Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Buncombe County is beginning a comprehensive planning process and would like to hear from residents of all ages. The comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. Our plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs. Information regarding the comprehensive planning process will be available online and in all 12 Buncombe County Libraries starting in October.
Also during October, the libraries will provide an opportunity for children in Buncombe County to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Post Card Project. Come to the library and pick up your craft kits (while supplies last) that include a postcard where kids can draw what they want their neighborhood to look like. This is a chance for young people to vote for their future and say what they want County government to address in the next 20 years. These postcards will give the County valuable input and may be featured in the final comprehensive plan! If you have any questions, contact your neighborhood librarian or visit the Comprehensive Plan online.
A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.
A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.
You can charter the caboose on:
Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-style circus, is returning to Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC from Wednesday, October 20 through Sunday, November 7, 2021.
• Showtimes: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday: 7 p.m.; Saturday: 1 p.m./4 p.m./7 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m./4 p.m.
• Admission Tickets: Adult General Admission: $27; Child General Admission (12 years and younger): $17
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers are also the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus. Guests will be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, enjoying an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredevilry, magic, musical production and more. Complete show schedule and tickets available at www.venardoscircus.com/asheville.
Welcome to the 2021 Annual Corn Maze!
Join us for aMAZEing fun!
We are WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!
Service Pets Only!
Dates and Times
Eliada’s 2021 Annual Corn Maze will be open from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fridays:
- 3 pm – 7 pm
Saturdays:
- 9 am – 7 pm
Sundays:
- 10 am – 6 pm
You can purchase tickets, schedule birthday parties and corporate event nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 4 and up. Children 3 and under are FREE.
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
Continuum Arts Gallery will host its first, curated gallery show beginning on September 18th, 2021. Titled ‘Haec Culti’, the group show will run from September 18 – November 9th, featuring artists Kat Knutsen, Kevin Yaun, Frank Lombardo, and Conrado Lopez. For our opening day, light horderves will be served and live music will be showcased throughout the day. Miami Gold, a local Asehville band, hits the stage at 7pm! This event is free and open to the public.
Open Sun-Tues by appointment only
TOUCH-A-TRUCK is a community wide event where both kids and kids at heart have the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about vehicles of all types, including public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, and delivery—all in one place! Guests will get to meet the drivers and people who operate these vehicles.
Each child will be given a bag of candy upon exiting the event. Additional activities on-site will include nonprofit organizations that focus on family and children’s issues, complimentary balloon creations, and other special attractions. Parental supervision is required and cameras are highly recommended to capture the day’s special adventures.
Costumes are encouraged but not required. At this time, the JLA will require that anyone ages 3 and up wear a face covering/face mask to attend the event. Please follow their Facebook event page for any potential updates on this requirement.
The last event in 2019 exceeded expectations with over 2,000 attendees from the Asheville community and the surrounding areas. The TOUCH-A-TRUCK Family Festival offers local organizations a unique opportunity to showcase their brand and interact with the community in a fun and educational environment. There are several opportunities for organizations to participate: event sponsorship, truck/vehicle exhibition, or in-kind support.
Financial sponsors for this year’s event include collaborating sponsors New Dream Renovations, Bayou North and Kids Garden; as well as supporting sponsors Zaniac Asheville, Tracey Morgan Gallery, and Fields Auto Group
The Junior League of Asheville organizes TOUCH-A-TRUCK Family Festival for the community to enjoy. It also supports the League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:
- campfire marshmallows
- coloring station
- temporary tattoos
- trick or treating
- bouncy house (weather permitting)
- wagon rides
And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Returning 2021 – Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 30 minute layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include:
- campfire marshmallows
- coloring station
- temporary tattoos
- trick or treating
- bouncy house (weather permitting)
- wagon rides
And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the GSMR Gift Store and Train Museum! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Our first Youth Production Class is right around the corner! We will be offering TWO sessions of Clue (High School Edition) – 1 session for middle school students, and one session for high school students. Classes will meet afterschool, and each session will end with two performances on the Mainstage! Registration for both sessions will begin on Wednesday, July 14. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
High School Cast:
Classes/rehearsals: Meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons August 30 – October 27, 2021 from 4:30-6:00 pm
Tech Week: Monday, November 1 – Thursday, November 4, 2021; 4:30-6:30 pm each night
Performances: Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2:30 pm and Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Our first Youth Production Class is right around the corner! We will be offering TWO sessions of Clue (High School Edition) – 1 session for middle school students, and one session for high school students. Classes will meet afterschool, and each session will end with two performances on the Mainstage! Registration for both sessions will begin on Wednesday, July 14. Tuition will be $350.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available.
Middle School Cast:
Classes/rehearsals: Meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons September 6 – November 3, 2021 from 4:30-6:00 pm
Tech Week: Monday, November 8 – Thursday, November 11, 2021; 4:30-6:30 pm each night
Performances: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2:30 pm and Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for an evening of haunted history in Black Mountain! In these outdoor walking tours through Black Mountain’s downtown historic district, visitors will learn about the humorous, haunting and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. This event, which is a fundraiser for the museum, will highlight the town’s many tragedies and triumphs- and the many ghosts, friendly and frustrated, born from these events.
Tours will last approximately 2 hours.
Family friendly and fantastic artistic fun or great date night with beautiful lighted carved pumpkin displays on a short walking trail, local musicians, food trucks, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, and Silvermont historic mansion open for tours (due to Covid-19, masks required for inside tours). Big news for 2021, the Friends of Silvermont Pumpkinteers have added a spectacular new “White Squirrel Circus” display to the 18 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Circle, and more.
Fine gravel trail for strollers and wheelchairs. Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and historic mansion.
Admission $5 cash. Parking onsite $5. Cash or check with ID only. Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712. Free parking offsite on nearby streets and parking lots one or two blocks away.
Food and Drink for purchase – The BBQ Shed and Bill’s Boiler House Coffee
Dates – Fri and Sat Oct 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29 from 6-9 pm and Sat. Oct. 26 5-9 pm (following Halloween Fest in downtown Brevard)
https://silvermont.org/
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, NC: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge/
Silvermont Park: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/
- 5 PM DOORS // 6 PM SHOW
- ALL AGES
- GENERAL ADMISSION PATIO SHOW (SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED)
Sylmar is an indie-rock stoner jazz quintet taking the rock genre to the meat grinder. Through contagious hooks and crafty crescendos, Sylmar songwriting conflicts with cutting rhythms that counter and combine, drive and float, easy to digest but difficult to harness – all the while charming audiences with their increasingly popular feverish live performances.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2021 venue for the 9th Annual Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. This Halloween character theatrical performance is presented on an outdoor spooky trail at the Adventure Center. Experience a family-friendly heart-pumping walk with live actors, spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.
During the evening, you can also climb on our Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail. It is available for kids and adults ages 4 and over. Climb on two of our aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
In addition to the Haunted & aerial Glow Trails, there will be:
- Spooky Live Entertainment
- Life-size Pirate Ship Escape Room
- Giant Games (Connect-4, Broom Jousting, Jenga)
- Kids Play Wall
- Crafts
- Live Contests
There will also be Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Doughnuts, Pop Corn, Ice Cream, Local Beer and Coffee/Hot Chocolate for sale.
IT IS A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE THE HALLOWEEN SEASON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
COVID-19 statement: Based on the most recent CDC guidelines and Buncombe County mandates, face masks are no longer required at the Adventure Center of Asheville for Guests that have completed their vaccine regimen and waiting period while you are outside. Regardless of vaccine status, when you are inside at our bathrooms, or if you choose to participate in the Pirate Ship Escape Room, face coverings are mandatory. If you have not completed the vaccination process, we request that you wear a face covering at our activities, as you will have periods of time when you will not be able to social distance from our staff or other guests. We will provide opportunities to unmask when social distancing is possible.
The 9th Annual Haunted Trail, Asheville’s only family friendly haunt, is excited for another year at The Adventure Center of Asheville. The Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. The night includes a heart pumping walk through the Trail with live actors, spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark. The Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail will also be available for ages 4 and over. Climb on one trail while it is illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
Have a family friendly fright night, and say Boo To Hunger! The Haunted Trail is supporting the efforts of MANNA Food Bank who serves the immediate needs of our community. Each ticket creates 4 meals for MANNA to say Boo To Hunger.
During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1908 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School who went missing one autumn night. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. In addition, audience members are invited to dress up in Biltmore Forest School-era clothing (early 1900’s) to fully immerse themselves in the event and take part in the story.
The show is a one-mile-long experience, as the audience walks the well-lit trail to see the entire play and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The story is better suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and although we love our pets as much as you, we ask that you please leave them at home. Ponchos and other raingear are welcome if the weather is drizzly, but please leave umbrellas at home so everyone has a chance to see the show unobstructed.
Admission to the show is $14.00 for ages 13 and up, $7.00 for youth 12 and under as well as for Cradle Annual Pass, America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passport holders. Please call the Cradle at (828) 877-3130 if the weather is severe as the show may be cancelled. The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. Tickets will be sold in person at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Cradle of Forestry. For more information call (828) 877-3130.
Over 5,000 magical pumpkins burst to life in this breathtaking immersive Halloween festival for the entire family at Tryon Resort.
Stroll through a host of all-new attractions that offer something for everyone, including:
- The Midway Monster Party
- Harvest Village & Pumpkin Patch
- KidZone Trick-or-Treat Play Area
- Enchanted Pumpkin Hollow
- & the terrifying Gold Rush Haunted Mine!
This interactive experience is guaranteed to be safe, spooky, fun for all ages. We promise you’ll spend the night dancing, laughing, gasping with wonder, and screaming, “Happy Halloween” at the top of your lungs.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort
Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Thursday, October 28 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Friday, October 29 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1908 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School who went missing one autumn night. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. In addition, audience members are invited to dress up in Biltmore Forest School-era clothing (early 1900’s) to fully immerse themselves in the event and take part in the story.
The show is a one-mile-long experience, as the audience walks the well-lit trail to see the entire play and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The story is better suitable for ages six and up. Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and although we love our pets as much as you, we ask that you please leave them at home. Ponchos and other raingear are welcome if the weather is drizzly, but please leave umbrellas at home so everyone has a chance to see the show unobstructed.
Admission to the show is $14.00 for ages 13 and up, $7.00 for youth 12 and under as well as for Cradle Annual Pass, America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passport holders. Please call the Cradle at (828) 877-3130 if the weather is severe as the show may be cancelled. The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. Tickets will be sold in person at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Cradle of Forestry. For more information call (828) 877-3130.
Buncombe County is beginning a comprehensive planning process and would like to hear from residents of all ages. The comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. Our plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs. Information regarding the comprehensive planning process will be available online and in all 12 Buncombe County Libraries starting in October.
Also during October, the libraries will provide an opportunity for children in Buncombe County to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Post Card Project. Come to the library and pick up your craft kits (while supplies last) that include a postcard where kids can draw what they want their neighborhood to look like. This is a chance for young people to vote for their future and say what they want County government to address in the next 20 years. These postcards will give the County valuable input and may be featured in the final comprehensive plan! If you have any questions, contact your neighborhood librarian or visit the Comprehensive Plan online.