Thursday, November 20
Asheville, Downtown: First day of the four-day SoCon Women's Volleyball Championship! Defending champion Wofford aims for its third straight crown while Samford leads with seven tournament titles. Daily general admission and courtside lounge options available.
- $10-$35 (students $10, courtside lounge $35)
- Thursday, First Round, 4 pm
- Friday, Quarter Finals, 10:30 am
- Saturday, Semi-Finals, 4 pm
- Sunday, Final, 4 pm
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
Mill Spring, Polk County: Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light. Drive through hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights synchronized to holiday classics on your car radio. Located 50 minutes southwest of Asheville.
- $40-$50 per carload (Mon-Wed $40, Thu-Sun $50)
- Nightly, November 14-January 4, 5-10 pm
- Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring
Friday, November 21
Asheville, Downtown: Blue Ridge Holler Hurricane Relief Concert hosted by master fiddler Josh Goforth. Featuring a blend of established artists and rising stars. All proceeds benefit rebuilding western North Carolina parks and recreational facilities.
- $18 ($50 family 4-pack, plus fees)
- Friday, November 21, 7 pm
- Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave.
Saturday, November 22
Asheville, Downtown: Asheville Holiday Parade will feature 100 entries—marching bands, dance squads, and unique floats. One-mile downtown route; arrive early to claim your spot.
- Free 11 am
- Parade Route: Biltmore Avenue to Pack Square to Patton Avenue
Cherokee Float, photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association
Bryson City, Swain County: Find crafts, local art, and artisan goods at Smoky Mountain Holiday Market, one hour southwest of Asheville. Held Saturdays through December 20, 2025. Located 75 minutes west of Asheville.
- Free admission 10 am-3 pm
- 117 Island Street, Bryson City
Mars Hill, Madison County: Browse craft, food, fine art, and design from local makers at the Marshall Handmade Market, an annual two-day market. Located in a beautiful mountain community 20 minutes north of Asheville.
- Free admission
- 10 am-5 pm
- Odonata Farm, 5640 Paint Fork Rd, Mars Hill
Asheville, Biltmore Village: Hi-Wire Brewing's Stout Bout returns with the addition of an all-ages Urban Combat Wrestling tournament at its 2A Huntsman Place location. Includes sampling brews from 14 regional breweries, live music, roaming circus performers, pretzels, and Cuban food.
- $15-$100 (tiered ticket options).
- Stout Bout: 2-6 pm (21-and-up to drink)
- Wrestling: 7 pm (begins) (all ages)
Sunday, November 23
Cedar Mountain, Transylvania County: The Mountain Music Jam is an acoustic session featuring old-time fiddle tunes led by community members. Bring your instrument or just enjoy the music at a zero-waste, employee-owned pub, bottle shop, and listening room. Located an hour south of Asheville.
- Free 3-5 pm
- Cedar Mountain Canteen, 10771 Greenville Hwy
Marion, McDowell County: Kick off the holiday season with this Christmas parade, themed "A McDowell Strong Christmas." Register to ride or march in the parade, or simply watch from Main Street as floats and festive entries pass by. Located 40 minutes east of Asheville.
- Free (registration required to participate–call 828-652-2215)
- 3-4 pm
- Starts at 216 S Main Street, Marion
Fall Events and Festivals 
