ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The first weekend of October brings fall traditions, downtown gatherings, live music, outdoor sports and stage productions to Asheville and communities across Western North Carolina.
Events scheduled Oct. 2-4 include the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Music Festival in Mars Hill, Oktoberfest in Asheville’s South Slope, the Asheville Grass Open at HomeTrust Park, Mars Hill First Friday and several concerts and theater productions across the region.
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the weekend.
Family-friendly & community
Mars Hill First Fridays
Downtown Mars Hill, Mars Hill
Friday, 5-8 p.m. | Free admission
Mars Hill First Friday brings live music, dance, shopping, art, food and local business activity to downtown Mars Hill. The monthly event gives visitors a way to walk through town and connect with local shops and community groups.
Festivals
Oktoberfest
South Slope, Asheville
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Free entry, with VIP access available to purchase
Oktoberfest moves to Asheville’s South Slope this year. The event includes beer, food, music and seasonal activities tied to the fall festival tradition.
Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Music Festival
Mars Hill University, Mars Hill
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Free admission
The Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Music Festival focuses on traditional Appalachian music, dance and storytelling. The festival honors Lunsford’s work preserving mountain music and brings regional performers and cultural programming to Mars Hill.
Read more about Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s remarkable life in 828newsNOW’s Tombstone Tales
Live music & nightlife
Dylan Gossett & Charles Wesley Godwin
Hellbender by The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Dylan Gossett and Charles Wesley Godwin perform Friday at Hellbender by The Orange Peel. The concert brings country, folk and Americana-influenced songwriting to Asheville.
Sylvan Esso
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Sylvan Esso returns to Asheville for a two-night run at The Orange Peel. The North Carolina duo is known for electronic pop, layered vocals and beat-driven live performances.
A Tribute to Dylan and Cash
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Black Mountain
Friday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
“A Tribute to Dylan and Cash” celebrates music associated with Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. The performance includes songs and storytelling tied to the two American songwriters.
Amanda Anne Platt Concert Featuring Evan Martin
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Black Mountain
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. | Ticketed
Amanda Anne Platt performs with Evan Martin in Black Mountain. The concert centers on roots and Americana songwriting, with acoustic arrangements and harmonies.
Brett Dennen
Third Room, Asheville
Saturday, 6:30 p.m. | Ticketed
Brett Dennen performs Saturday at Third Room in Asheville. The singer-songwriter’s music blends folk, pop and acoustic influences.
Food and beverage
Paw Paw Ice Cream Release
Asheville area, Asheville
Friday, noon | Prices vary
The Paw Paw Ice Cream Release highlights a seasonal fruit native to the region. Check the event listing for the participating location, available flavors and timing.
Outdoors & daytime
Asheville Grass Open
HomeTrust Park, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Registration required
The Asheville Grass Open brings grass volleyball to HomeTrust Park. The tournament includes adult divisions and gives players a chance to compete on the field at the Asheville Tourists’ ballpark.
Pups & Pints
Pack Square area, Asheville
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Free admission
Pups & Pints brings people, dogs and local vendors together in downtown Asheville. The event benefits Asheville Humane Society and includes pet-focused activities and community gathering space.
Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, Asheville
Saturday, 7 a.m. | Registration required
The Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K starts and finishes in Asheville’s River Arts District. The race follows routes along the French Broad River greenway and through nearby sections of Asheville.
Arts and culture
Thomas Wolfe’s 126th Birthday
Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, Asheville
Saturday, 9 a.m. | Prices vary
Thomas Wolfe’s 126th Birthday marks the Asheville author’s birthday at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. The event gives visitors a chance to connect with Wolfe’s life, work and Asheville history.
Little Shop of Horrors
Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
“Little Shop of Horrors” continues at Asheville Community Theatre. The musical follows a florist, a mysterious plant and a darkly comic story built around science fiction, music and satire.
Sister Act
Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
“Sister Act” continues at Flat Rock Playhouse. The musical follows a nightclub singer placed in protective custody at a convent and features gospel-influenced music and comedy.
369 Monologue and Short Play Festival part 4: Get Up STAND UP
Tina McGuire Theatre at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. | Ticketed
The 369 Monologue and Short Play Festival part 4: Get Up STAND UP features monologues and short plays presented by Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective. The festival includes stories centered on resilience, survival and standing up despite difficult circumstances.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled because of weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.
Looking ahead
Additional fall festivals, concerts, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in October. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.