Limited-Time Offer: Save on Biltmore® Annual Passes
Fall is a very busy time for various street festivals, events, art tours, and more in Asheville and our mountain small towns. Most are free to enjoy! The autumn foliage color show adds to the excitement. See our Fall Foliage Forecast for a week-by-week color report. For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
Upcoming Fall Events & Festivals: September & October
NEW at Biltmore- Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, March 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Start the year off with an extraordinary cultural adventure at Biltmore! From March 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark, will host Tutankhamun: His… read more
Start the year off with an extraordinary cultural adventure at Biltmore! From March 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark, will host Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures. This captivating exhibition invites you to delve into one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in history—the unearthing of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
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Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry,… read more
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting, and more. 10 AM – 5 PM, 2025 Dates: May 17, June 14, July 12, August 16, September 6 & October 4.
Uncommon Market at Mission Health/AB Tech Parking Lot
LOCATION CHANGE. Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond formerly held in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. … read more
LOCATION CHANGE. Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond formerly held in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM.
Dates: May 18, September 28, October 26
Location: AB Tech Community College, 24 Fernihurst Drive.
Additional details: Free admission and parking; outdoor event; friendly,…
FAB Fest, Summer Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… read more
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop local art, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, fiber art, sculptures, woodwork, glass blowing, and more! 6 PM. Free admission. 2024 Dates: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September…
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages. The 2025 lineup includes Alison Krause & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,… read more
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages. The 2025 lineup includes Alison Krause & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCory Band, Sam Bush, Watchhouse, The Wood Brothers, The War and Treaty, and others. Book early for camping spots, lodging, and after-hours festivities.
Goombay Festival
This free, family event in downtown Asheville connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
This free, family event in downtown Asheville connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
Mountain State Fair
Enjoy lots of rides, exhibits, animals, food, and much more. Fun for all ages! We especially love the impressive exhibits in various buildings. See the many competitions from quilting, photography… read more
Enjoy lots of rides, exhibits, animals, food, and much more. Fun for all ages! We especially love the impressive exhibits in various buildings. See the many competitions from quilting, photography, extreme garden vegetables, flowers, crafts, and more. Watch craftspeople at work.
Drum Circle
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park from April-October. And dance the night away!
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park from April-October. And dance the night away!
FAB Fest, Fall Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… read more
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop local art, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, fiber art, sculptures, woodwork, glass blowing, and more! 6 PM. Free admission. 2025 Dates: June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, and October…
Fall Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry,… read more
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting, and more. 10 AM – 5 PM rain or shine.
ASAP's Farm Tour
The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of 21 working farms in Western NC, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more! This is a family-friendly event and a great… read more
The Farm Tour showcases the diversity of 21 working farms in Western NC, including vegetables, livestock, vineyards, orchards, flowers, fiber, and more! This is a family-friendly event and a great outing for visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. Admission charged.
Mountain Heritage Day
Held on the campus of Western Carolina University, this long-running outdoor celebration features the sights, sounds, crafts, and flavors of yesteryear. Get a taste of southern Appalachian culture… read more
Held on the campus of Western Carolina University, this long-running outdoor celebration features the sights, sounds, crafts, and flavors of yesteryear. Get a taste of southern Appalachian culture, art, and music. 10 AM-5 PM. Free.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
The biggest LGBTQ+ pride festival in Western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors and entertainment.
The biggest LGBTQ+ pride festival in Western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors and entertainment.
Asheville Oktoberfest
A great celebration of the local beer scene, mixing Bavarian traditions with Asheville's eclectic vibe. Pack Square Park. This is a ticketed event. No pets allowed.
A great celebration of the local beer scene, mixing Bavarian traditions with Asheville's eclectic vibe. Pack Square Park. This is a ticketed event. No pets allowed.
The Haunted Trail, Adventure Center of Asheville
Venture through 18 live-action outdoor scenes with magical lights and spooky sounds portraying renditions of classic Halloween themes. This outdoor trail is geared toward families with kids ages 3-12 (no "gore" or contact). Plus, the Aerial Glow Trail is great for guests 4 years and older. Time: Tours start at 6:30; entrace closes at 9 pm. 2025 Dates: Oct 3-4, 10-11, 17-19, 23-26, 2025.
Asheville Art in the Park, Fall Dates
From pottery to jewelry, sculpture to two-dimensional art, this art festival brings together a wide array of traditional and contemporary mountain art downtown in Pack Square Park. 10 AM-5 PM
From pottery to jewelry, sculpture to two-dimensional art, this art festival brings together a wide array of traditional and contemporary mountain art downtown in Pack Square Park. 10 AM-5 PM
ColorFest
The artsy village of Dillsboro welcomes 40 demonstrating artists along Front Street with their colorful creations. Browse many nearby galleries too. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
The artsy village of Dillsboro welcomes 40 demonstrating artists along Front Street with their colorful creations. Browse many nearby galleries too. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF)
Experience the 10th annual Tryon International Film Festival in the charming small town of Tryon, NC. Discover diverse voices, inspiring stories, and a vibrant community of filmmakers and… read more
Experience the 10th annual Tryon International Film Festival in the charming small town of Tryon, NC. Discover diverse voices, inspiring stories, and a vibrant community of filmmakers and audiences in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge region, south of Asheville. Tickets range from $5-$150 per person.
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers, see the works of 90+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 am- 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and… read more
Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers, see the works of 90+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 am- 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am - 3 pm on Sunday.
NC Mountaineer & Apple Butter Festival, Bakersville
Enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of autumn on the Creekwalk with music, crafts, and homemade apple butter making during peak fall color. Free admission. 92 Crimson Laurel Way. 10 AM-4 PM… read more
Enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of autumn on the Creekwalk with music, crafts, and homemade apple butter making during peak fall color. Free admission. 92 Crimson Laurel Way. 10 AM-4 PM
Mountain Glory Festival, Marion
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’s annual Mountain Glory Festival. Look for regional makers with original handicrafts. Shop over 200 craft… read more
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’s annual Mountain Glory Festival. Look for regional makers with original handicrafts. Shop over 200 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths brimming with locally made arts and crafts, festival foods, and more. Plus, two stages present Marion’s finest musicians. Free admission. Learn more at Destination…
Church Street Art & Craft Show
Main Street in Waynesville transforms into an arts & crafts marketplace, one of the finest juried art shows in NC. Also, enjoy live mountain music, clogging, entertainment, and food… read more
Main Street in Waynesville transforms into an arts & crafts marketplace, one of the finest juried art shows in NC. Also, enjoy live mountain music, clogging, entertainment, and food. Browse many downtown galleries. Free. 10 AM-5 PM.
Spruce Pine Potters Market
Longtime gathering with 30+ potters and clay artists selling their handmade pottery, figurative sculpture, stoneware, earthenware and more. Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM both days. 31 Cross Street,… read more
Longtime gathering with 30+ potters and clay artists selling their handmade pottery, figurative sculpture, stoneware, earthenware and more. Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM both days. 31 Cross Street, Spruce Pine. Near Penland School.
LEAF Festival
A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey - longtime favorite festival held in Black Mountain on a lake with camping and limited tickets… read more
A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey - longtime favorite festival held in Black Mountain on a lake with camping and limited tickets.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Meet over one hundred artists, makers, and craftspeople who come together in downtown Asheville at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville. Shop pottery, sculpture, furniture, tapestry, apparel,… read more
Meet over one hundred artists, makers, and craftspeople who come together in downtown Asheville at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville. Shop pottery, sculpture, furniture, tapestry, apparel, mixed media, jewelry, and more. Enjoy local musicians and craft educators.10 am - 5 pm.
Harvest Festival, Stecoah Valley
Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and… read more
Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville.
Woolly Worm Festival
Celebrate the coming of the snow season with woolly worm races, live entertainment and lots of food and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk during peak fall color. Highly popular!
Celebrate the coming of the snow season with woolly worm races, live entertainment and lots of food and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk during peak fall color. Highly popular!
Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from throughout the Southeast with a big variety of art. Outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in the valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free admission and… read more
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from throughout the Southeast with a big variety of art. Outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in the valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free admission and parking.
Lake Lure Autumn Arts Festival
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy live music and entertainment, many food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Free admission… read more
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy live music and entertainment, many food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Free admission. 119 Arcade St, Lake Lure
Apple Harvest Festival
Find all things apple in downtown Waynesville, including cider, fried pies and other apple delicacies, October 18, 2025, from 10 am - 5 pm. Also find live mountain music, dance, craft… read more
Find all things apple in downtown Waynesville, including cider, fried pies and other apple delicacies, October 18, 2025, from 10 am - 5 pm. Also find live mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths along scenic Main Street for the iconic small town fall festival.
Beaverdam Studio Tour
Take a self-guided tour of 30 artists’ studios in North Asheville’s scenic Beaverdam Valley. Buy art from ceramists, painters, sculptors, jewelers, and glass and textile artists. 10 AM-5 PM
Take a self-guided tour of 30 artists’ studios in North Asheville’s scenic Beaverdam Valley. Buy art from ceramists, painters, sculptors, jewelers, and glass and textile artists. 10 AM-5 PM
Asheville Eliada Corn Maze
Corn maze fun can be found just five miles from downtown Asheville! Eliada's Fall Festival & Corn Maze offers corn cannons, custom corn maze, hay rides, food trucks, and pumpkins for sale. All… read more
Corn maze fun can be found just five miles from downtown Asheville! Eliada's Fall Festival & Corn Maze offers corn cannons, custom corn maze, hay rides, food trucks, and pumpkins for sale. All proceeds benefit the children at Eliada Homes. Open weekends: Fridays: 3 pm – 7 pm, Saturdays: 10 am – 7 pm, Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm.
WNC Pottery Festival, Sylva
This one-day juried event showcase features 40+ master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. IT's one of the top arts events in our mountains, attended annually by several… read more
This one-day juried event showcase features 40+ master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. IT's one of the top arts events in our mountains, attended annually by several thousand pottery fans. with a diverse array of tilework, sculpture, jewelry and pottery. Watch raku demonstrations and enjoy live music.
10 AM-4 PM, rain or shine. $5 entrance fee.…
Past Events
Chihuly at Biltmore
Enjoy a new experience of the artist’s iconic creations at Biltmore Estate. Presented in an intimate gallery setting, Chihuly at Biltmore includes pedestal works, drawings, and large-scale… read more
Enjoy a new experience of the artist’s iconic creations at Biltmore Estate. Presented in an intimate gallery setting, Chihuly at Biltmore includes pedestal works, drawings, and large-scale installations of chandeliers, towers, mille fiori, and neon.
Holiday Season Top 50 Events (November & December)
See our favorite events, festivals and art shows during the holiday season in Asheville and western North Carolina mountains, including many small towns and Biltmore Estate.
See our favorite events, festivals and art shows during the holiday season in Asheville and western North Carolina mountains, including many small towns and Biltmore Estate.
Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
See things to do on the holiday weekend, including the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Kick off the holiday season in style!
See things to do on the holiday weekend, including the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Kick off the holiday season in style!
Unspoken Tradition: A Benefit Concert for the Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC.
The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina is holding a benefit concert for artists. Headlining the show is the chart-topping quintet Unspoken Tradition. Their music is influenced by their… read more
The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina is holding a benefit concert for artists. Headlining the show is the chart-topping quintet Unspoken Tradition. Their music is influenced by their Western and Central North Carolina lives and their roots in traditional and new grass.
Tickets will be available in advance and at the door at White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain. This is a…
The Pink Lady Party
Lift your spirits with a Halloween celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Gather for a night of treats and no tricks at the ghostly Pink Lady Party. Immerse yourself in the… read more
Lift your spirits with a Halloween celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Gather for a night of treats and no tricks at the ghostly Pink Lady Party. Immerse yourself in the chilling excitement of a "Haunted Who Did It" game, delight in private tarot card readings, savor themed cocktails and delectable small plates. Event tickets without accomodations are available on…
Asheville Flamenco Festival
The October 27 event has been canceled. Experience the passionate rhythms of Flamenco with performances, community events, and classes in the Asheville area. Don’t miss the kickoff at LEAF… read more
The October 27 event has been canceled. Experience the passionate rhythms of Flamenco with performances, community events, and classes in the Asheville area. Don’t miss the kickoff at LEAF Festival on October 19 in Black Mountain! Then celebrate with a fiesta, Flamenco dance and guitar classes at various sites in the area. The festival culminates with a special performance at the Kittredge…
Autumn at Oz at Beech Mtn
There's no place like the Beech Mountain's Land of Oz. Stroll along the yellow brick road, experience a recreation of Dorothy's journey from her home in Kansas and meet many of the characters… read more
There's no place like the Beech Mountain's Land of Oz. Stroll along the yellow brick road, experience a recreation of Dorothy's journey from her home in Kansas and meet many of the characters so central to "The Wizard of Oz." The event sells out, so buy tickets ahead.
Downtown After Five
Enjoy great music, food, and beer in downtown Asheville at this free, popular outdoor concert. Held every third Friday of the month from April-September from 5-9 PM. 2024 Dates: April 19, May 17,… read more
Enjoy great music, food, and beer in downtown Asheville at this free, popular outdoor concert. Held every third Friday of the month from April-September from 5-9 PM. 2024 Dates: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20, 2024.
Canton Labor Day Festival
The Town of Canton has been putting on a huge celebration for Labor Day since 1906! The two-day festival features music, the WNC Handcraft Expo, and food trucks. It will be held at Sorrells… read more
The Town of Canton has been putting on a huge celebration for Labor Day since 1906! The two-day festival features music, the WNC Handcraft Expo, and food trucks. It will be held at Sorrells Street Park from 1-9:30 PM on Sunday and 10-9 PM on Monday. On Monday, watch as the big Labor Day Parade goes through downtown Canton from at 10 -11:30 AM.
Also on Monday, don't miss…
Art on the Greene
Buy art and support the restoration of the historic school in Banner Elk. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more. Many other things to do… read more
Buy art and support the restoration of the historic school in Banner Elk. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more. Many other things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
