Your weekend guide to the best events across Western North Carolina—November 13 through November 16.
Hero image photo Courtesy of Discover Jackson County NC.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Photo Courtesy of Explore Brevard.
Brevard, Transylvania County: ATOM Opens - Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum. The world's only museum dedicated to vintage aluminum Christmas trees opens for the season! Browse shimmering 1950s trees and kitschy mid-century ornaments at this nostalgic Brevard tradition.
- Free
- 12-4 pm
Asheville, Downtown: The City of Asheville unveils Fluvial, a new public artwork and seating along the 1.7-mile Urban Trail. Metal artist Rachel David with Red Metal created this Art Deco-inspired sculpture, reimagining the historic S&W Building's architecture. Located at 56 Patton Avenue. Public invited. Light refreshments served.
- Free
- 11 am
Friday, November 14, 2025
Asheville, Cambria Hotel Downtown: Latin Night at Hemingway's Cuba. Dance salsa and bachata on the rooftop with DJ MTN Vibez spinning Latin rhythms. Start with dinner and cocktails, then let the night evolve into a Latin dance party in the sky.
- Free
- 7-10 pm
Asheville, The Radical in the River Arts District: This premier cafe by day and cocktail bar by night turns up the twang in celebration of Dwight Yoakam's upcoming concert at Harrah's Cherokee Center! Bonus: A chance to win tickets to the November 15 show.
- Free
- 8-11 pm
Dillsboro, Jackson County: Green Energy Park Creative Arts Center. Watch glass, metal, and ceramic artists create at this innovative arts center powered by methane from an old landfill. Tour studios where resident WNC artists work and teach.
- Free (schedule your tour in advance)
- 10 AM-4 pm
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Asheville, NC Arboretum: Winter Lights Opens at NC Arboretum. Over one million lights transform the Arboretum into an enchanted walk-through wonderland—including the famous 50-foot tree, Quilt Garden, and six of Thomas Dambo's giant trolls experiencing the show themselves!
- Tickets vary (one ticket needer per vehicle)
- 6, 7, and 8 pm entry times,
Rutherfordton, Rutherford County: 1920s Murder Mystery Cocktail Party at the Firehouse Inn. It's 1923 at Jay Glittersby's mansion, and a guest has been shot dead. Sip cocktails, enjoy finger foods, and work together to solve the murder. Is the killer a flapper, a jazz musician, or a server? Part of a weekend-long centennial celebration of the Inn.
- $50
- 7-10 pm
Tryon, Polk County: Tally Ho Wagon Rides & Blessing of the Hounds. Watch trained Pen-Marydel Hounds hunt while enjoying food and beverages from your wagon. A one-of-a-kind equestrian tradition.
- $100 per person
- 9 AM-1 pm
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Photo Courtesy of Explore Bryson City.
Swain County: Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly Clingmans Dome). Hike the steep but paved half-mile trail to panoramic Smoky Mountain views—or enjoy nearly-as-spectacular vistas from the parking lot. The summit is the highest peak in the Smokies and connects to the Appalachian Trail and other hiking routes. Parking tags are required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Free
- Sunrise to sunset
Yancey & Mitchell Counties: Final day of the Semi-Annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour of the studios of 100+ artists across two counties—one of the most significant concentrations of skilled craftspeople in the country. Drive a self-guided route through scenic countryside, meet artists in their working spaces, and explore diverse media.
- Free (self-guided)
- 10 AM-5 pm
Downtown Asheville: The Misfit Improv Comedy Show delivers interactive comedy with scenes, songs, and games based on audience suggestions at NC Stage (15 Stage Lane).
- Tickets start at $9.85
- 6-7:30 pm
- Ages 13+ recommended (adult content)
Fall Events and Festivals 
