There’s nothing quite like a crisp Fall day in Asheville.  Don’t let a tight budget keep you from exploring all that Asheville has to offer.  The city is buzzing with festivals, art culture, food culture and music. You’d be surprised with how many amazing free things there are to do in Asheville this Fall.  Getting out into the city doesn’t have to cost you.  There are so many free things in Asheville to do and explore.  Here’s your round up of 25 things to do in Asheville this Fall.

Free Event Dates in Asheville

The Grey Eagle- The Whiskey Charmers Sept 8th at 6pm

The Whiskey Charmers will be charming Asheville with a free concert at the Grey Eagle!  This Detroit-based Americana band led by Carrie Shepard and Lawrence Daversa will charm your socks off.  More details at The Grey Eagle.

Asheville Pizza- Free Student Film Screenings- Sept 9, 10-11am

Art in Autumn Festival- Weaverville Sept 16th,10-6pm

The 11th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival takes place Saturday, September 16, 2017, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Weaverville, North Carolina, located in Buncombe county 7 miles from downtown Asheville. Art in Autumn Festival

Mountain Heritage Day- Sept 30,10-5pm (Western Carolina University)

The 43rd annual Mountain Heritage Day will be a combination old-fashioned mountain fair and showcase for Southern Appalachian music, arts, dance and song, with the atmosphere of a big family reunion.  Mountain Heritage Festival

Art in the Park

Pack Square Park

October 7, 14, 21 – 10 am-5 pm

An art and crafts lovers dream!  Gather around Pack Square and immerse yourself in a diversity of artist creations, including woodworking, metal smithing, glass, ceramics and more!  More details at Art in the Park Asheville.

WNC Garlic Festival- Saturday, October 7th, 12-6pm

WNC Garlic Fest is an annual festival in the historic South Slope area of downtown Asheville, also known as the Brewery District.  It’s a celebration of all things garlic! Try samplings of garlic inspired dishes, including garlic ice cream with garlic sprinkles! .  Yes, you read that correctly.  They also offer free classes on how to cook, ferment and even grow garlic.  WNC Garlic Fest

Montford Artwalk-Saturday, October 14, 10am-5pm

Enjoy an Autumn afternoon strolling through Historic Montford in Asheville, North Carolina, viewing art, crafts, design, and meeting the people who make it.  Montford Artwalk

Apple Harvest Festival-Oct 21, 10-5pm (Waynesville)

This one-day festival has grown into the region’s premier juried arts and crafts event, celebrating all things “apple.”  It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glorious fall day with live entertainment and great food.  Apple Harvest Festival

Fall Studio Stroll: November 11-12, 2017, 10AM-5 PM

Visit artists in their studios, learn about their artistic process through conversations, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Collect art at its source among the amazing displays of creativity from painting to sculpture, glass blowing to ceramics, fiber art, jewelry and more from 200 artists.

Reccurring Free Events In Asheville

Sweat & Soul- Free Community Bootcamp and Yoga- Saturdays

Sweat + Soul is a FREE community bootcamp and yoga class that is all about strengthening community, doing something great for ourselves and connecting mind, body and soul. 10:30 every Saturday at Salvage Station.  (May-October) {Check out our Sunday Funday post for more yoga events}.  Sweat and Soul Community Yoga. 

Mindfulness Meditation Sunday Practice – Sundays 10-12 (Asheville Shambhala Mediation Center)

Sessions begin with a self-led meditation (40 minutes). After a five-minute break, you will view a video dharma talk by a noted teacher, such as Jack Kornfield or Tara Brach. Afterwards you are invited to share your thoughts in a group discussion for about 20 minutes. (No one is obliged to share.) There is a suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Open Mic Night at Salvage Station- Sunday 7-10pm

Enjoy budding singers, songwriters, and musicians!  Salvage Station

Game Night at Highland Brewing- Mondays 3-9pm

Ping Pong! Giant Jenga! Corn Hole!  $3 beers.

Highland Brewing Company Run Club at Highland Brewing –  Wednesdays 6:15-8pm

Join walkers, joggers and runners for communal exercise!  Bring your dogs and enjoy a beer after your run.  HBC Run Club

Drum Circle- Pritchard Park- Friday evenings

A hallmark of Asheville’s city culture is the reoccurring drum circle every Friday evening (April-October) in Pritchard Park.  Participation is encouraged, so bring your drum, your dancing shoes and an open mind and take it all in.  All ages welcome!

Dr. Brown’s Team Trivia at Barley’s Taproom Wednesdays 8:30-11:30pm

Urban Walking Trail- Downtown

Sprinkled through out the city of Asheville, you’ll find interesting bronze sculptures and symbols of animals, people, and even seemingly inanimate objects.  These are snapshots of Asheville’s Urban Walking Trail!  The trail takes roughly 2 hours, with easy strolling and discovery at every corning.  Starting in Pack Square, this fun and self guided tour will highlight Asheville’s unique architecture, people and historical events. Download your map here.

Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center is home to the finest Southern Appalachian arts and crafts. With three fine art galleries, a library and daily craft demonstrations, it’s worth your while to check it out.  After you’re done browsing the galleries, hop onto the Mountains to Sea Trail from the Folk Art Center parking lot for the invigoration 2 mile loop around. Folk Art Center

Moog Music Factory Tour

Carrying on the legacy of Dr. Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, Moog Music Factory is home to the most innovative instruments in the world.  Tour the factory, free of charge, and learn the science and engineering behind Moog. Moog Music Factory

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

For a guided birth walk, or maybe just a peaceful stroll, The Bird Sanctuary on Beaver Lake is a peaceful, rejuvenating place to venture through.  Bird walks are held regularly on the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. from April to September, and 9 a.m. from October to March. Follow a gravel path northward, toward the lake’s edge for an extended walk along the lake.  No pets are allowed in the sanctuary.  Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

Asheville Ale Trail

Take a walk on the South Slope through the Brewery District for the Asheville Ale Trail!  A fun, self guided tour including Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing, Twin Leaf Brewing and Green Man Brewing.  Simply download their free app onto your smart phone and be on your way!  Asheville Ale Trail

First Friday Art Walks (May-Dec) 5-8pm

Explore more than 25 downtown galleries, studios and museums –all located within a half mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. First Friday Art Walks

Biltmore Industries History Tour- reoccurs W/T/F/S 1-1:45pm (April-Dec)

Learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour. The tour includes a visit to the historic Dye House, where the original vats, looms, and carding and spinning machines. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are geared towards adults. It’s a first-served basis (no reservations). Maximum 25 people per tour. Meet your guide at the Biltmore Industries 

The NC Arboretum

The 65 acres of cultivated gardens at the NC Arboretum is full of adventure.  With 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, you can have an active date with access to exhibits, activities and tours.  The hiking trails around the Arboretum are accessible along the parkway, allowing you to hike into the the Arboretum.  Stroll through cultural history exhibits, bonsai gardens and check out the cafe and gift shop.The NC Arboretum

Burntshirt Vineyards Winery Tour

Head south to Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville for a free tour of the vineyards and winery.  The lush gardens are the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch, with the apple orchard and vineyards surrounding you.  Daily tours start at 2pm and are help year round.  Burntshirt Vineyards

Basilica of St. Lawrence

Around the corner from the Grove Arcade, the Basilica of St. Lawrence is one of Asheville’s historically rich and beautiful buildings.  Designed by the same architects of the Biltmore House, the Basilica has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.  It’s a peaceful and enlightening experience to walk through the chapel and admire the stained glass, marble sculptures and stonework.  They offer free self guided tours, as well as complimentary tours, scheduled in advanced.  Basilica of St. Lawrence