One of the things I absolutely love about living in Asheville is that there are tons of ways to stay connected with the community. From music festivals, weekly farmers markets and yoga classes, a little bit of everything is offered in this unique town and the areas surrounding it. Moreover, each season brings new and exciting events. Here are some of the fun things happening this October.
Calendar Events
October 1, 2016: Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Celebrate LGBT pride in Downtown Asheville at the Pack Square Park. The event includes over 100 vendors and entertainers that will keep the party going from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
October 8, 2016: Star Gazing
Enjoy a guided tour of the stars at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Insititute. Tickets are just $20 and this kid-friendly event lasts from 8-10 p.m.
October 8, 2016: Oktoberfest
Taking place in Pack Square Park of Downtown Asheville, this festival has over 25 vendors that will offer delicious brews and tasty beer snacks. Aside from the delicious beer and food, there will be team games, a costume contest and live music. The event will last from 1-6 p.m. and ticket prices range from $10-$80. Buy tickets here.
October 8-9, 2016: Carolina Bonsai Expo
Experience the beauty of bonsai at the North Carolina Arboretum's 21st Carolina Bonsai Expo. This event will feature exhibits made by international bonsai enthusiasts, bonsai workshops and a bonsai marketplace where you can purchase your very own bonsai tree. The event is free, but parking costs $8. For information visit this website.
October 8-9, 2016: Dupont's Tour de Falls: Waterfall Bus Tour
Located approximately one hour from Asheville, DuPont State Forest is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the southeast. This tour will take you via shuttle bus to four of the park's most popular waterfalls. For more information check out about reserving your spot on the tour visit this website.
October 15, 2016: 4th Annual CiderFest
If you are looking to enjoy some tasty cider in good company, this is the event for you! Asheville's 4th Annual Cider Fest is scheduled to take place from 1-5 p.m. at the Salvage Station event space along the French Broad River. There will be tons of fresh cider, kid-friendly fall activities, live musical performs, artisan food vendors and art vendors. Children and young adults under the age of 20 get in free. General admission tickets for adults 21 and over cost $30 when you buy them in advance, and $40 on the day of the event. For more information and to buy tickets go to this website.
October 20-23, 2016: LEAF
This annual festival takes place on the beautiful grounds of Lake Eden on the site of the old Historic Black Mountain College. Featuring live music, dancing, wellness activities, dozens of local vendors, kid-friendly games and weekend lodging, this festival can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages! For more information and ticket prices check out the LEAF Festival website.
October 21, 2016: Mandolin Orange Live at The Orange Peel
This folk duo creates a unique combination of folk, bluegrass, pop, and gospel music by combining beautiful vocals with various string instruments. Don't miss them perform their newest album, Blindfaller (set to release on September 30), live at the Orange Peel. Tickets are only $15 when you buy in advance and $18 on the day of the show. Buy them here.
October 28-29, 2016: Historic Haunted House Tours
If you're looking for a slightly spooky activity to do this fall, the Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center will be hosting haunted tours of the historic Round Knob Lodge. The tours are more historic and entertaining than they are scary, and feature live music, historic reenactments and refreshments. Each tour lasts two hours and tickets are $25 for members of the museum and $35 for non-members. Buy them here.
October 29, 2016: Brevard Halloweenfest
The town of Brevard may be small, but their annual Halloweenfest is one giant celebration. Kicking of at 9 a.m, the day of spooky events begins with the Flight of the Vampire 5k, 10k, and Fun Run. There is also a pie baking competition, a costume contest, a parade, and trick-or-treating for all ages. For more infromation about the day's events, check out this website.
Recurring Events
Bluegrass Brunch at Mojo Kitchen and Lounge
Calling all lovers of food! Run, don't walk to Mojo Kitchen and Lounge every Sunday from 11 a.m - 3 p.m. for their delicious bluegrass brunch. Enjoy a menu of southern comforts, vegetarian and gluten sensitive options, and take advantage of their build-your-own bloody mary bar all while listening to some good ole' bluegrass! Click here for directions and check out their tasty brunch menu!
Eliada Corn Maze
Exploring DuPont: Filming Locations Tour for "The Hunger Games"
You don't have to be a hardcore fan of the popular 2012 blockbuster to find this at least a little bit cool. This fantastic tour has been featured on The Today Show, the New York Times and USA Today, and will allow you to walk in the actual footsteps of the original characters as you visit some of the movie's most iconic filming locations. Tours are every Saturday and Sunday and tickets range from $37-$45. To buy tickets and learn more information visit this website.
