We’re giving you a Wiesen to celebrate Oktoberfest this year — and you don’t need to hop on a plane to join the festivities. Here’s how you can participate at local breweries.
Oktoberfest at Foothills Grange | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Foothills Grange, Black Mountain | Free+ | Enjoy a house-made bratwurst, fresh pretzels and beer cheese, a selection of Oktoberfest beers from local breweries, and live tunes.
Oktoberfest at White Labs | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co. | Free+ | See if your lederhosen give you an advantage during a game of musical kegs.
Clawtoberfest | Saturday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free+ | Be there in Bavarian fashion for one of Highland’s biggest events of the year — and start training for the pretzel eating competition, of course.
Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 6-11 a.m. | Hi-Wire River Arts District Beer Garden | $55+ | Run in the fresh autumn air and end your race with a well-deserved brew.
Arbor Evenings | Thursday, Sept. 11, Wednesday, Sept. 17, Thursday, Sept. 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum | Free+ | Sip + stroll the gardens or relax on your picnic blanket to the sounds of local musicians — the special evening music ends Thursday, Sept. 18.
Sky’s The Limit Rooftop Comedy | 7 p.m. | Antidote | $12 | Have a laugh and an expertly-made classic cocktail during this sunset comedy show.
Friday, Sept. 12
Brews & Bears | 5:30-8 p.m. | WNC Nature Center | $10+ | Come out of hibernation for the last event in the annual summer series, where you can see wildlife up close with craft beverages, live music, and food trucks.
Fall Into Dance: An Artistic Harvest | Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Pack Square Park | $25 | The Asheville Ballet — NC’s oldest ballet company — will open its 2026-2026 season with a live, outdoor performance.
Saturday, Sept. 13
RAD Resilience | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | River Arts District | Free+ | The art event is rooted in healing and strength, with many artists showcasing pieces created in direct response to the storm — expect live music, food trucks, artist talks, and an interactive project.
Grove Park - Sunset Mountain Tour of Homes | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | 1-5 p.m. | Grove Park Historic District | $35+ | Each day, take a leisurely stroll to admire the architecture of seven unique, historic homes.
Our Global Table | 3-6 p.m. | Cooperative Coffee Roasters | $35+ | Some of Asheville’s most talented chefs will serve delicious dishes from around the world to benefit Pisgah Legal Services’ Justice For All Program.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Southside Community Farms BIPOC Market | 1-4 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Celebrate the end-of-summer harvest with local chefs, farmers, and craftspeople of color during this market from Southside Community Farm.
Steppin’ Out AVL Line Dance Lessons | 5-7 p.m. | Hi-Wire Event Center | Free | You don’t need boots, a partner, or any prior experience to boogie down during this inclusive line dancing lesson.
September 11, also recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. The Asheville Fire Department is hosting a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the municipal building at 100 Court Plaza at 8:45 a.m., and the Weaverville Annual 9/11 Observance will be held at the Weaverville Community Center at 11 a.m.
Real Estate
City Council approved allocating $10 million from the 2024 Affordable Housing Bond to the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund. Managed by Self-Help Ventures Fund, the investment will expand low-interest financing for multifamily projects to increase affordable housing within city limits.
Civic
On Tuesday evening, Asheville City Council heard the Community Reparations Commission’s final report, detailing 38 recommendations and community programs addressing systemic racism in criminal justice, economic development, education, health and wellness, and housing. City Council did not vote on adopting any of the recommendations. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Environment
The Town of Lake Lure announced plans to open the lake for public use in late spring. Right after Helene, work began with FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers to drain and restore Lake Lure. Restoration of the basin is planned for the end of October, and the lake will be fully filled by May.
Arts
RAD Rendezvous, the community-driven art studio neighboring The Radical Hotel, is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Drinks and dancing will follow the 4 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, then the party continues on the hotel rooftop.
Wellness
In need of a little R&R? Sauna House is bringing back massage services starting Monday, Sept. 15. Each massage appointment includes a 60-minute deep tissue massage with a 2-hour bathhouse visit. You can go ahead and book an appointment — or treat yourself to a special discounted membership.
Concert
Asheville Downtown Association is in the running for the Levitt AMP Asheville Grant Award, which could bring 10 weeks of free, family-friendly concerts to Pritchard Park. The grant is designed to activate underused public spaces as music venues — and now it’s up to you to vote for Asheville by Monday, Sept. 15.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in AVLtoday + get primo placement in front of our 55,000+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Fun Fact
Your wait is almost over. Our AVLtoday’s Best competition opens up for nominations on Sept. 15. Hang tight and soon enough, you’ll get the opportunity to tell us who deserves a place at the top in each of our localized categories.
Real Estate
Meet Chorus Asheville — a 55+ active adult community just minutes from downtown. Now leasing, it offers stylish studio to two-bedroom apartments, wellness-focused amenities, and endless ways to connect (think: pickleball, yoga, social events, and more). Schedule a tour.*
You’re looking at the deep-fried smash burger from Smash Masters, voted the Best Fair Food at the NC Mountain State Fair by a panel of local chefs and judges.
Even more decadent dishes took home ribbons, like Magnificent Concessions’ Strawberry Velvet Banana Pudding, which now boasts the title of Best Fair Dessert.
You have until this Sunday, Sept. 14 to get a taste before the fair packs up for the season.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Fancy treating yourself to a three-course dinner all about Alpine cheese? On Saturday, Sept. 19, Barndoor Ciderworks is hosting a Raclette Dinner with Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery to kick off the Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival. Savor all the details here, then go ahead and buy tickets.
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