ASHEVILLE, N.C., October 2026. By October, there is no question: fall has arrived in Asheville.
The Blue Ridge Mountains begin their annual transformation into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, while downtown Asheville fills with artists, musicians, makers, food lovers and visitors from around the country.
For travelers planning an autumn getaway, Asheville Hotel Group is offering 25% off eligible stays at four Asheville-area hotels through its partnership with Explore Asheville.
“October is when Asheville really comes alive,” said Ray Anderson, Director of Sales of Asheville Hotel Group. “The fall color is moving into the Asheville area; the weather is perfect for getting outside, and there is something happening virtually every weekend. It’s one of the best times of the year to experience Asheville.”
The 25% Fall discount at Asheville Hotel Group properties:
Whether the trip is built around fall foliage, a craft fair, a concert, Oktoberfest, Halloween or simply a weekend in the mountains, Asheville Hotel Group offers travelers convenient lodging options for exploring the area.
Offer is subject to availability, eligible dates and restrictions.
October is the heart of fall color
According to longtime fall-color expert Dr. Howard S. Neufeld, the 2026 fall-color season is expected to progress from the highest elevations toward Asheville throughout the fall.
Because Asheville sits among dramatic changes in elevation, visitors can often find color somewhere in the region from late September into early November simply by changing elevation.
By October, the show is moving into the Asheville area.
That means travelers can combine a day of leaf-peeping with almost anything else Asheville has to offer, an afternoon visiting local artists, dinner downtown, live music, a brewery tour or a scenic drive through the mountains.
October’s big events
Asheville Oktoberfest, October 3
Downtown Asheville’s South Slope celebrates Oktoberfest on October 3 with regional beverage producers, live entertainment, traditional games and food inspired by classic Oktoberfest flavors.
Asheville Art in the Park, October 3, 10 & 17
Pack Square Park becomes an outdoor gallery during Asheville Art in the Park, featuring artists and makers from throughout the region.
The three October Saturdays offer visitors an opportunity to browse handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodwork and other original works while enjoying downtown Asheville.
Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K, October 3
Runners and spectators can celebrate the season with the annual Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K, combining a scenic Asheville course with a post-race celebration.
Lovely Asheville Fall Festival, October 10–11
The Lovely Asheville Fall Festival brings music, culture, food and community together for a free two-day celebration in downtown Asheville.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, October 15–18
One of the region’s signature craft events returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Center–Asheville October 15–18.
The Fall Edition of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands features juried artists from throughout the Appalachian region, handmade work, demonstrations and opportunities to meet the makers behind the work.
Beaverdam Studio Tour, October 24–25
Art lovers can explore artists’ studios throughout North Asheville during the Beaverdam Studio Tour, meeting local makers and seeing their work where it is created.
Halloween in Asheville
As October draws to a close, Asheville embraces its spooky side.
From costume parties and live music to family-friendly events, haunted attractions and Halloween-themed activities, the city offers something for visitors looking for either a spirited night out or a family-friendly autumn experience.
October 31 provides a fitting finale to Asheville’s busiest fall month.
A season to get outside
For visitors staying in Asheville, October is also an ideal time to explore beyond the city.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Chimney Rock, the North Carolina Arboretum and countless hiking trails and scenic overlooks provide opportunities to experience fall color at different elevations.
And when the sun goes down, Asheville’s restaurants, breweries, music venues and arts scene provide an equally compelling reason to return to town.
Fall in Asheville is more than a weekend
The beauty of an Asheville fall is that the experience changes every week.
One weekend might be perfect for a mountain hike and scenic drive. The next might bring a craft fair, a concert or Oktoberfest. By late October, the city and mountains are wrapped in the colors of the season.
“That’s what makes fall so special here,” said Lori Brady, Sales Manager. “You can come back more than once and have a completely different experience each time.”
With 25% savings at participating Asheville Hotel Group properties through Explore Asheville, visitors have another reason to turn an autumn day trip into a weekend, or stay a little longer.
About Asheville Hotel Group
Asheville Hotel Group is a locally operated hospitality company representing five Hilton-branded hotels in the Asheville area. The group is committed to providing welcoming accommodations and exceptional guest service while supporting the attractions, restaurants, businesses, artists and events that make Asheville and Western North Carolina a premier destination.