Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor hoping to soak in the cultural richness of our city, get ready for a month packed with memorable moments.
October Entertainment Highlights in Asheville:
Festivals & Special Events:
Asheville Oktoberfest (October 4 at Pack Square Park): Celebrate Bavarian culture with local brews, German food, and festive music.
Villain Arts' 6th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival (October 3-5 at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville): A three-day event featuring live tattooing, vendors, and entertainment.
Asheville Art in the Park (October 4, 11, and 18 at Pack Square Park): Browse and purchase unique artwork from regional artists.
The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival (LAAFF) (October 11-12 at Pack Square Park): A free, family-friendly festival with live music, bounce houses, and community activities benefiting at-risk youth.
WNC Parade of Homes (October 11-12 and 18-19): Explore new and remodeled homes across the region in this free, self-guided tour.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands (October 16-19 at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville): Discover exceptional traditional and contemporary mountain arts and crafts.
LEAF Global Arts Festival (October 16-19 at Lake Eden): A celebrated festival showcasing world music, art, and culture.
Venardos Circus presents "Far Beyond" (October 2-19 at Tanger Outlets Asheville): Experience a unique, Broadway-style circus with new acts.
The Haunted Trail (Select dates in October at Adventure Center of Asheville): Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky, outdoor experience.
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures (Ongoing through October 31 at Biltmore): Explore an exhibition connecting King Tut's discovery to the Vanderbilt-Cecil family history.
Live Music & Concerts:
Lake Street Dive (October 1 at Asheville Yards)
Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners (October 9 at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville)
Ben Folds with the Asheville Symphony (October 10 at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville)
Neko Case (October 8 at The Orange Peel)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (October 14 at The Orange Peel)
Johnnyswim (October 18 at The Orange Peel)
AFI (October 20 at The Orange Peel)
Turnpike Troubadours (October 25 at ExploreAsheville.com Arena)
Hippie Sabotage (October 28 at The Orange Peel)
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics (October 31)
Theatre & Comedy:
Grease (September 19 - October 12 at Asheville Community Theatre): Catch the classic rock-and-roll musical.
The Shark is Broken (September 24 - October 12 at NC Stage Company): A comedic look behind the scenes of filming "Jaws."
Hell Hounds: Dark and Dirty Comedy Show (October 4 at The Hound): An adult-oriented comedy showcase with local and regional talent.
The Misfit Improv Comedy Show (October 10 at NC Stage): An interactive and unscripted comedy show.
Secret Comedy Show (October 13 in West Asheville): "Don't Tell Comedy" brings a secret show to an undisclosed location.
Margaret Cho (October 24 at The Orange Peel)
The Rocky Horror Show (October 24 - November 2 at Asheville Community Theatre): Get ready for this cult classic stage musical.
Beetlejuice JR. (October 25-26 at Asheville Community Theatre): A family-friendly version of the popular story.
Paula Poundstone (October 31 at Diana Wortham Theatre)
Please note: While we strive to provide the most accurate information, event dates, times, and details are subject to change. We highly recommend checking with individual venues or event organizers to confirm specifics before making your plans.
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