Asheville Fall Events 2026: All Arts. All Ways.

Updated September 22, 2026
Photo courtesy of Surreal Sirkus (photographer Jennifer Bennett)

The air and leaves are turning crisper, making it the perfect time to get out and explore Asheville fall events. Here’s an art lovers’ guide to the best fall events in Buncombe County: festivals, open studio tours, outdoor concerts, music, and dance to fill your calendar and keep you inspired all season long.

Explore events by region below, and check ArtsAVL’s full events calendar for the latest details as you plan your days.

QUICK HITS BY REGION:

NORTH: Weaverville Art Safari, Sat–Sun, Nov. 7–8, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
EAST: Black Mountain Blues Experience, Fri–Sun, Sept. 25–27, 2026 | Ticketed
DOWNTOWN: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Thurs–Sun, October 15–18, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | $12 adults, children <12 free
WEST: RADfest, Sat–Sun, Nov. 14–15, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
SOUTH: Fall at Biltmore, featuring “Luminere,” experience through October 18, 2026 | Ticketed (Estate Admission)

NORTH: WEAVERVILLE, WOODFIN, NORTH ASHEVILLE

Make a plan to enjoy the hospitality of artists in the north this fall, as two studio tours are coming up soon. Plus, outdoor concerts keep things lively for music lovers.

Gin & Jazz
The Omni Grove Park Inn, North Asheville
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 6:30PM–9:00PM | Ticketed
Sip on specialty craft gin cocktails while enjoying live classic jazz at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn. Set against sweeping views of the Sunset Terrace and Blue Ridge Mountains, this elegant autumn evening blends vintage charm with world-class musical performances.

Asheville Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, North Asheville
Friday-Saturday, September 25–26, 2026 | 11:00AM–9:00PM | $5 per person, kids under 12 free
Spanning more than four decades, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has welcomed locals and visitors alike to experience authentic Greek cuisine, music, and traditions during this cherished yearly celebration.

Music on the Knoll
Weaverville Community Center, 30 South Main Street, Weaverville
Saturday, October 10 and November 14| 6:00–7:30 PM | Free
The Town of Weaverville’s indoor concert series brings local and regional musicians to the Community Center on selected Saturdays through the spring.

Beaverdam Studio Tour
Studios along Beaverdam Road, North Asheville
Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 2026 | Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free
This self-guided studio tour opens the homes and working spaces of artists in Beaverdam Valley plus invited guest artists. See ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, photography, glass, and wood art where they’re made, then take home what speaks to you.

Weaverville Art Safari
Studios throughout Weaverville and North Buncombe
Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
One of WNC’s longest-running studio tours, the Weaverville Art Safari takes visitors to working artists and makers spread across the greater Weaverville area. Go at your own pace and see dozens of studios.

EAST: BLACK MOUNTAIN, SWANNANOA, EAST ASHEVILLE

Blues music, dulcimer fun, and an art show round out the east’s offerings this autumn.

Black Mountain Blues Experience
Downtown Black Mountain
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27, 2026 | Ticketed
Presented by the Black Mountain Blues Society, the Black Mountain Blues Festival brings a curated lineup of blues artists to multiple venues across downtown Black Mountain for three days of live music and community.

Asheville Djangofest
Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa
Saturday, October 24 | Doors 4:00 PM | $35
Djangofest brings together Stephane Wrembel, Fil Pate, Gustav Viehmeyer, and Danny Iannucci for an evening of Manouche Jazz. These four musicians represent decades of devotion to the tradition Django Reinhardt built.

Gov’t Mule and Ziggy Marley
Hellbender, East Asheville
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:30PM | Ticketed
Southern jam-rock legends Gov’t Mule team up with reggae icon Ziggy Marley for an extraordinary co-headlining show at Hellbender. Combining soulful blues riffs and uplifting reggae grooves, this outdoor concert is one of the premier musical highlights of the fall season.

Art by the Tracks
Sutton Ave. at The Old Depot, Black Mountain
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
Art by the Tracks is Black Mountain’s one-day outdoor art show featuring regional painters, potters, jewelers, and more.

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

The list of downtown art events would keep anyone busy this fall! Plus, many options are outdoors and free.

First Fridays Downtown Art Walk
Downtown Asheville Art District + The Block (South Market & Eagle Streets)
First Fridays, April–December | 5:00–8:00 PM | Free
On the first Friday of each month, arts businesses throughout downtown Asheville stay open late and welcome visitors for an evening. Fall dates are September 4, October 2, and November 6. First Fridays on The Block celebrates the art, culture, and history of Asheville’s historic Black business district with a rotating mix of visual art, music, and community programming. It runs alongside the Downtown Art Walk, making it easy to enjoy both in the same evening.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
Friday, September 25 (18+ only, 6:00–10:00 PM) & Saturday, September 26 (All Ages, Noon–6:00 PM) | Free
Blue Ridge Pride expands to two days for 2026! Enjoy an adults-only Friday evening and an all-ages Saturday afternoon of live music, performers, and vendors.

Oktoberfest
South Slope, Downtown Asheville
Saturday, October 3 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Free (optional Prost Pass for tastings; 21+)
The Asheville Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest welcomes 20+ local and regional breweries, cideries, and wineries, plus German-style food, live music, and traditional games.

Show & Tell Fall Night Market
The Orange Peel
October 7 | 5:00–9:00 PM | Free
Come out for an incredible night to shop an awesome selection of art, handmade, vintage, curators, and food vendors inside the Orange Peel. Support local and discover new treasures.

LAAF: Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival
Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 2026 | Times TBD | Free
LAAF is a free two-day music festival celebrating the creativity and cultural legacy of Asheville. Multiple stages feature R&B, pop, jazz, Afrobeats, and reggae, alongside a tribute exhibit honoring locals Roberta Flack and Nina Simone.

Misery at NC Stage
North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, Downtown Asheville
October 14–November 1, 2026 | Wed–Sat 7:30 PM; Sun 2:00 PM; select matinees | $15–$54
Stephen King’s thriller gets the stage treatment in NC Stage’s fall production. Adapted for the stage by William Goldman, Misery is a darkly funny battle of wills that’s perfect for the Halloween season.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville
Thursday–Sunday, October 15–18, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | $12 adults, children under 12 free
The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s fall edition of its flagship juried craft fair brings together 100+ professional artists from across nine Appalachian states for four days of extraordinary handmade work.

StarTribe
Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
Saturday, October 17 | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | Ticketed
StarTribe blends live music, movement facilitation, and ecstatic dance traditions in a welcoming, all-ages environment.

Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival
Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
Saturday, October 24 | 12:00–10:00 PM | Free
Presented by Arts 2 People, the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival features multiple stages of live music, dozens of art vendors, interactive exhibits, flow arts, and the Surreal Sirkus Mainstage Show.

Ooh La La Curiosity Market
Various Locations
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Times TBD | Free/Low Cost
Ooh La La Curiosity Market provides a rotating selection of vintage finds, handmade art, jewelry, and curiosities.

Asheville Holiday Parade
Downtown Asheville
Saturday, November 21 | 11:00 AM | Free
Asheville’s beloved annual parade winds through downtown streets, kicking off the holiday season with floats, bands, community groups, and festive celebrations.

WEST: RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, WEST ASHEVILLE, AND BEYOND

The River Arts District packs a creative punch any day, with art and studios galore. This fall adds even more opportunities to enjoy.

RAD Second Saturday Stroll & Arts Market
Foundy Street, River Arts District
Second Saturdays, October 10, and November 14 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
On the second Saturday of each month, RAD artists and creative businesses open their doors for a day of open studios, demonstrations, and locally made work. An outdoor Arts Market runs alongside from May through December.

Uncommon Market
Foundy Street, River Arts District
Saturdays, September 27 & October 25 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free
The Uncommon Market’s annual holiday event brings art, antiques, vintage goods, and handmade crafts to Foundy Street for two fall outdoor markets. Free admission and parking; dogs welcome.

East-West Asheville First Friday Art Walk
Westwood Place and surrounding East-West Asheville neighborhood
Friday, October 2 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Free
Organized by Lamplight AVL, this seasonal walk gathers artists and independent businesses in East-West Asheville four times a year for open studios, live music, and creative programming.

Spooky Saturday Art Festival
River Arts District
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
This RAD Second Saturday is bringing creepy fun! Enjoy a costumed art crawl with live music, pumpkin carving, themed exhibitions, and an evening afterparty.

October’s Ghost at Mark Bettis Gallery
Mark Bettis Gallery, 123 Roberts Street, River Arts District
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 17, 5:00–7:00 PM | Exhibition runs through November 1 | Free
This RAD mixed media exhibition explores the thin space between autumn and winter and life and death through contrasting themes: Memento Vivere (remember to live) and Memento Mori (remember you will die). Enjoy a show that captures something distinctly October in the mountains.

RADfest
River Arts District
Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
RADfest transforms the River Arts District into a two-day open celebration. Visitors can explore open studios, discover gallery exhibitions, and purchase original works from hundreds of local artists.

SOUTH: BILTMORE VILLAGE AND SOUTH ASHEVILLE

South Asheville boasts leaves and lights as fall turns into winter holiday fun.

Burnpile Beer & Music Festival
Burial’s Forestry Camp, 35 London Rd., Asheville
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Ticketed (21+)
Now in its 14th year, Burnpile is Burial Beer Co.’s annual full-day beer and music festival at their Forestry Camp facility. Over 60 breweries from around the country pour alongside Burial’s own releases.

Fall at Biltmore
Biltmore Estate
Ongoing through Fall 2026 | Ticketed (Estate Admission)
In fall, Biltmore Estate’s 8,000 acres reach their scenic peak. Seasonal programming through the fall includes garden walks, the Luminere evening light experience, winery events, and live music on the estate grounds.

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum
Friday, November 13, 2026–Sunday, January 3, 2027 | Ticketed
The Arboretum’s evening light experience is back for the holiday season. Enjoy a magical evening of illuminated installations and thousands of lights winding through the garden.

This is just a taste of what’s in store across Buncombe County this fall. For the full and most up-to-date calendar of Asheville fall events—including gallery openings, workshops, performances, and more—visit ArtsAVL’s events page and subscribe to The Insider, ArtsAVL’s weekly roundup delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Visit ArtsAVL’s full events calendar at connect.artsavl.org.