA Cabaret (Company)

 

December 8-10, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Prep)

 

December 15-17, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Community)

February 2-4, 2024

Mean Girls, Jr.

(Middle School Community)

 

February 9-11, 2024

Mean Girls HS Version

(High School Community)

 

March/April 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Homeschool Academy)

April 25-28, 2024

Little Shop of Horros (Company)

 

May 10-12, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Prep)

 

May 17-19, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Community)

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

Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

The 2023 Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Scarecrow Contest
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

 

Build your own scarecrow and set at up in Lake Julian Park. Scarecrows can be made of recycled materials, household items, traditional farm materials, repurposed wood, various items found in nature, etc. We just ask scarecrows are not made of any food items.

Registration is open now! Scarecrows can be set up in the park from October 14th-21st. On October 21st Lake Julian will hold its annual Fall-o-ween Festival where Scarecrows will be judged and awarded a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place trophy!

This is a fun family friendly activity for all ages! Great for families, couples, school groups, clubs, offices, teams, and more! We welcome all to celebrate the autumn season and get crafty with the agricultural tradition of making a unique personified sculpture!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Oct 5 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

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.

Creekside Play @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 5 @ 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 5 @ 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
Kolo Bike Park Afterschool Club
Oct 5 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

It’s back! Our Kolo Bike Park monthly after-school club runs every Tuesday & Thursday afternoon for ages 6-13 from 3-6 pm.

This club is for our local shredders to keep riding and growing their mountain bike skills all year long. This club is NOT to teach children how to ride and it is a requirement that they enjoy biking and can successfully ride their bike off-road before joining. Our highly skilled and trained staff will help campers working on bike handling and riding all the features and trails our 125-acre park has to offer.

  • $350 per camper per month
  • Runs Tuesdays and Thursdays in October, and November. Please note that you need to purchase a membership for EACH month!
  • $20 discount for either multiple months or for each multiple campers (you may not stack discounts, sorry!)
  • We run rain or shine! If it is too muddy to ride, we will adjust programming for bike maintenance lessons, alternative activities, etc.
  • Campers must bring their own bike, helmet, water bottle, snack, and any protective gear each day
  •  A $25 cancellation fee will be charged in canceled less than 2 weeks before the first session.
  • No refunds for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the first session!

You may book online or call our office at 828.225.2921.  To book online choose October 3 for the October Club and November 2 for the November Club.

Sklyand Library LEGO HOUR
Oct 5 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Join us for free-form LEGO building every other Thursday afternoon, at 3:30pm!  All ages 5 and up are welcome, but anyone under 10 years old will need to be accompanied by a caregiver.

LEGO is provided.  Please leave your personal bricks at home.

EcoExplore – Arachnology Season
Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Leicester Library

Join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about the many different arachnids that call Western North Carolina their home! Did you know Arachnids include more than just Spiders? Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, the many different types of arachnids, where they live, what they eat, plus much more!

Intergenerational Lego Club-East Asheville Library
Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
East Asheville Library

Intergenerational Lego Club

Have fun building a unique creation with Legos at the East Asheville Public Library!
Flex your Lego building skills and make some friends while you’re at it.
Please leave your personal Legos at home because we’ve got plenty.

Open to all ages 5 & up.

For questions call 828-250-4738.

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.