This is an action-packed time of the year in Asheville. There’s so much to see and do during the autumn season that it can be hard to keep track of what’s to come, and we’re all at a real FOMO risk. But we can help. We’ve gathered a few October events — from performances to festivals, workshops to film screenings — that you won’t want to miss.
Tuesday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 8
Ben & Angela | Thursday, Oct. 5-Saturday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St., Asheville | $20
Presented by The Sublime Theater and written by David Brendan Hopes, this play follows a complicated and profound story of love and marriage.
Haunted Trail | Friday, Oct. 6-Monday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $18-$44
Walk the family-friendly haunted trail with live actors, spooky sounds + a little comedy, then stop by the aerial Glow Trail or visit Pirates Cove — the event is geared toward families with kids ages 3-13.
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville | Free
In a work written by local playwright Will Storrs, Alice returns to a re-imagined Wonderland to see it transformed into something hardly recognizable.
The Splatter Play | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 21 | Times vary | The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., Asheville | $25
The play follows Tina on the day of the open house for her childhood home/mother’s evil laboratory — certain rows will be in the splash zone.
Tour de Fat | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free
This costumed ride will kick off with a bike parade then head right into a fashion show, music, entertainment, and more.
Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 2-6 p.m. | Pack Square Pavilion, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | $20-$100
This popular local fest returns with offerings from 20+ local breweries and craft beverage makers, German-inspired food, and festival games.
Asheville VeganFest | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | $0-$35
The family-friendly event will feature educational speakers, local vendors, delicious vegan food, games for kids, and lot of fun to be had.
Monday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 15
Adult Studio: Still Life Drawing & Painting | Thursday, Oct. 12, 19, and 26 | 6 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | $60-$150
Work with charcoal or paint to create a work during this three-week session lead by Angela Cunningham — perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists.
Frankenbash | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S. Charlotte St., Asheville | Free
It’s time to resurrect the Frankenstout, but that’s not all because this party will feature food + cocktail specials, music, tarot reading, and a costume contest.
Fall Ecstatic Dance | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | $19-$32
Hosted by StarTribe, this open-sky dance celebrates the therapeutic power of movement with the help of collaborative music project, Liquid Bloom.
Burnpile | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 1-6 p.m. | Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp, 10 Shady Oak Dr., Asheville | $50-$150
Music all day and tastings from more than 50 breweries from across the country, this festival is experience for music + beer aficionados alike.
Cat Fly Halloween | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 7 p.m. | Wedge Brewery at Foundation, 5 Foundy St. #10, Asheville | $15-$18
The curated screening + costume party will feature 10 spooky shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers in the South — and don’t miss the pre-party screening of “Practical Magic” at the House of Black Cat Magic on Friday, Oct. 13.
Monday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 22
World Trails Film Festival | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 7-9:30 p.m. | UNC Asheville Lipinsky Hall, 300 Library Ln., Asheville | $15
The festival showcases stories of trails around the world, celebrates why they matter, and supports both the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and the World Trails Ambassadors.
Leaf Global Arts Festival | Thursday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Times vary | Lake Eden Events & Lodging, 377 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain | $48-$254
Join a journey through many First Nations with Legends of the Americas — music, dance, performance, workshops, drum circles, a poetry slam, and fun for the whole family.
Fall Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | Thursday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $10
Contemporary and traditional works in wood, glass, paper, and more will fill the center, so shop around or take in the live music and craft demonstration.
6th Annual Wicked Halloween 5k & Fun Run | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $25-$50
Show off your Halloween costume while you run or walk to support the Asheville Humane Society, then grab a local brew after the race.
Carolina CiderFest | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Pl., Asheville | $25-$95
Sip and savor ciders + meads from a variety of local and national makers, then grab a bite of artisanal food, listen to some music, and browse the local vendors.
Monday, Oct. 23-Tuesday, Oct. 31
Halloween Silent Disco | Friday, Oct. 27 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St., Asheville | $10-$15
Don your spookiest attire, and get ready to dance your heart out because with headphones for the music, you can sing as off-key as you like and with three channels of tunes, no one will know if your moves are off rhythm.
Touch-A-Truck Family Festival | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville | $5
Hosted by the Junior League of Asheville, the festival lets kids and kids at heart explore vehicles of all types — construction, emergency, and everything in between.
The 13th Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 1-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free
Experimental theater, circus arts, and live music blend together for a festival under the Full Lunar Eclipse — plus, vendors, food, drinks, and art installations.
Pumpkin Pedaller | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 1:30-7 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free
Hosted by Asheville on Bikes, the costumed community ride will start with a contest and a pop-up bike park for kids before making its way through the city.
Uncommon Market | Sunday, Oct. 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1 Foundy St., Asheville | Free
Shop from 115 local vendors at Asheville’s largest curated pop-up market — antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, plants, art, and lots more.
This isn’t all — visit our events calendar for a lot more happenings this month.
