TRAVEL PLANNER BY ASHEVILLE BED & BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION

The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (which we are proud members), maintains an update to date events calendar which is important for planning your post-Helene travel to Asheville. Click here to view the Travel Planner which includes month by month events list, arts, shopping, dining and things to do.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND WEAVERVILLE, MARS HILL, BARNARDSVILLE, ETC.

September Events 2025

  • 117th Canton Labor Day Festival
    • Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025, 01:00 pm – 09:30 pm
      • Monday, September 1, 2025, 10:00 am – 09:00 pm 
    • Location: Sorrells St Park – 8 Sorrells St, Canton, NC 28716
    • Description: Celebrate 117 years of tradition at the Southeast’s oldest festival! This two-day event includes a historic parade, over 100 floats, food trucks, a beer garden, vintage car show, kid zone, splash pad, and the Ultimate Air Dogs Competition. Enjoy live music headlined by Craig Morgan and explore the WNC Handcraft Expo. Don’t miss out on being part of Canton’s vibrant history!
    • Link: https://visithaywood.com/events/#/event/291321-117th-canton-labor-day-festival
  • Guided Trail Walk – Arboretum
    • Dates:
      • Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 6, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 13, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
      • Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
    • Description: Enjoy a free, volunteer‑led walk through the Arboretum’s forested trails from April through October. These 1–2-mile walks take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, starting from the Baker Visitor Center on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. They’re first‑come, first‑served (sign-up sheets in the lobby), limited to 15 participants, and not recommended for those under 16. The walks go on rain or shine, are pet-friendly (if leashed), and while they’re free, parking fees apply—unless you’re an Arboretum Society member.
    • Link: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/guided-trail-walk/15578218/2025-09-30T13
  • Arbor Evenings
    • Date: 
      • Wednesday, September 03, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
      • Thursday, September 04, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
      • Thursday, September 11, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
      • Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
      • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
    • Location: The North Carolina Arboretum – 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC
    • Description: Enjoy an evening stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum’s gardens during ArborEvenings, featuring live music from local and regional artists. Held Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, this event offers a relaxing way to experience the gardens at sunset. Entry is included with the standard parking fee, and Arboretum Society members and their guests receive free admission when arriving together. Outside alcohol is not permitted, and proceeds support the Arboretum’s mission.
    • Link: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/arbor-evenings/15796275/2025-09-10T17
  • NC Mountain State Fair
    • Date: September 5-14, 2025
    • Location: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC
    • Description: The third-largest fair in North Carolina, this event celebrates the Blue Ridge Mountains’ heritage with agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, livestock displays, competitions, and midway rides. Admission prices vary by day.
    • Link: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/event/nc-mountain-state-fair
  • Friday Night Dinner and Music at Lake Toxaway Community Center
    • Date: Friday, September 5, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
      • Friday, September 12, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
      • Friday, September 19, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
      • Friday, September 26, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Location: Lake Toxaway Community Center – 81 Slick Fisher Road Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
    • Description: Join us every Friday night from late spring through October for an evening of family fun at the Lake Toxaway Community Center! Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, live bluegrass or country music, and some of the best thrift shopping around at our Bargain Barn.
      • Dinner: 6–7 pm ($15 adults, $8 kids under 12, free for ages 3 and under)
      • Music & Dancing: 7–9 pm (free to attend; donations welcome)
      • Bargain Barn Thrift Store: Fridays 5–9 pm & Saturdays 9 am–12 pm
      • No need for reservations—just bring your dancing shoes and come on up to 81 Slick Fisher Rd., right off Hwy 280. We’d love to see you there!
    • Link: https://explrebrevard.com/event/friday-night-dinner-and-music-at-lake-toxaway-community-center/2025-09-05/
  • Mountain Song Festival
    • Date: Friday, September 5, 2025, All Day
      • Saturday, September 6, 2025, All Day
    • Location: Brevard Music Center Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium – 349 Andante Ln Brevard, NC 28712
    • Description: The Mountain Song Festival celebrates the best in acoustic music, including bluegrass, folk, jazz, and traditional mountain tunes, while promoting cultural tourism and environmental awareness. Held at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC, the festival aims to enrich the community and encourage music in daily life. Inspired by youth, the festival also supports the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County through its fundraising efforts.
    • Link: https://www.mountainsongfestival.com/
  • The Feels
    • Date: Friday, September 05, 2025 , 7:00pm
    • Location: Highland Brewing Company – 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200, Asheville, NC
    • Description: The Feels, a female-fronted band blending Indie-Soul, R&B, Funk, and Groove, features experienced musicians from WNC’s music scene. Highland Brewing’s weekend live music series showcases local and regional acts, offering free, all-ages concerts. Shows are held on the Meadow stage in warmer months, with indoor options in case of rain.
    • Link: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/the-feels/16490325/2025-09-05T19
  • Goombay Festival 2025
    • Date: Sep 05 – Sep 07, 2025
    • Location: Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
    • Description: Founded in 1982, the Goombay Festival celebrates the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community. Hosted by the YMI Cultural Center, this free, family-friendly event attracts thousands to downtown Asheville each year, offering a vibrant showcase of Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
    • Link: https://www.ymiculturalcenter.org/goombay
  • Public Tour: Featured Exhibition
    • Date:
      • Saturday, September 06, 2025 , 2:00pm-3:00pm
      • Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm
      • Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm
      • Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm
    • Location: Asheville Art Museum – 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC
    • Description: Join volunteer educators or Museum staff for an interactive tour of one of the Museum’s current featured exhibitions. No reservations needed.
    • Link: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/public-tour-featured-exhibition/16490776/2025-09-06T14
  • Sundays in Olivette: Outdoor Concert Series in AVL
    • Date:
      • Sunday, September 07, 2025
      • Sunday, September 14, 2025
      • Sunday, September 21, 2025
      • Sunday, September 28, 2025
      • Sunday, October 05, 2025
      • Sunday, October 12, 2025
      • Sunday, October 19, 2025
    • Location: Chatt Hills Music – 19 Olivette Crossing Pkwy, Asheville, NC
    • Description: Join us for Sunday afternoon outdoor concerts from April to October in Asheville’s Olivette neighborhood, just a short drive from downtown. Bring your own chairs and drinks to enjoy beautiful Blue Ridge views and live music spanning Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Rock, Blues, and Folk. Kids are free! The 2025 lineup features award-winning artists such as A Different Thread & The Wilder Flower, Maya de Vitry Trio, Liz Longley, Heather Maloney, and more.
    • Link: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/events#/details/sundays-in-olivette-outdoor-concert-series-in-avl/16385289/2025-09-14T00
  • Fall Concert Series – The Wendy Jones Quartet featuring Jason DeCristofaro
  • Forest Bathing Retreat: Harvest Season Retreat
    • Date:
      • Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
      • Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Location: The North Carolina Arboretum – 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC
    • Description: Mark the transition from summer to fall in a soul-soothing, morning nature immersion. Led by certified forest therapy guide Christa Hebal, this gentle retreat blends mindfulness, forest bathing, breathwork, and nature therapy through early autumn woods. Participants reset their pace, awaken their senses, and celebrate abundance with a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. All are welcome to join this restorative and grounding experience. 
    • Link: 
  • RAD Resilience – Hosted by: River Arts District Artists
    • Date: Sep 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Location: River Arts District, Asheville, NC, USA, Asheville
    • Description: RAD Resilience marks one year since Hurricane Helene, celebrating community healing and creative strength. Over 350 artists in the River Arts District, plus 100 displaced artists at the RAD Art Market, showcase new works, many inspired by the storm and climate change. The event features live music, food trucks, artist talks, and an interactive art project. In partnership with the A Tale of Two Cities exhibition in New Orleans, RAD Resilience highlights the role of artists in rebuilding and reimagining the future.
    • Link: https://www.exploreasheville.com/asheville/events/rad-resilience
  • Rhythm & Brews: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast
    • Date: Thursday, September 18, 5:15 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Location: South Main Street – S Main St, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792
    • Description: This concert series combines live music, a variety of food trucks, and locally crafted beer, wine, and cider! The free concerts take over part of South Main Street, offering fun for all ages, including a children’s area with games and activities. Tickets and wristbands for purchasing beer, wine, and hard cider can be found at the Downtown Hendersonville tent.
    • Link: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/event/rhythm-brews-caitlin-krisko-the-broadcast
  • Fall Concert Series – Asian Soundscapes
    • Date: Friday, September 19, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
    • Location: Transylvania County Library – 212 S. Gaston Street Brevard, NC 28712
    • Description: On September 19, Asian Soundscapes will bring Eastern culture to the stage, featuring ancient instruments performed by top musicians. Leading the performance is Min Xiao-Fen, a renowned pipa virtuoso and former principal soloist at the Nanjing Traditional Music Orchestra. Leila Fadel of NPR Weekend Edition has praised Min as “one of the world’s greatest virtuosos.”
    • Link: https://explorebrevard.com/event/fall-concert-series-asian-soundscapes/2025-09-19/
  • The 18th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival
    • Date: Saturday, September 20, 10:00pm – 6:00pm
    • Location: Main Street, Weaverville, NC
    • Description: The 18th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival will take place in downtown Weaverville, NC, just 7 miles from Asheville. Featuring over 100 juried artists, craftspeople, and live music, the event will be judged by Rebecca Lynch, the Development & Grants Director for ArtsAVL. Artists will compete for prizes, including $1000 for Best of Show and several honorable mentions. Weaverville’s artistic charm makes it the perfect setting for this celebration of community and creativity.
    • Link: https://visitweaverville.com/events/art-in-autumn/
  • Blair Crimmins & The Hookers
    • Date: Saturday, September 20, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Location: Hendersonville Theatre – 229 South Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739
    • Description: Blair Crimmins & The Hookers will perform at Hendersonville Theatre as part of the HT’s Hometown Sound Music Series in September. The band blends 1920s ragtime and Dixieland jazz with a modern rock twist. Known for their high-energy performances, Crimmins, a multi-instrumentalist, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique mix of vintage jazz influences and contemporary style. His acclaimed albums and international tours have earned him critical praise, making this performance a must-see for jazz and music fans alike.
    • Link: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/event/blair-crimmins-the-hookers
  • Haywood County Fair
    • Date:
      • Thursday, September, 25, 2025, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm
      • Friday, September, 26, 2025, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm
      • Saturday, September, 27, 2025, 09:00 am – 10:00 pm
      • Sunday, September, 28, 2025, 11:00 am – 06:00 pm
    • Location: Smoky Mountain Event Center – 758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785
    • Description: Join us at the Haywood County Fair for a mix of classic fun and thrilling activities! Enjoy the Midway Carnival, stilt walking, face painting, a viewing zoo, and heritage craft demos. Test your skills with ax throwing, GellyBall wars, and a mechanical bull ride. Grab food from Food Truck Row and enjoy the demolition derby. Compete in Haywood Idol, livestock contests, a mullet competition, and a cornhole tournament. Plus, attendees with sensory sensitivities can enjoy a special Inclusion Day for a more accommodating experience.
    • Link: https://www.haywoodcountyfair.com/