ASHEVILLE, N.C. 828newsNOW — Mid-September brings a mix of neighborhood gatherings, fall festivals, outdoor programs, food events and stage performances to Asheville and Western North Carolina.
This weekend includes community events Rockypalooza and VWs in the Valley, food-focused gatherings including Carolina EGGfest and Wicked Weed Oktoberfest, birding programs at Chimney Rock, and live music and theater across the region.
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the weekend.
Weekend at a glance
- Family-friendly: Rockypalooza, VWs in the Valley or Family Friendly Farm Experience
- Festivals: Carolina EGGfest or Brevard Plein Air Festival
- Food and drink: Biltmore Championship Watch Parties or Wicked Weed Oktoberfest
- Live music: The Milk Carton Kids or Sean Hayes
- Outdoors: Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk or Flock to the Rock
- Arts and culture: “Little Shop of Horrors” or Heritage Weekend
Family-friendly & community
Rockypalooza
Asheville area, Asheville
Friday, 5 p.m. | Prices vary
Rockypalooza is a community event with music, activities and local gathering space. Check the event listing for the full schedule, location details and admission information.
VWs in the Valley Fall Show
Maggie Valley area, Maggie Valley
Friday-Sunday | Prices vary
VWs in the Valley Fall Show brings Volkswagen owners and spectators together for a weekend centered on classic and custom VW vehicles. The event includes vehicles on display, vendor activity and time for VW enthusiasts to connect.
Family Friendly Farm Experience
Western North Carolina
Saturday, 4 p.m. | Prices vary
The Family Friendly Farm Experience gives visitors a chance to spend time on a local farm and learn more about animals, agriculture and farm life. Check the event listing for location, ticket details and age guidance.
Festivals
Carolina EGGfest
Asheville area, Asheville
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Ticketed
Carolina EGGfest is a food-focused festival built around Big Green Egg-style cooking. The event includes cooking demonstrations, samples and opportunities to learn from participating cooks.
6th Annual Brevard Plein Air Festival
Downtown Brevard, Brevard
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Free admission
The Brevard Plein Air Festival features artists painting outdoors and capturing scenes around Brevard. The event gives visitors a chance to see artists at work and view artwork connected to the community and landscape.
Food and drink
The Biltmore Championship Watch Parties at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Prices vary
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ will host watch parties tied to The Biltmore Championship. The event gives golf fans a place to follow tournament coverage while ordering food and drinks.
Wicked Weed Oktoberfest at the Brewpub w/ Lagerhosen
Wicked Weed Brewpub, Asheville
Saturday, 2 p.m. | Prices vary
Wicked Weed Oktoberfest at the Brewpub includes seasonal beer, German-inspired music from Lagerhosen and Oktoberfest-themed activity at the downtown Asheville brewery.
Live music & nightlife
The Milk Carton Kids
Asheville area, Asheville
Friday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
The Milk Carton Kids bring close-harmony folk and acoustic music to Asheville. The duo is known for stripped-down arrangements, guitar work and songwriting rooted in folk traditions.
Sean Hayes
Asheville area, Asheville
Saturday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Singer-songwriter Sean Hayes performs Saturday as part of the weekend music calendar. His music blends folk, soul and roots influences.
Outdoors & daytime
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock
Saturday, 7 a.m. | Registration or park admission may apply
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk gives participants an early morning chance to look for birds with guidance from naturalists. The program is tied to the fall birding season and offers a closer look at species found around Chimney Rock.
18th Annual Flock to the Rock
Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Park admission applies
Flock to the Rock includes bird-focused activities, educational programs and opportunities to learn about migration and local bird species. The event is held during a time of year when raptor migration can be visible from the park.
Arts and culture
Little Shop of Horrors
Western North Carolina
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
“Little Shop of Horrors” is a stage musical about a florist, a strange plant and a series of darkly comic events. The production includes music, comedy and science fiction-inspired elements.
Heritage Weekend
Western North Carolina
Sunday, 10 a.m. | Prices vary
Heritage Weekend focuses on regional history, traditional skills and cultural programming. Check the event listing for location, demonstrations, schedule and admission details.
Looking ahead
Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in September and October. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
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.