• WNC Toys for Tots | Friday, Nov. 17-Saturday, Nov. 18 | Times vary | Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville | Free | The annual drive will collect monetary donations or new, unwrapped toys for local families in need.
• Murder at the Masquerade | Friday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $30 | If you’re dying to get away with murder, sign up to get your role and become a part of the action.
• The Snozzberries Psychedelic Circus with Kendall Street Company | Friday, Nov. 17 | 8:30 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave., Asheville | $15-$20 | The psychedelic rock band is back for its third annual immersive show featuring performers, interactive art, and plenty of colorful fun.

• 77th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Asheville, Biltmore and Patton Avenues, Asheville | Free | Holiday cheer will fill the streets, following the theme of “Snow Globe” — the Onesie One Miler will take place before the parade and pictures with Santa + Mrs. Claus after.
• NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville | $30-$100 | Originally held in NYC’s Lincoln Center, the prestigious competition now welcomes its eight finalists to Asheville for an evening of song and connection.
• Mountainfilm on Tour | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 8-10:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St., Asheville | $25-$150 | See a selection of documentary films on adventure, activism, social justice, and the environment hosted by science education nonprofit Muddy Sneakers.

• Raclette Brunch Party with Gourmand | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop, 32 Broadway St., Ste. 110, Asheville | $5-$50 | Savor bites topped with the gooey Swiss cheese — walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
• Butts & Boots Country Tea Dance | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 4-7 p.m. | Banks Ave Bar, 32 Banks Ave., #101, Asheville | Free | Join Steppin’ Out AVL and get down to some country music while learning how to line dance and two-step — no partner or experience necessary.

• Thanksgiving is coming up fast, but there are still plenty of ways you can help feed members of our community before Turkey Day festivities begin. Volunteer with or donate to a variety of local organizations to help fight food insecurity in our area.

• Getting ready to shred the slopes? Cataloochee Ski Area hasn’t yet announced its opening date, but the resort is prepping for the season with its annual gear consignment sale, running Saturday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 3. You can drop off your gently used items Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2.

• The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here, and winter events are popping up all over Asheville. Get a head start on planning seasonal fun for the whole family with our holiday preview, full of markets, shows, and dazzling lights.

Why go?

• Read more about this haunted location in LALtoday’s Haunted Florida series + check out Thrillist’s recommendations on activities — which include staying at a haunted bed and breakfast.

Act like a local:

• Outdoors: Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail | Convene with nature — and fairies, pixies + sprites — and stop to take a photo in front of the giant fairy wings toward the back of this horseshoe-shaped park.
• Explore: C. Green’s Haunted History House & Museum | See haunted artifacts with ties to historic figures like H.H. Holmes + Lizzy Borden.

Where to stay:

• Vrbo: Stay in this recently renovated, four-bed, two-bath home with a screened-in patio, pool, and hot tub. (~$308/night)*