Family events in Buncombe County, NC

Designed for ages 3 to 9, Pool Pals through the YMCA Youth Development Center invites children to enjoy supervised time in the pool instead of the childcare room. Each session features guided water play led by YDC staff, with a lifeguard who holds Red Cross certification on duty to support a safe experience. The program is held monthly. Registration can be completed at the front desk or online.

A cheerful story time centered on early language development for babies ages 4 to 18 months. Older siblings are welcome. After the stories, parents can connect with one another while babies explore sensory play items. This program is for children and their caregivers. Adults should plan to stay and actively participate with their child, and drop offs are not permitted.

Shoppers can support vendors at this weekly farmers market. It is easy to find near the light across from Ingles.

At Vintage Kava, a community fire and flow jam welcomes participants with fire, LED, and practice props. A campfire will be lit during the event. Carpooling is encouraged. The property is alcohol free, and kava, teas, and other beverages are available from the venue. Children and dogs may attend with supervision, and dogs must remain on a leash. There is no cover charge, and each attendee is required to purchase at least one drink.

At Asheville Outlets, the Asheville Spooktacular Craft and Vendor Market brings a family-friendly Halloween atmosphere with fall touches and creative shopping. Local vendors present unique finds, handmade goods, sweet treats, seasonal decor, gifts, and plenty of fall and Halloween favorites. Shoppers can browse spooky-cute items, festive decorations, costumes, treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts for the season. Vendor registration is open, offering a chance for makers and small businesses to showcase products to families and seasonal shoppers, with limited spaces available.

The Swannanoa Market invites the community to come together in a welcoming setting where neighbors connect, friends catch up, and families feel at home. Browse local goods, meet the people who make and grow them, and enjoy a family friendly outing. Created with the community in mind, it is open to all. Growers, bakers, makers, artists, and small businesses are encouraged to participate this season, and the market is also seeking volunteers, musicians, children’s activities, and sponsors. It looks ahead to another year of community in Swannanoa.

Designed for a calm, kid-friendly atmosphere, this creative session pairs the soothing fun of coloring with the gentle company of cats. Coloring books and markers are provided, and when the artwork is complete, young creators can either take it home or display it on the shop’s Bastet altar. The session is open to children ages 13 and under. Admission is $15 for each child with one accompanying adult, and proceeds support the care of the resident panthers. To keep the experience relaxing for everyone, all attendees are asked to follow cat lounge rules. A separate adults-only session is offered as well.

Ballcrank Arcade celebrates its grand opening with a free community market in Weaverville, NC. The celebration brings together local makers and small businesses, farmers with local food, artists and creators, and a variety of food trucks and vendors. Activities include free fitness classes provided by Iron Wood Athletic, kids dance and movement, family activities, music and entertainment, wellness businesses and practitioners, pickleball clinics and demonstrations, and the Pure Home hydration experience. Attendees can connect with local organizations and get a preview of what is coming to the Ballcrank Arcade property. Admission is free, and free experiences include fitness classes, family activities, music and parking throughout the event. This gathering offers a first look at a community destination taking shape for Western North Carolina where people can move, create, eat, shop, work and belong. These early community events are being used to help shape future programming with recurring markets and more to come.

This lively fall festival features games, candy, and food. It offers plenty of fun for all ages.