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.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Animal Enrichment Day
Jul 30 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. Visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission.

Thursday, July 31, 2025
Slice Comedy Standup Picture Show
Jul 31 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

THURSDAY JULY 31, 7:30Pm at The Orange Peel PULP
ENJOY standup comedy in a whole new way with picture and videos to go along with the fun in a bourbon bar comedy club! Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Prime Video. Headliner Jordan Julius, winner of Slice Standup Comedy Contest. Featuring hot regional comics Sarah Love, Jason Reel & Lois Adjevi
FREE SNACKS, outside food ok!
Get you tix now, these shows sell out!

Standup Comedy Picture Show

Saturday, August 2, 2025
Hendersonville Splash Day
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Edwards Park
Aug 2nd – Hendersonville Splash Day at Edwards Park. The City of Hendersonville invites you to Splash Day, a free community event designed to help you cool off and celebrate summer fun! Come splash, play, and celebrate summer at this rain or shine event with your friends, family, and the City of Hendersonville.
⛲ SPLASH ZONE | 10:00am– 1:00pm
They’re closing down a portion of Locust Street (from N. Main to Laurel) and turning it into a water wonderland! Join Hendersonville Fire and Water Departments for a splash zone filled with spraying fire trucks and cool water fun.
⛳ FREE MINI GOLF | 10:00am– 9:00pm
Head over to the Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course at Edwards Park and enjoy free rounds of mini golf throughout the day.
🍧 FREE REFRESHMENTS FOR KIDS
Enjoy free tasty treats and hot dogs, while supplies last, to keep kids fueled up for playing. Additional snacks for purchase at the concession stand.
🌞 WHAT TO BRING
Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, bring a towel, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
🚗 PARKING
On-street parking is available with additional parking options at the Hedrick Rhodes Veterans Center, Bruce Drysdale Elementary School, and St. James Episcopal Church.
🗺️: 904 N. Main Street in Hendersonville.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Brews and Bears
Aug 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!

Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.

The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!

Saturday, August 9, 2025
Junior Naturalist Day
Aug 9 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for our new Conservation Campus! Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer.

Thursday, August 21, 2025
Slice Comedy Standup Contest
Aug 21 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
___________________________________
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.

Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]

Thursday, August 28, 2025
ART PARTY ON THE ROOF AT THE RADICAL HOTEL
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Radical Hotel

ART PARTY ON THE ROOF AT THE RADICAL HOTEL

Thursday, August 28, 2025

7-9pm

The Roof

The Radical Hotel

95 Roberts Street

Asheville, NC 28801

You are invited to an unforgettable evening of creativity and community with Miranda Wildman and friends on The Roof at The Radical Hotel!

This August evening we will play with a plethora of colors and shapes to create your very own tabletop lantern to set the mood for your summer soirees.

No experience? No problem! This is all about fun, self-expression, and connecting with others through art. Let the local DJ’s inspired beats set the mood as you create alongside new and old friends.

Come as you are—bring your curiosity. Art is for everyone, and this art party is too!

$25

all materials included

N.O.T.A.F.L.O.F.

(no one turned away for lack of funds)

City Dance
Aug 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Monday, September 1, 2025
NC Apple Festival
Sep 1 all-day
Downtown Hendersonville

Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!

We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.

 

Saturday, September 6, 2025
54th-Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 6 all-day
Grandfather Mountain
Friday, September 12, 2025
Brews and Bears
Sep 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!

Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.

The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!

Saturday, September 13, 2025
Fall Plant Sale at Bullington Gardens
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Dig into Bullington Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale! Grab trees, shrubs, perennials, natives, and seasonal plants to spruce up your yard. Don’t let your garden be the only one on the block still growing last year’s weeds—join us this fall September 12-13, 9am-4pm.

Thursday, September 18, 2025
WNC Songwriter sessions featuring Rob Lytle, Owen Walsh & Annie Wenz
Sep 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

Join us Thurs, September 18th – 7:00 – 9:00 PM at The Brandy Bar + Cocktails for an evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar. Located at 504 7th Avenue East in the 7th Avenue Historic Depot District.
Hidyho Neighbors! Another trio of bedazzling songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our August session at the coolest bar in all Hendo. Rob Lytle, Owen Walsh, and Annie Wenz will charm your inner cobra right out of its basket. Delicious cocktails + handcrafted songs + friendly folks = time well spent. Join us!

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Fall Family Festival
Sep 20 @ 4:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park
🍁 Fall Family Festival 🍁
Presented by the Town of Fletcher
📅 Saturday, September 20
🕓 Starting at 4:00 PM
📍 Bill Moore Community Park, Fletcher, NC
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fall fun for the whole family! Join us for an exciting festival full of delicious food, fun and games, and live music in the heart of Fletcher. 🍂🎶🎉
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the crisp autumn air, play some games, or simply relax and listen to great music with family and friends—this event is for you!
What to Expect:
Food vendors & sweet treats
Kids activities areas
Live music to keep you dancing
Family-friendly fun in a beautiful park setting
Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and festive fall spirit!
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
City Dance
Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight
Sep 27 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Embrace your nocturnal side at Grandfather Mountain through Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight, the park’s after-hours program where guests enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nighttime residents.

The evening begins around the glow of a bonfire at the Woods Walk Picnic Area as night falls. Guests will then have the opportunity to partake in three unique experiences as the group splits up and alternates between the different parts of the mountain. These activities include a trek (via shuttle) to atop the mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, as well as a visit to the Mildred the Bear Animal Habitats for a behind-the-scenes tour in which guests get to experience the mountain in a similar fashion as its nocturnal critters. The tour is conducted using red-light flashlights, with an emphasis placed on the guests’ sensory experience while getting up close with the park’s bears, otters, elk and cougars. An educational focus is also placed on how the animals may use their senses of smell or eyesight to navigate or hunt at night.

Groups will then descend back to the Woods Walk Picnic Area to gather around the fire, roast s’mores and hear folktales from one of the mountain’s naturalists or educators.

Hours are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event is open to 50 participants, and tickets are $40 for general admission or $34 for Bridge Club members.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Hawk Watch
Sep 30 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration.

Saturday, October 4, 2025
Farm City Day 2025
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This FREE event features many educational hands-on activities including a farm animal petting zoo, old-time craft demonstrations and a fishing pond. There are many children’s games and a wagon ride though the park. Planned entertainment includes the WTZQ Radio’s Local Artist Showcase Stage showcasing musicians performing throughout the day. Food vendors and displays cover 50 acres of Jackson Park the first Saturday of October annually.
Farm City Day Started in 1955 as a collaboration between Henderson County Cooperative Extension and Kiwanis. Today, Farm City Day celebrates Henderson County agriculture and promotes agricultural awareness to kids.
Fall Ramble
Oct 4 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Pumpkin Fest
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park & Mansion

Pumpkin Fest is a fun, family friendly and fantastic artistic event or great date night with 18 beautiful artist-designed lighted carved pumpkin displays on a newly-paved short walking trail. The event includes talented local musicians, food trucks and coffee house, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, games, dress ups, and the Silvermont historic mansion and second floor museum open for tours.

Admission $7 per person (ages 13 and over), $5 ages 3-12, and 2 and under free. We accept cards, cash or check with ID.

Onsite parking cost is $5 per car (cash preferred). Free parking is available offsite on nearby streets and Comporium and church parking lots 1 block away. Handicap sticker- free parking onsite.

Sunday, October 5, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 5 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Monday, October 6, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 6 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 7 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 8 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Oct 8 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Third Room

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 9 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Friday, October 10, 2025
Fall Ramble
Oct 10 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. During the daily rambles, guests learn all about the mountain’s unique biodiversity and the science behind the changing of the leaves.

Participants can become familiar with tree identification, as the mountain’s talented and knowledgeable educators and interpretive park guides venture out with guests to some of the most colorful destinations on the mountain.

Pumpkin Fest
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park & Mansion

Pumpkin Fest is a fun, family friendly and fantastic artistic event or great date night with 18 beautiful artist-designed lighted carved pumpkin displays on a newly-paved short walking trail. The event includes talented local musicians, food trucks and coffee house, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, games, dress ups, and the Silvermont historic mansion and second floor museum open for tours.

Admission $7 per person (ages 13 and over), $5 ages 3-12, and 2 and under free. We accept cards, cash or check with ID.

Onsite parking cost is $5 per car (cash preferred). Free parking is available offsite on nearby streets and Comporium and church parking lots 1 block away. Handicap sticker- free parking onsite.

The 13th Annual Haunted Trail at The Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th annual Haunted Trail; Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville is the host of this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM

Saturday, October 11, 2025
Before & Afterparty
Oct 11 all-day
Center for Craft

BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30–11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all

I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.

Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!

Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.

Activation and music by Frisson Studios.

Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.