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.

Sunday, October 8, 2023
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!

LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 8 all-day
online
Plott-Tober Fest
Oct 8 all-day
Sorrells Park, downtown Canton

Schedule of Events

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 – FREE EVENT! 


3:15 PM – Plott-Tober Fest Opening Ceremony & Welcome​

  • Mike McLean – President, Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society

  • Richard Hurley – Emcee, Plott-Tober Fest

  • FEATURED SPEAKERS:

    • Pat Smathers – Cruso Fund

    • Zeb Smathers – Mayor, Town of Canton

    • Jim Trantham – Mayor, Town of Clyde

    • Mike Eveland – Mayor, Town of Maggie Valley

    • Gary Caldwell – Mayor, Town of Waynesville

    • Bob Plott – Our State Dog – The Plott Hound

4:00 – 7 pm – Milltown Farmers Market

  • A collection of local farmers and artisans celebrating local food, music, and community

  • Music featuring the Steubenville Tootlers – The best German Band Music this side of
    Frankfurt

  • BearWaters Brewery Celebrating Plott-Tober Fest with Dutch Cove Hefeweisen

  • Haus Heidelberg German Cuisine

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 – HISTORY DAY – TICKETED EVENT


9:30 am – 8:30 pm – Ticket Sales at Main Entrance
10 am – 4 pm – German Roots Registration (HCH&GS & Canton Historical Museum Booth)
12 noon – 1 pm Plott Hound History – Bob Plott
1 pm – 3 pm Haywood County’s German Roots (Heritage Tent)
3 pm – 4 pm Kids Activities at Splash Pad
10 am – 4 pm Free Shuttle to the Museum of Haywood County History in Clyde for Free Exhibits
(Departs from Sorrells 
Street Park every hour from 10 am & last return to Sorrells Street Park at 4 pm)

Live Music: 
10 am – 1 pm – The Steubenville Tootlers – The best German Band Music this side of Frankfurt
4 pm – 5 pm – Acoustic Songwriters: Beth Lee and Nick Dauphanais 
5 pm – 6 pm – Acoustic Bluegrass: Brew Davis and Nick Dauphanais
6:30 pm – 7: 30 pm – Appalachian Heritage Music: William Ritter & Tim McWilliams
7:30 pm – The JackTown Ramblers – 4-piece American Bluegrass, Swing, & Gypsy Jazz band


10 am – 10 pm Food Trucks – Vendors – WNC Organizations
Bearwaters Brewery Celebrating Plott-Tober Fest with Dutch Cove Hefeweisen
Haus Heidelberg German Cuisine

​SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 – PLOTT FEST – TICKETED EVENT


9:00 am – 8:30 pm Ticket Sales at Main Entrance

Plott Fest: 

  • 9 am – 11:30 am Dog Registration

  • 9:30 am – ONE DOG & TWO DOG MECHANICAL BEAR BAY

  • 10:30 am – 3 DOG MECHANICAL BEAR BAY

  • 11:30 am – COON TREEING EVENT

  • 12:30 pm – UKC BENCH SHOW

  • 3:30 pm – Plott Hound Roundtable hosted by Bob Plott

  • 4:30 pm – PRESENTATION OF AWARDS (METHVEN AWARD, R.H. PLOTT MEMORIAL AWARD, PERSON DOING MOST FOR PLOTT BREED AWARD, PLOTT PATRIOT AWARD) ON STAGE

  • 4:45 pm – Raffle Drawing

10 am – 4 pm Free Shuttle to the Museum of Haywood County History in Clyde for Free Exhibits(Departs from Sorrells Street Park every hour from 10 am & last return to Sorrells Street Park at 4 pm)

1 pm – 5 pm Kids Activities at Splash Pad

1 pm – 3 pm – Heritage Craft Demonstration Tents:

  • BLACKSMITHING – David Burnette

  • HIDE TANNING – Charles Brown

  • FLINTLOCK RIFLES – Dana Ballinger

Live Music & Dance: 
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – J. Creek Cloggers
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm – Daniel Johnston – Acoustic Music Songwriter
6:15 pm – 7: 00 pm Richard Hurley – Award Winning Singer/Songwriter
7:00 – An Evening of Bluegrass
with Darren Nicholson, Marc Pruett, Reed Jones, & Audie Blaylock


10 am – 10 pm Food Trucks – Vendors – WNC Organizations
Bearwaters Brewery Celebrating Plott-Tober Fest with Dutch Cove Hefeweisen
Haus Heidelberg German Cuisine

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 – FREE EVENT!
1:30 pm – 4 pm – Shaped Note Singing Demonstration
Morning Star United Methodist Church
2535 Dutch Cove Road
Canton, NC 28716
June Smathers Jolley & Friends will be singing from the Christian Harmony Songbook, published in 1873.  Loaner books will be available for those who would like to learn to sing using the shaped-note system.

Monday, October 9, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 9 all-day
online
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 11 all-day
online
Friday, October 13, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 13 all-day
online
Freaky Friday Two Tides Takeover
Oct 13 @ 5:00 pm
DSSOLVR

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

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

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

38th Annual Fall Harvest Days
Oct 13 @ 8:00 pm – Oct 14 @ 5:00 pm
WNC Agriculture Center

WNC Fall Harvest Days – Engine and Tractor Show
Antique Tractors, Hit n’ Miss Engines, Crafters, Antiques, Toys, Parts,
Tractor Pull, Food and More
Featuring: International Harvester Brands
Included in Admission:
Kids’ Corner
Tractor Pull 1964 or older – under Covered Area on Saturday 10:00am
GATE 1 opens Friday and Saturday 8am to 5pm Rain or Shine
Adult Admission $8 / Children 12 and under Free with paid Adult
Sponsorship Opportunities and Vendor Space Available
Phone: 828-435-0413 / Email: [email protected]
WNC Agriculture Center
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd
Fletcher, NC 28732

Saturday, October 14, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Oct 14 all-day
online
Pups + Pints
Oct 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Square Parking Garage Rooftop

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

InnovationFest
Oct 14 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Franklin School of Innovation

Franklin School of Innovation Presents:
🌟 InnovationFest: Dreaming What Innovation IS 🌟
What is Innovation? What does it mean to you? What IF?
What IF Innovation is more than just technological?
What IF we made all students feel safe?
What IF we ended systemic racism?
What IF we all have the power to lead the way to the future together?
We believe that Innovation is defined by actions we take to creatively change and progress forward. Let’s build a vision of inclusivity, growth, and educational transformation that involves our wider community. Celebrate 10 years of innovation with us Saturday, October 14th, from 12-4 pm!
We’re not just commemorating a decade; we are building an exciting path ahead!
Embrace inclusivity, spark transformation – be an innovator!
Let’s embark on a collective journey of unity and growth. Let’s build a space where every voice and every story matters. Together, we can craft an environment where all students feel safe, seen and valued. How can we ensure that every student finds a place of belonging?
🎉 Envisioning the Next 10 Years – Together! 🎉
Imagine a future where every student’s dream takes flight, and community members play a pivotal role in nurturing these aspirations. Together, we can re-imagine the essence of education – one that honors our roots, nurtures our present, and illuminates our future.
Event Highlights:
🎙️ Gather wisdom from Dr. Life, a renowned motivational speaker, as they guide us toward an empowered future.
🎵 Let local artists’ Whitney Mongé and Grupo Escolta Activado’s melodies wrap you in joy and unity.
🌍 Enjoy multicultural flavors from diverse food trucks in your own backyard!
🌟Get ready to see new and exciting things as we show you cool programs, groups of people who share interests, and other dope projects that are changing the game.
📢 Hear the voices of our student and community leaders, dreamers who will share their “what ifs” and inspire us all.
🗣 Engage in dynamic conversations that explore the pressing topics that shape our educational journey, impacting us all.
🎛️ Dance to the rhythm with DJ Twan, and other local music that’ll have you moving and grooving.
🎉 Immerse yourself in a cultural celebration, a tribute to the rich student diversity that makes us whole.
Save the date and take a journey with us at InnovationFest!🪁 Let’s join hands and spark a future where every student thrives, and our community’s potential is limitless!
Your presence is a testament to your commitment to a better, brighter Franklin School of Innovation for all who walk its halls, for generations to come.
Together, let’s celebrate, innovate, and weave a tapestry of inclusivity and excellence that resonates through the legacy of Franklin School of Innovation.
Make sure to claim your tickets on eventbrite, and we will see you at InnovationFest! 🎉🌟📚

Canine Trick or Treat
Oct 14 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Burton Street Community Center

 

 

FREE | All ages, advance registration requested

Dress up those pups and bring them to a treat scavenger hunt with giveaways for canines and their human companions. Dogs must be on a leash. For more info, call 828-507-9003.

Burnpile 2023
Oct 14 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Burial Beer Co.'s Forestry Camp Facility

Burnpile is Burial Beer Co.’s premier Beer and Music Festival. Hosted at Burial’s Forestry Camp facility near Asheville’s Biltmore Village, attendees enjoy a full-day concert by Deer Tick, S.G. Goodman, and MJ Lenderman alongside a tasting experience from a diverse lineup of 50+ of the best breweries in the country, and much more.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 14 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 15 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The Nat-O-Ween Spooktacular returns! This time spookier than ever. Join us in our Black Box Theater to experience the one-and-only Nat Zegree while sitting on the stage, just a few feet away from his dazzling performance. Nat Zegree will take you on a spooky musical adventure that is sure to delight and entertain. Tickets for this fundraising event are 100% tax-deductible and go directly to support Flat Rock Playhouse’s production and operating expenses. ONE NIGHT ONLY, don’t wait! Costumes are welcome!!

Monday, October 16, 2023
Make Your Own​ Cemeterrarium
Oct 16 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Ages 10+

$40 per person (supplies included)

Trick or treat-yo-self to a hauntingly adorable class! Lori Cozzi will lead students in creating a Halloween-themed terrarium, complete with spooky accessories and a living (and hard to kill) plant! All supplies included for an evening of skele-fun!

Minimum age of 10. Children under 10 may create a cemeterrarium with an adult.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Carolina Ballet Theatre: GHOSTS
Oct 17 @ 9:54 pm – 10:54 pm
Gunter Theatre

The Greenville-centric story opens on Halloween night. While most families make their rounds through the well-known neighborhoods, a handful of kids break off from the group. Hoping to reveal an unspoken Greenville secret, they head to an abandoned mansion along the Reedy River. They knock on the door, and after no answer, a brave little girl says, “Let’s go!” and pushes it open. Lightning flashes to reveal a silhouette of a couple who dance a pas de deux to a string quartet medley of several Michael Jackson-inspired tunes. Music By Michael Jackson and Choreography by Hernan Justo.

Warning
Strob lighting and other intense lighting will be used during this show.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Murder Mystery Party
Oct 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Harvest House Community Center

youth spider man and captain america in costume

 

$7 | Ages 18+, advance registration required

Take on a new persona and work with others to solve a mystery. For more info, call 828-820-2410.

 

Thursday, October 19, 2023
World Trails Film Festival
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
UNC Asheville Lipinsky Hall

The World Trails Film Festival is a unique event showcasing the best short and feature films centering the stories of trails from around the globe. Join us as we bring it to UNC Asheville (premiering for the first time on the East Coast of the United States) to celebrate why trails matter.

This community-building event will support trails locally and globally by fundraising equally for two leading trail organizations, the first of which is the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a local nonprofit equipping people to steward our wild landscapes, and the World Trails Ambassadors, a program of the World Trails Network.

Doors open at 6 pm, Program begins at 7pm and entry will be limited after 7:15 pm, during the screening. Program will include an intermission and ends at 9:30 pm.

Friday, October 20, 2023
Kooky Spooky Toddler Day 
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center

 

$5 per child | Ages: 2-5 (with adult)

The historic gym turns into an orange and black fun fest with inflatables, toys, arts and crafts, and snacks. Dress up and join the costume parade! For more info, call 828-350-2058.

Halloween Skate Spooktacular
Oct 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park

 

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Lace up your skates and bounce, rock, skate, and roll to a soundtrack of Halloween favorites in your costume. Skates not provided; bring your own. For more info, call 828-259-5800.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 20 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 20 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Dark Arts:​ Making Collographs
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Dark Arts: Making Collographs (google.com)

$50 per person (supplies included)

Participants will use mixed media to create a surface that can be used for both printing and an

independent work of art. Create an esoteric printing plate with textures, and imagery. Students will use colors and styles that suit their personal aesthetic.

Trick or Trail + Spooky Sprint
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Nelon's Feed

Runners at the 9th Annual Trick or Trail & Spooky Sprint presented by Hunter Subaru get to experience the Halloween-themed race in the heart of Hendersonville, NC! The race will start and finish in the Historic 7th Avenue District on Maple Street at the Train Depot where the vibrant Fall Fest is taking place at the Farmers’ Market! The Trick or Trail is a fall, family favorite event with costumes, decorations, and lots of great candy, snacks, and food!

Carolina CiderFest
Oct 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
McCormick Field

We’re back! Carolina CiderFest, is Asheville’s premier cider festival! Join us on October 21st at McCormick Field as we celebrate the art of cider-making and the vibrant spirit of Asheville. Immerse yourself in a cider wonderland, where you can sample a wide selection of craft ciders, enjoy live music, and savor delicious local eats. From traditional favorites to innovative blends, this festival is a cider lover’s paradise. Don’t miss your chance to sip, savor, and celebrate the best of Asheville’s cider scene at Carolina CiderFest!