A Curated Guide to Local Happenings Near The Ashe
Step into the vibrant rhythm of Asheville with our hand-picked collection of events happening just moments from The Ashe. From live music echoing through mountain venues and seasonal festivals celebrating the city’s creative spirit, to intimate art shows, outdoor adventures, and foodie gatherings, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re looking for a weekend itinerary, midweek inspiration, or a unique way to connect with the local community, this guide brings the best of Asheville directly to your doorstep. Discover what makes our city endlessly inspiring, from its wild landscapes to its thriving community of makers and dreamers.
Asheville Awaits!
Laughs & Snap — Supporting MANNA FoodBank
Thu Nov 6 • 7:30 PM • The Odd (West Asheville)
Stand-up, live music, and a community night for a cause — every ticket supports MANNA FoodBank.
Dark City Lit — Black Mountain Literary Festival
Nov 7–9 • Multiple Venues • Black Mountain
Workshops, readings, author talks, and a full weekend of local + regional lit magic.
Alabama Poets: Garrett Ashley & Salaam Green • Reading + Signing
Fri Nov 7 • 6:30 PM • Malaprop’s Bookstore
An intimate evening of poetry, storytelling, and signed copies from two celebrated Southern voices.
90s Country Dance Party • Live Band Fitz & Wolfe
Sat Nov 8 • 8 PM • The Grey Eagle
Boot scootin’, live band energy, and all your 90s country favorites — denim and fringe encouraged.
Day of the Dead Bar Crawl – Día de Muertos
Sat Nov 1 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Urban Orchard Cider Co.
Festive cultural celebration with costumes, dancing, themed drinks.
Fall at the Biltmore Estate
Thu Oct 30 – Fri Oct 31
Asheville Classic fall experience with estate tours, gardens, and scenic views.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Fri Oct 31 & Sat Nov 1 • Starts 4pm Fri • Downtown Asheville
21+ nightlife event with costumes, themed cocktails, and multiple stops.
Bill Mattocks Live
Thu Oct 30 • 6:00 PM • Southern Appalachian Brewery
Hendersonville Local bluesy rock to kick off your weekend.
Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville
Thu – Sun Oct 23 – 26 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM • Adventure Center of Asheville
An immersive outdoor haunted-forest adventure with glowing aerial trails, friendly frights, and forest magic for ages 3 and up.
Frankenbash at Eulogy
Sun Oct 26 • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM • 10 Buxton Ave
Surf rock, witch jazz, and ghoulish grooves — a spooky-cool night out with live bands and a full costume dance floor.
Asheville Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl
Sat Oct 25 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Downtown Asheville
Six haunted bars, spooky cocktails, costume contests, and live music — the ultimate grown-up Halloween crawl.
Paws & Pumpkins
Thu Oct 23 • 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM • Biltmore Park Town Square
A family-friendly fall celebration with trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, face painting, and pup costumes galore.
Tryon Fall 5 Show Jumping Competition
Through Sun, Oct 19 • 8:00 AM–4:00 PM • Tryon International Equestrian Center
Top riders and horses take on championship jumps in this free equestrian showcase
LEAF Global Arts Festival (30th Year)
Thu–Sun, Oct 16–19 • All day • Lake Eden
Global music, dance, crafts, and camping return to Lake Eden for Asheville’s most soulful fall weekender.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Thu–Sun, Oct 16–19 • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM • Harrah’s Cherokee Center
200+ selected artisans in wood, clay, and more bring handmade heritage and live demos back to Asheville.
Apple Harvest Festival
Sat, Oct 18 • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM • Waynesville
Apple treats, crafts, and live music fill Main Street in this classic mountain harvest celebration.
Lovely Asheville Fall Festival
Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM @ Pack Square Park
Live music, artisan vendors, poetry, and a harvest market — Asheville’s fall heart shines downtown.
Pilobolus: Other Worlds
Fri–Sat, Oct 10–11 • 8:00 PM @ the Diana Wortham Theatre
World-renowned movement company Pilobolus brings otherworldly dance, light, and storytelling to Asheville.
Aaron Lewis & the Stateliners Concert
Thu, Oct 9 • 7:30 PM @ the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
The country-rock storyteller returns for a night of stripped-down songs and raw emotion.
Asheville Oktoberfest
Sat, Oct 4 • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park for a full day of music, games, and German-inspired flair.
The Haunted Trail & Aerial Glow Trail
Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Family-friendly thrills with glowing trails and spooky fun in the woods.
Rock for Relief: Benefit Festival
Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 • All day • Waynesville, NC
Two days of local bands raising funds for regional recovery.
Venardos Circus “Far Beyond”
Thu, Oct 2 – Sun, Oct 5 @ Tanger Outlets Asheville
Animal-free circus magic with aerialists, juggling, and Broadway-style flair.
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors — Benefit Show
Fri, Sept 26 • 8 PM @ The Orange Peel
Beloved Americana songwriter; proceeds support WNC recovery.
Improvised Jane Austen
Fri–Sat, Sept 26–27 • 7 PM | Sun, Sept 28 • 3 PM @ The Wortham Center
A fully improvised Regency rom-com — a new plot every night.
Reunion Benefit Concert
Sat, Sept 27 • 6 PM @ The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St Join us for music and community healing — one year after Helene, proceeds aid recovery.
Asheville Greek Festival
Fri–Sat, Sept 26–27 • 11 AM–9 PM @ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Food, dancing, cooking demos, church tours — a long-running local favorite.
Haunted Asheville Ghost Tour
Nightly, Sept 18-21 • 8 & 9PM @ Asheville Masonic Temple
Get to know the city's lingering spirits on a fun, spooky, and theatrical ghost tour.
Flameworking Sculpture in Miniature
Thu, Sept 18 • 11AM - 5PM @ River Arts District
Step up to the torch and turn molten glass into an adorable, tiny work of art.
Allen Stone in Concert
Thu, Sept 18 • 8PM @ The Orange Peel
Get ready for a night of pure soul and positive vibes with acclaimed R&B singer Allen Stone.
LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour
Thu, Sept 18 • 5PM • Downtown Asheville
Hop on the big purple bus for a wildly entertaining tour full of comedy and local history.
RAD Resilience & Art Market Saturdays
Sat, Sept 13 • 10AM–5PM @ River Arts District – Asheville
A creative celebration commemorating one year since Hurricane Helene, alongside the regular RAD Art Market.
Arbor Evenings
Daily through 9/11 • 5:30–8:30PM @ The NC Arboretum
Sip, stroll, and soak up live local music under gorgeous, golden-hour gardens.
Autumn Adventures
Daily through October • 10AM–6PM @ Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
U-pick apples, corn maze, wagon rides & cider donuts. Weekend seasonal fun.
Barn Yoga
Sun, 9/7 @ 10AM • Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Escape the hustle and bustle and find your inner peace at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Join for a rejuvenating yoga session in the serene setting of our rustic barn.
River Snorkeling
Sat, 9/6 @ 9:30AM • Murphy–Oakley Community Center
Dive beneath the surface and experience Asheville in a whole new way with River Snorkeling! This guided adventure takes you into the heart of mountain streams.
Ceviche Pop Up
Sun, Sept 7 • 2–5 PM • Botanist & Barrel (Downtown)
Citrus-bright ceviches + Latin-Caribbean plates, built to pair with crisp cider/wine. Limited window—go early.
Enchanted Garden Art Show
10AM–5PM Daily @ Grovewood Gallery • June 14–Sept 21, 2025
Discover a magical blend of art and nature in this outdoor sculpture invitational featuring works by eight artists from North Carolina and beyond.