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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

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Greek Festival

Sep 22, 2023 - Sep 23, 2023

At this festival, hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Asheville, you can drive through and sample and buy some of the traditional foods and pastries such as lamb shank, pastichio,… read more

At this festival, hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Asheville, you can drive through and sample and buy some of the traditional foods and pastries such as lamb shank, pastichio, spanakopita, gyro, souvlaki, and baklava. They will also offer delivery through KickbackAVL.

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NOC's Guest Appreciation Weekend

Sep 22, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023

This longtime favorite weekend at Nantahala Outdoor Center main campus near Bryson City features free attractions, live music and entertainment - along with great end-of-season deals.

This longtime favorite weekend at Nantahala Outdoor Center main campus near Bryson City features free attractions, live music and entertainment - along with great end-of-season deals.

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Mountain Life Festival Great Smoky Mtns

Sep 23, 2023

Experience the traditional fall activities that were an important part of rural life in the Great Smoky Mountains, including hearth cooking, apple butter and apple cider making, blacksmithing, lye… read more

Experience the traditional fall activities that were an important part of rural life in the Great Smoky Mountains, including hearth cooking, apple butter and apple cider making, blacksmithing, lye soap making, food preservation, broom making, and quilting at the Mountain Farm Museum. 10 AM - 4 PM

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Art on Main, Hendersonville

Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023

Buy from juried fine artists with paintings, clay, metal, wood, fiber, jewelry, glass, and more. The main event is Sat & Sun, 10 AM-5 PM

Buy from juried fine artists with paintings, clay, metal, wood, fiber, jewelry, glass, and more. The main event is Sat & Sun, 10 AM-5 PM

Tier 2

Farm Tour

Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023

Visit 20 farms in the Asheville area that are not normally open to the public and see what happens behind the scenes. Presented by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), farms are… read more

Visit 20 farms in the Asheville area that are not normally open to the public and see what happens behind the scenes. Presented by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), farms are located in many counties. 12-5 PM. Passes $35/car in advance, $45/car day of.

Tier 2

Autumn in the Mountains Car Show

Sep 23, 2023

Go to the British Car Club of Western NC annual show to see 120+ British and European classic cars, race cars, racing motorcycles, rare-exotic sports cars and antique motorcycles. Held at Mills… read more

Go to the British Car Club of Western NC annual show to see 120+ British and European classic cars, race cars, racing motorcycles, rare-exotic sports cars and antique motorcycles. Held at Mills River Brewing Company. Free admission. 9 AM-3 PM

Free

Uncommon Market

Sep 24, 2023 - Oct 29, 2023

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)

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Asheville Eliada Corn Maze

Sep 29, 2023 - Oct 29, 2023

Named one of the top 12 corn mazes in the country and the largest in Western North Carolina, this corn maze includes four miles of trails covering 12 acres on the campus of Eliada Homes. All… read more

Named one of the top 12 corn mazes in the country and the largest in Western North Carolina, this corn maze includes four miles of trails covering 12 acres on the campus of Eliada Homes. All proceeds go toward caring for the children at Eliada. Open Fridays from 3 PM-7 PM, Saturdays from 9 AM-7 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM-6 PM. 

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Art on the Island Fest in Marshall

Sep 30, 2023

A free fall fair of artisans, crafters, and music on Blannahassett Island near downtown Marshall. 10 AM-5PM

A free fall fair of artisans, crafters, and music on Blannahassett Island near downtown Marshall. 10 AM-5PM

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Blue Ridge Pride Festival

Sep 30, 2023

The biggest LGBTQ pride festival in western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors, entertainment, as well as a kids area with lots of fun… read more

The biggest LGBTQ pride festival in western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors, entertainment, as well as a kids area with lots of fun activities.

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Flock to Rock Birding Day

Sep 30, 2023

Led by birding experts, events at Chimney Rock Park includes bird walks, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches and family nature walks.

Led by birding experts, events at Chimney Rock Park includes bird walks, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches and family nature walks.

Tier 2

Mountain Heritage Day

Sep 30, 2023

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. 

Tier 2

DuPont Forest Festival

Sep 30, 2023

Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.

Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.

Tier 2

Cherokee Indian Fair

Oct 03, 2023 - Oct 07, 2023

Experience a country fair with plenty of local Cherokee traditions, including Indian games, food, competitions, music, and dance. Meet the locals and discover more about their culture. Big parade… read more

Experience a country fair with plenty of local Cherokee traditions, including Indian games, food, competitions, music, and dance. Meet the locals and discover more about their culture. Big parade on opening day.

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The Haunted Trail, Adventure Center of Asheville

Oct 06, 2023 - Oct 30, 2023

Celebrating the Halloween season, this family-friendly haunted trail is ideal for ages 3-12 and features live actors, spooky sounds, and props for a no-touch, no-contact heart-pumping experience.… read more

Celebrating the Halloween season, this family-friendly haunted trail is ideal for ages 3-12 and features live actors, spooky sounds, and props for a no-touch, no-contact heart-pumping experience. Also enjoy spooky live entertainment, no-touch activities, and food and beverages available including hot chocolate. 11 nights in October, 7-9 PM. 

Tier 2

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

Oct 06, 2023 - Oct 08, 2023

Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers at peak color time, see the works of 100+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 AM - 5 PM on Friday,… read more

Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers at peak color time, see the works of 100+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 AM - 5 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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Asheville Art in the Park

Oct 07, 2023 - Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 21, 2023

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

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Mars Hill Heritage & Music Festival

Oct 07, 2023

Two long-running festivals celebrate mountain craft, music and dance: the Heritage Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival. Both held downtown, adjoining Mars Hill University. Free.… read more

Two long-running festivals celebrate mountain craft, music and dance: the Heritage Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival. Both held downtown, adjoining Mars Hill University. Free. 10 AM-4 PM. Small fee for indoor evening concert. 

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Oktoberfest, Asheville

Oct 07, 2023

A great celebration of the local beer scene, mixing Bavarian traditions with Asheville's eclectic vibe. Downtown. Tickets required if you are tasting!

A great celebration of the local beer scene, mixing Bavarian traditions with Asheville's eclectic vibe. Downtown. Tickets required if you are tasting!

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Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival

Oct 07, 2023

Great BBQ with live bluegrass, antique tractor show, jamming stage, championship clogging teams, artists & crafts vendors, and local food vendors. At the Riverside Park across the river from… read more

Great BBQ with live bluegrass, antique tractor show, jamming stage, championship clogging teams, artists & crafts vendors, and local food vendors. At the Riverside Park across the river from downtown Spruce Pine, 305 Tappan Street. 

Tier 2

Hilltop Fall Festival

Oct 07, 2023

Much fun in downtown Rutherfordton: Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids, Saturday morning Overmountain 5K and Tour de Pumpkin 50K & 100K bike rides and festival 9-5 with crafts, music,… read more

Much fun in downtown Rutherfordton: Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids, Saturday morning Overmountain 5K and Tour de Pumpkin 50K & 100K bike rides and festival 9-5 with crafts, music, scarecrow contest.

Tier 2

ColorFest

Oct 07, 2023

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.

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Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest

Oct 08, 2023

This festival at Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain and includes hands-on fun, tastings, chef competition, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, and products from… read more

This festival at Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain and includes hands-on fun, tastings, chef competition, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, and products from more than 20 local food vendors.

Tier 2

VeganFest

Oct 08, 2023

Asheville is one of the top USA cities for vegan living. Outdoor festival features vegan food, beer, lifestyle vendors and educational speakers in Pack Square Park 11 AM-6 PM. Free admission.

Asheville is one of the top USA cities for vegan living. Outdoor festival features vegan food, beer, lifestyle vendors and educational speakers in Pack Square Park 11 AM-6 PM. Free admission.

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Church Street Art & Craft Show

Oct 14, 2023

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.

Tier 2

Mountain Glory Festival

Oct 14, 2023

Celebrate fall beauty in the mountains with three blocks of festivities along Main Street in Marion, including 170 arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, a 5K… read more

Celebrate fall beauty in the mountains with three blocks of festivities along Main Street in Marion, including 170 arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, a 5K walk/run, quilt show, and so much more. Free admission. 9:00 AM-4 PM.

Tier 2

Harvest Festival, Stecoah Valley

Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023

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.

Tier 2

Spruce Pine Potters Market

Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023

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.

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Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

Oct 19, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

Meet 200 craftspeople that come together in downtown Asheville with their fine handcrafted items while local musicians play live on the arena stage and craft educators share their knowledge.… read more

Meet 200 craftspeople that come together in downtown Asheville with their fine handcrafted items while local musicians play live on the arena stage and craft educators share their knowledge. Admission from 10 AM-5 PM.

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LEAF Festival

Oct 19, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

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.

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Apple Butter Festival, Bakersville

Oct 20, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

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

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

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Woolly Worm Festival

Oct 21, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

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!

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Lake Lure Autumn Arts Festival

Oct 21, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023

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

Tier 2

Apple Harvest Festival

Oct 21, 2023

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.

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Beaverdam Studio Tour

Oct 28, 2023 - Oct 29, 2023

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

Tier 2

North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival

Oct 28, 2023

This one-day shopping and demonstration show features 40 ceramic artists with a diverse array of tilework, sculpture, jewelry and pottery. Watch raku demonstrations and enjoy live music. Food… read more

This one-day shopping and demonstration show features 40 ceramic artists with a diverse array of tilework, sculpture, jewelry and pottery. Watch raku demonstrations and enjoy live music. Food trucks too. Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.

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Holiday Season Top 50 Events (November & December)

Nov 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023

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. 

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Livermush Festival

Jun 01, 2024

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!

Past Events

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Art in Autumn Fest

Sep 16, 2023

Fun outdoor arts and crafts festival in Weaverville that includes 100 juried artists, food and live music. Free admission and parking. Just 7 miles north of downtown Asheville.

Fun outdoor arts and crafts festival in Weaverville that includes 100 juried artists, food and live music. Free admission and parking. Just 7 miles north of downtown Asheville.

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Lake Lure Dance Festival

Sep 16, 2023

The Dirty Dancing Festival is now the Lake Lure Dance Festival! Fans of the cult-classic Dirty Dancing will relive memories of Baby's first dance in the film’s original, breathtaking backdrop of… read more

The Dirty Dancing Festival is now the Lake Lure Dance Festival! Fans of the cult-classic Dirty Dancing will relive memories of Baby's first dance in the film’s original, breathtaking backdrop of Lake Lure.

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Heritage Weekend at Folk Art Center

Sep 16, 2023

This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight is the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday.

This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight is the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday.

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Village Art & Craft Fair

Sep 09, 2023 - Sep 10, 2023

Fantastic fair in Biltmore Village with 100 hand-selected artists from 16 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and… read more

Fantastic fair in Biltmore Village with 100 hand-selected artists from 16 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more.

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Mountain State Fair

Sep 08, 2023 - Sep 17, 2023

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.

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Autumn at Oz at Beech Mtn

Sep 08, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023

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.

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Morganton Festival

Sep 08, 2023 - Sep 09, 2023

A big street festival in downtown Morganton that includes fine arts and crafts, festival cuisine, a beer garden, teen and kid zones, four stages of entertainment, a sunrise run on Saturday and… read more

A big street festival in downtown Morganton that includes fine arts and crafts, festival cuisine, a beer garden, teen and kid zones, four stages of entertainment, a sunrise run on Saturday and much more. Free admission!

FAB Fest

Sep 08, 2023 - Oct 27, 2023

FAB Fridays run from April-October featuring the best in local Food, Arts, Brews (FAB) on Central St in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop… read more

FAB Fridays run from April-October featuring the best in local Food, Arts, Brews (FAB) on Central St 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. Fall dates: September 8 & October 27

Mountain Song Festival, Brevard

Sep 08, 2023

This 2-day, family-friendly music festival in Brevard showcases the best in acoustic music including bluegrass, newgrass, old-time, folk, jazz, and traditional mountain music. The festival… read more

This 2-day, family-friendly music festival in Brevard showcases the best in acoustic music including bluegrass, newgrass, old-time, folk, jazz, and traditional mountain music. The festival includes food, local artists, children's activities, picking sessions, and more. 

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Chow Chow Food Festival

Sep 07, 2023 - Sep 10, 2023

Savor Asheville's creative culinary scene with many events, chef demos, and hands-on experiences. Meet and connect with the makers and collaborators who nourish, nurture and create in our… read more

Savor Asheville's creative culinary scene with many events, chef demos, and hands-on experiences. Meet and connect with the makers and collaborators who nourish, nurture and create in our Appalachian Mountains. 

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