event-calendar

September 20-21 » Asheville
Appreciate the diversity and agricultural abundance of Western North Carolina at this annual fall event, presented by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), an area nonprofit dedicated to supporting working, local farms and fostering community health through connections to local food. This year’s theme is a “recovery tour,” says Oakley Brewer, ASAP’s communications & engagement coordinator. “The farms in this theme were either significantly impacted by Helene or received ASAP’s Immediate Needs Grant last fall. We are hoping that this year’s tour invites people to see farm recovery as an important element of our region’s greater recovery from the storm.” Guests can visit farms in Fairview/Swannannoa, Leicester, Polk, Henderson, Candler/Canton, and more. » Various farms around Asheville; Saturday & Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; $35-$45 (covers both days); (828) 236-1282; asapconnections.org

September 20 » Weaverville
Join Weaverville in celebrating art and community at the 18th Art in Autumn festival. Over 100 artists and craftspeople will showcase their work and compete in an art show offering prizes ranging from $50 to $1000, with guest judge Rebecca Lynch, who has extensive experience working in research and development for Asheville cultural establishments. Local restaurants on Main Street like Twisted Laurel, Maggie B’s, Main Street Grille, and others will provide food and beverages for purchase. Attendees can also purchase a unique 2025 Art in Autumn T-shirt and poster at the Information Booth during the festival.  » Downtown Weaverville, Main St.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free; visitweaverville.com

September 20 » Asheville
Busking is the time-honored tradition of performing in public for voluntary donations, and this September, hundreds of local artists take to the streets of downtown Boone for an afternoon of creativity in all its forms. Buskers Fest also incorporates interactive projects, so visitors can directly engage with the art. This year’s talent includes singer-guitarist John Sullivan, magician Dana Fleming, and jewelry maker Jess Brown. The festival is family and pet-friendly. » Downtown Boone; Saturday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; free; (828) 264-1789; watauga-arts.org

September 23 » Linville
Deck yourself in denim to attend this funky event in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ball serves as a fundraiser for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is home to the restored and preserved Flat Top Manor that once belonged to the eponymous textile entrepreneur and philanthropist. At the event, guests can enjoy live and silent auctions, delicious dinner and drinks, dancing, and scenic views. » Camp Yonahnoka at Linville Golf Club, 175 Linville Ave.; Tuesday, 5 p.m.; $225 individual, $500 pair and sponsorship, $1,000-$2,00 table; (866) 308-2773; brpfoundation.org

September 26 & 27 » Asheville
Since 1986, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has proudly hosted this celebration of Greek culture and history. This annual event invites people from across the Southeast each year to immerse themselves in the traditional Greek dancing, music, and cuisine while celebrating the country’s rich heritage and traditions. Enjoy authentic dishes such as spanakopita, baklava, pastitsio, tsourek, and loukoumades, all prepared by the local community and explore the agora (marketplace) featuring vibrant dances and local vendors. Attendees also have the opportunity to experience traditional Greek music performed live and take a tour of the church as well. » Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Ave.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $4-$5, free for children under 12; holytrinityasheville.com

September 27 » Asheville
A celebration of diversity in Western North Carolina, this year marks the 15th annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival. The event kicks off with a procession at 10:30 a.m., welcoming everyone to march to Pack Square and start the festivities. Two stages in the park will showcase regional musicians and talented entertainers. In addition to live music, vendors and organizations dedicated to equality will be present. Enjoy delicious food from various vendors; in the evening, check out the After Pride Party drag show. » Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; free; (828) 820-3993; blueridgepride.org

September 28 » Black Mountain
This annual fall festival is the main fundraiser for the WNC Cheese Trail, a cooperative effort that promotes the artisan cheese makers of Western North Carolina. The nonprofit facilitates education and tourism, spreading the word about the region’s talented artisan cheesemakers and their products. The Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival features cheese-friendly businesses that you might find on or near a pairing board. The festival is returning in 2025 after last year’s cancellation due to Hurricane Helene. Beyond the plethora of delicious and unique cheeses, attendees will also have the chance to sample and purchase products from the supporting WNC Cheese Trail community which includes winemakers, cideries, gourmet food producers, and more. » Oak and Grist, 1556 Grovestone Rd.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; ticket prices vary; wnccheesetrail.org

October 4-12 »  Linville
Grandfather Mountain, with its distinctive biodiversity of flora and fauna, is the picturesque setting for these nature tours. Weather permitting, guests will be led on a 30-minute ramble, with knowledgeable guides dispensing info about the local environs along with the science behind the fall season’s changing leaves. Rambles will begin outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. » Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy.; daily, 1 p.m.-1:30  p.m.; $32, kids 4-12, $12; (800) 468-7325; grandfather.com

October 4 » Mars Hill
Named after Bascom Lamar Lunsford, a folklorist and musician who spent his life producing and protecting Appalachian culture and sound, the Lunsford festival is the second-longest running folk festival in the region. This year’s lineup includes the Bailey Mountain Cloggers—which serves as an ambassador of goodwill to the college—and fiddle band Bandana Rhythm, plus other local talents including Rodger Howell & Friends, Lonely Mountain Ears, and Sourwood Ridge. If you stop by campus earlier, you can also stop by the Madison Heritage Arts Festival for a bevvy of vendors and artisans.  » Moore Auditiorum, Mars Hill University, ; Saturday, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; free; (1-866) 642-4968; mhu.edu

October 4 & 5 »  Asheville
Celebrating eight years, this festival always boasts a good crowd. There will be plenty of vegan food, clothes, and artisan booths available, in addition to live music and a family fun zone with free face painting. Plus, a raffle will provide lucky winners with great swag and VIP packages can be purchased. Prior to the main event at Pack Square Park, head to AB Technical College for VeganFest’s Education Day to learn more about the lifestyle. » Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza; Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday noon-5 p.m.; free, donations appreciated; ashevilleveganfest.com. 

October 5-6 » Newton
This two-day celebration of classic cars, hot rods, and WNC’s moonshine heritage features car shows, races, local food trucks, and live music performances like The CJ Ballard Band and Chasin’ Aldean. Attendees can explore vendor booths, enjoy delicious food, and experience the thrill of vintage racing at one of the oldest tracks in NASCAR. There will also be charity auction on Saturday afternoon. » Hickory Motor Speedway, 3130 US-70; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; prices vary, free for children 10 and under; (704) 462-1051; prohibitionfestival.net

October 10 & 11 » Asheville
The Pilobolus Dance Company combines graceful movements with acrobatic power to create a dramatic, one-of-a-kind performance art piece. By incorporating dances with unique costuming, mysterious lighting, and minimalist set design, the troupe’s newest show “Other Worlds,” produces an unexpected show every time. Arrive early for a preshow discussion, and check in for dance masterclasses. » Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave.; Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.; $75; (828) 257-4530; worthamarts.org

October 10-12 » Cashiers
Each year, a multitude of leaf peepers flock to Cashiers to witness the famous, breathtaking colors of early autumn at Cashier Valley Leaf Festival. This annual event “offers a free and vibrant artisan community event to celebrate leaf season,” according to Shelby Batchelor, community event and volunteer coordinator. Held at the Village Green, 501c3 nonprofit organization which preserves the 13+ acre park, this weekend event features 90 local artisans dispersed from the gazebo at the crossroads to the Commons Lawn off Frank Allen Rd. Visitors will find handcrafted wood, metal, pottery, jewelry, textile artists, soaps, fine art and much more on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. Among these unique gifts, the Village Green’s 2025 hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase at The Village Green tent. This event also features local favorite food trucks and live music to “bring the community together in shared enjoyment.” » The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Rd; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3pm.; free; (828) 743-3434; villagegreencashiersnc.com

October 11 »  Black Mountain
Open to all ages, this festival offers a wide array of activities to enjoy in a picturesque setting. Expect festival games and bouncy houses, a “Ridin’ on Faith” horse show, live entertainment, a car show, face painting, hayrides, a tour of the facilities, and a silent auction with online bidding. Initially established as Mountain Orphanage in 1904, Black Mountain Home for Children was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1947. The Christian-based organization operates free of government funding, so donations to help their underserved youth are especially welcome.  » 80 Lake Eden Rd.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; free; (828) 686-3451; blackmountainhome.org

October 12 » Marion
McDowell County’s 42nd annual street arts festival sees hundreds of regional vendors—potters, painters, storefronts, restaurants, and more—come to peddle their wares for a local crowd. The crown jewel of the festival, however, is the display of handmade quilts in the McDowell Arts Council. A 5k race is also on the schedule, and at the Kid’s Korner, visitors will not only find fun activities for all ages, but a costume contest for well-behaved, leashed dogs. Free shuttle services are available to and from Rose’s discount store for parking ease.  » Downtown Marion, S Main St.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 652-2215; mtgloryfestival.com

October 16-19 » Asheville
Makers will take over every level of Harrah’s Cherokee Center for the fair, exhibiting their traditional and contemporary craft works in clay, wood, glass, metal, fiber, leather, jewelry, and more. The festival first began in Gatlinburg, TN in 1948, and since then the event has grown in size, with more than 11,000 people in attendance anticipated for this fall fair. Live demos and music also accompany the vendor market. » Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St.; Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $12, free for child 12 and under; (828) 298-7928; southernhighlandguild.org

October 16-19 » Black Mountain
Each year, thousands of festival-goers attend LEAF Festival, an eclectic event hosted by LEAF Community Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the arts. A vibrant array of activities including dance workshops spanning belly dance to Irish step dancing, set to the backdrop of live music on the festival’s four large stages are on the itinerary this year. There will also be a jam tent, a Healing Arts area, and a variety of kids’ adventures. Attendees can also participate in a mountain drum circle, and witness the world’s longest-running poetry slam. This lively weekend unfolds at the historic Black Mountain College campus, welcoming a crowd of over 12,000. Come dressed in your most funky costumes and festive attitudes for a memorable celebration of music, arts, and culture. » Lake Eden, Black Mountain College, 377 Lake Eden Rd.; Thursday-Sunday, times vary; $54-$256; (828) 686-8742; theleaf.org

October 18 » Waynesville
This annual street festival in charming downtown Waynesville is a delicious way to enjoy the tastes of the fall season. Sponsored in part by the Haywood Chamber of Commerce, this premier arts and crafts event celebrates all things apple—including bags of fresh apples, caramel and candy apples, pastries with apple fillings, and so much more while basking in the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Savor food from two food courts and stroll the historic Main Street filled with vendors, as well as a big variety of shops and restaurants. Enjoy live music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the stage in the United Community Bank parking lot and a smaller location on Depot Street. » Downtown, 9 South Main St.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 456-3021; haywoodchamber.com

October 18 » Leicester
Montgomery Sky Farm is celebrating the fruits of their fall harvest season, with a two-hour, five-course tasting menu and wine pairing event. A private, curated experience awaits those who enjoy literal farm-to-plate culinary excursions at the 50-acre working farm, which employs sustainable agricultural practices and doubles as an animal rescue. It’s owned and operated by Executive Chef Taylor Montgomery and his wife Fran. “The farm is a living expression of intentional living—where regenerative farming, private dining experiences, animal rescue and rehabilitation come together to create a lasting impact,” she notes. » 340 Turkey Creek Rd.; Saturday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.; $150; montgomeryskyfarm.com

October 18 » Valle Crucis
What began as a small fair to raise funds for a church hall nearly 50 years ago has grown exponentially, with this country fair now boasting crowds of more than 10,000. Set in a sprawling meadow with a red barn as backdrop, the Valle Country Fair stays true to its mountain roots, with 100 percent of crafts made by hand (planners jury the artisans in advance), tasty treats such as Brunswick stew, barbecue, baked goods, freshly made apple cider, and much more available. Two stages of live music and plenty of activities to keep kids busy are also on tap. Money raised from the sale of food, a portion of crafts sold, music, and more, raise money for folks in need in Avery & Watauga counties.
 » Across from Holy Cross Episcopal, 122 Skiles Way; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free; (828) 963-4609; vallecountryfair.org

October 26 » Asheville
This event is a fundraiser for Homeward Bound of WNC, an organization dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness through permanent housing. Musicians are set to come together at The Grey Eagle for this worthy cause, and expect a silent auction at this family friendly venue. Bands already on tap include Coconut Cake, Eleanor & Friends, Dr. Funky Squirrel, After Ours, and King Garbage. » The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave.; Sunday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25-$30; (828) 782-0016; thegreyeagle.com

November 8 » Cherokee
Celebrate Indigenous fashion of the past and present at this fashion and art event. Kananesgi is the Cherokee word for spider, an animal that represents creativity and being skilled with your hands. The art show preceding the main event displays the work of more than 30 Indigenous artists; at the evening fashion show, guests can see custom EBCI designs and the works of other guest Indigenous designers across the stage. » Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 777 Casino Dr.; Saturday, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; price varies for fashion show, free for market & art show; (828) 359-5005; kananesgi.com

November 8 » Valdese
Embrace the holiday spirit early this year in November at the Old Rock School, a historic school meeting building built in 1922. This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a variety of handcrafted gifts perfect for early holiday shopping from dozens of craft vendors. Hand gifts include hard carved wood crafts, soaps, holiday décor, and more. This event also features a raffle of various prizes. Attendees are given a passport at the door and must attend each booth to have it stamped for a chance to win prizes. » Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W; Friday, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Admissions: $2 or free with the donation of a canned good; (828) 879-2126; visitvaldese.com

November 13-16 » Highlands
Foodies and oenophiles gather annually at this four-day event featuring exquisite culinary creations and local wines. More than 60 renowned chefs and 100 beverage partners will be represented, along with live music. The grand tasting kicks off the event on Thursday. Enjoy concerts from The Psycodelics, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, Railroad Earth, Nikki Lane, the Wallflowers and Blind Boys of Alabama. » Downtown Highlands, various locations and times; $75-$375; highlandsfoodandwine.com 

November 15, 2025-February 17, 2026 » Asheville

Danish artist Thomas Dambo, in collaboration with Imagine, brings a unique, interactive, and whimsical exhibit to the NC Arboretum: 12 trolls sculpted from reclaimed wood such as tree branches, pallets, and twigs, and reaching heights of nine feet. Fun, curious pieces, these fanciful sculptures dot the arboretum’s gardens and trails, greeting guests, who are provided with a “treasure map” to track the trolls. Six of them will be part of the center’s Winter Lights program. “Thomas Dambo’s use of reclaimed wood resonates deeply, especially considering the changes to our landscape after Hurricane Helene,” notes Arboretum Executive Director Drake Fowler. “With these trolls, guests will discover a renewed sense of fun, exploration, play and adventure.” » NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way; daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; $20+ parking, no admission; (828) 665-2492; ncarboretum.org

November 18, 2025 -January 4, 2026 » Asheville
For more than three decades, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn has hosted this friendly and much-beloved holiday event. The hotel will host the 12 Days of Gingerbread from December 1-12, announcing one finalist via social media each day. Public viewing at the Omni is anytime after 4 p.m. on Sundays or either Monday-Thursdays, excluding December 7, 23-26, 30-31 and January 1. » Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave.; Sundays-Thursdays, free, $30-$40 parking; (800) 438-5800; omnihotels.com

November 28-December 21 » Flat Rock
For every local, the true start of the Christmas season begins with the beloved tradition of Flat Rock Playhouse’s annual production. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this cherished holiday show is described by FRP Music Director Ethan Anderson as “a holiday love-letter to our community.” Since its inception in 1952, Flat Rock Playhouse has been a cornerstone of local entertainment, delighting audiences with its exceptional talent and creative flair. Experience the magic of Leiman Mainstage as the curtain rises on this festive production, featuring music, laughter, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of Christmas in Flat Rock.  »  Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy; Various dates and times; $60-$80, $32-$52 17 and under; (828) 693-0731; flatrockplayhouse.org

December 5-6 » Asheville
Grovewood Gallery is the place to go for some festive, art-heavy holiday shopping, all while enjoying adult bevs, thanks to sponsor Metro Wines. Expect demos from on-site artisans, and discounts. There will be plenty of arts and crafts to choose from, representing numerous mediums, including pottery, glass, fabric, jewelry, and wood—all handcrafted in small studios across the US. » Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 214-7768; grovewood.com

December 6 »  Brevard
Downtown Brevard’s annual holiday festival transforms the city into a snowy winter wonderland. On Main Street, witness the tree-lighting ceremony while perusing for gifts at various vendor booths. There will also be live music performances like the Tuba Christmas concert and Carolina Dance Collaborative dances, and savory local food and drinks for sale from Brevard’s restaurants. Activities include skating on the ice rink, hayrides, and shopping downtown for holiday gifts. Kids can visit the Letter to Santa station to send off their wishes. A local favorite is the Chamber Christmas Parade to usher in the holiday spirit in the heart of Brevard. » Courthouse, Downtown Brevard; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; free; (828) 884-3278; explorebrevard.com