Fall Into Arts: Festivals, Exhibits & Workshops in Asheville & Buncombe County
The Asheville area comes alive in the fall with beautiful leaves and a vibrant calendar of art experiences. There’s something for everyone, including exploring local festivals, wandering galleries, and creating your own (spooky!) masterpiece in a guided workshop. Use our guide to plan your perfect lineup of cultural experiences this season.
Fall Festivals, Markets, and Celebrations
Oktoberfest
Pack Square Park | Saturday, October 4, 1:00–6:00 PM | Free admission
Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park this Saturday, October 4, to turn downtown Asheville into a lively showcase of local brews, music, and community. This free celebration features 20+ local breweries pouring 60+ unique styles, oompah and hometown tunes from Lagerhosen and The Hillclimbers, and Bavarian-inspired bites from favorite food trucks.
Asheville Art in the Park
Pack Square Park | Saturdays, October 4, 11 & 18, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
Now in its second decade, Asheville Art in the Park provides access to some of the finest artists in the region. You’ll find glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, metal, and more, with many artist favorites returning year after year. Take a stroll around downtown Asheville and shop local during three October weekends.
LEAF Fall Festival
Black Mountain | October 16–19 | Ticketed
The beloved LEAF Festival returns to the mountain lakeside setting of Black Mountain for a weekend of global culture. Known for its eclectic performances and vibrant spirit, LEAF offers world-class concerts, immersive workshops, local craft vendors and global artists, and family-friendly activities.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Harrah’s Cherokee Center–Asheville | October 17–19 | $12; Children free under 12
Hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, this juried fair brings together juried artisans from across the region. Visitors will find fine handmade works in clay, wood, glass, fiber, jewelry, and more, each piece reflecting the rich traditions of Appalachian craft. Plus, enjoy live demonstrations and opportunities to meet the makers.
BMCA Fall Dance Day!
Black Mountain Center for the Arts | October 19, 3:30–4:45 PM | Free/Pay-What-You-Can
Celebrate the season with an afternoon of dance, creativity, and community at BMCA. The center’s Dance Troupe debuts new fall choreography in a 30-minute performance, followed by festive studio activities including autumn crafts, games, and family-friendly fun. Admission is free or pay-what-you-can. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.
Art by the Tracks
Downtown Black Mountain | Sunday, October 26, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
Black Mountain’s streets fill with creativity during Art by the Tracks, a one-day outdoor art show featuring regional painters, potters, jewelers, and more. Stroll along the railroad tracks as you connect with the artists who make this mountain town such a hub for creativity.
RADfest
River Arts District | November 8–9, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free
Now in its second year, RADfest transforms the River Arts District into a two-day celebration! Visitors can explore open studios, discover new gallery exhibitions, and purchase original works from hundreds of local artists. RADfest is a can’t-miss highlight of the fall season celebrating the District’s ongoing recovery and resilience.
Fall Art Gallery Exhibitions
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
American Folk Art & Framing | Opens October 3, See gallery hours | Free
Step into a gothic-inspired collection inspired by spooky season. Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil showcases works featuring creatures of the night, skulls, devils, and ritual vessels—each piece evoking the mysterious and macabre. Free and open to the public, all are invited to revel in the haunting side of creativity.
Autumn Colors Group Exhibit
Trackside Studios, River Arts District | Through November 1, 10:30AM – 5:00PM | Free
Trackside Studios celebrates the season with Autumn Colors, a group exhibit capturing the colors and textures of fall. With art installed as “leaves” on a tree, the show offers a rich reflection of autumn’s beauty through the eyes of local artists.
NC Glass Center Pumpkin Patch
River Arts District + Black Mountain | Through November 2, See gallery hours | Free admission
Celebrate the season with an annual crowd favorite: a full display of handblown glass pumpkins at the NC Glass Center. Visit their River Arts District and Black Mountain galleries to browse one-of-a-kind creations, or shop the online pumpkin patch to bring a touch of autumn artistry home. Shop to take home pumpkins that can stay fresh for a lifetime.
Wood, Wonder & Renewal: A Fall Celebration
The North Carolina Arboretum | Through November 30 | Free with Arboretum admission
Explore the connections between art and nature in Wood, Wonder & Renewal, a fall exhibit highlighting the artistry and resilience of wood. Presented in the stunning setting of the Arboretum, the show pairs seasonal landscapes with works by regional makers.
Hands-on Workshops in October
The Witches Brew-Halloween Collage
Trackside Studios | Sunday, October 5, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM | $125
Kick off October spooky season with artist Li Newton. Learn hand-cut collage techniques—layering, cutting, and gluing—to create your own eerie masterpiece. Beginners and intermediate collage artists are welcome.
Needle Felting Forest Floor Workshop
Trackside Studios | Sunday, October 12, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | $90; Registration required
Join artist Amy Reader for a beginner-friendly workshop exploring the craft of needle felting. Participants will create a forest floor-inspired felted scene through guided demonstrations and hands-on instruction. All materials are included, and you’ll leave with your own creation plus a starter kit to keep practicing at home.
Spooky Flame Shop Classes
NC Glass Center, Black Mountain | Thursdays in October | $160; Registration required
Discover the magic of glassmaking in new weekly Flame Shop classes at the NC Glass Center’s Black Mountain location. On Thursdays, the Halloween special Boo Buddies class will help participants craft whimsical seasonal creatures in soft glass. Beginner-friendly and hands-on, these classes are a fun way to learn the art of flamework from pros.
For more arts events in Asheville, including festivals, performances, workshops, and exhibitions, browse ArtsAVL’s events page. Stay connected and immerse yourself in the vibrant creative community this fall.