Welcome Asheville is host to a wide variety of special events and festivals conducted across the City's outdoor public spaces. This brochure highlights many of the community's larger, annual public events produced throughout the year, but there are many more. Visit www.ashevillenc.gov to view the full calendar of permitted events. For more information about an event within this brochure, please visit the event or production organization's website included with each listing. The City of Asheville Community & Economic Development Department manages outdoor special event consultations, permitting, partnerships, lease agreements, and city service coordination for all event, festival and commercial film productions involving City-owned property, streets, and parks. For questions or assistance with outdoor special events, contact us at www.ashevillenc.gov/specialevents. Legend: (AR) Arts & Crafts Show (AT) Athletic & Sports Focus (CO) Community Event (CU) Cultural Experience (HO) Holiday Recognition (LI) Lifestyle Feature (MA) Public Marketplace (V) Vending & Exhibit Opportunities ($) Ticketed Participation All permitted events are subject to change, and particularly so in light of new Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidance and North Carolina Executive Orders, further agency guidance, or local government declarations. For more information on the City and County’s preparations and response to COVID-19, please visit buncombecounty.org/bcready
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Event Title
New Year's Resolution Run MLK Peace March Asheville Hot Chocolate Races Beer City 20K Relay *Chasing Trail Seasonal Series *Asheville City Market Asheville Mardi Gras Parade *Asheville Drum Circle Downtown Dribble & KidsFest Shamrock Run 5K & 10K Green Man Anniversary Party *Asheville City Soccer Club Games *Asheville on Bikes Community Rides Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay Easter on the Green Asheville Hemp Festival River Ruckus VIII Running of the Goats 5K & Nature Walk HardLox Jewish food & Heritage Festival JCC Falafel 5K Tiny Tykes Day Chamber Challenge 5K Community Concert *Festival & Gospel in the Park *Brews & Bears *Movies in the Park *Ooh La La Curiosity Market *Praise in the Park *Downtown After 5 Festival of the Arts Memorial Day Ceremony *Yoga in the Park *Art in the Park *Shindig on the Green Hola Ashville
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Event Title
RAD Half Marathon & 10K Celebrate Juneteenth! Independence Day Celebration Independence Day 5K The Big Crafty Highland Night Flight Asheville Triathlon Gran Fondo Asheville Love Shine Play Festival Light Up the Night 5K Tiny Tykes Triathlon LEAF Downtown LEAF Art Dash 5K East End Valley Street Heritage Festival Asheville Half Marathon & 10K Symphony in the Park Asheville Goombay Festival Asheville Ballet: Fall Into Dance Organicfest Super Hero 5K & Super Villain 10K 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Blue Ridge Pride Festival Asheville Oktoberfest Octoberfest Half Marathon & 5K Asheville Veganfest USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience Thomas Wolfe 8K North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival Smoky Mountain Toy Run Asheville Holiday Parade Asheville Turkey Trot South Asheville Turkey Trot A Dickens Christmas Santa's Showdown 5K Hanukkah 8K
Event occurs multiple times throughout the year 3
Q: How do special events help attract customers and grow business? A: Exposure & Marketing are the most important benefits offered to exhibitors.* Develop personal relationships with potential customers Provide individualized product and service information Conduct LIVE demonstrations Collect direct and immediate feedback Practice and improve customer relationship skills Collect customer information for future marketing Increase self-confidence by practicing sales techniques Directly observe competitor products and services Compare marketing strategies and pricing Develop business networks with other vendors * Syneva Economics, Chipley Consulting (2017) The Entrepreneurial Impact of Outdoor Special Events Quantitative Research Study, Asheville, NC
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January - February New Year's Resolution Run
Jan 1
Pack Square Park & Designated Street Route
Start the New Year off with a bang! This event welcomes families and participants of all ages to come run or crawl their way to completing their first resolution! Bring warm layers of clothes, tie up your running shoes, and get ready to 'run into' the New Year! www.idaph.net (AT/HO/$)
MLK Peace March
Jan 17
Designated Street Route to Pack Square Park Asheville's holiday remembrance in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his philosophies. The event includes a street procession from St. James AME Church to Pack Square Park's Roger McGuire Green, commencing with presentations from the stage. www.mlkasheville.org (CO/HO)
Asheville Hot Chocolate Races
Jan 22
Designated Street Route to Pack Square Park
Asheville's very own Hot Chocolatey races with something for everyone. Join us at Isaac Dickson elementary for this family-friendly event. Choose from 2 different kid fun runs, a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. Warm up after your run with homemade hot cocoa donated by French Broad Chocolates and Whole Foods. https://hotchocolateraces.com (AT/V/$)
Beer City 20K Relay
Designated Street Route from Green Man Brewery
Feb 5
Grab 3 friends and come celebrate Beer City USA! Enjoy some run fun in the depth of winter with this 20k relay. Teams of 4 will each complete a 5k while relaying through 20k. Enjoy a race after-party and a beer on us at one of Asheville's first breweries, Green Man Brewing. https://kickitevents.com/beer-city-relay (AT/V/$)
Chasing Trail Seasonal Series Richmond Hill Park
Feb 12, Apr 1, July 9 & Nov 12
Join us for some safe, socially distanced, trail running, in Asheville on the Richmond Hill Park trails beginning in February, and continuing in April, July and November! Rolling starting times every 10 mins helps to keep the trails from getting overcrowded. Choose your start time during registration. Race your friends or race yourself through 2022 by signing up for all 4 events. https://kickitevents.com/chasing-trail-8k-seasonal-running-series/ (AT/V/$)
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Saturdays, year-round! North Market Street (between Walnut and Woodfin Street)
www.asapconnections.org
(CO/MA/V) 7
February - March Asheville Mardi Gras Parade South Slope Street Route
Feb 27
The Asheville Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly procession filled with the color, creativity, and whimsy that makes Asheville so loveably weird. Everyone is encouraged to line up along the parade route, cheer the marchers on, and collect beads and other goodies handed out by the krewes. Step off is at 3:05 p.m.! www.ashevillemardigras.org (CO/CU/HO)
Asheville Drum Circle Pritchard Park
Since 2001, Asheville's iconic Drum Circle is held on Friday evenings, March through November (weather permitting). This event is all about creating harmony, both in music and with one another. There is no leader the rhythm comes together as participants feel the momentum of the beat. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2417488508/
Downtown Dribble & KidsFest Pack Square & Designated Street Route
Fridays
March thru
November
March 5
Pack Square will be populated with games and interactives for kids, as well as cheerleaders, bands and mascots. Each child participating will receive a free tshirt and basketball, with an opportunity to participate in a dribble parade to the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville to attend a Southern Conference game! www.soconhoops.com (AT/CO)
Shamrock Run 5K & 10K
Designated Street Route
March 12
The Shamrock Run includes a fun run and two races. The races start and finish at Asheville Catholic School and run through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Asheville. This event is the perfect way to celebrate the St. Patrick's Day holiday. There will be great food, beer and a DJ before and after the races. www.gloryhoundevents.com (AT/CO/$)
Green Man Anniversary Party
Buxton Avenue
Celebrate the long history of the South Slope and the Craft Brewing scene in Asheville at this special, all-local 25th Anniversary Party beginning at Green Man Brewery. This free outdoor event features all local bands, local food, and local vendors. https://www.greenmanbrewery.com/ (CO/LI/V)
March 18 & 19
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Memorial Stadium Asheville City Soccer Club Games
2022 Season (April - July) Asheville City Soccer Club's men's and women's minor league teams take on regional competition at Memorial Stadium in the heart of downtown Asheville. Check our website for schedule and ticket information.
www.ashevillecitysc.com (AT/V/$) 9
Come ride with us! Our events are famously fun. Seriously - relationships have blossomed, smiles have spread, homes have been found, new low traffic routes discovered, infrastructure planned, and of course, bikes have been ridden. Most events are free and open to everyone so check our schedule frequently and mark your calendar! New events added throughout the year. Bike Love (February) Spring Out (March) Strive N Drive Week (May) Summer Cycle (June/July) Gran Fondo Asheville (August) The Fall Out (September) Tour de Fat (September) Pumpkin Pedaller (October) Button Up for Bikes (December) Bright Light Biker (December) www.ashevilleonbikes.com
(AT/CO)
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April Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay Designated Street Route
April 9
This exceptional one-day team running relay begins in Asheville and ends in Greenville, SC. Teams enjoy running through the gorgeous Carolinas, arriving for the finish line celebration with music, food and, of course, craft brews. www.villetovillerelay.com (AT/$)
Easter on the Green South Slope Street Route
April 16
Easter on the Green features age-specific Easter Egg Hunts, kids' activities and free photos with the Easter Bunny. The event is free and open to everyone! www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/HO/V)
Asheville Hemp Festival Pack Square Park
April 20-23
Join us downtown from April 20 - 23 to celebrate our farmers, extractors, processors and dispensaries as we join together to educate our communities about the powerful and versatile uses of Cannabis! https://www.facebook.com/ashevilleshempfestival/ (AR/CO/LI/MA/V)
River Ruckus VIII Carrier Park
April 23
River Ruckus is Unbroken Series' spring functional fitness event in Asheville. Teams of 2 and 3 compete in a wide variety of interesting challenges. Unbroken is a collection of fitness events designed to challenge athletes mentally and physically, while giving back to organizations working to help our communities. www.unbrokenseries.com (AT/V/$)
Running of the Goats 5K and Nature Walk
April 24
WNC Nature Center & Designated Street Route During this chip-timed race, runners will begin by catching a glimpse of the goats, bears, birds, and otters before heading out on a rolling, paved course on Azalea Road. There is also an option to choose a noncompetitive Nature Walk inside the Nature Center. www.wildwnc.org/runwild (AT/CO/$)
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May HardLox Jewish Food & Heritage Festival
May 1
Pack Square Park
HardLox brings lots of great traditional Jewish food, Israeli dancing, crafts, klezmer music and more. Come meet Asheville's Jewish community, have your name written in Hebrew, discover the Torah, learn about Jewish holidays and festivals, and join in the celebration. www.hardlox.com (CO/CU/V)
JCC Falafel 5K
Designated Street Route
May 1
Run the Falafel 5K fin honor of Israeli Independence Day and be part of the only 5K in Asheville that ends with a falafel sandwich! www.jcc-asheville.org (AT/HO/$)
Tiny Tykes Day MLK Jr. Park
May 1
Mark your calendars for a fun filled festival for ages 5 and under! Little ones will enjoy inflatables, face painting, crafts, biking and special guests. www.ashevillenc.gov/parks (CO)
Chamber Challenge 5K
Designated Street Route + Virtual Option
May 6
The Chamber Challenge 5k run/walk is designed to promote community wellness and friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Gather your co-workers, family and friends to participate in person through historic Montford or virtually. www.chamberchallenge.org (AT/CO/$)
Community Concert Pack Square Park
The Asheville Downtown Association presents the return of their annual free community concert, bringing a national artist (TBA) to Asheville's front porch. Food, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Arrive early for the best spot and don't forget your camp chair or blanket. www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/CU/V)
May 7
12
Event Series Festival & Gospel in the Park Triangle Park
Just Folks is an organization focused on keeping "The Block" and black heritage alive through community events. This local community gathering is held every Saturday and Sunday, May - September, celebrating black culture with music, food and vendors. www.facebook.com/justfolksofasheville (LI/V/$)
Brews & Bears WNC Nature Center
Tap into your wild side at the WNC Nature Center! Join us for the always popular Brews & Bears after hours social event featuring beer and other drinks, music, a food truck, and an up-close view of an awesome bear enrichment activity with our black bears, Uno and Ursa! www.wildwnc.org/brews-and-bears (LI/V/$)
Movies in the Park Pack Square Park
Bring your chairs or blanket and come out to Pack Square Park to watch a free movie under the stars! Family-friendly films are projected onto a giant inflatable screen on the stage one Friday night a month throughout the summer season. www.ashevillenc.gov/parks (CO/V)
Saturdays & Sundays
May thru September
May 13 June 10 July 8 Aug 12
May 13 June 10 July 8 Aug 12
May 14 & 28 Pritchard Park June 11 & 18 July 2 & 16 This fundraising art market for Animal Haven is held under the canopy of colorful umbrellas where local August 13 artists and musicians share their talents. Find everything Sept 3 & 17 from pottery, jewelry, art, clothes, woodwork, tarot cards, and much more. Oct 1, 8, 15 www.oohlalacuriositymarket.com (AR/MA/V) 22 & 29
Ooh La La Curiosity Market
Praise in the Park Pritchard Park
Four evenings of inspiration and entertainment featuring singing, skits, worship and nationally-recognized guests. Presented by Asheville's Harvest Time Assembly of God. www.harvesttimeag.com (CO)
May 28 June 25 July 30 Aug 27 13
May Downtown After 5 Lexington Avenue
Asheville's beloved free summer concert series, Downtown After 5, brings local and national entertainment to Lexington Avenue. The event features a wide variety of local food and beverage selections. Proceeds from beverage wristband sales benefit local nonprofits. www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/V)
3rd Friday Monthly, May - September 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lexington Avenue between I-240 & Hiawassee/Woodfin May 20, June 17, July 15. August 19, & September 16
Festival of the Arts
May 28-29
Pack Square Park
This juried art festival features all original hand-made work by local, regional and national artists. Discover exquisite paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass and much more. www.artfestival.com (AR/MA/V)
May 30 Memorial Day Ceremony Pack Square Park
Held on the last Monday in May, the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs will host a special ceremony to respect and honor those who have died in service to our Country. Originally known as Decoration Day, the commemoration originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. www.ashevillenc.gov
(CO/HO)
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Event Series Yoga in the Park Pack Square Park
Asheville Yoga Center returns with another year of the popular Yoga in the Park series. These donation-based classes are held at Reuter Terrace on Saturday mornings, beginning at 9 a.m. All proceeds raised from these events benefit the Asheville-based nonprofits, Homeward Bound and the United Way. www.youryoga.com (AT/CO)
Art in the Park Pack Square Park
Muddy Knees Design and Production proudly offers local artists the opportunity to connect with the public in Pack Square Park. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event, and the best part is, they're all local. We invite you to come out to Asheville Art in the Park. Take a stroll around Hoss Haley's marvelous fountain and experience the textures and forms of a truly unique garden. www.ashevilleartinthepark.com (AR/MA/V)
June 4, 11 18 & 25 July 9 16 & 30 Aug 6
June 4, 11 & 25
+
October 1 8 & 15
Shindig on the Green Pack Square Park
Beginning in June, bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets and join us for a lively stage show with jam sessions taking place before the show at Pack Square Park. Concessions are available. Come experience the traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian mountains which has been handed down for generations in Western North Carolina www.folkheritage.org (CO/CU/V)
June 25 July 2 July 9 July 16 July 23 July 30 August 13
June
Visit Splasheville! Pack Square Park
New for 2022, Splasheville has been upgraded with new spray patters and synchronized water jets with a multi-color light display! The splashpad is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. through the summer, unless closed for maintenance or special events. Visit Parks & Recreation at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks for weekly operational schedules and more information.
Hola Asheville Pack Square Park
June 11
Downtown Asheville comes alive with the sights and sounds, music, pageantry, colorful costumes, and extraordinary talent of Latin America. Local and regional Latin acts take the stage and unite festival-goers with the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Zamba, Tropical, Tango, and Merengue. http://www.holacarolina.org/ (CO/CU/V)
RAD Half Marathon & 10K
Pack Square Park & Designated Street Route
June 12
The RAD Half Marathon & 10k are fast, incredibly scenic races that start in the heart of Downtown Asheville. Both races whiz downhill to the River Arts District, and wind along the peaceful French Broad River. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary beer, a one-of-a-kind finisher medal, live music, and a free shuttle back to the start line after the race. www.idaph.net (AT/HO/$)
Celebrate Juneteenth! TBA
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Join us for a momentous celebration on Saturday and Sunday, featuring musical talent, guest speakers, vendors, and inspiring activities for all ages. www.ashevillenc.gov (AR/CO/CU/HO/MA/V)
June 18-19
July Independence Day Celebration Pack Square Park
July 4
Asheville's Independence Day Celebration features live music, kids activities, food and beverage vendors, and culminates with the region's largest fireworks show. www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/HO/V)
Independence Day 5K Carrier Park
July 4
Join us for a fun, fast & flat holiday run! $3 from EVERY registration will be donated to the Beloved Village Project, helping to create a different kind of independence for those of our community experiencing homelessness. https://avlindependenceday5k.com/ (AT/HO/V/$)
The Big Crafty Pack Square Park
July 10
The Big Crafty revives the tradition of the community bazaar, a lively celebration of handmade commerce, featuring the most exciting artists and crafters around Asheville. Our guiding principle is that supporting creative ventures makes for a stronger community. http://thebigcrafty.com (AR/CO/CU/MA/V)
Highland Night Flight Designated Street Route
July 16
Everyone's favorite twilight race is back! The 4.5-mile course takes runners through beautiful East Asheville with a post-race party and awards ceremony at the Meadow at Highland Brewing. Glow swag will be provided, dressing up always encouraged, and there will be beer waiting at the finish line! www.gloryhoundevents.com (AT/$)
Asheville Triathlon
Recreation Park & Designated Street Route Join us for the only Triathlon in Asheville! Swim, bike and run with us at this popular fast & fun sprint consisting of a beautiful outdoor pool swim in a 50-meter pool, rolling bike course and a flat, fast run course. This is a super event for every level of triathlete from novice to elite. www.idaph.net (AT/$)
July 17
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July - August Gran Fondo Asheville Designated Street Route
July 17
Presented by Applewood Manor, Gran Fondo Asheville welcomes recreational and competitive cyclists of all abilities and features 30-, 60-, and 100-mile routes showcasing quiet country roads, challenging climbs, and incredible scenery. The 2022 event also includes the USAC Gran Fondo National Championships. www.granfondonationalseries.com (AT/$)
Love Shine Play Festival Pack Square Park
July 28-31
Love Shine Play features over 40 world-class presenters and musicians, and 90+ offerings including yoga, music, and outdoor excursions. The Mountain Air Market is free and open to the public with a variety of unique health and wellness vendors. The Market compliments the feebased activities and excursions across this 4-day event. www.ashevilleyogafestival.com (AT/LI/MA/V/$)
Light Up the Night 5K Designated Street Route
Aug 5
A glow-in-the-dark nighttime run for all abilities winds through the Montford neighborhood's historic streets. This is your time to shine! Runners will take to the streets starting at night in glow swag in this fun and unique event in support of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. www.idaph.net (AT/$)
Tiny Tykes Triathlon Pack Square Park
Aug 7
Asheville Parks & Recreation's Tiny Tykes Triathlon is a toddler-scaled version of a full-sized triathlon. Toddlers will run through a course in the park, bike through safety cones, and swim/splash in Splasheville! www.ashevillenc.gov/parks (AT/CO/$)
LEAF Downtown Pack Square Park
LEAF Downtown celebrates communities, creativity, diversity, and families in the heart of downtown Asheville! LEAF Downtown furthers the goals of inclusivity, community partnership, and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area, while driving the greater LEAF Global Arts mission to connect cultures and create community through music and arts. www.theleaf.org/downtown (AR/CO/CU/MA/V)
Aug 19-20
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August - September LEAF Art Dash 5K
Designated Greenway Route
Aug 20
New in 2022, the LEAF Art Dash 5K will take place in the River Arts District, highlighting Asheville's historic arts neighborhood with an art-themed run along the French Broad Greenway. This is the only race that benefits LEAF and allows participants to enjoy a variety of local art and performing artists along the course! www.kickitevents.com (AT/CU/$)
East End Valley Street Community Heritage Festival
Aug 26-28
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Join us in celebrating one of Asheville's oldest historic neighborhoods with East End residents old and new. Enjoy three days of live music, food, vending, storytelling, kids activities and a Sunday church service. www.eastendvalleystreet.org (CO/CU/V)
Asheville Half Marathon & 10K Designated Street Route
Aug 27
The course for Asheville's premier half marathon & 10K starts at Pack Square Park and runs through the South Slope Brewing District, River Arts District, along Riverside Drive, past Beaver Lake, down near the Grove Park Inn, over to UNC Asheville and back to Downtown. Finish the event at our post-race party with local beer & giveaways. www.ashevillehalfmarathon.com (AT/V/$)
Symphony in the Park Pack Square Park
Aug 28
The Asheville Symphony returns to downtown for a FREE community performance at Pack Square Park! Bring a picnic, sample local food & beverage vendors, and enjoy a dazzling program of classical, pops, musical theatre and more, featuring the full Asheville Symphony Orchestra! www.ashevillesymphony.org (CO/CU/V)
Asheville Goombay Festival Pack Square Park
The YMI Cultural Center has five core components: community programming, community forums, an annual cultural festival, cultural exhibitions, and programs to promote economic literacy. Each year, we honor this mission with the Asheville Goombay Festival. We hope you can join us to celebrate! www.ymiculturalcenter.org (AR/CO/CU/LI/MA/V)
Sept 2-4
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September Asheville Ballet: Fall Into Dance Pack Square Park
Sept 9 & 10
North Carolina's oldest professional, non-profit ballet company has been producing creative work for over 60 years. Fall into Dance presents original works, both classical and contemporary, by resident choreographers, and features local professional dancers. Guests are encouraged to bring cushions or lawn chairs for seating. http://ashevilleballet.com (CO/CU)
Organicfest
Pack Square Park
Sept 10
The Organicfest is a FUNtastic celebration of living a healthy, green, organic lifestyle! Come on out and enjoy a festive day of live music by local musicians, organic eats and treats, Organicfest Marketplace, arts and crafts, wellness practitioners and fun for the little ones. https://organicfest.org/ (AR/CO/LI/MA/V)
Super Hero 5K & Super Villain 10K Designated Street Route
Sept 10
Fly like a super hero down the streets of Asheville. Dress up like your favorite hero or villain and join for a fun packed morning 5K or 10K. Super Hero 5K starts with a fast descent down Coxe Ave. before heading to the River Arts District and then a return back to Downtown. The 10K is a double loop of the 5K course. https://gloryhoundevents.com/ (AT/$)
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Municipal Building
Sept 11
The City of Asheville will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. This event pays solemn tribute to those who eroically sacrificed thier own lives to save thousands of others, and to remember those who helped in the rescue and recovery efforts that followed. www.ashevillenc.gov (CO)
Blue Ridge Pride Festival Pack Square Park
The Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrates WNC's vibrant LGBTQ community and welcomes all. From retailers to realtors, social justice advocates to health care providers, exhibitors of all types come together to create this unique experience. See WNC's finest musical talent and favorite drag personalities! Come early for the annual Welcoming WNC Procession! www.blueridgepride.org (AR/CO/CU/LI/MA/V)
Sept 23-24
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October Asheville Oktoberfest Pack Square Park
Oct 1
Bavaria meets the mountains at Asheville Oktoberfest, a celebration of craft beverages with fun games, Polka music and food vendors. www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/HO/V/$)
Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K
Designated Street Route
Oct 1
Celebrate the season of hops and wheat in Beer City USA with the Oktoberfest Half Marathon. Starting and ending at the brand new Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District Beer Garden, the race will take you on a tour of the city and it's greenways. Over 7 miles of the race is on flat fast paved greenways along the French Broad River. https://oktoberfesthalfmarathon.com (AT/HO/V/$)
Asheville Veganfest
Pack Square Park
Oct 2
An event for the community highlighting the benefits of a plant-based diet showcasing 100 vendors who are local and from around the country. Enjoy live music, a DJ, beer and wine, food trucks, a family fun zone, and a variety of vendors to keep you occupied and happy the whole day. www.ashevilleveganfest.com (CO/LI/MA/V)
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience
Oct 8
Carrier Park
USA TODAY NETWORK Wine & Food series presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor and explore the local culinary scene, from trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting, cooking demonstrations, chef meet & greets and more! https://wineandfood.usatoday.com (LI/MA/V/$)
Thomas Wolfe 8K
Designated Street Route
Asheville's oldest race is one for the bucket list. Start and end at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial in downtown. Tour the historic Montford neighborhood and Riverside Cemetery while running past Wolfe gravesite. Run to support Read to Succeed Asheville. https://thomaswolfe8k.com/ (AT/V/$)
Oct 15
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October - November North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
Oct 22
Pack Square Park
This annual festival features over 40 local and national ceramic artists, food, demonstrations, music, and more. Enjoy a day in Pack Square full of art and fun! www.northcarolinaceramicartsfestival.com (AR/MA/V)
Smoky Mountain Toy Run
Designated Street Route to Pack Square Park
Nov 5
Since 1981, leather-clad elves have ridden their motorcycles to raise toys and money to benefit needy children in Buncombe County. Everything raised goes to Eblen Charities Saint Nicholas Project to ensure a Merry Christmas for children who otherwise might not have anything during the holiday season. www.smokymountaintoyrun.com (HO/$)
Asheville Holiday Parade
Downtown Street Route
Nov 19
The Asheville Holiday Parade rolls, dances and marches its way through downtown Asheville the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The parade features about 100 entries from local businesses, nonprofits, youth sports programs, high school marching bands, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. www.ashevilledowntown.org (CO/CU/HO)
Asheville Turkey Trot
Downtown Street Route
Nov 24
Start your Thanksgiving off with some exercise and be guilt-free the rest of the day. Be sure to remind your holiday visitors, friends and family to bring their running shoes to be part of the original Asheville Turkey Trot 5K, in downtown Asheville! www.ashevilleturkeytrot.com (AT/HO/$)
South Asheville Turkey Trot
Nov 24
Biltmore Park Street Route
Come join us for this fun and festive Turkey Trot 5K that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville! www.idaph.net (AT/HO/$)
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December A Dickens Christmas Biltmore Village
Dec 2-3
On the first weekend of December, Historic Biltmore Village takes on new life as a quaint Victorian town for the Old World Dickens in the Village Festival, transporting you back in time to the days of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol. https://www.historicbiltmorevillage.com/ (CO/HO/V)
Santa's Showdown 5K
Recreation Park & Designated Street Route
Dec 3
Taking place in beautiful East Asheville, this unique 5K pits runners representing Elves and Reindeer against each other to establish North Pole supremacy for the coming year. www.gloryhoundevents.com (AT/HO/$)
Hanukkah 8K
Designated Street Route
Dec 18
It's the 7th annual Asheville Jewish Community Center Hanukkah 8K! Running the 8K will help you stay connected to other runners in Asheville, motivate you to stay healthy and active during the winter months, and participate in a competitive race complete with prizes for winners! https://www.jcc-asheville.org/ (AT/HO/$)
Prepared by: City of Asheville - Community & Economic Development Outdoor Special Events Office PO Box 7148 Asheville, NC 28802 828-259-5738 www.ashevillenc.gov/specialevents
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