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!

The Haunted Trail & Aerial Glow Trail

Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr

Family-friendly thrills with glowing trails and spooky fun in the woods.

Visitors walking through a forest trail at night illuminated by glowing pink and blue light ropes, capturing the atmosphere of Asheville’s Haunted Trail & Aerial Glow Trail.

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.

Learn More

Asheville Oktoberfest

Fri–Sat, Sat, Oct 4 • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM @ Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville

Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park for a full day of music, games, and German-inspired flair.

Asheville Oktoberfest Cover Image

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.

Learn More

Rock for Relief: Benefit Festival

 Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 • All day  •  Waynesville, NC

Two days of local bands raising funds for regional recovery.

Musician playing an electric guitar on stage under concert lighting, representing live performances at the Rock for Relief benefit festival.

Rock for Relief: Benefit Festival

Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 • All day • Waynesville, NC

Two days of local bands raising funds for regional recovery.

Learn More

Venardos Circus “Far Beyond”

Thu, Oct 2 – Sun, Oct 5  @  Tanger Outlets Asheville, 800 Brevard Rd 

Animal-free circus magic with aerialists, juggling, and Broadway-style flair.

Venardos Circus carousel glowing at night with ornate lights and whimsical animal figures, including a lion, panda, and alligator.

Venardos Circus “Far Beyond”

Thu, Oct 2 – Sun, Oct 5 @ Tanger Outlets Asheville

Animal-free circus magic with aerialists, juggling, and Broadway-style flair.

Learn More

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors — Benefit Show

Fri, Sept 26 • 8 PM  @ The Orange Peel

Beloved Americana songwriter; proceeds support WNC recovery.

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors performing live under red stage lights, three musicians playing acoustic guitars around a central microphone.

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors — Benefit Show

Fri, Sept 26 • 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

Beloved Americana songwriter; proceeds support WNC recovery.

Learn More

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.

Close-up of an old book titled ‘Jane Austen: Volume the First,’ with elegant script on a textured cover.

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.

Learn More

Reunion Benefit Concert

Sat, Sept 27 • 6 PM @ The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

(Doors open @ 5 PM) 

Join for music and community healing — one year after Helene, proceeds aid recovery.

Concert stage with spotlights in a theater auditorium, prepared for a benefit performance

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.

Learn More

Asheville Greek Festival

Fri–Sat, Sept 26–27 • 11 AM–9 PM @ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (227 Cumberland Ave)

Food, dancing, cooking demos, church tours — a long-running local favorite.

Asheville Greek Festival Cover Image

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.

Learn More

Haunted Asheville Ghost Tour 

 Nightly, Sept 18-21 • 8 & 9PM  • Behind Asheville Masonic Temple

Get to know the city's lingering spirits on a fun, spooky, and theatrical ghost tour.

A moody, rain-soaked day in Asheville sets the perfect scene to explore the chilling stories hidden within the city's historic buildings.

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.

Learn More

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.

A mesmerizing close-up of the moment a glass artist uses a precise flame to shape molten glass into a miniature work of art.

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.

Learn More

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.

Photo Credit: “Allen Stone” by Side Stage Collective, CC BY-ND 2.0

A photo capturing the pure, soulful energy of Allen Stone performing live on stage for an enthusiastic crowd.

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.

Learn More

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.

A snapshot of the fun from inside the LaZoom bus, where the comedy show is in full swing and the whole bus is part of the performance.

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.

Learn More

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.

RAD Resilience & Art Market Saturdays  Cover Image

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.

Learn More

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.

Visitors enjoying gardens and live music at sunset at the Arboretum.

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.

Learn More

Fall Fun 

Daily through October • 10AM–6PM @ Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

 U-pick apples, corn maze, wagon rides & cider donuts. Weekend seasonal fun.

Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Vintage truck loaded with apples at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard.

Autumn Adventures

Daily through October • 10AM–6PM @ Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

U-pick apples, corn maze, wagon rides & cider donuts. Weekend seasonal fun.

Learn More

Barn Yoga

Sun, 9/7 @ 10 AM • 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.  All levels are welcome, so whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, come experience the unique blend of mindfulness and rural tranquility.

Barn Yoga

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.

Learn More

River Snorkeling

Sat, 9/6 @ 9:30 AM • Murphy–Oakley Community Center

This guided adventure takes you into the heart of mountain streams, complete with gear, expert instruction, and even van pickup from the Murphy-Oakley Pavilion. Perfect for ages 11+, the outing delivers an unforgettable look at the vibrant aquatic life flowing just beneath the surface. Includes all equipment and transport for just $20 (adult) or $10 (youth).

Location: Meet at Murphy Oakley Pavilion, 11 Liberty St, Asheville, NC 28803

River Snorkeling  Cover Image

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.

Learn More

Ceviche Pop Up

Sun, Sept 7 • 2–5 PM • Botanist & Barrel (Downtown)

Enjoy Citrus-bright ceviches + Latin-Caribbean plates, built to pair with crisp cider/wine. Limited window—early arrival is encouraged!

Location: 32 Broadway St Ste 110, Asheville, NC 28801

Ceviche Pop Up Cover Image

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.

Learn More

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.

Enchanted Garden Art Show Cover Image

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.

Learn More