It’s fall y’all. Well, almost — fall officially begins this Saturday, Sept. 23, so we’re here to help you make the most of the season with 13 fall bucket list activities. Bonus points if you print out this list and check off activities as you go.
Quintessential fall fun
☐ Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the fall foliage.
☐ Mosey your way through the Eliada Corn Maze, open Friday-Sunday from Sept. 29 to Oct. 29.
☐ Head to a pumpkin patch, and pick one up to carve with your crew — we may be biased, but the AVLtoday logo would look great emblazoned on a jack-o-lantern.
☐ Hit up a local farmers market to stock up on fresh fall produce.
Fall festivals + events
☐ Blue Ridge Pride Festival | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | Arrive at 16 South French Broad Ave. at 10 a.m. for the Pride Procession that leads into the festival, which features performances, food trucks, and vendors.
☐ Asheville Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 2-6 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | $20-$100 | Break out the lederhosen and arrive in style for drinks from 20+ craft beverage makers, local food vendors, games, and live music.
☐ Burnpile | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 1-6 p.m. | Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp, 10 Shady Oak Dr., Asheville | $50 | Jam out to MJ Lenderman, Deer Tick, and S.G. Goodman while sipping on beers from 50+ breweries.
☐ LEAF Global Arts Festival | Thursday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Times vary | Lake Eden, Black Mountain | $48-$254 | This year’s theme is Legend of the Americas, paying homage to First Nations, Indigenous, and Latinx communities.
☐ Carolina CiderFest | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Pl., Asheville |$45-$95 | Get a taste of hard ciders, mead, apple wine, and seltzers — must be 21+ to attend.
☐ Candelight Concerts | Friday, Oct. 27, Friday, Nov. 3, Thursday, Nov. 16, Tuesday, Nov. 28 | Times vary | AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $35-$63 | The room will be illuminated by candlelight while you listen to live, classical renditions of iconic music — the themed shows include Halloween classics, a tribute to Taylor Swift, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and the best of Hans Zimmer.
Spooky season shenanigans
☐ Turn off the lights, fire up the TV, and watch a horror movie shot right here in Asheville — if you dare.
☐ If you’re up for a fright, let Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours take you on a journey through the creepiest corners of our city on a classic walking tour or supernatural tour.
☐ Hop aboard the Gray Line Trolley for a Haunted History & Murder Mystery Tour, and hear tales of local ghosts, goblins, spies, and more — or try La Zoom’s Ghosted: Comedy Bus Tour if you prefer laughs to terrifying legends.
