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
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.
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.
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 so… 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.
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. 2024 Dates: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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… read more
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. Dates: Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-20, 24-27, 2024.
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.
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 10 am… 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.
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. Browse… 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.
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… 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.
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, mixed… 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.
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.
Apple Harvest Festival
Find all things apple in downtown Waynesville, including cider, fried pies and other apple delicacies. Also find live mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths along scenic Main Street for the… read more
Find all things apple in downtown Waynesville, including cider, fried pies and other apple delicacies. Also find live mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths along scenic Main Street for the iconic small town fall festival.
Past Events
NC Apple Festival
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do
See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains.
See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Jerry Douglas, Tanya Tucker, Yonder Mountain String Band, and The… read more
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Jerry Douglas, Tanya Tucker, Yonder Mountain String Band, and The Steeldrivers. Book early for camping spots, lodging, and after-hours festivities.
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 nearby… 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.
Livermush Festival
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best… read more
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best livermush dish at the Food Truck Rodeo!
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.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley… read more
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake. 10 AM-5 PM.
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!
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
Uncommon Market
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)
