October's Fund-Raisers, Cultural Affairs & Natural Resources 

Fund-Raisers

Ride for Pink

October 6 » Waynesville

This scenic motorcycle ride benefits the Power of Pink, which is supported by Haywood Regional Medical Center/MedWest and offers breast cancer education and medical attention to underprivileged women in Haywood County. The ride will start at the Smoky Mountain Steel Horses dealership. A barbecue dinner follows. » Smoky Mountain Steel Horses, 82 Locust Dr.; Saturday, registration 10:30 a.m.-noon, ride 12:30 p.m., dinner 5 p.m.; $25 rider, $10 passenger; (828) 456-7692; www.rideforpink.com 

Golfing for Kids 

October 6 » Hendersonville

Take your best swing for a worthy cause. Play solo or in teams of four during this 18-hole tournament benefiting the Henderson County Foster Parent Association, which supports children in foster care and families. Tournament winners receive prizes such as golf clubs and gift cards to area restaurants. For a hole in one, the golfer wins a new Ford Fusion. » Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, 3000 Cummings Rd.; Saturday, 1 p.m.; $75 individual, $280 four-person team; (828) 606-9405; www.hendersoncountync.org

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival 

October 6 » Wilkesboro

Local growers are the stars of this festival, offering fresh, baked, fried, and pressed apples. In addition, arts and crafts vendors and bluegrass, country, and folk music can be heard on four stages. Dance performances will take place throughout the festival and the Wilkes Art Council will host a juried show. A portion of the proceeds benefit more than 100 area organizations selected by the vendors. » Main St.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (336) 921-3499; www.applefestival.net

Greater Hickory Classic

October 8-14 » Conover

A stop on the PGA Champion’s Tour, Rock Barn Golf & Spa welcomes some of the most recognized names in professional golf for this event. Beginning Monday, the public can watch practice rounds before the tournament begins Friday. Proceeds go to area charities.» 3763 Golf Dr.; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., Saturday, 9 a.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.; $20 day, $50 week; (828) 459-4000; www.greaterhickoryclassic.com

Dream House Tour

October 12 & 13 » Burnsville

Enter six beautiful, private homes on this self-guided tour. Two stops are in downtown Burnsville, two in the Mountain Air community, and two in the Chestnut Hills neighborhood. Proceeds support Mayland Community College’s Yancey County campus Continuing Education Program and Intelligent Choice Scholarship fund. » A Touch of Cass, 101 Town Sq.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $50; (828) 766-1257; www.maylandfoundation.org

Walk for Wishes 

October 13 » Asheville

Form a team and raise money through sponsorships to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to terminally ill children. The fun walk will be held on a paved path, allowing those in wheelchairs to participate. » Carrier Park, 235 Amboy Rd.; Saturday, registration 9:30 a.m., walk 10:45 a.m.; $5 registration, free children 11 & younger; 1-(877) 677-9474; www.walkforwishesashe.kintera.org

Farm to Fork Dinner  

October 13 » Mill Spring

Served in Mill Spring Farm gardens, this annual dinner benefits the Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center, which offers programs to educate and connect farmers in Polk County. Locally grown foods will be served while guests enjoy live music. A silent auction of excursions and a 50/50 raffle will also take place. » Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center, 156 School Rd.; Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; $25, $15 children 13 & younger; (828) 699-9672; www.polkcountyfarms.org

Dig the Du

October 14 » Hendersonville

Set out on private trails and forest service roads during this duathlon supporting Open Doors of Asheville, which provides mentoring and safe activities for at-risk children. Racers can form a relay team or participate individually for this challenging 2.5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride, and another 2.5-mile run. Must be 12 years old to run and 16 to ride. » Sky Valley Farm, call for address; Sunday, registration 8 a.m., race 10 a.m.; $45, $60 two-person team, $80 three-person team; (828) 450-7514; www.idaph.net

Valle Country Fair

October 20 » Valle Crucis

Enjoy an old-fashioned country fair featuring nearly 150 juried arts and crafts stalls filled with pottery, painting, metalwork, and jewelry. There will be food vendors and live bluegrass and folk music. Ten percent of the sales benefit many area organizations, including the High Country Prison Ministry and Green Valley Elementary School. » Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 11 Skiles Way; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 963-4609; www.vallecountryfair.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

October 20 » Asheville

Cancer survivors, along with their family and friends,  don flamboyant pink garb to tackle this 3.1-mile run/walk through downtown to promote breast cancer awareness. Participants will set out from Pack Square while local bands keep the energy high. Groups are encouraged to form teams and raise sponsorship dollars for the American Cancer Society. Register by October 10 to receive a T-shirt. » Pack Square; Saturday, registration 8:30 a.m., run/walk 10 a.m.; $25; (828) 254-6931; www.makingstrides.acsevents.org

October Oyster Outing  

October 20 » Morganton

The Old Courthouse Square fills with food vendors, crafts, and live music from local groups such as the Glen Alpine Philharmonic as the Burke Arts Council raises money for its operating fund. Oysters are the main course, but hamburgers and barbecue will also be available. The arts council gallery will exhibit woodwork and paintings by local artists. All purchases benefit the arts council. » Old Courthouse Square, 115 E. Meeting St.; Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; free; (828) 433-7282; www.burkearts.org

Rock the Quarry 

October 20 » Black Mountain

This annual four-mile race covers flat trails and gravel roads, before a steep ascent to the top of the quarry. Proceeds go to the Black Mountain Home for Children’s Everyday Fund, LEAF in Schools & Streets music education outreach program, and the Colburn Earth Science Museum in Asheville. » Grove Stone & Sand Company, 842 Old U.S. 70; Saturday, registration 7 a.m., race 9 a.m.; $30, $25 advance; (828) 230-6477; www.hedrickind.com

Komen NC Foothills Race for the Cure

October 27 » Hickory

Benefiting the Susan G. Komen  Race for the Cure, this 5K follows paved roads in downtown. Those who prefer not to run are welcome to participate in the one-mile walk. Participants are encouraged to form teams to raise sponsorship money. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will remain in Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties to fund educational programs and cover medical expenses for breast cancer patients. »  Lenoir-Rhyne University, 625 7th Ave. N.E.; Saturday, registration 7 a.m., walk 8:20 a.m., 5K 9 a.m.; $30, $20 advance, $10 children six to 12; (828) 328-2873; www.komenncfoothills.org

Flint Ridge Fall 5-Miler

October 27 » Bryson City

Enjoy fall’s changing colors with this race in the Land of the Noonday Sun. Starting at the Flint Ridge trailhead, competitors run nearly five miles through the Nantahala Gorge to finish by the river. After the race, watch as paddlers compete to collect tiny pumpkins bobbing on the water during the Great Pumpkin Pursuit. A celebration with roasted marshmallows, drinks, and live music by reggae band Natty Lovejoys at The Pourover Pub at the Nantahala Outdoor Center wraps up the day. Proceeds support the work of Swain County-based MedicForce, which provides first aid care and training to people in isolated areas in countries around the world. » Relia’s Garden Restaurant at Flint Ridge Trailhead, 13077 U.S. 19 W.; Saturday, registration 8 a.m., race 9 a.m., Great Pumpkin Pursuit 2 p.m.; $25 race; 1-(888) 905-7238; www.noc.com

Cultural Affairs

Zelda: An American Love Story

October 3-28 » Flat Rock

Written by a Tony-nominated team, this musical follows the tempestuous romance of jazz-age author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, who entered a mental hospital in Asheville in the 1930s. After meeting at a dance on July 4, 1917, the couple set the precedent for American celebrities with their lavish parties and eccentric lifestyle. » Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy.; Wednesday-Sunday, 2 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; $40, $30 students; (828) 693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Autumn at Oz 

October 6 & 7 » Beech Mountain

Take a fantastical journey through Oz with Dorothy, Toto, and the rest of the yellow brick road gang. Each year, Beech Mountain celebrates The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a cast of characters, tethered hot air balloon rides, live music, hayrides, and a petting zoo. VIP tickets include parking and no-line entrance into the park. » Emerald Mountain, 2669 S. Beech Mountain Pkwy.; Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; $25, $20 advance, $40 VIP; 1-(800) 468-5506; www.autumnatoz.com

Lying in State

October 12 & 13, 19 & 20 » Hudson

As part of Hudson’s dinner theater, this political satire, directed by Keith Smith, follows the death of a well-known senator, whose body has been misplaced at the funeral home. Several politicians vie for his position: his ex-wife, the governor who is trying to push his son into office, and the senator’s girlfriend, who he supposedly promised his seat on his death bed. » Hudson Uptown Building, 145 Cedar Valley Rd.; Friday & Saturday, dinner 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.; $25 dinner & show,$15 show only; (828) 728-8272; www.explorecaldwell.com

Oktoberfest

October 12-14 » Hickory

Polka music, beer, amusement rides, and carnival games combine for this outdoor festival. Local musical acts Soul Watt, Leaving Venus, and A Ghost Named Gertrude are among the performers. A juried arts and crafts show is ongoing throughout the weekend, and hundreds of food vendors and merchants will be in attendance. » 2nd St. N.W. & Main Ave. N.W.; Friday,noon-11:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; free; (828) 322-1121; www.hickoryoktoberfest.com

Deer Camp

October 13  » Morganton

This musical comedy follows four deer hunters on a mission to bring home a 14-point buck to impress their wives. But, as their time in the woods draws to a close, they realize they’ve been drinking beer instead of hunting and struggle with the idea of returning home with nothing to show for their time in the freezing wilderness. » City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, 401 S. College St.; Saturday,7:30 p.m.; $16-$22, $15 students; (828) 433-7649; www.commaonline.org

Boone Heritage Festival

October 13  » Boone

Celebrate Appalachian heritage with yarn spinners, living history demonstrations, and old-time and bluegrass music jams. Reenactors donning 18th-century garb demonstrate candle dipping, hearth cooking, weaving, tomahawk throwing, and how to shoot a flintlock rifle. Craft vendors will sell alpaca wool apparel, wooden bowls, cornhusk dolls, handmade soaps, jewelry, books, and paintings. Fried apple pies, funnel cakes, and sandwiches will be available. » Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Dr.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 264-2120; www.booneheritagefestival.com

Spruce Pine Potters Market

October 13 & 14 » Spruce Pine

Attendees have the opportunity to browse the work of 30 of the region’s distinguished potters during this annual sale. Claudia Dunaway, Terry Gess, Joy Tanner, and Lisa Joerling  are among the artists exhibiting bowls, vases, and serving dishes, as well as sculptures. » Cross Street Building, 31 Cross St.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 765-2670; www.sprucepinepottersmarket.com

Lake Eden Arts Festival 

October 18-21 » Black Mountain

Twice a year, music enthusiasts flock to scenic Lake Eden for this cultural celebration. The Mickey Hart Band, Footloose, Montuno, Tinariwen, and Masankho Banda are on the lineup of more than 70 performers for the fall festival. The LEAF poetry slam has gained national attention and poets from across the United States will take the stage for the competition hosted by slammaster James Nave. Attendees can also explore the work of more than 50 contemporary and folk artisans and relax with free healing arts workshops. A family friendly event, LEAF's Kids Village entertains with puppeteers, dance workshops, musical performances, and storytelling. Camping is available. » Camp Rockmont, 377 Lake Eden Rd.; Thursday, 7 p.m.-Sunday, 6 p.m.; $155-$179 weekend pass, $130-$149 youth, $45-$103 day passes, $37-$91 youth, free ages nine & younger; (828) 686-8742; www.theleaf.org

Appalachian Harvest Festival

October 19-21 » Robbinsville

A campfire and Appalachian storytelling kicks off this weekend before Saturday’s 5K or one-mile run. Head to the country fair to see the quilt show, corn grinding demonstrations, and make apple cider to take home. Barbecue chicken and ribs, sausage, cheeseburgers, and apple dumplings will be served while guests take in a performance by Dixie Darlins’ Cloggers. Guests can also enjoy a  gospel concert by local acts Valleytown Trio, Shining Pathway, and The Wilson Family. » Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 121 Schoolhouse Rd.; Friday, 6-8 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; free; (828) 479-3364; www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

HardLox

October 21 » Asheville

Join members of the Jewish community for the eighth annual food and heritage festival. Homemade dishes including pastrami on rye, cream cheese and lox on bagels, potato latkes, and matzo ball soup give festivalgoers the opportunity to sample traditional fare. Klezmer music, Israeli folk dancing, and musical groups will provide entertainment.  » Pack Square Park; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 253-2282; www.hardlox.com

Moogfest

October 26 & 27 » Asheville

Celebrating the innovations of electronic music pioneer Bob Moog, this festival hosts internationally recognized artists who use his electronic instruments. Performers include Primus 3D, Swedish electro-pop musician Miike Snow, Nas, Thomas Dolby, and Santigold. The shows will take place at venues throughout downtown Asheville including The Orange Peel, U.S. Cellular Center, and The Grey Eagle. » Multiple locations; Friday & Saturday, times vary; $100-$145 weekend pass, $65-$75  day passes; 1-(800) 745-3000; www.moogfest.org

The Woman in Black

October 26, 27 & 31, November 2 & 3  » marion

When young solicitor Arthur Kipps attends the funeral of Alice Drablow, he glimpses a woman with a wasted face dressed in black and an uneasy feeling washes over him. This frightening tale unfolds when he learns the chilling secret about the woman in black. Revered as the most terrifying live theater experience, this rendition by the Foothills Community Theatre premieres just in time for a Halloween scare. » Greenlee Theater, 50 S. Main St.; Friday, Saturday & Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; $37, $31 seniors, $25 students; (828) 659-7529; www.fctplays.org

Haunted Historic Homes Walking Tour

October 27 » Black Mountain

Ghosts, goblins, skeletons, and things that go bump in the night come out to play for this Halloween-themed guided tour of five homes in and near the Dougherty Heights Historic District. Each property presents a unique tale and ghoulish décor. One residence, built in 1957 as a church, will stage a mock funeral. Another stop shares the bone-chilling tale of a ghost who haunts the home’s nursery, extinguishing candles and rocking by the fireplace. The one-and-a-half hour tours depart every half hour. » Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St.; Saturday, 6-8 p.m.; $35, $25 museum members; (828) 669-9566; www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org

Natural Resources

Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight 

October 6 » Linville

Reserve your spot for this rare evening of after-dark tours, including an owl walk and other searches for nocturnal animals that call Grandfather Mountain home. Following the nature prowl, warm up with hot chocolate around the bonfire and listen to spooky legends.  » 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy.; Saturday, 7-9 p.m.; $12, $8 children ages eight to 12; (828) 733-8715; www.grandfather.com

Forest Festival Day

October 6 » Pisgah Forest

In appreciation of our national forests and those who helped create them, browse the demonstrations of more than 80 craftspeople and exhibitors. Forestry students will gather at the Cradle of Forestry to showcase woodcarvings, blacksmithing, and weaving. Enrich this woodsy experience by watching events like archery, orienteering, axe throwing, and pole climbing at the John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet, a lumberjack competition organized by Haywood Community College. » Cradle of Forestry, 11250 Pisgah Hwy.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $6, $3 youth 15 & younger & passholders; (828) 877-3130; www.cradleofforestry.org

Hickory Mountain 10K & DuPont State Forest 50K

October 6 & 7 » Brevard

Lace up your running shoes for the challenging 10K route that climbs a mile and a half loop on the Ridgeline Trail in DuPont State Forest. The 50K route is comprised of a nearly 15-mile loop through the forest that includes stream crossings, paved roads, forest service trails, and more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Two-person teams can participate in a relay, splitting the 50K route in half. » Guion Farm in DuPont State Forest; Saturday, 9 a.m. 10K, Sunday, 7:30 a.m. 50K & relay; $30 10K, $70 50K, $100 relay; (828) 553-5628; www.race.degreemap.org

Carolina Bonsai Expo 

October 13 & 14 » Asheville

Tour the N.C. Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, and then explore the juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts from clubs in six states during this annual event. Guest Colin Lewis, a renowned bonsai artist, author, and teacher with more than 30 years of experience, will lead educational workshops. A marketplace will sell plants, pots, tools, and books. Ikebana displays will demonstrate the Japanese art of flower arranging. Bid on bonsais and plant-related products during an auction. » North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free, $8 parking; (828) 665-2492; www.ncarboretum.org

Blacklight Mine Tours

October 13 & 20 » Little switzerland

Guided nighttime tours highlight a different side of the Bon Ami Mines under ultraviolet light. Armed with flashlights, black lights, and safety glasses, spy hyalite opals, which glow neon green under UV light, as well as feldspar and manganapatite. Reservations are recommended. » Emerald Village, 331 McKinney Mine Rd.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; $15, $10 students; (828) 765-6463; www.emeraldvillage.com

Point Lookout Lightning 5K

October 20 » Old Fort

Take off on this race along Point Lookout trail. Touted as the fastest 5K in the Southeast, the course follows a paved path down a nearly 900-foot descent. A shuttle from the Old Fort Picnic Ground takes runners to the start line. » Old Fort Picnic Ground; Saturday, 8 a.m. first shuttle, 10 a.m. race; $25, $20 by October 10; (828) 724-4036; www.lightning5k.leetiming.com

Apple Harvest Festival 

October 20 » Waynesville

What could be more delicious than apple season in the mountains? Especially when 35,000 people are expected to celebrate the fruit’s booming harvest at this annual festival. Treat your taste buds to homemade apple sweets and cider and take home a bushel of locally grown apples from the Haywood County Apple Grower’s Association. More than 130 vendors will sell arts and crafts and offer demonstrations while live musical entertainment and clogging performances take place. Young festivalgoers donning T-shirts and jeans will compete in the natural beauty pageant in hopes of being crowned Apple Harvest king or queen. » Main St.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; (828) 456-3517; www.downtownwaynesville.com

Woolly Worm Festival  

October 20 & 21 » Banner Elk

Each year, spectators gather to cheer on hundreds of woolly worms racing up three-foot lengths of string to win their owners cash prizes, and the distinction of predicting the severity of the upcoming winter. On Saturday, the grand prize-winning worm takes $1,000 and the weather prediction, and on Sunday, the winner takes $500. Arts and crafts vendors, live musical and dance performances, inflatables, mini golf, face painting, and rides will also be part of the family-friendly fun. » Downtown; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; (828) 898-5605; www.woollyworm.com

Leaf Lookers Gemboree

October 26-28 » Franklin

Gem enthusiasts pause from leaf-peeping to view an array of stunning colors at this gem show each fall. Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, equipment, and books will be sold. The Gem and Mineral Society will offer demonstrations on jewelry making, including faceting and beading. » Macon County Community Building, 1288 Georgia Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $3, free children 12 & younger; (828) 524-3161; www.franklin-chamber.com

Run the Rendezvous

October 27 » Purlear

Runners can choose an 8K route with 1,271 feet of elevation gain, or a 5K route through Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest. Buses shuttle runners back to the start line or to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for refreshments during the awards ceremony, when each finisher will receive a medal. » Purlear Baptist Church, 413 Purlear Rd.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. 8K, 9:45 a.m. 5K; $25; (336) 984-7568; www.facebook.com/runtherendezvous

Beary Scary Halloween 

October 27 » Linville

Halloween-themed crafts, storytelling, nature programs, and trick-or-treating in the animal habitats add up to a thrilling day at Grandfather Mountain. Kids in costumes receive half-price admission, and can participate in Going Batty for Bats, an interactive program about the nocturnal creatures. » Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $18, $15 seniors, $8 children four to 12; (828) 733-8715; www.grandfather.com

Halloweenfest 

October 27 » Brevard

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Halloweenfest starts off with Flight of the Vampire races, including a 5K and 10K and competitive walk on the Brevard College campus. An apple and pumpkin bake-off hosted by the Proper Pot, and pumpkin carving and costume contests follow. Other family activities like face painting, inflatables, and cookie decorating are part of the fun, and downtown trick-or-treating takes place in the afternoon. » Main St.; Saturday, 8 a.m. races, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. festival; free, $25 5K, $30 10K; (828) 884-3278; brevardnc.org

Take a Hike 

October 28 » Ronda

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to join Raffaldini Vineyards owner Jay Raffaldini and outdoorsman Steve Nelson on this moderate, 90-minute hike through the wooded areas of the Raffaldini property. Following the excursion, guests are treated to lunch and two glasses of wine. » Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Groce Rd.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; $35; (336) 835-9463; www.raffaldini.com