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Fall is a very busy time for various street festivals, events, art tours, and more in Asheville and our mountain small towns. Most are free to enjoy! The autumn foliage color show adds to the excitement. See our Fall Foliage Forecast for a week-by-week color report. For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
Upcoming Fall Events & Festivals: September & October
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Grandfather Mountain
Treat an animal lover to an up-close experience with Grandfather Mountain's resident animals. Hosted by experienced keepers, these tours show where animals sleep overnight and reveal what it takes… More Information
FAB Fest, Spring Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… More Information
Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution
See historic objects and contemporary Cherokee art. This exhibit explores how Cherokee people navigated the American Revolution. On display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. Open… More Information
Luminere Immersive Nightscapes at Biltmore
Experience Biltmore after dark with illuminated displays across the house and gardens. Arrive before sunset to enjoy picnic dinners and beverages, then watch as projected light and sound transform… More Information
Paint With a Bear at Grandfather Mountain
Watch a resident bear create a one-of-a-kind painting by walking through nontoxic paint and onto paper—one for each participant to take home as a keepsake. This playful experience is available… More Information
Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Browse work from 100 juried artists at this 63-year tradition! Six shows in 2026 (May 16, June 13, July 18, August 15, September 12, October 3) feature paintings, glass, jewelry, pottery,…
Concerts in the Park Series, Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock's beloved annual outdoor concert series returns to the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park with five free Sunday performances spanning May through September. Family-friendly and casual… More Information
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Enjoy free outside live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM starting Memorial Day through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries…
Groovin on the Green
Groovin’ on The Green are free concerts held rain for shine. They begin at 6:00 pm and last until 8:30 pm. Bring your own law chairs and blankets to The Village Green Common’s Lawn. This is a kid… More Information
Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show
This Blue Ridge celebration brings together local artisans showcasing pottery, textiles, woodwork, paintings, and fine jewelry alongside live regional music and family-friendly activities. Kids… More Information
Earl Scruggs Music Festival at Tryon International Equestrian Center
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages. The 2026 lineup includes The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, The Del McCoury Band, Béla Fleck, and more… More Information
NC Apple Festival
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
Art on the Greene, Labor Day Weekend
Escape the heat in Banner Elk and discover 60+ juried artists displaying works in a variety of media, including metal, glass, clay, wood, watercolor, acrylics, and more. Many restaurants, shops,… More Information
Brews & Bears at WNC Nature Center
Don't miss this end-of-the-season event. It is the final installment of the 2026, 10th anniversary mini-festival series. Enjoy craft beer, food trucks, live music, and animal programs under the…
Fall Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry,…
Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival
This annual celebration of storytelling brings together filmmakers, media artists, and audiences from around the world for four days of film, conversation, and creative exchange. Proceeds benefit… More Information
Heritage Weekend at Folk Art Center
This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight is the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday.
Art in Autumn Fest
Art in Autumn turns 19 on the 19th! Fun outdoor arts and crafts festival in Weaverville that includes 100 juried artists, food, and live music. Parking is available at the Weaverville Primary…
Flock to Rock Birding Day
Led by birding experts, events at Chimney Rock Park includes bird walks, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches and family nature walks.
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Mountain Heritage Days
Western Carolina University expands its 51-year Mountain Heritage Day tradition into Mountain Heritage Days—a week-long Appalachian cultural celebration in Sylva, NC. The festival features faculty lectures, heritage demonstrations, Friday night concerts, and Saturday's beloved family activities including live music, clogging, mule rides, traditional crafts, and authentic mountain food from 11am-5pm.
Hilltop Fall Festival
The first Friday and Saturday in October bring the the annual Hilltop Fall Festival in downtown Rutherfordton and Forest City. Activites typically include a Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids… More Information
Mars Hill Lunsford Heritage & Music Festival
For 2026, this event will be held on the Upper Quad on the campus of Mars Hill University. The festival is the second longest-running folk festival in Western North Carolina. It gets its name from… More Information
Asheville Art in the Park, Fall Dates
October 3, 10, and 17, 2026: From pottery to jewelry, sculpture to two-dimensional art, this art festival brings together a wide array of traditional and contemporary mountain art downtown in Pack…
ColorFest
The artsy village of Dillsboro welcomes 40 demonstrating artists along Front Street with their colorful creations. Browse many nearby galleries too. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers, see the works of 90+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 am - 5 pm on Friday, Saturday, and… More Information
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Meet over one hundred artists, makers, and craftspeople who come together in downtown Asheville at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville. Shop pottery, sculpture, furniture, tapestry, apparel,…
Harvest Festival, Stecoah Valley
Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and…
Lake Lure Autumn Arts Festival
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy live music and entertainment, many food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Free admission. Be sure to follow… More Information
Holiday Season Top 50 Events (November & December)
See our favorite events, festivals and art shows during the holiday season in Asheville and western North Carolina mountains, including many small towns and Biltmore Estate.
Christmas at Biltmore
It is not too early to book your tickets to see the elaborate holiday decorations inside and outside the Biltmore House.
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
Meet 40+ master potters from across the country at this premier juried art event. Watch them in action and buy amazing creations that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Winterfest & Christmas Light Show @ Tryon
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Open every night of the week. Check website for prices.
Past Events
Asheville Community Square Dance
Asheville Community Square Dance welcomes dancers of all experience levels—no partner, no worries—every First Saturday from September through May from 7-9:30 pm. Each dance features taught old-time square dances, waltzes, a cakewalk, lively flatfooting, and a friendly old-time jam. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for kids 12 & under. Location: Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville, NC
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National Gingerbread Competition
The 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in November 2026. Please check back for details. The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa will host the National Gingerbread House Competition.…
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures at Biltmore
This captivating exhibition invites you to delve into one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in history—the unearthing of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
Explore the rich… More Information
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Check back for 2026 dates and details! See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides.…
River Arts District Art Market
The River Arts District (RAD) Art Market invites you shop artwork made by hundreds of working artists displaced by Hurricane Helene. Includes food trucks and family-friendly activities. Located in the parking lot of Pine Gate Renewables, 130 Roberts Street, Asheville. 10 am-5 pm each Saturday in November, 2025.
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Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Twice a year you are invited to take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a…
RAD Fest 2025
Celebrate art and resilience throughout the River Arts District. Explore open studios and galleries featuring 500+ working artists, plus 100 displaced creators now back to making and exhibiting their work. Enjoy live music, DJs, art demonstrations, food trucks, and family-friendly activities—all free!
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WNC Pottery Festival, Sylva
This one-day juried event showcase features 40+ master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. IT's one of the top arts events in our mountains, attended annually by several… More Information
Asheville Eliada Corn Maze
Corn maze fun can be found just five miles from downtown Asheville! Eliada's Fall Festival & Corn Maze offers corn cannons, custom corn maze, hay rides, food trucks, and pumpkins for sale. All… More Information
Drum Circle
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park from April-October. And dance the night away!
