With summer winding down, the time for Fall is upon us. Fall in the mountains not only brings beautiful color but also cooler temperatures and fun activities including history, the arts, music, food, libations, the outdoors, and the spooky season. These are our 20 Must Do Fall Activities in Asheville.

Fall color transforms the historic Biltmore Estate into an 8,000-acre oasis. Visit the prestigious gardens and a few other prime  spots for Fall colors – The Bass Pond, The Lagoon, The South Terrace, and Top of the Esplanade.

Haunted Asheville in Spooky Season

There are a few options for a haunted Asheville tour. Our first choice would be the walking tour with Haunted Asheville. See Asheville’s haunts up close and personal for approximately 2 hours. Guides will lead you safely through the streets of downtown Asheville providing storytelling thrills and chills. For those with mobility issues or not wanting to walk, we recommend the Haunted History and Murder Mystery trolley tour. Sit back if you dare as guides illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem. And for a fun, comedic spin on a haunted tour, check out the LaZoom Ghosted tour.

Asheville Jeep Tours offers multiple tour options including their Blue Ridge Parkway tour, Waterfall Hike excursion, and their Premier Fall Foliage experience. All of their tours are great but we suggest the Premier Fall Foliage to experience Experience the ultimate fall tour with a little bit of everything – crisp mountain air, sweeping views, and hidden waterfalls. It’s everything you love about autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Travel to at least two waterfalls, High elevation Parkway stops, and Light off-roading.

Mountaintop to mountaintop zipline tour with Navitat is a totally unprecedented mountaintop adventure will take you soaring higher, faster, and longer than ever before, taking in the splendor of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. Huge side-by-side ziplines and jaw-dropping speeds make the Mountaintop Tour an experience unlike any other. Suitable for first-timers and experienced thrill-seekers alike! There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the Fall.

Get Outdoors with Asheville Wellness Tours on a yoga hike or forest bathing.

• • The Yoga Hike is a classic yoga hike which allows you to take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Enjoy an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit.
  • Forest Bathing will immerse you in the forest. Led by a certified nature therapy guide, this 3-hour experience weaves together mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and embodied nature connection, providing a unique way to explore the wonders of the great outdoors. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to quiet your mind, awaken your senses, and deepen your connection with nature, community and Self. Meander through the tranquil forest, witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of these ancient mountains. You’ll be guided along peaceful, gentle trails, truly immersing yourself in the present moment. Whether you’re seeking solace in nature or simply looking to unwind after a hectic week, this relaxing and restorative experience is just what you need. Give yourself the gift of tranquility and let the healing powers of nature wash over you.

Guided llama trek at Ellaberry Llama Farm  is a memorable trek through our stunning apple orchard, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain views and interact closely with your very own llama. Capture unforgettable moments with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Flock to the Rock at Chimney Rock State Park  is one of our favorite Fall events. Yes, Chimney Rock is back open, and so is its signature fall event. See raptors up close, enjoy guided hikes, and catch the hawk migration from one of the most stunning views in the state. 2025 date is Saturday, September 13 from 10am-3pm.

Hike and Sip tour at Souther Williams Vineyards  offers a new adventure that includes hiking and wine. Put your hiking shoes on and join a unique opportunity to hike scenic rolling vineyards and enjoy five different wines along the way.  A private tour guide will share the history of the farm while hiking through the vines. This educational experience will delight as you live the life of grape throughout its annual pilgrimage from vine to glass. This wine tasting tour requires moderate walking through hillside vineyards and appropriate walking/hiking shoes. Tour is held (weather permitting) year round and is approximately 75 minutes in duration.. Weekly tours are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am.

Sip and stroll though the North Carolina Arboretum Arbor Evenings. Walk through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists. Wednesdays and Thursdays June 11 through September 18.

One of the many Oktoberfest festivals are a tradition in Asheville. Asheville Oktoberfest, put on by the Asheville Downtown Association, will take place at Pack Square on Oct. 4. The event will feature 20+ breweries and craft beverage makers as well as games hosted by Asheville Sports and Social Club, local food vendors, and live music! Raise a stein at Highland’s Oktoberfest celebration for the return of Clawhammer Märzen Lager at Clawtoberfest. Enjoy traditional stein games, food, and music by Lagerhosen and Hustle Souls from 1–9 p.m on September 20. And one of our favorites is the Hillman Oktoberfest on September 27.

Get a higher perspective of the Fall colors  on an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour. The Sky’s The Limit tour stops at three rooftop bars for the best views in Asheville. You’ll love the fascinating city history and local lore our guide will share from the rooftops. Learn about “all things Asheville” as the group walks to each rooftop location. You’ll gain valuable insights into Asheville and other things to do and see in our city. If you prefer to visit one or more of the many rooftop bars in Asheville, we are happy to make some recommendations for you.

RAD Resilience  will tell the story of a community rebuilding—through creativity, connection, and courage. RAD Resilience happens September 13 and will include more than 350 artists (including 100 displaced by the storm) share new works across studios and at the RAD Art Market. Expect music, food trucks, interactive projects, and a spirit of transformation that spans the entire district.

Spend the weekend immersed in Southern Appalachian heritage at the Heritage Weekend at The Folk Art Center . There will be craft demos, mountain music, and hands-on traditions like blacksmithing and broom-making. The fan-favorite Whimmy Diddle Competition at 2pm celebrates the playful side of cultural preservation. 2025 dates are September 20-21 from 10am-4pm.

Asheville Art in the Park transforms Downtown Asheville into an open-air gallery with artists offering handmade goods, from contemporary jewelry to mountain folk art. October 4, 11 & 18 in Pack Square Park.

Experience North Carolina’s longest-running Shakespeare Festival  in historic Montford. Montford Park Players’ Shakespeare in the Park productions are held in an informal outdoor setting at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay Street, in in the Montford Community Center Complex near downtown Asheville. King Lear presented by the Montford Park players September 5–27 and She Kills Monsters from Oct 3-25.

NC Mountain State Fair  is a memorable WNC tradition that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits. 2025 dates are September 5-14.

The Foodees Food & Culture Festival 2025 dates: September 19-21 at Tanger Outlets Asheville. Prepare for an unforgettable weekend of food, shopping, and family fun. 40+ Food Trucks to savor gourmet eats, international flavors, and sweet treats. 60+ Artisans & Crafters to shop for unique, handmade goods from talented vendors.

Support local musicians at Montford Porchfest on October 4.  This annual event is a fun-filled day of music. Local musicians will be playing porches throughout Montford. The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast will be hosting 2 bands from 4-5:30pm.

Halloween in Montford  is a trick or treating experience like something out of the movies. Our record number of trick’r’treaters has been 1,200 kids. Dress up with us or just watch in awe of how this neighborhood turns into a Hollywood scene.