This weekend in Buncombe County, NC

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.

Art by the Tracks brings fine art and handmade crafts to downtown Black Mountain. Organized by the Old Depot Association, this twice yearly fair funds grants for local art programs in Swannanoa and Black Mountain.

This peer-led support group is for relatives, partners, and caregivers of individuals living with mental health conditions. It offers a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from peers, and develop practical ways to cope while supporting loved ones. The group meets every Saturday in downtown Asheville. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge to attend.

At Sand Hill Community Garden, this hands-on session begins the 2026 growing season with the first seeds going into the soil. It welcomes all experience levels, from longtime gardeners to those trying it for the first time. Tools, materials, and expert guidance are provided. Expect a friendly setting that invites meeting neighbors, learning new skills, and supporting efforts that help feed the community.

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.

An immersive sound experience in Asheville guided by Vivek features more than 40 handcrafted Himalayan singing bowls. Layers of resonant tones and rich overtones fill the space, settling the mind, relaxing the body, and inviting a return to yourself. The grounding harmonics can encourage shifts across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states, supporting a reset and a clear, balanced start to the week. Yoga mats, pillows, and blankets are provided.

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.

Set in Hot Springs, North Carolina, this women’s hiking retreat blends full days on the trail with the comforts of glampacking. Rated 3 to 4 on a 1 to 5 activity scale and open to women of all ages, it features about 7 to 10 miles of hiking each day, followed by a hot shower, a satisfying dinner, and a cozy bed instead of a tent. Groups are limited to 8 hikers and supported by two experienced, Wilderness First Responder certified guides. The price includes lodging in a vacation rental, meals and snacks, daily transportation to and from the trailhead, and well-managed logistics with a strong emphasis on safety. Highlights include scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail, a soothing soak in the area’s hot springs, meals at local restaurants, and time to browse nearby shops. Cost is $2,400 for single occupancy or $2,300 for double occupancy. A $200 non-refundable down payment is required at signup to secure a spot.

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

All are welcome to catch Kevin and Paul at Reems Creek Golf Club. They hope to play outdoors with views of the golf course, and food and drinks are available.

Settle in for a special acoustic set from Doss Church & the Unholy Noise on the patio. This Asheville group brings an Americana rock and roll spirit, weaving original songs by singer and songwriter Doss Church with well-loved covers. Church delivers rich, emotive vocals and warm acoustic guitar, telling stories of love lost and hope found. The band draws on Americana, country, and folk rock influences from the 60s through today, shaping a sound that feels both classic and current. Expect candid songwriting, seasoned musicianship, and an engaging stage presence. All ages are welcome, and patio seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

After/Glow hosts a weekly night of live DJ sets with music, food, and drinks. For this edition, the lineup features DJ Ramin Neshan and Farstad.

Flamenco Appalachia presents an evening devoted to the traditions of flamenco, featuring renowned flamenco dancer and educator Daniela Tugues alongside local artists and musicians. The performance blends dance, live music, rhythm, and song to share the art form’s heritage, passion, and grace. The program moves from high-intensity, dramatic moments to gentle, elegant passages while honoring flamenco’s cultural roots and artistic depth. An optional class open to all levels is offered before the performance, and participation in the class is not required. The venue is The White Horse.

A dinnertime set of music at The Lobster Trap in Asheville keeps the weekend momentum going. It takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month beginning in May. Select dates feature a duo with drums.

A candlelit evening at Asheville Masonic Temple features the Opal String Quartet performing a tribute to The Beatles. The 60 minute program includes beloved songs such as Here Comes The Sun, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Help!, Michelle, Penny Lane, Come Together, We Can Work It Out, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Lady Madonna, Blackbird, Here, There, and Everywhere, Eleanor Rigby, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Yesterday, and Hey Jude. Doors open 45 minutes before the music begins and there is no late entry once the performance starts. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Balcony seating is not ADA compliant. Within each zone, seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, creating an intimate, candlelit atmosphere for this Beatles tribute.

Enjoy an evening of contemporary choral music at St George's Episcopal - West Asheville in Asheville, NC, featuring works by Trotta, Gawthrop, Whitacre, Ticheli, Antognini, and more.

Stephani hosts a lively karaoke gathering at The Social, where guests can take the mic, enjoy drinks and food, and celebrate with friends. Early sign-up is encouraged because the list can fill up quickly, and the host strives to give everyone a chance to perform. Those who prefer to watch can still expect plenty of entertainment, as the singers often deliver surprising performances that make it enjoyable for everyone.

The JackTown Ramblers bring a spirited take on bluegrass, blending swinging rhythms with the rootsy sound of the mountains. Based in Morganton, North Carolina, this seasoned four-piece is a fixture of the regional scene, typically performing 75 to 100 shows each year. Their set features a mix of cherished standards and original songs, all delivered with crisp instrumentation and close-knit harmonies. Each musician adds a distinct voice, creating an easy chemistry that carries through every tune. On stage they play with obvious joy and authenticity, turning the room into a lively, shared celebration. Expect high energy, heartfelt picking, and mountain-flavored grooves played straight from the heart.

Cosmic Charlie brings a late night celebration of the Grateful Dead to Asheville Music Hall as the afterparty to the Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Reckoning shows. Night two is an all request affair, with two sets shaped entirely by songs fans submit on the event’s Facebook page or call out from the floor. Ticket options include a two day pass for $30, general admission in advance for $17, or general admission priced at $20 on the day of the show. Born in Athens, Georgia in 1999, Cosmic Charlie approaches the Dead’s catalog with its own voice, using the original spirit as a springboard for fresh improvisation and familiar grooves. The band often walks onstage without a preset list, invites requests, and aims for those moments when everything locks in and the music seems to lead the way. Grateful Dead Hour host David Gans has praised the group for honoring the conversation at the heart of this music while keeping it personal.

An all-level yoga class rooted in Hatha and Vinyasa, taught by a rotating team of certified instructors. The 75 minute session begins with a short meditation and reflection, then moves into a slow to moderately paced flow that links breath with movement. Each class highlights a different balance of strength building and release. Variations and modifications are offered throughout to support both newcomers and experienced practitioners, and the practice concludes with savasana and a brief meditation. Please bring a yoga mat and any props you prefer. A large sheet or blanket under your mat is recommended for extra space. If you need a mat, one can be provided at no cost with at least 24 hours notice. Arrive early to settle in so you do not miss centering. Capacity is limited, so advance sign-up is encouraged. Include a phone number with your registration so organizers can reach you if class is canceled due to weather or an emergency. If weather leads to a cancellation, payments may be refunded or applied to a future class, and updates will be shared via social media and the email list within an hour of class. To maintain a calm environment, pets are not permitted. The class is recommended for children 8 and older, and younger children are welcome if they can remain on their mat space, with quiet activities or headphones if attention drifts.

Experience a calming blend of sound and energy work guided by James and Karen Genaro. For an hour, James creates a live soundscape with singing bowls, gongs, bells, didgeridoo, lyre, a Moog synthesizer, and other instruments to support deep relaxation and focused awareness. During the session, Karen offers optional one-on-one Reiki and related energy support, working to identify energetic blockages and encourage the body’s natural healing process. A contribution of $10 to $20 or more is welcome. James is a musician and composer with 25 years of experience using sound to foster healing, shift consciousness, and access visionary states. Karen has over 16 years in massage and bodywork, Reiki, and trauma release, bringing a thoughtful approach to individualized care.

Asheville Veganfest Fall brings a plant-based celebration to Pack Square Park with crisp seasonal energy as the leaves change in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy hearty autumn comfort foods and sweet treats from local and regional vendors, explore a curated marketplace of ethical lifestyle brands ranging from skincare to whimsical apparel, and take in music from a live DJ. The event is free to attend with a suggested $10 donation, and VIP and Festival Bag options are available. Families will find games and activities for all ages, pets are welcome, and there are opportunities to connect with local non-profits and wellness experts in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Football season has returned to The Mule with games on the big screen and bar TVs throughout the season. Sundays feature drink specials and delicious food for an easy place to catch the action. The big screen is not guaranteed for every game or start time each Sunday, and the events calendar reflects what else is happening.

Set aside 50 minutes to unwind in a cat lounge where coloring and feline companionship help melt away stress. Spend time with the resident panthers, meet other cat lovers, and color a cat-themed page from adult coloring books. Coloring books and markers are provided. When your artwork is finished, take it home or choose to display it on the shop’s altar for Bastet. Tickets are $15 per person, and admission supports the care of the resident panthers. Participants ages 12 and up are welcome, and the atmosphere is intended to remain calm and relaxing for everyone.

This oil painting workshop with Patricia Sweet focuses on value as the framework that shapes light, space, and form. Students set color aside and work with white plus either black, Raw Umber, or Van Dyke Brown to build a full range from the darkest dark to the lightest light, making it easier to study subtle value relationships without the distraction of hue. Through demonstrations and guided practice, participants explore how value generates depth, distance, atmosphere, and structure. Landscapes are simplified into clear value masses, and atmospheric perspective is applied so distant features appear lighter and lower in contrast while nearer elements remain stronger and more defined. Instruction covers how to mix an accurate string of values, organize the ten key value groups, create depth using value alone, build strong compositions through value patterns, use contrast to establish a focal point, and develop form and mood through gentle transitions. By the end, each participant completes a monochrome oil landscape study that shows how a carefully planned value structure can suggest light, atmosphere, and three dimensional space. Students should bring white paint plus one of black, Van Dyke Brown, or Raw Umber, a neutral gray palette or a simple white foam plate, an 8x10 or 9x12 canvas with tooth rather than a slick gesso panel unless specified, 1 inch and 1/2 inch flat brushes and at least one medium round with soft bristles, a palette knife for mixing, mineral spirits in a sealed metal or glass container, and paper towels, with a cloth like option such as the Viva brand recommended.

Fatal Vision transforms Macbeth into an immersive experience at Crow and Quill for the Halloween season. A limited red blindfold option offers full participation, with hands-on guidance from The Unseen Actors. The white blindfold path provides an audio-only journey. Observers can choose the voyeur experience and watch as The Unseen Actors build the world with live foley and voice acting. Early arrival is important, since red blindfold spots are given first to the earliest attendees. Others may select either the white blindfold or voyeur format. Two performances are set for Crow and Quill, with four more at Attic Salt, and tickets are selling quickly.

Discover a playful, intuitive approach to collage in a relaxed session led by local artist and teacher Kate Stockman. Let imagery surface naturally and come together on your page, with the focus on play rather than perfection. Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating alongside others in a pressure free setting. All materials are provided, and you may bring favorite clippings, photographs, or other ephemera to personalize your piece. Open to everyone with no registration required, and there is no cost to attend.

Tophouse performs at Third Room with a sound that resists easy labels, rooted in bluegrass and folk while reaching into rock, Irish, and pop. Special guests will be announced. Tickets are $27.50 in advance and $32.50 the day of show.

An evening of improv comedy brings together teams from the region and a special guest. Promise Ring, featuring Jeff Quintana, Brad Berghof, and James Allen, closes the night after performing at the 2026 Asheville Improv Festival. The show opens with Joyride Improv, featuring Nora Tramm, Eric Brown, and Stevie Ramirez. Hosted and curated by Middle Rage, with Stacey Uria, Matt Peiken, Jillian Burfete, Paul Dixon, and George Awad, the event spotlights regional improv talent from start to finish.