SINGLE DAY FALL FESTIVALS

(NOT Including Church Fall Festivals. Please scroll down for those)

Sept 16th 10:00am-6:00pm – Art in Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival on Main Street in Weaverville. Fine art and craft exhibitors. Food & Live Music. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd 10:00am-3:00pm – Dupont Forest Festival at Guion Farm Access Area. We’ll have a mix of drop-in activities, demonstrations, group tours, and hikes, all perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Our number one goal for the Forest Festival is to teach people to love the Forest. Along with having fun, the activities will weave in education about reducing impacts to the Forest, waterfall safety, trails that serve multiple types of recreationalists and Forest conservation. Each event will be led by an expert volunteer and representative from our partner organizations. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd 3:00pm – Haw Creek Heritage Festival at Haw Creek Commons in Asheville. Celebrating the fall season and the rich cultural tapestry of the Haw Creek community. Immerse yourself in live music that echoes traditions of the past, while little ones bounce with joy in the lively bouncy houses. Engage in some friendly competition with cornhole games, and experience the historic storytelling that will be held in Heritage Hall. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd 4:30-7:30pm – Fletcher Family Festival in Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher. Inflatable, Face painting, food trucks, pictures with Llamas, Craft vendors, Car show, Live Music. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 24th 12:00pm-6:00pm – Jumpin’ Into Fall Festival at Jumping’ Around LLC in Marion. We will have 5 inflatables up at our Camping World in Marion. We’ll have a mobile petting zoo and hay ride along with foam parties around the clock! Enjoy hot apple cider or apple cider slushies while browsing the craft vendors under the pavilion and join the pumpkin painting contest. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 29th 1:00pm-3:00pm – Michaelmas Celebration with Asheville Waldorf School in Asheville. According to ancient traditions, this festive day honors the archangel Michael who courageously subdued a dragon to save the kingdom. At AWS, this celebration recognizes the powers within each of us to overcome darkness with light that gives strength and purpose in life. All AWS families and the wider community are invited to our celebration that includes challenging activities, feats of strength and courage, harvest soup, dragon bread, a pageant performed by our Grades students and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 10:00am-4:00pm – Old Time Fall Festival in Burnsville Town Square. This is a good old fashioned, “Old Timey” local festival. This annual event is used to invite heritage-crafters to come out and demonstrate the old timey methods of producing their crafts. Antique tractors and cars are on display along with the local Farmer’s Market. Music for all ages, food, and rides and games for the kids are all part of this fun, family-friendly day. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 10:00am-4:00pm – Festival of Neighborhoods at Martin Luther King Jr. Park with Asheville City Government. A free, family-friendly community event. Learn about the unique neighborhoods that make up Asheville and the fantastic folks who live there. Connect with City employees on topics like emergency preparedness, the City budget, and help name the Public Works snow plow mascot. Kids (and adults) can get their wiggles out on inflatable activities or dance to some music. Enjoy local eats, such as soul food from Daddy D’s on Wheels … and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 11:00am-4:00pm – Ross Farm FREE Fall Festival at Ross Farm Nursery and Greenhouses in Candler. The greenhouses are overflowing with beautiful Fall goodies, and Ms. Susie and crew will be there enjoying cozy live music, a hot chocolate bar, and food from Cecilia’s Kitchen, while helping you find the perfect new houseplant or Fall favorite. We’re not forgetting about the kids either…with a scavenger hunt, guessing games, and coloring activities, our Fall Fest has it all. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 1st 10:00am-5:00pm – Hispanic Heritage Fest at Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. We are bringing the colors, flavors, and rhythms of Latin America to Pisgah National Forest. Join us for this all-day event featuring cultural activities, performances, and food. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 1st 12:00pm-5:00pm – Fall Festival Farm Tour at Bright Branch Farms in Hendersonville. Apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin, cider tour, and more! RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Oct 7th 9:00am-12:00pm – Fall Festival at Transylvania Farmers Market in Brevard. Free Samples, Wool Spinning Demos, Scavenger Hunt with Prizes, Games, Free Face Painting, Make a Corn Husk Doll, and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 9:00am-2:00pm – 1st Annual Fall Festival at Vandele Farms in Lake Lure. We will have lots of fun games and activities set up for kids, including a pumpkin patch and a bouncy house! Admission is completely free for all! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 10:00am-5:00pm – Annual Forest Festival Day and John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodmen’s Meet at Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest, organized in conjunction with Haywood County College in Clyde, NC. This event brings the whole Cradle of Forestry campus to life, showcasing forestry and traditional craft. Forestry students from across the region, traditional craftsmen and exhibitors will be on site during the celebration. Festival-goers can cheer as college forestry students compete during the Woodsmen’s Meet which has the flavor of an old-time lumberjack competition. The students test their skills in a number of events including archery, axe throwing, crosscut sawing and pole felling. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 10:00am-5:00pm – Heritage Festival at Fines Creek Community Center in Clyde. Tractors, wagons, face painting, pumpkins, gourds, vendors, games, vintage museum, and bouncy house. $10/Person, FREE/6 and under. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 10:00am-7:00pm – Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off at Ten Acre Garden in Canton. oin us for a day of pizza, music, fantastic vendors, and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 11:00am-3:00pm – Fall Fair at Fifth Season Gardening Co. We’re hosting over 20 local makers, the Boy Howdy food truck will be on site, and we’ll be selling $4 beer pours. Fall fun for the whole family!

Oct 8th 11:00am-6:00pm – Asheville VeganFest 2023 in Pack Square Park. We will have food, clothing, and artisan booths showing the best there is on the vegan market. We’re bringing a very FUN Family Fun Zone, shopping, live music, and lots of incredible vegan food, and more back to Asheville! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 11:30pm-5:00pm – 2023 Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival at Oak & Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain. An annual event and fundraiser that benefits the WNC Cheese Trail, a non-profit whose goal is to spread the word about the amazing artisan cheeses being made in Western North Carolina. Ticket holders will be able to taste and purchase cheeses and other products made on the WNC Cheese Trail, attend pairings, chef demos, and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 12:00pm-4:00pm – Barktoberfest at French Broad River Park with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Grab your best bud for a day of fun! Bob for tennis balls, participate in canine contests, get a caricature of you and your dog, and take a photo at the doggy kissing booth. FREE. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 12:00pm-5:00pm – Fall Market & Festival at Sawyer Springs Vineyard  @ 124 Sandy Hill Lane, Hendersonville. Enjoy local vendors, all unique in every way! Live music and local food! Oh, and amazing wine specials! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 9:00am-4:00pm – Harvest Festival at WNC Farmers Market. Come join us for antique tractors with a tractor parade at 4pm, kids’ games, apple tasting, live music, local food, and more. FREE TO ATTEND. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 9:00am-4:00pm – 40th Annual Mountain Glory Festival in Downtown Marion, NC. Celebrate small-town life in the mountains. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices shopping with three jam packed blocks, featuring over 150 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths of locally made arts and crafts; festival foods and pubs with local wines, mead and beers. Plus, two stages presenting Marion’s finest musicians. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 10:00am-3:00pm – Fall Festival & Centennial Celebration at Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families. Bring your family & friends to this special event to enjoy live music, car show, horse show, free games and inflatables for the kids, silent basket auction, campus tours, and so much more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 11:00am-3:00pm – Fall Festival at Martin Luther King Jr Park in Asheville with Christine W. Avery Learning Center. This free event will include vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, and various “fun” stations for families to enjoy. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 11:00am-6:00pm – Octaneberfest at The Prescott Auto Reserve in Hendersonville. Family Fun 11am-6pm, Carshow 2pm-6pm, Live Music 3pm-6pm, Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, Cornhole, Venders, Raffles and give aways, Pelicans Ice and more. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 1:00pm-8:00pm – 7th Annual Harvest Festival at Blue Ghost Brewing in Fletcher. Join us as we celebrate fall with a day of new brews, live music, local artists, creative crafters, food trucks, and family fun, including an inflatable slide! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 20th 4:30pm-7:00pm – Fall Festival at Haw Creek Elementary School in Asheville. There will be pumpkins, games, hayrides, s’mores and much, much more! Open to the public! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 21st 10:00am-2:00pm – Fall Festival at Marion Tailgate Market in Marion. Come check out local vendors and community resources while enjoying all of the FREE fun activities. Bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin painting, fairy hair, trick or treating, and FREE live music, costume contest with prizes and raffles! Visit the Library Book Mobile, Marion Police & Fire Department, and local community organizations. 67 W Henderson St, Marion, NC.

Oct 21st 10:00am-5:00pm – Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Downtown Waynesville. Named one of the “10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation”, this annual street festival in charming downtown Waynesville is a delicious way to enjoy the tastes of the fall season. This premier arts and crafts event celebrates apples and the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Stroll the historic Main Street filled with vendors and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Admission is free. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 21st 12:00pm-4:00pm – Fall Festival at Swannanoa Valley Health & Rehab @ 1984 US 70 Swannanoa, NC. Inflatable slide, trunk or treat, popcorn, cotton candy, sno cones, face painting, and more!

Oct 21st 1:00pm-5:00pm – Fall-O-Ween Family Festival at Lake Julian Park in Arden. Lake Julian Park transforms into to a kooky, spooky, and all together ooky spot to celebrate the harvest season and fall holidays! Fall-O-Ween is a free community event aimed at families with kids 10 and under. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes as they enjoy a pumpkin patch, local craft vendors, live music, scarecrows, and food trucks.

Oct 21st 1:00pm-5:00pm – Farm Fun Day at Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville. Admission is $20 per family and A day of fun including Crafts for kids, Scavenger hunt, Wagon rides, Popcorn and drinks, Historic farm house open, One room school house lessons, Visit the donkeys and goats, Caregivers of Mother Earth, AND….the return of the Johnson Family’s 1923 Model T. At 1:15 PM during the event, members of the Walker Family will return this historic vehicle back to the farm after 40 years away. The car will be available for guests to view and ask questions. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 22nd 3:30pm-6:30pm – Children’s Fall Festival at Beaverdam Community Center in Canton. Face painting, food, cake walk, fall crafts, and much more! All are welcome! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 24th 3:30pm-5:30pm – Fall Community Festival in the field by the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. FREE hot dog dinner, inflatables, pumpkin painting/carving, games, snacks, over 30 vendors, and giveaways! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 25th 6:00pm – Mills River United Methodist Church @ 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC. Free food trucks available so you can grab dinner at the event. We will have games, candy, music, bounce houses, and slides. This event is for all ages! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 26th 5:00pm-8:00pm – Fall Festival at Jonathan Valley Elementary School in Waynesville. Local vendors, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, fairy hair, games, and more! Wristbands for unlimited games/inflatables $25, Ticket bundles $5. 410 Hall Dr, Waynesville, NC

Oct 28th 9:00am-12:00pm – 2nd Annual Autumn Harvest Festival at Black Mountain Tailgate Market. This year’s programming includes a return of the oh-so-popular costume contest and Parade of the Pumpkins, AND a baking contest benefitting our Harvester Program. And MORE! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 10:00am-5:00pm – HalloweenFest 2023 in Brevard. Count Dracula may not live full time in Transylvania County, but we’re pretty sure he clears his schedule every year for Heart of Brevard’s Halloweenfest, the trickiest, treat-iest, most spooktacular celebration around. This “fang-tastic” event features FREE family-friendly fun, including bounce houses, our traditional costume competition and parade, the Magic Book Bus, a hula hoop dance party, the LEAF Easel Rider, food vendors and more. Join us for this amazing event and explore downtown Brevard’s businesses through a downtown Spooky Stroll Open House and downtown trick or treating! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 11:00am-3:00pm – Touch-A-Truck Family Festival at Asheville Outlets with Junior League of Asheville. Touch-A-Truck is a community-wide event where both kids and kids at heart have the opportunity to see, touch, climb, and learn about vehicles. There will be public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, and delivery vehicles. Guests will get to meet the drivers and learn about the vehicles. Children will also be able to “Truck-Or-Treat” during the festival! Family-friendly costumes are encouraged but not required. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 11:00am-6:00pm – The Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds with Haywood County Arts Council. Our annual fundraiser, the festival brings all the Haywood County Arts Council’s programs, and artists together for a truly one-of-a-kind music-themed experience. The festival includes award-winning bluegrass bands, music-themed vendors, raffles, artist member demonstrations and artwork, a child and adult playground, and local drinks and food. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 12:00pm-3:00pm – Halloween Kids Festival at Dry Falls Brewing Co in Hendersonville. Games are ticketed, 2 tickets for big games, 1 ticket for mini games! We Will have a fun cupcake decorating station where you can turn your cupcake into a fun spooky cake! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 1:00pm – The 13th Surreal Sirkus Festival in Pack Square Park. Join the Sirkus (you’ve always wanted to!) for a uniquely local experience of performance, art vendors, food, beer, spirits and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 3:00pm-8:00pm – Dig Local Fest at Sweeten Creek Brewing. Dig Local Fest will celebrate Fall, community, and our amazing local business scene! This free festival will begin with the exciting release of the Dig LocALE- a Fall Inspired and Locally Sourced English Ale made in collaboration with local grain and hops from Riverbend Malt House, and apples from Barber Orchards Fruitstand in Waynesville. Local Vendors, Live Music, Costume Contest, Stein Holding Competition, Apple Bobbing Contest, delicious BBQ and more from Bears BBQ. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 4:00pm-9:00pm – Boo Bash at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Come out for a night of Halloween fun! 4:00pm-7:00pm is the festival, and 7:00pm-9:00pm we will have a movie on the lawn! Costume contest will start at 5, and sign ups end at 4:45! No registration necessary!

Oct 28th 5:00pm – Salvation Army Fall Festival with The Salvation Army of Hendersonville. We will have fall carnival games, face painting & food! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 5:00pm-7:00pm – Hazelween Fest with the Hazelwood Boosters Club in Waynesville. Trick or Treat with the merchants and residents on Hazelwood Avenue, with special guests Hazelwood Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In.

Nov 5th 2:00pm-8:00pm – LARPtoberfest at Whistle Hop Brewing Company in Fairview. All who gather across our fields and beer gardens on November 5th will embark upon a fall beer quest unlike any other- one where mythical finery is encouraged and fantastical escapism required. LEARN MORE HERE

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OTHER SINGLE DAY FALL & HALLOWEEN EVENTS

(NOT Including Church Fall Festivals or Trunk-or-Treats. Please scroll down for those)

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• SELF GUIDED HAUNTED ASHEVILLE DRIVING TOUR – Any Time LEARN MORE HERE

• 31 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN MOVIES ON FREEFORM CHANNEL – Oct 1st-31st FULL SCHEDULE HERE

• DRIVING TOUR OF HOUSES DECORATED FOR HALLOWEEN – Nightly through October MAP COMING SOON

• WHEN AND WHERE TO SEE FALL COLOR – Late Sept through October LEARN MORE HERE

• SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES TO SEE FALL COLOR – Early Fall – In the early fall (Late Sept/Early October), trees begin changing color at the highest elevations surrounding the Asheville area, and Visit Asheville, our Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, created these scenic driving routes for you, to help you enjoy it! ROUTE OPTIONS HERE

• TOP 8 SPOTS TO VIEW FALL COLOR AT BILTMORE – Late Sept through October LEARN MORE HERE

• FARMERS MARKETS – Fall is a great time to visit a Farmers Market! Celebrate the harvest season when our farmers are bringing in their fall bounty. Many have live music, and seasonal activities for families to enjoy. FIND THEM ALL HERE

• HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A FALL VISIT TO THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM – Late Sept through October/November. Their beautiful forests transform into a canvas full of vibrant colors.And their quilt garden blooming with hundreds of mums in Fall colors is a sight to behold. LEARN MORE HERE

• SELF GUIDED DRIVING TOUR OF FALL COLOR IN HENDERSONVILLE – Mid to Late October  LEARN MORE HERE

• SHADOW OF THE BEAR NATURAL PHENOMENON NEAR CASHIERS – Daily, Mid Oct through Nov 5:30pm-6:00pm(ish) – Coming out of hibernation each Autumn, “The Shadow of the Bear” is visible for 30 minutes on sunny days between 5:30pm and 6:00pm from mid-October through early November due to the setting of the autumnal sun behind the mountain. The best viewing spot for the shadow is right off Highway 64 in a place called Rhodes Big View Overlook, atop Whiteside Mountain. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley, and grows until it finally evolves into the bear. The Shadow of the Bear also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March. LEARN MORE HERE

• POPULAR WALKABLE FESTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS FOR TRADITIONAL DOOR TO DOOR TRICK OR TREATING – Halloween (always on Oct 31st, despite what day of the week it falls on) – We recommend waiting until after dinner time to go, right as it’s beginning to get dark, so somewhere around 6:00-6:30-ish to start. OUR FULL LIST HERE

Sept 23rd is National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd 9:00am-3:00pm – Candy Corn Market at Smoky Mountain Event Center in Waynesville. Candy Corn Market is a one day market offering a wide variety of vintage, repurposed, up-cycled, antiques, handmade jewelry, furniture, art, home decor, traditional crafts, boutique clothing, everything farmhouse, food trucks, pottery and MUCH MORE!! Tickets $2 per person 16 years and older, and only available at the door. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd 5:30pm – Fall Y’all Cruise-In with Marion Cruise-In on Main Street in Marion.

Sept 23rd 8:00pm-10:00pm – National Public Lands Day Celebration at Chimney Rock Brewing Company. Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 24th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Sunday Makebreak: Pumpkin Fest at Michael’s Craft Store. “Please note you’ll have to purchase your craft pumpkin. Our supplies are available to decorate for free.” LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 26th 10:00am-10:45am – Toddler Discovery Time: Autumn on My Mind with Asheville Parks & Recreatipn. The sun’s out, the leaves are changing and it’s time for all thinas Fall. Have fun with scarecrows, apples, crows and corn througn art, games, and stories. FREE.

Sept 29th 6:30pm-8:00pm – Fall Bash at the Waynesville Recreation Center with Waynesville Parks & Recreation. Floatibng pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, and snacks. Register at the front desk. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 10:00am-3:00pm – Monarch Day at The North Carolina Arboretum. September is a busy time for monarch butterflies as they undergo their fall migration from Eastern North America to Mexico, and Western North Carolina is a pit stop for some of these busy travelers. You can celebrate these colorful creatures at Monarch Day with an amazing collection of activities and events. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 10:00am-4:00pm – Pottery Pumpkin Patch and Fall Pop-Up Craft Market at Reems Creek Pottery in Weaverville. The potters at Reems Creek Pottery have been working on pumpkins, and ghosts, and black cats, and more for their second fall pop-up market. Lots to choose from for your fall decorating. And, their pop-up craft market will return with about a dozen crafters ranging from jewelry to denim, to wooden spoons to pocketbooks, to a bookshop in a bus, to trays, and so much more. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 11:00am-1:00pm – Halloween Make & Take Workshops at Board & Brush Creative Studio. Make one of the 28 project options for only $19.00. All ages welcome. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Family Heritage Day at Historic Carson House in Marion, NC. Tickets for this fundraiser include BBQ dinner, games for kids and adults, hayrides, a DJ for dancing, and plenty of fall photo ops to seasonally festivize your social media. Keep in mind that all proceeds benefit the Historic Carson House. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 1st 2:00pm-4:00pm – Sunday Makebreak: Halloween Pumpkin Fest at Michael’s Craft Store. “Please note you’ll have to purchase your craft pumpkin. Our supplies are available to decorate for free.” LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 4th 9:00am-9:15am – Batty About Bats Virtual Program with Haywood County Libraries. Learn about the importance of these nocturnal animals in our ecosystem, threats to bat populations, and how you can help protect these beautiful animals. After creating a bat friend, you can let everyone know how batty you are about bats! Ideal for ages 4 and up. Take & Make Kits will be available on October 4 at the all branches, while supplies last and cannot be reserved.

Oct 6th 9:30am-11:30am – Harvest Hootenanny at The Family Place of Transylvania County in Brevard. Pumpkin painting, temporary tattoos, tie dying, lawn games, fall crafts, and more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 10:00am-2:00pm – Fairview Community Center Fall Craft Fair @ 1357 Charlotte Hwy in Fairview.

Oct 7th – 7th Annual Haunted Hills Benefit Ride with Harley-Davidson of Asheville. Another ride opportunity with the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association! Registration is at 10am with kick stands up at 12pm. Ryan Perry Band will be performing as well during the registration process from 10am – 12pm. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 10:00am-4:00pm – Farm City Day at Jackson Park in Hendersonville. Approximately fifty acres of Jackson Park will be used for agricultural educational displays including a farm animal petting zoo, antique and modern farm equipment and crafters from many generations. Admission is free! Some activities, food and vendors will cost money so bring some cash with you. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 11:00am-2:00pm – Farm City Day Celebration in the Burnsville Town Square. Face painting, Games, Funtime Inflatables, and more!

Oct 7th 11:00am-6:00pm – Burton Street Agricultural Fair. Join the Burton Street Community  in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Burton Street Ag Fair. Come enjoy live music, food vendors, kids games and much more! FREE.

Oct 7th 12:00pm-4:00pm – The Great Pumpkin Pop-Up at Grove Arcade in Downtown Asheville. There will be a free pumpkin decorating class, entertainment from local life size puppetry collective Street Creatures, live music, candy, pop-ups, and plenty of pumpkins. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 5:30pm-12:00am – Pumpkin Painting Parents Night Out at Hahn’s Gymnastics in Fletcher. Wooden pumpkin painting, walking tacos for dinner, fall snack mix for snack, and Coco as the featured movie. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 8:00am-1:00pm – Black Bear Fall Market at Jackson Park in Hendersonville. Join us for a morning filled with scrumptious food, eye-catching displays, and amazing local items that represent our vibrant community. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the Black Bear Fall Market is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the autumn ambiance of Hendersonville while supporting small local artisans and businesses. With the exciting Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k happening simultaneously in the park, there will be foot traffic regardless of the weather, making this a rain or shine event. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 2:00pm – Blocktoberfest at Smoky Mountain Event Center with Blue Ridge Roller Derby. Blue Ridge Roller Derby is kicking off our 2023 home team season. Come watch two of our home teams, the Swarm and the Black Balsam Batties, take the track and battle it out with hard hitting blocks that will be scarier than any Halloween movie you see in October. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and up. 11 and under get free entry! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 8th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Sunday Makebreak: Friendship Bracelets at Michael’s Craft Store. All supplies are included. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 10th 3:30pm-4:30pm – DIY Holiday Gifts: Bath Bombs at Canton Library. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to DIY! In this series, teens will learn how to make spectacular holiday gifts. In this program, we will learn how to make fall scented bath bombs. Ideal for high school-aged students. Registration Required. To register, email Ashlyn Godleski at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov.

Oct 13th 3:30pm – Monster Mash; a clay event at Fairview Library. Ages 5-12yrs.

Oct 13th 4:30pm-5:30pm – Friday the 13th Lego Build Event at the Barnes & Noble store at the Asheville Mall. Attendees will receive a mini pumpkin build with customizable faces. Sign-up for the event is suggested as kits will be first-come first-serve. Please call ahead or stop by the store to sign up. (828) 296-7335

Oct 13th 4:30pm-7:30pm – 11th Annual Cubcat CRAWL – Monster Dash benefitting Hendersonville Elementary School. The CRAWL is a fun, family-friendly 1.5- or 3-mile race hosted by the Hendersonville Elementary PTO, with proceeds going to help achieve the financial goals we have set. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 13th 5:30pm-8:00pm – Friday Night Kids Club Parents Night Out at Claying Around. 2 1/2 hours of creative fun! Pizza and drink included. $40 per child (ages 7-13yrs). LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 13th 7:00pm – Movie Night at the Pumpkin Patch at Fletcher United Methodist Church. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for this special outdoor movie presentation of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. FREE admission. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 13th 7:00pm-8:30pm – Halloween Community Campfire at Harmon Field in Tryon with Polk County Parks & Recreation. We will have some delicious post-race s’mores! Bring a blanket and/or a chair! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 9:00am – 40th Annual Church Street Art & Craft Show 2023 on Main Street in Waynesville.

Oct 14th 9:00am-4:00pm – Fall Fun on the Farm at Justus Orchard in Hendersonville. Shopping, food, and fun! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 10:30am-12:00pm – Paint Watercolor Pumpkins Workshop at Pack Memorial Library. No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided. Ages 12 and up. Registration required in advance. 

Oct 14th 11:00am – (not so) Scary Stories To Tell in the Daytime for Toybox’s Monthly Puppetry Series for October. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 11:00am-12:00pm – Build Your Own Haunted House of Fall Scene at JCPenney’s. FREE craft for kids, plus extra savings coupon for parents. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 12:30pm-2:30pm – Canine Trick or Treat at Burton Street Community Center. Dress up those pups & bring them out for a treat scavenger hunt! Giveaways for all. Refreshments are provided for both humans & canines! Dogs must be or a leash. Registration required. All ages are welcome. For more information call Mere Heil 828-507-9003.

Oct 14th 2:00pm – FREE Mini Jack-O-Lantern LEGO Build at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Biltmore Park Town Square. There is no sign up list. First come first served while supplies last.

Oct 14th 3:30pm-6:00pm – Barbecue at the Barn at ATRC – Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center. Pony rides, live music, and food. $20/Adults, $10/Children 5-12, FREE/Kids under 5. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 4:00pm-5:00pm – Monarch Butterfly Release at Turgua Brewing in Fairview. “These butterflies will be making the journey to Mexico. As always there will be a limited amount of butterflies, not everyone will be able to have one. I’m going to limit it to one per family. I will hand out butterflies in an envelope randomly among the crowd.” LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 5:00pm-8:00pm – Parents Night Out Halloween Party at Kids Garden Asheville. Games, activities, arts & crafts, and more! $35/1 Child, $60/2 Children, $75/3 Children. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 15th 10:00am-11:30am – Kids Halloween Terrarium Workshop at PlantHouse in Asheville. Our kids halloween terrarium workshop is the perfect spoooooky activity! Join us for a fun workshop where you’ll learn how to create a unique terrarium complete with air plants, decor, and frightening figurines. *Workshop recommended for ages 6+. Parent supervision is required. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 15th 12:00pm AND 4:00pm – Family Movie: Hocus Pocus Fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters at Rabbit Rabbit. $5 entry. Big Brother/Big Sister match’s get in FREE! (just tell us upon entry). All ages welcome. This is an outdoor event, so dress accordingly. The bar will be open serving beverages, and you can order food next door at Asheville Brewing Company. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 10:00am-2:00pm – Halloween Spook-tacular Car Show with Marion Cruise-In at Jim Cook Chevrolet on Main Street in Marion. This is NOT primarily a trunk or treat, but there will be car owners handing out candy to little ones.

Oct 28th 11:00am-3:00pm – HalloWeen Parade: Wolfbat Wicked Walk at Foundation Skatepark with New Belgium Brewing in Asheville. Come and join us  from 11am -3pm for T-shirt printing, mask making for kids, spooky vending, beverages and music by DJ Soapbox. The parade will kick off at 3:10pm-ish once the Pumpkin Peddlers reach the skatepark to join in the procession. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 11:00am-5:00pm – Spooktacular Fun at Carolina Ace Hardware in Hendersonville. Join us at your local hometown hardware store for a FREE event for the whole family. We will have FREE food, FREE candy for the kids, facepainting, inflatables and axe throwing – all free, live music, huge discounts, lots of giveaways and more! Wear a Halloween costume and get an additional discount! It will be a Spooktacular good time! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 12:00pm-2:00pm – Halloween Carnival at Bill Moore Community Park with Fletcher Parks & Recreation. We will have games, candy, inflatables, face paint and tractor rides for kids. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 12:00pm-3:00pm – Harleyween Party at Harley-Davidson of Asheville in Swannanoa. Trick or Treat for the kids, food trucks, and a big sale on end of season motor clothes and pre-owned Harleys.

Oct 28th 12:00pm-5:00pm – Trick or Treating with the vendors at The Regeneration Station @ 26 Glendale Ave, Asheville, NC. Costume contest for adults, children, and pets. Spooky sale on inventory also happening Oct 27th-29th.

Oct 28th 12:00pm-6:00pm – Halloween Art Market at Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville. We have a lineup of 20+ talented local artists, delightful trick-or-treating, live music to enchant you, wine tasting to tantalize your taste buds, captivating face painting, and so much more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 1:00pm-4:00pm – Haunted Tanks at Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO in Hendersonville. Walk thru the aquarium in “twilight” while you search for fish in our darkened tanks! Watch our skeleton carve a pumpkin underwater! Event is all afternoon moon 1-4, with pumpkin carving at the 130 small shark and ray feed.

Oct 28th 1:30pm-7:00pm – The Pumpkin Pedaller Annual Costumed Community Ride with Asheville on Bikes at New Belgium Brewing. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 2:00pm-3:00pm – Pumpkin Painting Contest at Fletcher United Methodist Church. Buy a pumpkin. Decorating supplied provided. Prizes awarded. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Halloween Party at Horse Shoe Gap Village in Hendersonville. Trick or treating, costumes, crafts, games & prizes, refreshments, and Shops. 3636 Brevard Rd (Hwy 64), Hendersonville.

Oct 28th 2:00pm-5:00pm (18+ after 5:00pm) – Halloween Party at Cultivate Climbing in Asheville. We will also have a movie screening, glow in the dark climbing, and a costume contest. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 3:00pm – 21st Annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in Black Mountain Town Square, with bonafide pet boutique, benefitting Mountain Pet Rescue. Costume contest follows the parade. Participation is free. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 3:00pm – Halloween Bash at Uplifting Deals – Asheville @ 198 Weaverville Rd, Asheville, NC. Face painting, candy, games, wear your costumes, bring your family, and have a blast! Coffee and hot chocolate available!

Oct 28th 3:00pm-5:00pm – The Well-Tempered Wizard concert with Blue Ridge Orchestra at Haywood Community College. Featuring Halloween favorites from classical, movie, and Broadway traditions. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 3:00pm-5:30pm – Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party at We Rock the Spectrum Asheville. Candy, crafts, games, and gooey sensory play. Wear your costumes! $25/Child. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pumpkin Carving at Black Bear BBQ. $35 per family includes 1# pork or chicken feast, 1 pumpkin, and 4 s’mores. Stencils and carving supplies provided.

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Kids Halloween Carnival at Fines Creek Community Center in Clyde. There will be games, a costume contest, horseback rides, candy, prizes and much more. Located at 190 Fines Creek rd. Clyde, NC

Oct 28th 5:00pm – 1st Annual Haunted Pajama Party at Asheville School of Film. Ages 16+. Get out your Pajamas, favorite Spooky Costume, or just a sense of fun for this exciting opportunity to tell a spooky story, watch a Classic Horror, and commune with your fellow film buffs in our new location! Free, with a suggested donation of $10. Complimentary treat bag, pizza, popcorn, games included! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Trick or Treating at Silverbell Homestead @ 765 Cane Creek Rd, Fletcher

Oct 28th 6:00pm-9:00pm – Happy Halloween Party Parents Night Out at We Rock the Spectrum Asheville. Gooey sensory play, spooky gym play, optional pizza dinner. $30/Child. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 6:00pm-9:00pm – First Annual Cozy Bear Inn Haunted Playground Trick or Treat Event at Cozy Bear Inn in Maggie Valley. The Playground on property will be decked out in Halloween and spooky decor to navigate thru and provide endless fun for kids! Also on site, we will have local Art and Craft vendors, a delicious food truck (that even serves rolled ice cream), and some great Live music! No charge for this event, although we will have a donation bucket out to help support the band for their time and travels to our exciting event.

Oct 28th 6:00pm-9:00pm – Halloween Saturday Night Social Skate with AVLsk8 at Carrier Park in Asheville.

Oct 28th 6:00pm-10:00pm – Halloween Kids Night Out (Parents Night Out) at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts in Asheville. Our well supervised and structured Kids Night Out includes active games, creative crafts, pizza, and a movie. $35 for the first kid, $30 for each additional sibling. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 6:00pm-10:00pm – Monster Mash Bash at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek Campground in Marion. Singo, hayrides, costume contest, music, food, games, and more! $8 same day at the gate, or $5 in advance by calling 828-652-7208.

Oct 28th 7:00pm-10:00pm – Halloween Party at Bearwaters Brewing @ The Warehouse in Hazelwood. Come show off your costumes and dance skills as we party with a live dj, good food, and great beer! Fun filled night for the whole family! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 11:00am-4:00pm – Spooky Big Barn Bash at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview. Costume Party – Come in costume, Trick or Treating – Stop by each vendor for a treat, Pumpkin Painting – Purchase a pumkin at HNG and paint it at our paint station, Eats – Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill, Coffee – The Roasted Roost, Concessions – Appalachian Pop Co, Pony Rides – By Project HNG, Apple Cider, + more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 1:00pm-3:00pm – Pumpkin Patch Pizza Party at White Labs Brewing Co – Asheville Kitchen & Tap. Enjoy some gorgeous Asheville weather and decorate pumpkins with White Labs! That’s right we’re turning our biergarten into a pumpkin patch on. For $35 one adult and one child will recieve: A pumpkin and decorating tools, A cheese pizza to share, an adult drink ticket, and an NA beverage for your child! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 1:00pm-4:00pm – Pawllinators: A pollinator-themed Halloween Dog Parade at The North Carolina Arboretum. Watch the parade, visit with local dog-themed vendors and enjoy the festivities in the fall gardens. The Pawllinators parade starts with a live band and prizes will be awarded for best costumes. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 1:00pm-6:00pm – Monster Market at Highland Brewing Company. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 1:00pm-6:00pm – Sk8way’s Halloween Skate at Smoky Mountain Sk8way in Waynesville. All ages costume contest & candy scramble (3pm). $8/Admission, $3/Skate Rental.

Oct 29th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Sunday Makebreak: Mandala Pumpkin Art at Michael’s Craft Store. All supplies are included. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 3:00pm-5:00pm – The Well-Tempered Wizard concert with Blue Ridge Orchestra at Lipinski Auditorium at UNC Asheville. Featuring Halloween favorites from classical, movie, and Broadway traditions. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 3:00pm-7:00pm – Halloween Family Fun & Fundraiser at The Whale :: A Craft Beer Collective in West Asheville with Flow of Life Yoga. Costume Contest + Runway Show! We want to see ALL of you in your very best costumes. And we want to see y’all work it down the runway to show em’ off. This costume contest is for EVERYONE! Babies, kids and adults. P.S. there will be prizes for the winners. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Halloween Creepy Climbing at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center Join us for an afternoon of fiendish family fun! Show off your costume, climb for candy, play ghoulish games. A parent or guardian must be present with their child during the event. Pre-registration is encouraged due to a limit number of spots to climt during the event. $5

Oct 29th 4:00pm-8:00pm – Dia de Los Muertos at Weaverville Community Center @ Dottie Sherrill Knoll 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville. Traditional Dia de los Muertos menu, face painting and headdresses will be available. Photo booth onsite. We will have one altar for family and friends, and one for pets. Candlelight procession at sunset to Lake Louise. Come dressed in costume. $35/ticket

Oct 29th 4:00pm-8:00pm – A Camp Henry Halloween at Lake Logan in Canton. Halloween party with food available for purchase. FREE. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 7:30pm – Terror on Tanglewood Street at Asheville Community Theatre. Join us for the first-ever performance of the Tanglewood Teens, offering an hour of Halloween fun suitable for all ages. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 30th 4:30pm-5:30pm – Spooky Science at Green River Library with Zaniac & Henderson County Libraries. Explore chemical reactions with erupting brews, ghost hands, and spidery slime! FREE for kids of all ages.

Oct 30th 7:00pm – Trick or Treat at Pisgah Manor @ 104 Holcombe Cove Rd, Candler

Oct 31st 9:00am-5:00pm – Happy Halloween Celebration! at Hands On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville. Visitors (adults and children) are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween Costume to receive a special prize. We’ll also host a special Halloween Story Time at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.

Oct 31st 9:00am-6:00pm – Halloween Party at Kids Garden Asheville. Themes learning activities, games, spooky sensory play, haunted story time, and even some pumpkin play-dough. Halloween arts & crafts, monster dance off and more! Children are encouraged to wear costumes. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 10:00am-10:45am – Toddler Discovery Time: Calling All Ghouls and Boils with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Crawl on over to our Halloween class. Ghost, goblins and monsters too. They’re invited and so are you. It’s Halloween so dress up if you dare; you will be in for quite a scare! FREE.

Oct 31st 1:00pm-1:30pm – Spooktacular Storytime at Canton Library. Join us as we celebrate Book-O-Ween! Come dressed up as your favorite book character for this fun themed storytime. Take & Make craft kits will be available after the program. Ideal for pre-school-aged children. For more information, email Ashlyn Godleski at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov.

Oct 31st 2:00pm-8:00pm – Trick or Treat Party at Tokyo Toybox at the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville. We will also have free temporary tattoos, treats, activities, and Pokémon Card Trading! All ages are welcome and costumes are not required, but you will get an extra treat if you do come in costume! Learn how to make a cat ears headband from Origami with CatBear Accessories! They will be on site from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and the craft will be FREE! Then trick-or-treat at the Malloween Event down the hall at the Blue Ridge Mall starting at 6pm!

Oct 31st 2:30pm-5:00pm – Hallo-Tea at Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen. Trick or tea! This Halloween we have a special Afternoon Tea for our Spooky-Season-lovers! Just like our monthly Afternoon Teas, each guest is served their own pot of tea alongside a variety of finger foods & tasty desserts! Our special Halloween treats, however, will be horrifyingly delicious desserts decorated for the holiday! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 3:00pm-10:00pm – Halloween Party at Cultivated Cocktails newest location in Asheville @ 161 Charlotte Hwy, Asheville. Halloween cocktails, pumpkin carving, costumes, and trick or treats for the kids.

Oct 31st 3:30pm-4:30pm – Trick or Treating at MountainCare Adult Day Services @ 68 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville NC

Oct 31st 4:00pm-6:00pm – Trick or Treating at The Asheville Mall. There will be a table in the center court and many of the stores handing out candy.

Oct 31st 4:00pm-8:00pm – Halloween Bash at Whistle Hop Brewing in Fairview. Calling all ghouls and goblins! We’ve got lots planned to make it a frightful night of family friendly fun! Smashville 2 year anniversary celebration with food truck specials all evening. Live Music by Ads the Monk trio. Trunk or Treat in the lower field from 4-8pm. 25% off all to go beer! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 4:00pm-9:00-pm – All Hallow’s Eve Purity at House of Black Cat Magic in Asheville. We’ll have tons of family-friendly activities including: Britt’s Sweet Treats ice cream truck, backyard bonfire, bobbing for apples, tarot and intuitive readers, trick-or-treat trail, local vendors with oddities, art, & more! FREE! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 5:00pm-7:00pm – Annual Boo Bash at Asheville Outlets. Families will enjoy free Trick-or-Treating throughout the center, strolling magic, music and more. TapSnap Phototainment will also be onsite with a festive photo booth, where guests can receive one free 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 5:00pm-7:00pm – Boo in the Park at Flat Rock Park with Animals R Us Veterinary Clinic. We will have tables set up with treats for the 2 leg and 4 leg babies! All are welcome!

Oct 31st 5:00pm-7:00pm – Trick or Treating in Downtown Spruce Pine, with a special zone at the Pocket Park.

Oct 31st 5:00pm-7:00pm – Treats on the Street in front of Town Hall, Waynesville. Live music and entertainment, Waynesville Jeepers, Waynesville’s Flash Mob, TREATS, and more! Main Street, Waynesville.

Oct 31st 5:00pm-8:00pm – Treat Street on Main Street in Hendersonville. Kids fun zone sponsored by Biltmore Church. Trick or Treating. DJ Dance Party. Costume Contest. Games. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 5:00pm-9:00pm – Haunted Room at the Fire House at Riceville Volunteer Fire Department in Asheville. We will judge the best of age group kids 15 and under and grown ups 16 and up for the most creative costume of 2023 at the 11 House. The Auxiliary will have the Food Truck ready with Burgers, Hot Dogs & the fixins, chips, drinks, and desserts while they last. Farmer Dan will have the tractor fired up for the hayride while Mary and her ghouls will have the Haunted Hall ready for you to tour. Then its time to sit around the campfire (bring you chair if you want to) and enjoy the crisp Fall air with friends and family. Bring the kids by to get a picture with a Member of RVFD and their favorite Fire Truck! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 6:00pm – MALLoween at Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville @ 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville, NC. Shop ’til you drop and trick-or-treat in your costumes throughout the Mall beginning at 6 PM. ENTER TO WIN THEIR SPOOKY GIVEAWAY HERE

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OTHER MULTI DAY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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Haunted History & Murder Mystery Tour with Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville. Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem. 75 minutes. LEARN MORE HERE

Ghosted Comedy Bus Tour with LaZoom  Comedy Bus Tours. Ages 17+. Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville. LEARN MORE HERE

Saturdays & Sundays in September & October 12:30pm and 2:30pm – Heyrides at The Orchard at Altapass in Spruce Pine. Purchase your tickets no later than 12:15pm & 2:15pm. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 22nd & 23rd 11:00am-9:00pm – 2023 Asheville Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Presale tickets $3 / at the door $5 / under 12 free. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 23rd & 24th 10:00am-5:00pm – Art on Main in Historic Downtown Hendersonville with The Art Council of Henderson County.

Sept 28th-Oct 1st – Haywood County Fair at the Smoky Mountain Event Center in Waynesville. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 29th-Oct 29th (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) – Eliada Fall Festival & Corn Maze at Eliada. WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, scheduled face painting, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and more!

Weekends, Sept 30th-Oct 29th – Fall in the Farm at Buckner Farm in Leicester. We will have hay rides , tractor train children 48 inches and under, farm animals, corn pit , tile slide , hay maze , pumpkin patch , corn shocks , food truck and so much more. Saturdays 10am-8pm and Sundays 2pm-6pm. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 30th-Jan 7th, 2024 9:00am-5:00pm – Monarchs and Milkweed exhibit at the Baker Exhibit The North Carolina Arboretum. Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th 8:30am-9:30am – Fall themed Little Explorers Club at Asheville Museum of Science. Members and adults FREE. Children $7.50. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, & 14th – Hayride on the Rails at Craggy Mountain Line Railroad in Woodfin. We will take  an old fashioned trolley ride down to the Woodfin Riverside Park on our open car trolley for a short layover and back up to the Depot area. The trolley ride is a 4 mile round trip,  20 minutes down to the park with a 20 minute layover to enjoy the beautiful park and French Broad river views , then back on the trolley for the ride back to the depot to enjoy apple cider, apples, and every child will receive a pumpkin to take home. Our locomotive, cabooses and  cars will be open and everyone can check out the trains while you’re here. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 6th-28th, 2023 … Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland with Montford Park Players

Oct 6th-28th (Fridays & Saturdays) 6:00pm-9:00pm – Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard. Pumpkin Fest celebrates fall and Halloween at Silvermont Park and historic mansion with music, tours of the mansion and museum, a fantastic lighted pumpkin trail, trail actors, face painters, and many other activities for the young and young at heart!

Oct 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 22nd, 29th – Old Ghoul October at Grail Moviehouse where they’ll be playing classic Monster / Halloween-ish favorites on the big screen! Each show will have an intro from Grail’s own Michael Wheeler! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 10th-Nov 2nd – Pumpkin “pets” and “zoo animals” decorate the paths of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, for your viewing pleasure.

Oct 13th & 14th 8:00am-5:00pm – Fall Harvest Days 2023 Antique Engine and Tractor Show with the Apple Country Engine and Tractor Association at WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. Features: International Harvester Brands, Crafts, Parts, Tools, Toys, Collectibles and More. $8.00, Kids 12 and under free with paid adult ticket. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th & 15th 9:00am-4:00pm – Autumn Leaves Crafts Show at Smoky Mountain Event Center in Waynesville. All handmade crafts. Free parking and admission. Hourly door prizes. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 19th-22nd – LEAF Festival in Black Mountain. Each May & October an intergenerational family and friend gathering upon the beautiful Lake Eden grounds to experience the power music, art and culture has to transform lives, strengthen community, and foster unity. LEAF Festival takes place on the site of the old Historic Black Mountain College with a stunning array of rolling hills, lakes, streams, and mountain beauty on hundreds of acres of comfortable camping grounds. LEAF scours the globe for artists, musicians, performers and facilitators that are not only masters of their craft, but who also care deeply for the power of arts education and family engagement. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 19th-22nd 10:00am-5:00pm – The 76th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Downtown Asheville. With a creative community of juried members spanning over nine states, the Southern Highland Craft Guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market, and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets, and mentorship. We are invested in helping members achieve their goals and providing them with the resources to refine and sell their craft. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 21st-22nd – Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk at Historic Banner Elk School. Since 1978, this quirky, world-famous festival has been used to predict the upcoming winter weather for the North Carolina High Country. According to legend, the 13 bands on the woolly worm (woolly bear caterpillar) represent the 13 weeks of winter. Brown bands indicate a mild week, black bands indicate a cold, snowy week. Since every woolly worm has different colors, the Woolly Worm festival holds races to determine which worm is used to make the forecast. Saturday’s winning worm receives $1,000 and the honor of predicting the upcoming winter. Races continue on Sunday, with that day’s winner receiving $500. The Woolly Worm Festival also includes about 175 craft vendors, food, live entertainment and rides. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 25th-27th 3:00pm-7:00pm – Wolfbat Mask Making at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville. For the creative warrior we have a 3D cardboard and paper mache mask option. To sign up for 3D classes click here. limited to 20 folks! Please email wolfbatworkshop@gmail.com. This workshop can be enjoyed by all ages, skill levels and time commitments! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 27th & 28th 6:30pm & 8:00pm – The Legend of Tommy Hodges –  Outdoor Drama at Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. During this unique and exciting outdoor performance, audiences will travel back in time to the year 1901 and hear yarns about the legendary Tommy Hodges, a fictional student of the Biltmore Forest School. Audiences will be led around the Biltmore Campus Trail by different characters from the play and watch as the story unfolds around them from all sides. Each evening, there will be two showings offered at 6:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets are limited to a total of 75 participants per showing. The Legend of Tommy Hodges is a homegrown amateur production presented by FIND Team Members and our Cradle hosts. The play is not based on historical facts and the script changes from year to year. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th & 29th 10:00am-4:00pm – Halloween Trick or Treat Farm Tours at Winchester Creek Farm Alpacas + Minis in Waynesville. The farm is decorated for Halloween, our staff is in costume, and there are trick or treat stations and games where everyone wins a prize throughout the 45 minute walking tour route. You’ll meet the Alpacas (even som babies) and mini farm animals, and the chickens and have opportunities to interact with them and feed them. LEARN MORE HERE

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TRUNK OR TREATS

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Oct 21st 2:30pm-3:30pm – Brevard College in the Field House Parking Lot

Oct 22nd 3:00pm-5:00pm – Skyland United Methodist Church @ 1984 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC

Oct 25th 5:30pm-7:30pm – Fallapalooza Trunk or Treating Event at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville @ 312 5th Ave W , Hendersonville, NC.

Oct 25th – Kings Grove Baptist Church @ 2798 Pace Rd, Hendersonville, NC. 6:00pm is a meal, and then Trunk or Treat from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.

Oct 25th 6:30-7:30pm – French Broad Baptist Church @ 182 Grandview Lane, Hendersonville NC

Oct 26th 5:30pm-7:00pm – North Henderson High School @ 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Oct 27th 4:00pm-6:00pm – East Henderson High School @ 150 Eagle Pride Drive, East Flat Rock, NC. Additionally, face painting, hot chocolate or cider, and more will be available for purchase.

Oct 27th 4:00pm-7:00pm – Carolina Pediatric Therapy @ 9 W Summit Ave, Asheville, NC 28803.

Oct 27th 4:30pm-5:30pm – Shining Rock Junior Academy @ 1023 Dellwood Rd, Waynesville

Oct 27th 5:30pm-7:30pm – Asheville Church of the Nazarene @ 385 Hazel Mill Rd, Asheville

Oct 27th 5:00pm-7:00pm – Clyde A. Erwin High School. Varsity Football game following after.

Oct 27th 5:30pm-7:30pm – Davis Ranch @ 52 Chesterfield Lane, Leicester NC. Haunted House Barn, Meet our horses in costumes. FREE event. Cash for special games and treats.

Oct 27th 6:00pm-7:30pm – Kid City USA @ 133 Access Rd, Waynesville

Oct 27th 6:00pm-7:30pm – Charles D Owen High School in Black Mountain @ 99 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain, NC

Oct 27th 6:30pm-8:00pm – Maggie Valley Nursing & Rehab @ 75 Fisher Loop, Maggie Valley, NC

Oct 28th 11:00am-1:00pm – Refuge Baptist Church @ 27 Oleta Rd (The Dana Community), Hendersonville, NC

Oct 28th 12:00pm-4:00pm – Community Costume Carnival at Asheville Community Theatre. Enjoy trunk or treat, carnival games, a photo booth, small performances, a costume contest at 3:00pm, and a costume sale from our costume shop. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 1:00pm-3:00pm – Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office @ 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville

Oct 28th 1:00pm-4:00pm – Egolf of Brevard with Jeepers Creepers of Transylvania County @ 1235 Asheville Hwy, Brevard NC

Oct 28th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Hahn’s Gymnastics @ 18 Legend Drive, Arden NC

Oct 28th 2:00pm-4:00pm – OSEGA Dream Academy @ 260 Rutledge Rd, Fletcher NC

Oct 28th 3:00pm-4:30pm – West Asheville Baptist Church @ 926 Haywood Rd, Asheville

Oct 28th 3:00pm-4:30pm – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church @ 118 E. Chestnut St, Asheville

Oct 28th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Trinity United Methodist Church @ 587 Haywood Rd, West Asheville

Oct 28th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Oakley Freewill Baptist Church @ 2 Fairview Avenue, Asheville

Oct 28th 4:00pm – Meadowbrook FWB Church @ 204 Blue Ridge Rd, Black Mountain NC

Oct 28th 4:00pm – Crab Creek Community Center @ 53 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Bridge Church Hendersonville @ 580 Upward Road, Flat Rock, NC.

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm– Chick Fil A South Asheville with WNC Jeep Club @ 1832 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. Time released soon.

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm – TRAIL or Treat at Camp Tekoa @ 211 Thomas Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:30pm – Abernethy UMC @ 1418 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC

Oct 28th 4:00pm-8:30pm – Little River Baptist Church @ 51 Little River Church Rd, Penrose, NC

Oct 28th 4:30pm-6:00pm – Bethany United Methodist Church @ 12 Bethany Church Road, Fairview

Oct 28th 5:00pm-7:00pm – The Laurel Green Parking Lot with the Laurel Park Police Department @ 1735 5th Avenue, Laurel Park, NC.

Oct 28th 5:00pm-7:00pm – Little River Baptist Church @ 45 Little River Church Rd, Penrose, NC

Oct 28th 5:30pm-7:00pm – Ridgeway Baptist Church @ 525 Old US 19 23 Hwy Candler, NC

Oct 28th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Cedar Mountain Baptist Church @ 27 Reeds Creek Rd, Fairview, NC

Oct 28th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Trunk or Treat with Jeepers Creepers at Maggie Valley Town Hall @ 3987 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley

Oct 28th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Cross Memorial Baptist Church in Marion @ 15 Cross Memorial Baptist Loop, Marion, NC

Oct 28th 7:00pm – Simply Sick MC @ 570 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville

Oct 29th 2:00pm – First Baptist Church Black Mountain @ 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain NC

Oct 29th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Black Mountain Presbyterian Church @ 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain NC

Oct 29th 2:00pm-4:00pm – First Baptist Church Black Mountain @ 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain, NC

Oct 29th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Mud Creek Baptist Church @ 403 Rutledge Dr Hendersonville, NC

Oct 29th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Mills River Presbyterian in partnership with Trinity Presbyterian of Hendersonville and Holy Family Episcopal Church of Mills River @ 10 Presbyterian Church Rd, Mills River NC

Oct 29th 3:00pm-5:00pm – First Baptist Church of Weaverville @ 63 N Main Street, Weaverville NC

Oct 29th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Canton First Baptist Church @ 28 Academy Street, Canton

Oct 29th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Cedar Mountain Moonshine @ 10754 Greenville Highway, Cedar Mountain, NC

Oct 29th 5:00pm-6:00pm – First Baptist Church of Asheville @ 5 Oak St, Asheville

Oct 29th 5:00pm-7:00pm – The Deck Box @ 3049 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher NC

Oct 29th 5:00pm-8:00pm – Etowah United Methodist Church @ 110 Brickyard Rd, Etowah

Oct 29th 5:30pm-7:00pm – Hominy Baptist Church @ 135 Candler School Rd, Candler, NC

Oct 29th 6:00pm-7:30pm – Fruitland Baptist Church @ 150 College Street, Hendersonville NC

Oct 29th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Revol Church @ 399 Beaverdam Rd. Candy games, food, and so much more in the field across from Revol Church.

Oct 30th 5:00pm-7:00pm – Crash Champions Collision Repair @ 100 Highland Center, Asheville. We will be serving hot dogs, candied apples, and much more!

Oct 31st 4:00pm-6:00pm – The Lodge at Mills River – Health & Rehabilitation @ 5593 Old Haywood Rd, Mills River

Oct 31st 4:00pm-6:00pm – Autumn Care of Saluda @ 501 Esseola Drive , Saluda, NC

Oct 31st 4:00pm-9:00pm – La Tapa Lounge @ 400 E State Street, Black Mountain

Oct 31st 4:30pm-6:30pm – Spring Mountain Community Center @ 807 Old Fort Rd, Fairview. Candy, free hot dog supper, and other children activities. $5 Donation per car requested.

Oct 31st 4:30pm-6:30pm – Calvary Baptist Church @ 133 Osborne Rd, Brevard, NC. FREE hot dogs and chips!

Oct 31st 5:00pm – American Legion Post NC 77 216 4th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC

Oct 31st 5:00pm – Hope United Methodist Church @ 2443 Spartanburg Hwy, East Flat Rock, NC

Oct 31st 5:00pm-6:30pm – St James Episcopal Church @ 766 N Main Street, Hendersonville, NC. In the Thursday Thrift Shop Parking Lot.

Oct 31st 5:00pm-8:00pm – Fines Creek Community Center @ 190 Fines Creek Rd, Clyde, NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-7:00pm – Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department @ 1 Charles A Lyle Lane, Asheville NC. Fire truck tours!

Oct 31st 5:30pm-7:00pm – West Hendersonville Baptist Church @ 730 Willow Rd, Hendersonville NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-7:30pm – Mars Hill University @ 52 College Street, Mars Hill, NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-7:30pm – Shaws Creek HVL @ 91 Shaws Creek Church Rd, Hendersonville NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-8:00pm – Pisgah Pest Control @ 1827 Rosman Hwy, Brevard, NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-8:00pm – Mount Moriah Baptist Church @ 635 Gilliam Mountain Rd, Hendersonville NC

Oct 31st 5:30pm-8:30pm – Emma’s Grove Baptist Church @ 417 Emmas Grove Rd, Fletcher, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm – Cardinal Drive In in Brevard with Jeepers of TC. 344 S Broad St, Brevard, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-7:30pm – Grassy Branch Baptist Church @ 499 Riceville Rd, Asheville NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Valley Hill Health & Rehab @ 1510 Hebron Rd, Hendersonville NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Liberty Baptist Church @ 875 Monte Vista Rd, Candler, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Biltmore Church of God @ 1390 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – The Place Fellowship Church @ 2 Laura Jackson Drive, Fairview NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Candy Craze at Brookstone Kids Weaverville AND East Campuses. There will be carnival games, inflatables, a family show and TONS OF CANDY!

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Newfound Baptist Church @ 2605 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Pinnacle Church @ 415 Fibreville St, Canton NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Etowah Baptist Church @ 6508 Brevard Rd, Etowah, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Enka Baptist Church @ 1310 Sand Hill Rd, Candler. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Rosman Baptist Tabernacle @ Ed Owens Rd, Rosman, NC

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Grace Baptist Church @ 10 West Holden Rd, Brevard

Oct 31st 6:30pm – Midway Bible Baptist Church @ 10 Midway Drive, Brevard NC

Oct 31st 6:30pm-7:30pm – Starnes Cove Baptist Church @ 149 Starnes Cove Rd, Asheville, NC

Oct 31st 6:30pm-8:00pm – Flat Creek Baptist Church @ 21 Flat Creek Church Rd, Weaverville, NC.

Oct 31st 6:30pm-8:30pm – Spirit and Truth Church at 922 Champion Dr, Canton NC

Oct 31st 6:30pm-8:30pm – New Life Hendersonville @ 4080 Howard Gap Rd, Hendersonville.

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CHURCH FALL FESTIVALS

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Sept 30th 12:00pm-4:00pm – Contemporary First Missionary Baptist Church @ 429 Harris Street, Hendersonville. Live music, singing, games, facepaint, dunking booth, concessions, bounce house, and of course FOOD!

Oct 7th 11:00am-3:00pm – Fall Festival at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Skyland. Lots of fun, food, and fellowship. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 7th 2:00pm-5:00pm – Piney Mountain Baptist Church in Weaverville. Tractor Rides, Snow cones, Hot dogs, Chili, Cake walk, Games, Prizes, Face painting, and more! Fun for all ages! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 11:00am-3:00pm – 3rd Annual Fall Festival with Brown’s View Church at Beaverdam Community Field in Candler. Inflatable Bounce Castle, Obstacle Course, Double Slide, Baseball and Football. Cake Walks, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Hot Dog lunch, Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating, Games and More. FREE. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 1:00pm-4:00pm – Fletcher First Baptist Church @ 5 Cane Creek Rd, Fletcher NC. Trunk or Treat, train rides, inflatables, food, live music, games, and more!

Oct 14th 2:00pm-10:00pm – October Family Fest 2023 at Immaculata Catholic School. The largest community event ever hosted by Immaculata Catholic School. The school fundraiser will offer rides, games, food, and a band. LAZRLUVR (’80s tribute band) takes the stage at 8pm. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 15th 9:30am-1:00pm – Living Savior Lutheran Church @ 301 Overlook Rd, Asheville. Food, bounce house, drinks, and games. 

Oct 15th 3:00pm-5:00pm – Fall Festival at First Baptist Church Black Mountain. There will be games, pumpkin painting, a campfire, popcorn, and so much more! All are welcome! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 21st 10:30am-1:00pm – Family Fun Day at West Hendersonville Baptist Church @ 730 Willow Rd, Hendersonville, NC. Games, Free Food, Bounce House, and more!

Oct 22nd 3:00pm-6:00pm – Fall Festival at Fletcher United Methodist Church. Costumes, games, prizes, candy & more in ‘Pirate’s Cove’. FREE admission, hot dogs, and goodies! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 22nd 4:30pm-7:30pm – Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Join Long’s Chapel for an afternoon of pumpkin-spiced fun, including a chili cook-off and a desert dance around! Enjoy live music by the Blue Ridge Big Band, free food, and various activities for all ages! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 25th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Mills River United Methodist Church in Mills River. This year we will have a free food truck available so you can grab dinner at the event. We will have games, candy, music, bounce houses, and slides. This event is for all ages! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 10:00am-1:00pm – Fall Festival at Trinity of Fairview. FREE food, hayrides, music, & more! PRE REGISTER HERE

Oct 28th 10:00am-2:00pm – Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat at Naples Baptist Church @ 788 Rugby Drive, Hendersonville. Inflatable, food, games, & Llamas

Oct 28th 11:00am-2:00pm – Trinity Baptist Church in West Asheville @ 216 Shelburne Road, Asheville NC. Candy giveaways, a dunk tank, games, face painting, inflatables for all ages, and the Kona Ice Truck

Oct 28th 12:00pm-3:00pm – Fall Festival at Oakley Baptist Church @ 70 Fairview Ave Asheville, NC. Lots of games, candy, costumes contests, and prizes.

Oct 28th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Fall Festival at Oak Forest Baptist Church in Fletcher. Hayrides, Trunk-or-Treat, Games, Face Painting, Candy, Music, and More. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 2:00pm-5:00pm – Fall Fun Fest at Bethel Christian Academy in Canton. We will be having inflatables, concessions for sale, games, and trunk-or-treat. This is a FREE entry event. Costumes are optional and not required for the event! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 3:00pm-Until – Fall Festival at Gashes Creek Baptist Church @ 308 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville. Food, fun, fellowship, games, hay rides, cake walk, face painting, cookie decorating, cake walks, and more!

Oct 28th 3:00pm-6:00pm – Community Wide Fall Carnival at Freedom Baptist Church in Asheville. We will have a large variety of games, food vendors, activities and lots of candy. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat at Nativity Preschool and Kindergarten in Arden. An epic night of fall fun! Entire community is welcome! Non-scary fun. Foodtruck on site along with plenty of games and entertainment for the evening. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Fall Festival at Restoration Church @ 2344 Ashworth Road, West Marion NC. Petting zoo, trunks, games, bounce house, FREE food, and more!

Oct 28th 5:30pm-7:30pm – Fall Festival at Tuxedo First Baptist Church @ 30 Branch Lane, Zirconia NC. Trunk or Treat, hot dogs, fun, and fellowship.

Oct 28th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Fall for Jesus Festival at Horse Shoe FBC @ 5050 Brevard Rd, Horse Shoe NC. Food, games, punkin’ chunkin’, and more! Bring your carved or decorated pumpkin for the contest!

Oct 29th 10:30am – Blue Ridge Cowboy Church @ 49 Saxon Hill, Fairview, NC.

Oct 29th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Fall Fest at East Flat Rock First Baptist Church @ 2227 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock. Trunk or Treat, Games, Inflatables, Hayrides, Food, FREE Clothing, and more!

Oct 29th 3:00pm-6:00pm – Fall Festival at Central United Methodist Church @ 27 Church Street, Asheville. We will have music and dancing from local band, Whitewater Bluegrass, as well as caricature artist, Brian Vasilik. New this year: Our Chili Cook-off will be sponsored by Equal Plates Project. We will also have games, prizes, an inflatable bounce house and obstacle course, caricature drawings, a chili cook-off, costume contests, pumpkin decorating, BINGO, hotdogs, popcorn and cotton candy. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 4:00pm – Francis Asbury United Methodist Church @ 725 Asbury Road, Candler, NC. There will be individual & team games, hayrides, bone hunt, dessert walk (bring any type of dessert for a prize), hot beverage bar, Halloween Peeps s’mores, saran wrap ball, toilet paper pumpkin craft & lots more! Kids are invited to wear costumes if they’d like. All are welcome! Don’t forget to sign-up to win the door prize-a decorative pumpkin plush throw! Chili & Baked Potato Bar at 5pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Oct 29th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Fall Festival at Covenant Community Church @ 11 Rocket Dr, Asheville. Hot dogs, games, inflatables and a costume contest for kids & dogs! 5:30-6 pm is Trunk-or-Treat.

Oct 29th 5:30pm – Living Water Baptist Church 1284 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville. Fall family night with games, prizes, and candy. INDOORS.

Oct 29th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Fall Festival at Bethel Wesleyan Church @ 901 Tracy Grove Road, Flat Rock, NC. Trunk or Treat, candy & prizes, popcorn, slushies, lots of candy, hay rides, and much more! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 29th 6:00pm-8:00pm – Fall Festival at Holly Springs Baptist Church @ Crab Creek Rd in Penrose, NC. Trunk or Treat, hot chocolate, popcorn, and more! 

Oct 31st 6:00pm – Mountain Valley Baptist Church @ 65 Mountain Valley Cemetery Rd, Zirconia. Food, fun, and inflatables. FREE

Nov 4th 2:00pm-6:30pm – Fall-O-Ween Jesus Fall Festival & Gleaner’s BBQ Fundraiser at Homers Chapel FWB Church in Black Mountain (202 Chapel Rd). Games, prizes, concessions, BBQ Dinner and Kids Dinner, pumpkin painting, hay rides, face painting, cake walk, vendors, magic show, and petting zoo. Tickets available for purchase at the entrance.

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HAUNTED HOUSES/TRAILS

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Sept 29th & 30th, Oct 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, & 31st – The Haunted Farm in Hendersonville. LEARN MORE HERE

Sept 29th & 30th, Oct 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 31st, Nov 3rd-4th – Pinhead’s Graveyard in Canton. LEARN MORE HERE

October 6-7, 13-14, 20-22 & 27-30 6:00pm-9:00pm – 2023 Haunted Trail at Adventure Center of Asheville with Asheville Plays. This is Asheville’s best Family Friendly haunt created for families with kids ages 3-12. Asheville Plays sete up spooky scenes with live actors, music, games and tons of fun! LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 27th & 28th 7:00pm-10:00pm – Haunted Castle on the Hill at Stephens-Lee Community Center. Looking for spooky fright this Halloween? There will be plenty of ghosts and ghouls and visions of things that go bump in the night at the Haunted Castle on the Hill. This event is scary for most, so we recommend youth ages 10 and over. $2.00. For more information, call 828-350-2058.

Oct 27th & 28th 7:30pm-9:30pm – The Sandy Mush Community Center presents The Haunted House Asylum Tour. Come experience TWO floors of complete terror. $5/per person, $10/Express pass to skip the line, FREE/children under 5. 19 School Rd, Leicester.

Oct 27th, 28th & 31st – Haunted Zip & Trail at Navitat Canopy Adventures in Barnardsville. Our Adventure Guides take you into our haunted forest, where who knows what creatures await. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 27th, 28th & 30th – Haunted Zip & Trail at Navitat Canopy Tours in Barbardsville. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 28th 10:00am-2:00pm – Cherryfield Baptist Church @ 2070 Whitmire Rd, Brevard. Haybale rides, fire truck, magic show, cake walk, games, food, and fun!

Oct 29th 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pleasant Balsam Baptist Church @ 2362 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville NC. Food, games, and fellowship.

Oct 29th 5:00pm-7:00pm – Brevard Wesleyan Church @ 583 N Broad Street, Brevard NC. Fall Festival and Truck or Treat. Hot dogs, candy, face painting and photo booth.

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Fall Festival at Riverside Baptist Church 871 Riverside Drive Asheville, NC. Candy, games, and prizes!

Oct 31st 6:00pm-8:00pm – Fall Festival at Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Pisgah Forest. There will be games, prizes, and candy. We’ll be having our cake walk which is always a favorite with plenty of baked goods to win.

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ORCHARDS / FARMS WITH U-PICK AND FALL ACTIVITIES

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Pilot Mountain Pears | Circle L Farm Drive, Hendersonville, NC | 828-685-2605 … activities include u-pick Asian Pears. Open weekends (Fri, Sat, & Sun). PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Coston Farm & Apple House | 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC | 828-685-8352 …. Activities include U-Pick apples, a farm store with pre-picked apples, pumpkins, fall decor, baked goods, ice cream & gifts in the Apple House! PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Creasman Farms | 280 Bent Arrow Lane, Hendersonville NC | 828-685-7728 … Open Sundays only. Activities include u-pick heirloom and new varieties of apples. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Grandad’s Apples & Such | 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville NC | 828-685-1685 … They have u-pick apples, a bakery with hot apple cider donuts and Mountain Glaciers, a corn maze, cow train rides, a playground, apple cannon, food trucks, picking a pre-cut pumpkin and a country store and bakery. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Hickory Nut Gap Farm | 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview, NC | 828-628-1027 … Join them and bring the whole family for a festive fall experience on the farm with Pony Rides, Hay Rides, Creekside play area with a treehouse and wee slide, Local Apples for purchase, Fresh Pressed Cider, Sound Silo in the big barn full of instruments to play on and make noise, their famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages on the grassy slope behind the big barn, hammocks on the hill, tetherball, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor, corn hole boards, local pumpkins, and animals to see. FREE Admission. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Jeter Mountain Farm | 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville NC | 828-513-0404 … activities include u-pick apples, tractor rides, a farm market, hard apple ciders, apple cider donuts, an incredible indoor play area for kids, and a food truck. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Justus Orchard | 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville NC | 828-974-1232 … activities include u-pick apples, an animal barn, apple cannons, cow train rides, playground with jumping pillow, restaurant, and bakery. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Mountain Fresh Orchard | 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville NC | 828-435-0020 … activities include u-pick apples, an Apple Express train, bakery, and country store. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Sky Top Orchard | 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock NC | 828-692-7930 … activities include u-pick apples, apple cannons, animals in the barnyard to visit with, tractor-pulled hayrides, bee train rides, gem mining, and a full bakery. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard | 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville NC | 828-685-9083 … Daily activities include u-pick apple and pumpkin picking and a Corn Maze. Weekend activities also include Wagon Rides, an Apple Cannon, and Jump Pad. Stepp’s is also one of the last places left to pick your own pumpkins off the vine, in the fall. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Twisted Apple Orchard | 4039 Chimney Road Road, Hendersonville NC | 828-712-1919 … Unfortunately, NO u-pick for 2023, but surrounded by fall colors in the mountains, you can enjoy their locally grown food, freshly pressed apple cider and experience small farm life in a picturesque setting. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

The Orchard at Altapass | 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine NC | 828-765-9531 … Come for the apples, stay for the music and a bite. Hayrides are back! Altapass Orchard is a not-for-profit working orchard, educational, and music venue, that grows over 20 varieties of heirloom apples available for u-pick, and seeks to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the land. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

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PUMPKIN PATCHES

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Sept 15th-Oct 29th – Glass Pumpkin Patch at North Carolina Glass Center. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of handmade, colorful glass pumpkins! Fri & Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun, Mon, Wed, & Thurs: 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesdays. LEARN MORE HERE

Oct 14th 10:00am-1:00pm – Pumpkin Sale at The Park at Flat Rock (pre-picked)

Barnwell’s Apple House (pre-picked) @ 2900 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Hickory Nut Gap Farm (pre-picked) @ 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview, NC 28730 PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Grandad’s Apples & Such (pre-picked) @ 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Henderson Farms (pre-picked) @ 705 Tracy Grove Rd, Flat Rock, NC 

Jeter Mountain Farm (pre-picked) @ 1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Linda’s Plants & Shrubs (pre-picked) @ 308 Stepp Acres Ln, Hendersonville, NC PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

McConnell Farms (pre-picked) @ 177 Old Dana Rd, Hendersonville, NC 

Owenby’s Fruit Stand (pre-picked) @ 4500 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC

Packa’s Place (pre-picked) @ 4210 Brevard Road, Horse Shoe, NC. PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Sky Top Orchard (u-pick) @ 1193 Pinnacle Mtn Rd, Zirconia, NC PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

Stepp’s Hillcrest (u-pick) @ 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville NC PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE

The Nix Pumpkin Patch (u-pick) @ 3726 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC

Oct 8th-31st – Fletcher United Methodist Church @ 50 Library Rd, Fletcher, NC

Daily Sept 25th-Oct 31st 10:00am-7:00pm – Abernethy United Methodist Church @ 1418 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC.

Worley Flower Farm @ 2682 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, NC

Fletcher United Methodist Church (pre-picked) … 50 Library Rd, Fletcher, NC

First United Methodist Church of Waynesville (pre-picked) … 566 S Haywood St, Waynesville, NC Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm.

Small Batch Glass Company (Glass Pumpkin Patch) … 46 Craven Street Asheville, NC. Every 3rd Saturday, Sept-Nov. LEARN MORE HERE

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CORN MAZES

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Eliada Corn Maze

Cold Mountain Corn Maize @ 4168 Pisgah Drive, Canton, NC … Sept 16th through … this years design is in honor of Alzheimer’s. 

Grandad’s Apples & Such (see above under orchards)

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (see above under orchards)

Indoor Pumpkin Maze at Linda’s Plants & Shrubs @ 308 Stepp Acres Ln, Hendersonville, NC. $5/Admission

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HALLOWEEN MEALS & DEALS

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WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFE … Oct 31st All Day … Wear a costume to Well Played to play for free! Snap a photo of you in your costume at Well Played, post to Instagram tagging us @wellplayedasheville, and use the hashtag #wellplayedhalloween to be entered into our costume contest. The winner will be randomly chosen and receive a free one-month game pass. LEARN MORE HERE

BOARD & BRUSH ASHEVILLE CREATIVE STUDIO … DIY Halloween Decor and FUN at your fingertips with their BOO Bucket! Treat yourself, or your coven to a treat filled bucket of FUN! All buckets include a BB@home kit (your choice of three Halloween trios or more) Plus other Halloween goodies. $30/Per Bucket. Pickup in studio one hour before or during any posted workshop. CALENDAR OF PROJECTS HERE

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE … Wear a costume AMOS the week of Oct 30 and get $1 off admission. LEARN MORE HERE

SWEET ESCAPE … Oct 27th-31st – Stop by the Sweet Escape yogurt store Biltmore Park Town Square for a 31% off coupon with each order! Valid October 27th – 31st, or show this post to your yogurtologist this coming weekend for your spooky discount!

GREAT SMILES … Nov 1st-8th – Candy Buy Back at Great Smiles. $2/lb. All candy will be donated to Asheville Veterans Quarters.

ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY … Nov 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, or 8th 8:00am-4:00pm – Candy Buy Back at Asheville Pediatric Dentistry (70 Peachtree Rd, Suite 130, Asheville). Donate 1lb and earn up to $5. All candy will be donated to local heroes and first responders.

HAWG WILD SMOKEHOUSE & TAPROOM (Brevard) … Oct 31st 5:00pm-8:00pm – Guys and Ghouls, come dressed in your Halloween costume between 5-8pm Halloween night and get a free kids meal (ages 10 and under only, with purchase of adult meal. Drive thru meals not included).

SEVERAL MOVIE THEATERS … This Halloween, treat yourself to Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour! Film tickets are just $13.13 in any format! Halloween Special on Oct 31st, 2023.

SONIC DRIVE-IN … $0.50 corn dogs are back at Sonic this Halloween (Oct 31st, 2023). Each corn dog is just $.50. Tax not included.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE … Outback Restaurant is offering FREE Kids Meals with the purchase your adult entrees on Tuesday, October 31. One free kids meal for each adult meal purchased. Mention this deal to your server when dining in, or redeem online using code SPOOKYFREE

 

 

 

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   JUNE 30TH    

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• VALDESE: 2023 Independence Day will be held in conjunction with Valdese Summer Concert Series on June 30, 2023, 5:00pm-10:00pm. Each year the Town of Valdese celebrates Independence Day by holding an impressive fireworks display on the football field behind the Old Rock School. Regarded as one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the area, the Town of Valdese sponsors this celebration with a brilliant light display that bursts at a lower altitude which allows for a variety of swirls and explosions. Plenty of ooohs and ahhhs for everyone! LEARN MORE HERE

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   JULY 1ST  

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• BAKERSVILLE: You can set up anywhere in town and see them, but there will be a celebration at Gouge Elementry where they will be shot off prior to them being set off at dusk. LEARN MORE HERE

• HOT SPRINGS: Fireworks are planned for Saturday, July 1st, 2023 in downtown Hot Springs, NC. Our spectacular fireworks display happens after sunset.  Folks come early to enjoy the shops, restaurants and street vendors in town. New as of 2022: Due to the spa insurance policy NO ONE is allowed on spa property other than their guests. The Town of Hot Springs and local Fire Department join forces for the annual patriotic display which can be viewed from the historic downtown, or from romantic lookouts surrounding Hot Springs. LEARN MORE HERE

• BARNARDSVILLE: Big Ivy Community Center in Barnardsville. Traditional Parade and Fireworks show. Parade Starts at 12 noon, It goes from the Elementary School through town and all the way back to the Big Ivy Community Center. Food, Fun, Vendors, Music and Fellowship 12 noon to dark. Fireworks at Dark. LEARN MORE HERE

• CHEROKEE: The Cherokee Pow Wow is back, June 30th-July 2nd. Dancers from across the country come to Cherokee to compete in Traditional, Jingle, Grass, and Fancy Dancing styles. Don’t miss the Grand Entry each day, and the best fireworks display in western NC on July 1st. LEARN MORE HERE

• FLAT ROCK: Bring the whole family to celebrate July 4th on July 1st at Marked Tree. Carolina Ace BBQ will be here serving up scrumptious BBQ all day long. Treat the family to a delicious plate and your favorite Marked Tree wines! You won’t even have to clean the grill! Fireworks show in the evening. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling the vineyard at 828-513-3773. Walk-ins are welcomed as well! LEARN MORE HERE

• LAKE LURE BEACH: Join us for the Lake Lure Community INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebration taking place on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Lake Lure Beach! Food, music, entertainment, and fireworks! July 1st 6:30pm-9:30pm. LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

• SPRUCE PINE: Town of Spruce Pine sponsored fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 1st at dark. Fireworks will be detonated from Riverside Park. The park will be closed to the public during the late afternoon and evening of July 1st to safely set up and detonate the fireworks. Anywhere in downtown would be a good place to see them. A favorite place is the 3 level grassed parking area near PineBridge, across from Crosstreet (Whitson Electric) Building. LEARN MORE HERE

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 JULY 2ND   

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• BURNSVILLE AT MOUNT MITCHELL GOLF CLUB: All day festivities, music, food and fun for the whole family. Time TBA. Evening fireworks open to all at dark. LEARN MORE HERE

• DOWNTOWN MARSHALL: Independence Celebration in Downtown Marshall. Parade at 5pm. Fireworks at Dark. LEARN MORE HERE
  

• SALUDA: Fireworks Fundraiser for the Saluda Volunteer Fire Department at Orchard Lake Campground on July 2nd at 9:00pm. They recommend getting there by 8:00 pm to park. Visitors are welcome to arrive before 7:00 pm and register for day passes at the campground office. Day passes are $8/person (ages 5 and under are free) and allow guests access to use all campground activities. Visitors arriving after 7:00 pm are not required to pay for a day pass. LEARN MORE HERE

• HENDERSONVILLE at Hendersonville Country Club: Fireworks will be shot off over the golf course on July 2nd at approximately 9:20pm. Even if you’re not a member of the country club, the fireworks will still be visible from the surrounding area.

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  JULY 3RD  

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• ASHEVILLE TOURISTS BASEBALL GAME: Asheville Tourists Baseball Game, with a Post-Game Fireworks Show Presented By Raumedic. Game begins at 6:05pm. Gates open at 5:00pm. Fireworks immediately following. Watch from your seat, or sit on the field (we recommend bringing a blanket to sit on if you intend to sit on the field). LEARN MORE HERE

• GROVE PARK INN: As part of their Independence Day Weekend festivities at The Grove Park Inn, they light up the sky with a fireworks display for their guests over the Seely Pavilion Lawn which is visible in the area, even if you’re not a guest of the hotel. The show begins at 9:30pm on July 3rd this year, and lasts for approximately 15 mins. LEARN MORE HERE

• LAKE JUNALUSKA: Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features a weekend of family-friendly fun — from concerts to fireworks to floating wish lanterns. The event will be full of activities and plenty of time to soak up summer enjoying the lakeside swimming pool, a round of golf or mini golf, a cruise on the Cherokee IV pontoon boat or a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental. Fireworks over the lake July 3rd at 9:30pm. LEARN MORE HERE

• WAYNESVILLE/LAKE JUNALUSKA: Fireworks on the Hill Fundraiser with the Big T Club of Tuscola High School. Food, Fun and a great view from the hill. Fireworks presented by Lake Junaluska. 564 Tuscola School Road, Waynesville. Gates open 5:00pm. $20 per car admission. LEARN MORE HERE

• LAKE LURE RUMBLING BALD RESORT: Independence Day Weekend Celebration begins July 1st at the Rumbling Bald Resort, and culminates in a fireworks display over the lake on the 3rd of July at 9:30pm. Only members and registered guests will be allowed on the property, and only those with a wristband will be allowed on the beach, but the fireworks will be visible from off the property. LEARN MORE HERE

• OLD FORT: New Classics Pro Rodeo on July 3rd with a fireworks show after the rodeo. Gates open at 5:30p, show starts at 7:30pm, with fireworks after that. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12 & free for 5 and under! LEARN MORE HERE

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  JULY 4TH   

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• BRYSON CITY: The fun begins at 8 am with the 31st Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K, leaving from Riverfront Park downtown and traveling through the Deep Creek area and return. At 10 am the Festival opens. Everett Street will be closed for our favorite arts, crafts, food and music festival followed by a super fireworks show at 10 pm. Live music starts at 6pm. At 10pm, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies! There are plenty of good viewing locations throughout town. LEARN MORE HERE

• BILTMORE: Biltmore shoots off fireworks at dark over the Inn for their overnight guests, but they can be seen by guests to the estate from Antler Hill Village.

• CANDLER @ Beaverdam Community Center. The celebration starts about 6pm or so with hot dogs, then at dusk with fireworks. 161 upper Beaverdam loop road candler nc 28715. Off Enka Lake Rd you take a right at the 4 way, then continue until you get to the stop sign and then take a right again and follow it all the way around until you go around a sharp curve and it will be on your immediate left!

• COLUMBUS: 10:00am-10:00pm: The Town of Columbus is celebrating its 60th Fourth of July Celebration on TUESDAY, July 4, 2023 in Stearns Park. Join the crowd for this family-oriented event. The day is filled with family fun, food, and entertainment, ending with spectacular fireworks. LEARN MORE HERE

• HENDERSONVILLE: A family-friendly celebration of our nation’s birthday, which includes a parade, inflatables, kid’s games, and activities, food trucks, and 2 stages featuring live music. The evening will be capped-off with a fireworks display that can be seen from either concert area (sponsored by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority). 10:30am-11:00am: Parade down Main Street, Hendersonville. (PARADE INFO HERE), 5:00pm-9:00pm: 4th of July Concerts at the Hendersonville Welcome Center Parking Lot & Historic Courthouse Square. (CONCERT INFO HERE), 9:00pm-9:30pm: 4th of July Fireworks Display (FIREWORKS INFO HERE)

• WAYNESVILLE: Stars & Stripes Celebration & Parade. Join us in front of the Historic Courthouse for a day filled with patriotic fun and excitement, 11:00am-4:00pm. Bring the whole family and enjoy a children’s patriotic parade from 11-12pm. The little ones can decorate their bicycles, tricycles, scooters, strollers, and wagons in red, white, and blue, with some decorations provided by DWC. Patriotic dress and decorations are highly encouraged, so come dressed to impress! LEARN MORE HERE

• DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE: The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4 12:00pm-9:30pm. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza to top off the day. LEARN MORE HERE

• ASHEVILLE: Gashes Creek Baptist Church starting at 4. Come and bring a friend. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served around 5 pm but we will save you one if you cant make it by then. Waterslides and water games for the kids so bring a change of clothes and a towel. Also, bring a lawn chair for the fireworks starting at 9:15pm. 308 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville.

• TUXEDO: Rosco’s Marathon Station in Tuxedo (near Zirconia) … If you haven’t been, these are some of the best in the area, and well worth the short drive. They put on an amazing show every year, and shoot them off from the mountain behind the station, making them feel like they’re right above your head! It’s an all day party, so get there early and tailgate. Fireworks shot off at dark. LEARN MORE HERE

• ARDEN AT LAKE JULIAN: Come out early and enjoy all the park has to offer: disc golf, cornhole, playgrounds, fitness courses, horseshoes, and more on July 4th 12:00pm-10:00pm. Please note: Paddle boats will be available for rent. All boats must be off the water by 8pm. Uncovered picnic tables and grills are available on a first come basis. Pop-up canopies are allowed and must be secured with a minimum of 45 lbs. of weights. Everyone can fish in any public body of water in the state without a license on July 4. View Fireworks after dark. Only vehicles with valid handicap placards are allowed inside the park. Cars are not allowed in the park, parking will be available at Estes Elementary School or Kootnz Intermediate. LEARN MORE HERE

• WEAVERVILLE: Downtown Weaverville 4th of July Celebration. Musical performance by Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast will begin at 7:30pm, followed by a fireworks show at 9:30pm. FREE ADMISSION! Come early to enjoy food and beverages from your favorite Main Street establishments! Local vendors will be located in the municipal parking lot near the clock tower beginning at 4pm. Contact your favorite establishment directly for any potential changes in hours. LEARN MORE HERE

• BREVARD: The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day with the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Brevard College. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the impressive and jaw-dropping display of fireworks as they fill the night sky with color. After dark, the fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30pm. LEARN MORE HERE

• MARION: Independence Day Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Marion! The parade begins at 6:00pm. A special spot is reserved at the beginning of the parade for Anything That Rolls. Grand Marshals are McDowell County veterans. The street dance with Fox & Company begins at 7:00pm. Fireworks at 9:45 PM. LEARN MORE HERE

• LAKE JAMES: 4th of July Celebration Party, with fun, food, music and fireworks with Marion Lake Club at Lake James, NC. 
  Bring your own beverage & lawn chair. A meal will be provided for a $10 donation. Please RSVP by June 30th. LEARN MORE HERE

• BLACK MOUNTAIN: A fireworks display is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4th at dark. Join us downtown to catch the show and celebrate our independence! LEARN MORE HERE

• MAGGIE VALLEY: Backyard Fourth at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Gates will open at 6pm. Bring your Blanket, Chairs, Picnic Basket, Bubbles, Hula Hoops, Balls and Yard Games! Enjoy the great fireworks at dark! This is an alcohol free event. Maggie Valley Police Department will be serving BBQ plates for $10 each. LEARN MORE HERE

• SYLVA: Sylva’s ninth annual Fireworks Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m.on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at the Bridge Park. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the Carolina Soul Band to the stage for a performance from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. They are one of the southeast’s finest bands. They will perform classic hits, pop favorites, R&B, Motown, soul and beach music. Fireworks are organized by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and should begin at dark immediately after the concert, approximately 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas. LEARN MORE HERE

• BLACK MOUNTAIN SUNSET FIREWORKS HIKE: Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center sunset fireworks hike to watch the Black Mountain Fireworks. This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over dinner, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place. Ages 10 and up. 7:00pm-11:00pm. LEARN MORE HERE

• BURNSVILLE: On the town of burnsville’s website, it’s showing that there will be music and fireworks on the 4th on the Town Square. It’s recommended by locals that the best place to park is at Roses and watch from parking lot. You can also see them from the Square, the library lawn, any of the shopping center parking lots, and pretty much anybody’s house in Burnsville. Fireworks at Dark. LEARN MORE HERE

• MARS HILL: July 4th Celebration at Athletic Street and Mars Hill Football Stadium (NEW LOCATION) from 4:00pm-9:00pm. Daytime activites include inflatables, trackless train, axe throwing, and carnival games. Food trucks and live music. Fireworks at dark. LEARN MORE HERE

• HORSESHOE: Annual 4th of July BBQ at The Horse Shoe Farm. 5:30pm-10:00pm. This year we’re teaming up with French Broad Cattle Farms & Birds Fly South Ale Project to bring you a pig pickin’, Horse Shoe Farm style! Spend an evening dining on southern-inspired fare and: Enjoying Birds Fly South Ale, Wine & specialty cocktails, Live music from Darren Nicholson, Lawn games, Bonfire & s’mores bar, & of course.. a FIREWORKS display and more! $85/pp pricing. Tickets for children ages 12 and under are offered at $40pp. If you’d like to reserve with children, please give us a call at 828-393-3034 x 3. LEARN MORE HERE

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  JULY 5TH   

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• CANTON: Annual July 4th Plus One Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Canton on July 5th at 6pm. Bring your chair and blanket! Fireworks, sponsored by Champion Credit Union, will start at dusk! The splash pad will be open, FREE kids inflatables, FREE Watermelon, and music. Food trucks will be available for food purchase. LEARN MORE HERE

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OTHER INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS

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• July 1st 8:00am-12:00pm – Independence Day Extravaganza at Mills River Farmers Market. All your favorite vendors and 4 hours of your favorite all time music, Patriotic, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and Real oldies. Schoolhouse Road.

• July 1st 9:00am-12:00pm – Make a Fireworks Bean Bag Toss Kids Workshop project at The Home Depot. While supplies last.

• July 1st 9:00am-1:00pm – Independence Day Fun at Curb Market Farmers Market in Hendersonville. HVL Fire Dept will bring their fire truck at 10:30am. Kids sack race at 11:00am. Enjoy a FREE watermelon slice! Music by Tom Brown One Man Band.

• July 1st 10am, 11am, & 11:30am – Kid Friendly Mini Make and Take Workshops at Board & Brush Asheville NC. $20 and 3 time slots to choose from! Make a summer or 4th of July project! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 1st 11:00am-12:00pm – Red, White, and Glow! Open House & Family Swim Event at Corpening Memorial YMCA. Bring your family and join us in the pool and Show you Glow! Our pool will be filled with glow sticks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Swim, splash, and dive for glow sticks! There will be a small craft activity afterwards! FREE event open to members and non members! 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion NC.

• July 1st 11:00am-2:00pm – 4th of July BBQ Party at Carolina Ace Hardware in Hendersonville. Demos, expert lawn and garden help, and the latest in grills and outdoor power equipment for your backyard. We’re serving up hotdogs, Brunswick Stew and smoked pork! 

• July 1st 11:00am-3:00pm – Independence Party at Harley-Davidson of Asheville in Swannanoa. FREE lunch beginning at 11am. FREE homemade ice cream at 12pm. LIVE MUSIC with Contagious from 12-3pm. 50% OFF end-of-season Motorclothes. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 1st 1:00pm-6:00pm – WILD + FREE 4th of July celebration presented by Connestee Falls Realty at Brevard Lumber Arts District. Shop from WNC-based vendors, enjoy beverages served by UpCountry Brewing, live music, Local Harvester food truck, face painting, fairy hair… AND MORE! FREE! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 1st 2:00pm-10:00pm – July Block Party & Art Market at Continuum Art in Hendersonville. A multifaceted event with several moving parts, all for a great cause, with many food truck vendors and unique craftsman booths for you to browse and shop. But that’s not all – we also have an indoor concert and dance lesson to fundraise for Crossnore Communities for Children. You’ll be able to dance the night away with live performances from Russ Wilson and the Kings of Swing, as well as David Rodriguez and the Latin Hustle. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 1st 5:30pm-12:00am – Red, White, & Blue Parents Night Out at Hahn’s Gymnastics in Arden. Ages 3-12years. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 2nd 12:00pm-3:00pm – Summer Party at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher with The Gathering Church. Join us for a family-friendly, community event. Nothing says SUMMER like an outdoor party with inflatables, snow cones, face painting, a unicycling clown, yard games, cornhole tournament, and food trucks! ALL AGES WELCOME. We will also have a FREE raffle to win prizes. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 12:00am-11:59pm – July 4th is Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. From 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., everyone in North Carolina can fish for free in any public body of water, including coastal waters, without having to purchase a fishing license or additional trout fishing privilege.

• July 4th All Day – Enjoy an original doughnut at Krispy Kreme when you wear red, white & blue. Limit 1 doughnut per guest. Available in shop only at participating US shops, while supplies last. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 7:00am – Independence Day 5K & Wicked Beer Mile at Carrier Park. Start your July 4th with a bang with this flat, family friendly course! Kiddos can join in on the fun with our Firecracker Loop. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 7:00am-9:30pm – Let Freedom Ring Independence Day Celebration in Montreat. Traditionally a homecoming holiday that brings extended Montreat families together from all over the country, the Fourth of July celebration at Montreat truly captures the essence of American life and has become a popular celebration for everyone in the area. Join us for a parade and a variety of fun events for the whole family! This year’s theme is Shining Stars of Public Service, and our 2023 parade marshals are Angie Murphy, Montreat Town Clerk, and John Casper, retired NASA astronaut. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 10:00am-2:00pm – 4th of July Celebration at Beech Community Center in Weaverville. 10:00am Annual Independence Day Parade (To participate, line up 9:30am on Roberts Cove) … 11:00am 4th of July Patriotic Program … 12:15pm Pot Luck Lunch … 1:00pm Field Games. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 10:00am-3:00pm – Stars & Stripes Celebration in Waynesville. Shops & restaurants will be open all day. Downtown Waynesville will have the traditional Kids Parade at 11:00am and conclude with a patriotic concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2:00pm. Registration for the parade begins at 10:00am. Kids are invited to the Court House lawn to decorate bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, wagons and strollers for the patriotic parade along Main Street that ends with an ice cream social at the First Baptist Church. Face painting, special characters, kids activities, live music and entertainment. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 10:00am-5:00pm – A special displaying for the public viewing of Steve Jarrell’s aircraft with it’s outstanding paint job dedicated to American Historical Heros at Western North Carolina Air Museum. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 12:00pm-3:00pm – July 4th Cookout at Harwood Home for Funerals & Cremation Services in Black Mountain. YES! We are back at it this year for our Annual July 4th Cookout! We invite you to come join our family for free barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks on our lawn. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 1:00pm – FREE Hot Dogs and Ice Cream at 12 Baskets Cafe. Stay after at 1pm for a CPR training with the community paramedics!

• July 4th 2:00pm-4:00pm – Red, White, and Blues Ice Cream Social at Mountain Gateway Museum, Old Fort. Grab your spoons and join us for our annual ice cream social on July 4. Before the Old Fort July 4th parade, enjoy a free treat of ice cream (with toppings) or watermelon. You can also enjoy the tunes of Possum Creek as you wait for the parade. This event will take place from 2:00 till 4:00 or until supplies run out. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 2:00pm – Pendergast Family Partriot Pops Concert at Brevard Music Center. Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds joined by the Seraph Brass as they perform inspirational American music, traditional Sousa marches, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with the sounds of live cannon! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 4:00pm – Town of Old Fort 4th of July Parade. The parade will travel down Catawba Ave and onto Main street. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 5:00pm-9:00pm – July 4th BBQ Celebration at The Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain. Celebrate the holiday on our front lawn with live music from Shaggy & Susie, BBQ, libations, and fun & games for the whole fam. Bring your lawn chairs and join the celebration. There is no price to attend the event, Food & Drinks will be available for purchase. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 5:30pm-9:00pm – New Classics Pro Rodeo on July 4th at 189 Catawba River Rd in Old Fort. Gates open at 5:30p, show starts at 7:30pm. THERE WILL NOT BE FIREWORKS ON THE 4TH. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12 & free for 5 and under! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 6:00pm – Town Mountain 4th of July Cookout @ 185 King Street, Brevard NC. Town Mountain will be taking the stage at 6:00 and will finish in time for you to walk around the block to watch the fireworks. $25/Advanced, $30/Day of Show. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 6:30pm-10:00pm – Fireworks Viewing Party at Lookout Brewing in Black Mountain. The 4th falls on a Tuesday this year which means Team Trivia will be followed by fireworks! We will be open later so everyone can enjoy a pint while watching the fireworks from our parking lot or back of the building. Mac’s burgers will also be open that day from 4-9pm for your snacking needs! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 4th 8:00pm-10:00pm – July 4th Dinner in the Park at Twisted Laurel Downtown Asheville. Enjoy dinner on the patio across from Pack Square Park, host to a day full of activities including live music on their stage from 4-9 pm followed by the annual Ingles Independence Day Celebration fireworks.The restaurant opens at 11 am to the public for lunch, dinner, and drinks, reserving the patio for ticketed diners only starting at 8 pm. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 5th 11:00am – Daniel’s First Fireworks Storytime at Barnes & Noble in Biltmore Park Town Square. This week in celebration of Independence Day we will be reading Daniel’s First Fireworks by Becky Friedman! Daniel and his little sister Margaretsee fireworks for the first time in this adorable kids book based on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. After the story, stay for crafts and treats from our BN Cafe! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 8th 9:00am-12:00pm – First Annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social at Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market. 
  Hi, friends. It’s July. It’s hot outside. So we decided to do something about it. C’mon out Saturday, July 8th, for our First Annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social! We’ve got local scoops in all flavors, so grab a tidy cup, park it in the shade, and enjoy our live musicians. Scoops are $6/cup, and all proceeds go to market operations. LEARN MORE HERE

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PREVIOUS YEARS EVENTS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT RECUR THIS YEAR. WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR CONFIRMATION

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• BURNSVILLE: Toe River Campground. There will be a $5 per car charge for non-campers to enter the campground for the fireworks. LEARN MORE HERE

• FOREST CITY: Join the Forest City Owls for their July 4 fireworks show after the game. The Owls take on the High Point Thomasville HiToms! First pitch is at 7:05pm. The Town of Forest City is a sponsor. LEARN MORE HERE
  

• July 1st-4th Winchester Creek Farm Alpacas + Minis in Waynesville is all decorated for the holiday and offering farm tours. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 2nd 11:00am-10:00pm – Independence Day Celebration at Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River. Red, White, & Blue slushies, a gourmet hot dog menu, decor all around the taproom, and games all day long! LEARN MORE HERE

• July 2nd & 3rd – Dynamite Days at Emerald Village in Spruce Pine/Little Switzerland. Guided hikes to hidden mines, special sales, gem mining, special vendors, a special nighttime Blacklight mine tour on Saturday, and more. LEARN MORE HERE

• July 2nd, 3rd, & 4th 9:00am-5:00pm – Freedom Days at the Farm at Mtn Fresh Orchard in Hendersonville. Their bakery will be making apple cider donuts, fried apple pies, fried peach pies, apple fritters and more. They will have fresh picked peaches and berries as well as other fruits and vegetables. Take a train ride through the orchard on The Apple Express. Fun for all ages. LEARN MORE HERE

• All Day July 4th, and Every Monday & Tuesday Evening 4pm-7pm Throughout the Month of July – Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlors (they have locations in Asheville, Franklin, Waynesville and Sylva) will give any child (age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult) who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance a free small ice cream cone of their choice

DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATERS!

Where else can you watch first run movies affordably with your big crew (and sometimes your pets!) under the stars like generations before you? Continue the tradition (or start a new one with your family!), and check out one (or more .. or all!) of these drive in movie theaters that we are so fortunate to be within day trip distance to (we used 2 hours or less as our parameter) from Asheville! There used to be over 5,500 drive-in theaters worldwide and now we have only approximately 349 left. If you ask us, it’s one of the best ways to watch a movie and spend a summer evening, and we’re on a bit of a mission to do our part to preserve them before it’s too late! Below is a list of all the ones closest to us, in order of their proximity to Asheville. Be sure to visit the theater website before visiting, because most have important tips and advice on how to make the most of your visit with them.

STATELINE DRIVE-IN THEATER | 3690 US-19E N, Elizabethton, TN  37643 | (423) 542-5422 | LEARN MORE HERE … The StateLine is a seasonal theater operating in the summer months–April Through September. They offer one feature every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday evenings, with double features on Holiday Weekends. (Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, & Labor Day) depending on movie availability and scheduling. They no longer have field speakers for sound. If you do not have a radio in your car, you will need to bring some sort of radio tuner with you (NOT a cell phone app). Admission Prices: $7.00/Adults (12 years & Older), $3.00/Children (11 years & Younger) … Approximately 1hr 15min from Asheville

TWIN CITY DRIVE-IN THEATRE | 2512 Volunteer Pkwy, Bristol, TN  37620 | (423) 764-8033 | LEARN MORE HERE … Twin City Drive-In was built in 1949, and is situated on twenty-nine acres in a beautiful mountain setting with the Beaver Creek Knobs as a boundary and backdrop. The family operated theatre is open on weekends during the spring and fall seasons and nightly during the summer with double features. $8.00/Ages 11 and Up, $5.00/Ages 5 thru 10, FREE/4 & Under. Cash only. … Approximately 1hr 30min from Asheville

TIGER DRIVE IN THEATER | 2956 Old 441 S Tiger, GA 30576 | (706) 782-1611 | LEARN MORE HERE …Tiger Drive In is a single screen theater, playing double features on most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Featuring all grass terraces, FM broadcasts, outdoor speakers, Pandora pre-show music, Wi-Fi, and the delicious TDI Grill. They accept Credit Cards, are pet friendly, have a playground for the kids, and overnight camping is available. $10.00/Adults (12 and up), $5.00/Children (4-11), FREE/Children Under 3. Tent Camping $20 a night, RV camping $40 a night (back row), “camping does NOT include admission”. … Approximately 1hr 45min from Asheville

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!! UNFORTUNATELY WE LOST A COUPLE OF OUR FAVORITES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS !!

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**FOR SALE AS OF 2023** … SUNSET DRIVE IN | 3935 Sunset Blvd, Shelby, NC  28152 | (704) 434-7782 | LEARN MORE HERE … This single screen theater played double features most Fridays and Saturdays from April through September, but closed in 2022 season due to family issues. It was one of our favorites due to their low cost and amazing popcorn, and definitely worth the trip. They announced in 2023 that they were not reopening and were offering the drive in up for sale. … Approximately 1hr 20min from Asheville

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**PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF 2023** … HOUNDS DRIVE IN | 114 Raven Cir, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | (704) 739-4424 | LEARN MORE HERE … Hound’s Drive-In Theater opened for business in the spring of 2016, and was one of the newest and most innovative drive-ins with three 50×100 foot screens; the largest in the nation. They used the brightest (7,000 watt) bulbs in the industry to project the best picture quality. Pet friendly as long as they were quiet and not aggressive. … Approximately 1hr 40min from Asheville

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 THESE THEATERS ARE JUST A LITTLE LONGER OF A DRIVE, BUT WE COULDN’T HELP BUT INCLUDE THEM BECAUSE THEY’RE WORTH A VISIT IF YOU’RE IN THAT AREA

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BELMONT DRIVE-IN | 314 McAdenville Rd, Belmont, NC  28012 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hrs from Asheville. This cute little theater is in the middle of a remodel, and they hope to reopen by Memorial Day 2023, but “things have not really cooperated… as soon as we can get everything done… stay tuned.”

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25 DRIVE IN AUTO THEATRE | 3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646 | (864) 942-9871 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 15min from Asheville

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CENTRAL DRIVE IN | 5113 Kent Junction Rd, Norton, VA 24273 | (276) 679-3761 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 30min from Asheville

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PARKWAY DRIVE IN | 2909 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804 | (865) 379-9865 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hrs 30min from Asheville

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LOCO DRIVE-IN | 455 Centre Park Dr, Loudon, TN 37774 |  (865) 657-1543 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 30min from Asheville

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LEXINGTON CINEMA & DRIVE IN | 235 N Talbert Blvd. Lexington, NC | (336)242-1904 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 30min from Asheville

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PARK PLACE DRIVE IN | 301 Park Blvd, Marion, VA  24354 | (276) 781-2222 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 30min from Asheville

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MONETTA DRIVE IN THEATRE | 5822 Columbia Highway North, Monetta, SC 29105 | (803) 685-7949 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 30min from Asheville

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SWAN DRIVE IN THEATRE | 651 Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA | (706) 632-5235 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 40min from Asheville

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SWINGIN’ MIDWAY DRIVE IN THEATER | 2133 Hwy 30E, Athens, Tennessee 37303 | (423) 263-2632 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hrs 45min from Asheville

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BADIN RD DRIVE-IN | 2411 Badin Rd, Albemarle, NC  28001 | (704) 983-2900 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 2hr 50min from Asheville

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EDEN DRIVE-IN | 106 Fireman Club Rd, Eden, NC  27288 | LEARN MORE HERE … Approximately 3hrs from Asheville

Asheville is an amazing city with so much to see and do, and while we have some amazing group tour guide companies, sometimes we want to venture out on our own to learn about the culture and history of our area … with our family, on our schedule and timetable, to explore our interests, on our own path. A great way to do that, and a great way to save a lot of money, is to take one of the many self-guided tours that have been created by our local experts at our tourism centers, and historic sites. We’ve compiled the list below of some our favorites for you, that we hope you will enjoy and much as we do. 

 

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ASHEVILLE URBAN TRAIL … A walking tour of the city’s history. In a casual two-hour amble about town, a person interested in exploring the city’s quirky and magical past, along with getting to know many of its larger-than-life historical characters, can follow a string of 30 sculptural trail stations directly into Asheville lore. On the Urban Trail, every station calls to mind a historical moment and, for the most part, the achievements of remarkable individuals connected to our small city. Figuratively speaking, you will stumble headlong into George Vanderbilt, E.W. Grove, Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Douglas Ellington, and a short story writer calling himself O. Henry ~ just to name a few. A good place to start is in front of Pack Place on Asheville’s Pack Square where you can step up to Plaque #1, called “Walk Into History.”  But any starting point is fine. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE made even better with an AUDIO TOUR OF EACH SPOT

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ASHEVILLE ARCHITECTURE TRAIL … A street guide to exquisite 1920’s buildings saved by the Depression. Many of the city’s bright light architectural achievements took place in the 1920’s when Asheville danced to the tune of flocking tourists and new growth, when the city vectored towards becoming a mountain version of Miami, and when a heritage of splendid work already existed thanks to Richard Morris Hunt, Frederick Law Olmsted, Richard Sharp Smith and Raphael Guastavino, grand masters associated with development of the Biltmore House. By the time the Depression went off like a bomb, in addition to a fresh outpouring of wonderful buildings, the city also inherited the highest per capita debt burden in the nation. Such terrible news offered a corollary that turned into a godsend. Since Asheville determined it would pay back every cent, it literally couldn’t afford to tear down any of its jewel-like building inventory. The twenties were sealed, as if captured in a snow globe. Now, forty years later, the dozen buildings you are about to encounter on this walking tour are as fresh-looking and as conceptually brilliant as they were when their doors opened for the first time. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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SOUTH SLOPE MURAL TRAIL … The South Slope Mural Trail was created in collaboration with the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the South Slope Neighborhood Association to highlight the creativity of Asheville’s growing mural scene in downtown’s South Slope. This hip, compact district of Asheville’s Southside, commonly referred to as the South Slope, has a rich and diverse history including a vibrant African American community, an automobile focused “motor mile,” and now a lively industrial area with a dynamic arts culture and thriving craft brewery scene. Characterized by its grit and its local charm, the area is popular with residents and tourists alike, offering a plethora of food and beverage options amidst a scattering of colorful murals. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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ASHEVILLE’S URBAN ART … Art is everywhere in Asheville. Peek around an alleyway to find murals depicting the city’s underground history or drive through the River Arts District to see wildly creative public art. If you know where to look, you’ll see murals everywhere as you meander through town. This handpicked guide to Asheville’s most celebrated and hard-to-find street art makes driving through town a visual delight. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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ASHEVILLE HISTORIC HAUNTS DRIVING TOUR … Tales of the haunted, the creepy, the eerie, and the outright macabre mark the landscape here with sites that locals love – or fear. This area, high ground near the confluence of two rivers, has a lengthy history of human occupation. It has seen skirmishes and wars, influxes of tourists and tuberculosis patients, booms and busts, and plenty of tragedy.  Asheville and the surrounding mountains have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends of hauntings. WNC Historical Association at the Smith-McDowell House created this 22.5 mile self guided tour for you to enjoy. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY HIKING TRAILS BY MILEPOST … A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular views of Southern Appalachia’s diverse beauty for 469 uninterrupted miles. Blue-misted mountains, cascading waterfalls, rolling pasture, and gorges banked with wildflowers greet hikers of all skill levels among the more than 100 varied and intriguing trails in North Carolina and Virginia. Meandering alongside and crossing the scenic motor road, the trails provide a close-up look at some of the most beautiful wilderness in the country. Many trails wind their way through unique biological and geological environments. Others lead to historic sites with stories of how people have shaped our heritage. Once at the mural location, take a ‘selfie’ in front of these Asheville landmark murals, upload it to the mural trail website selfie page and receive a free tee shirt that says “I hiked the Appalachian Mural Trail.”  GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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APPALACHIAN MURAL TRAIL … The Appalachian Mural Trail follows the Blue Ridge Parkway through N. Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and beyond to find already existing historical murals and also help communities create outdoor Appalachian historical murals to help increase the pride of the townsfolk by beautifying and showing respect for their community. Within driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway amazing murals dot the horizon and tell the story of the Appalachian Mountains. With this Parkway Milepost Guide you can follow the Parkway and view beautiful historical murals while exiting at the mile posts along the way! These murals shine a light on the rich heritage of our mountains using talented local artists to complete each mural. They believe this will enhance the visitor’s experience to the area through educating them about our rich heritage through art, while sharing the creativity of the mountains. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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AUDIO HISTORY TOUR OF THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN … The self-guided audio tour covers the history of E.W. Grove, the construction and early years of the resort, their Arts & Crafts style furniture collection and some of their most notable guests. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and consists of walking and long periods of standing. They recommend bringing your own earphones for the tour. Phone adapters and headphones are available for purchase at the Marketplace if needed. You can pick up the tour at the front desk. LEARN MORE HERE

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FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE: WALKING IN THOMAS WOLFE’S SHOES … Thomas Clayton Wolfe, one of North Carolina’s most famous authors, was known for writing from life experience. His friends called him Tom. He chronicled growing up in Asheville (fictionalized as “Altamont”) in his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe vividly described many places in the city. Some of these structures still exist today, while others are long gone. On this walking tour, you will discover parts of Asheville that Thomas Wolfe saw during his lifetime (1900 – 1938) and many that he remembered in his writing. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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HISTORIC JAMES VESTER MILLER TRAIL … A self-guided walking tour of buildings crafted by master brickmason, James Vester Miller, an African American who built many of Asheville’s most remarkable historic buildings during its Golden Age of the late 19th century and early 20th century. Though best known for his churches, James Vester Miller also built commercial buildings and residences. Family stories and local tradition credit him with many buildings for which there is little documentation. In fact, we will probably never know how many projects on which either he or his company worked as a brickmason or subcontractor. You can learn more by picking up a free printed brochure of the James Vester Miller Trail at the Asheville Visitor Center or the YMI, or GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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THE ART & ARCHITECTURE OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT LAWRENCE … What is a Basilica? The title dates back to the early Greek and Roman times and referred to a type of public building. In the 4th century, Basilicas began to be used as places of worship. It was during this time that construction of the greatest basilicas of Rome were started. Today, the term Basilica is a special designation given by the Holy Father to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as a place of worship. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence’s renowned architect, Raphael Guastavino, came to the area to work on the Biltmore House in the late 1800’s. It is the fascinating history of an old world artist bringing his talents to the United States. There are set visiting hours for taking a self guided tour. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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RIVERSIDE CEMETARY … Riverside Cemetery was founded in 1885 and was planned as a garden style cemetery which would serve well as both a burial ground and public park. Asheville has been called home by writers, artists, governors, senators, generals and many notable individuals, and Riverside Cemetery is not just a place where families come to visit a friend or a loved one. It is a place of beauty – a place where you can walk, take photographs, paint and visit the grave sites of prominent writers Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Walking Tours are available at the cemetery office and can offer a unique journey into Asheville’s past.  Riverside Cemetery offers a unique look into the pas and give the opportunity to learn more about these individuals who shaped the city of Asheville, with more than 4,000 visitors tour the cemetery each year. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HENDERSONVILLE WALKING TOUR … Henderson County was formed from the southern section of vast Buncombe County in 1838. The need for a new county was based on the increased settlers and commerce traveling the Buncombe Turnpike. The town matured slowly during the middle decades of the nineteenth century attracting a small collection of merchants, lawyers, and other professionals as well as innkeepers whose clientele were travelers along the Buncombe Turnpike. With the arrival of the railroad in 1879, Hendersonville entered the modern era. In the ensuing decades, Hendersonville took shape as a center for shipping farm produce and a major destination for a thriving summer tourist industry. In response to the needs of the growing populace, commercial ventures multiplied on and around Main Street replacing the earlier wood framed residential structures of Main Street with brick Neo-classical buildings. Today Main Street sparkles with charm and vitality. Preservation, adaptive reuse and restoration of historic structures allow the City to weave together the best of yesterday and the excitement of tomorrow to make Hendersonville a place for every generation. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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WNC CHEESE TRAIL … The goal of the WNC Cheese Trail is to connect you with cheese makers and other WNC Cheese Trail members. They encourage you to hit the Trail, but before you do they also ask that you take a moment to see who is open for visitors on a regular basis, who needs you to make an appointment, and who only takes visitors during open houses or special tour days. Each cheese maker and farm stop listed below has unique options for visitors. Please be sure to make the appropriate arrangements and plan your day on the Trail accordingly. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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QUILT BLOCK TRAIL … Colorful quilt patterns painted on barns and buildings, have sprung up throughout most of our United States and have enhanced the love of country, heritage, art and family. In 2016, the Western NC Quilt Guild partnered with the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority in sponsoring a trail of graphic blocks placed on barns, historic buildings and private establishments. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE (They also recommend the trail guides HERE, and HERE)

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HENDERSONVILLE’S GIRL SCOUTS APPLE QUEST … Come test your inner sleuth and help Little Bear and his bear family find their apples! Apple Quest is a permanent scavenger hunt, part history lesson that was created by Girl Scout Troop 1886, Henderson County, NC, and is a great way to explore the wonders of downtown Hendersonville. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

 

SEASONAL SELF GUIDED TOURS

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FALL SCENIC DRIVES: EARLY COLOR … In the early fall, trees begin changing color at the highest elevations surrounding the Asheville area, and Visit Asheville, our Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, created these scenic driving routes for you, to help you enjoy it! SCENIC ROUTE 1 and SCENIC ROUTE 2 and SCENIC ROUTE 3

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FALL APPLE HARVEST TRAIL DRIVING TOUR … The apple harvest season runs from late August through October. Take a leisurely driving tour through Henderson County’s apple country, courtesy of the The Hendersonville Visitor Center! There are three routes to chose from. Stop at one of the many orchards along the way to pick up a bag of juicy apples, cider donuts, apple butter or a fresh baked apple pie. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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FALL FOLIAGE DRIVES … One of the best ways to see the changing leaves in Hendersonville is to take yourself for a drive through the area’s winding roads. Hendersonville Visitor Center put together a tried-and-true self-guided driving tour perfect for autumn. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY WINDOW WALKING TOUR … Enjoy the many beautifully decorated windows in Downtown Asheville with this self guided walking tour created every Christmas season by Asheville Downtown Association. GET YOUR GUIDE HERE

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SPRING APPLE BLOSSOM DRIVING TOUR … Apple blossom season runs mid April through early May, and many of the apple orchards in Henderson County are blooming! They will soon be at their peak, and you can go admire their delicate blooms for yourself on a drive through the countryside! GET YOUR GUIDE HERE