Asheville Events -- October 18, 2026: An acoustic celebration of the Grateful Dead, a free evening of Phish favorites and a seasonal gathering of poetry and prose are among Asheville’s entertainment options for October 18–24, 2026.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings perform at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, presenting music from the Grateful Dead’s acoustic live album Reckoning alongside other Grateful Dead songs.
Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and event information are available through Harrah’s Cherokee Center–Asheville.
This Week at The Orange Peel
The Orange Peel, located at 101 Biltmore Avenue, lists the following performances:
Sunday, October 18:Avery Anna, with Jaid Joice, on the Blood Runs Thicker Tour.
Monday, October 19:The Residents — Eskimo Live, with Rushadicus. Fully seated; ages 18 and older.
Wednesday, October 21:PUP’s The Dream Is Over 10th Anniversary Tour, with NOBRO and PONY. All ages; children under 12 require venue approval.
Thursday, October 22:Phillip Phillips, with Katie Lynne Sharbaugh. Partially seated; ages 18 and older.
Friday, October 23:Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band, with Conrad Moore. Ages 18 and older.
Saturday, October 24:Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band, with Conrad Moore and The Resonant Rogues. Ages 18 and older.
All performances listed above begin at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Visit The Orange Peel’s event calendar for tickets and admission details.
Free Phish Tribute at French Broad River Brewery
Taste — A Phish Tribute performs at French Broad River Brewery, 101 Fairview Road, on Friday, October 23, from 6–9 p.m.
LiveMusicAsheville lists the performance as free, open to all ages and pet friendly, with food and drinks available on-site.
Tuesday Night Jazz
For a smaller-venue music outing, Hot Jazz with The John Henrys is listed for Tuesday, October 20, at 8 p.m. at 5 Walnut Wine Bar, according to LiveMusicAsheville’s calendar.
High Heels Drag Show on the South Slope
Bearded Lady Productions brings the High Heels Drag Show to Plant Bar South Slope on Friday, October 23, from 7–8 p.m.
Hosted by Natasha Noir Nightly, the show takes place at 32 Banks Avenue, Suite 105. Admission is $5. Find event details and tickets through Plant Bar.
Autumn Poetry and Prose at Story Parlor
Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Road, hosts “Spooktacular, Spooktacular! — An Autumn Evening of Poetry and Prose” on Saturday, October 24, from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
The evening features readings and performances by Monday Hakala, Arielle Hebert and Taylor Sykes, including original work and selections from classic literature. Attendees are welcome to wear costumes. Tickets are available through Story Parlor’s event page.
All times are Eastern. Event details reflect published listings checked October 18, 2026. Confirm schedules, admission policies and ticket availability with the venue before attending.