October Arts and Entertainment Events
This is a non-exhaustive list of art and entertainment events happening in the Cullowhee/Sylva area. The Western Carolinian is not affiliated with these events and has simply compiled them with the intention of connecting and informing the community. Descriptions of events are directly from hosts’ platforms.
WCU School of Music Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Concert- Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
WCU School of Music Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Concert. Free and open to the public. No ticket required. Event at Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall.
Creative Writing Open Mic – Oct. 1 at 5:30-7:00 p.m.
“Come and read your own work, whether poetry or prose, aloud to an audience of fellow writers and writing-enjoyers, or just come to hear some of what WCU’s creative writing community has to offer! If you would like to read, please arrive between 5:00 and 5:30 to put your name on the sign-up sheet. Read as many pieces as you’d like, but try and limit your time to 10 minutes at the absolute maximum in order to give others the chance to read their work!” Event in the University Center Illusions room.
Mirror Painting Craft Night – Oct. 1 at 6:00
“Join Last Minute Productions for Mirror Painting Craft Night! We’ll provide the mirrors and decorating materials (while supplies last), you just bring yourself and your creativity!
Check out our Instagram or Facebook for updates. All events are subject to change.” Event in UC Grand Room.
112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair- Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. – Oct. 5 at 12 a.m.
“Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Cherokee people at the 112th annual Cherokee Indian Fair. Join us for five days of activities and attractions, including traditional dance performances, arts and crafts displays, cultural demonstrations, and authentic Cherokee cuisine.” Event details at visitcherokeenc.com
A Doll’s House, Part 1 – Oct 3, 4, and 11 at 7:30 p.m.
“Nora’s world teeters on the edge. In “Doll’s House” we unravel secrets, ignite passions, and challenge conventions. Brace yourself for a theatrical tempest that will echo through your soul.” Show at University Auditorium. Tickets at arts.wcu.edu/tickets
A Doll’s House, Part 2 – Oct 5, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m.
“The sequel unfurls – a tapestry of revelations, shadows, and whispered truths. Nora returns; her steps echoing in the corridors of destiny.” Show at University Auditorium. Tickets at arts.wcu.edu/tickets
Reception for At the Table – Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
“As we enter another fall season, the WCU Fine Art Museum invites you to contemplate themes of community, power, and representation as explored through At the Table. The works in the exhibition, which feature the recurring motif of the table, both literal and metaphorical, use this common piece of furniture to signify a place where people come together in connection, endure and overcome injustice, and make decisions that can change an individual life or the course of humanity. This event will include a gallery talk by the artists, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Free parking is available.” Event at Bardo Arts Center- Fine Arts Museum.
Oktoberfest at Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.- Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.
“Come dressed in your lederhosen, dirndl, and more… We’ll hold all the steins and drink bier galore! In traditional Oktoberfest fashion, we’ll be hosting a stein holding competition, costume contest, and other yard games with prizes for the winners!” Free admission
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Celebration) – Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
“Join Last Minute Productions and the Office of Intercultural Affairs (ICA) for a celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)! We’ll have free crafts and mini churros for students with their Cat Card (while supplies last)! Check out our Instagram or Facebook for updates. All events are subject to change.” Event in UC Illusions Room
Hocus Pocus at Innovation Station Dillsboro- Oct. 8 at 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
“Tricks and treats are just around the corner! Choose from a Jack-O-Lantern, Mug-A-Boo, the Witch’s Lair, or the Frankenstein Candy Dish. After you have finished painting, all items will be taken to ArtWagon’s studio and fired in our kiln. All materials are included, with the exception of food and beverage. Please purchase tickets by September 29 (availability may be limited after this date). Tickets are non-refundable. Please contact us if you are unable to make the event, as with adequate notice, we may be able to transfer your item to the next scheduled event.”
Tickets at artwagonmobilestudio.com
Scary-oke Halloween Karaoke – Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
“Join Last Minute Productions for a frightful night of Scary-oke! Come sing all of your favorite spooky songs at this Halloween-themed karaoke night! Check out our Instagram or Facebook for updates. All events are subject to change.” Event in UC Grand Room.
Ballet Hispánico- Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s renowned Latino dance organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. For 50 years, Ballet Hispánico has been bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences. Wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month with Ballet Hispánico as they perform new and beloved works from their 50-year history.
Show at Bardo Arts Center. Tickets at arts.wcu.edu/tickets
Mushrooms Abound: Fungi Diversity in Western North Carolina- Oct. 12 at 11 A.M.
“Join at the Jackson County Public Library Community Room as Heather Brooks educates us on some of the most interesting mushrooms in our area. Heather Brooks is an Asheville based nature artist. Through her artwork and active participation in the North American Mycological Association, Heather has developed an expertise in mushroom foraging. Heather currently leads walks for area nonprofits. She also shares her knowledge and enjoyment of this pastime with her followers on Facebook and Instagram @smallwoodlandthings.”
Roller Derby: I Will Always Shove You- Oct. 13 at 12:30 p.m.
“Put on your country best and get ready for an exciting afternoon of roller derby with Smoky Mountain Roller Derby. Bring your own chair. Our nonprofit partner for this event is Cornbread and Roses. Join the teams for an afterparty at Bryson City Brewing after the games.
Consider competing in the Dolly Parton look-alike contest at halftime.”
More info on Smoky Mountain Roller Girls Facebook Page
Tickets: $8 at the door, $5 presale. (Admission is free for children 11 and under.)
Pumkin Spice & Everything Nice Tea Party- Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
“Join us for a not-so-spooktacular tea party! There will be tea, snacks, and autumnal crafts. Come celebrate the warmth of the season with us!” Contact Jackson County Public Library for more information (828) 586-2016.
Fall Foliage and Feathered Friends Hike- Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
“During one of the most colorful times of the year, join Mainspring and Wild Remembering for this special Foliage and Feathers collaboration! Together we’ll share in the joys of autumn by birding and leaf peeping along Yellow Face Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail winds through a beautiful high elevation forest filled with vibrant mosses, delicate ferns, and proud spruces, and we’ll catch glimpses of sweeping views along the way. As we reach the summit, the forest will open into a mountaintop meadow, where we hope to spot some interesting birds. As we hike, Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Associate Skye will decode the mystery of fall leaf color change, and help us identify any plants and wildflowers that catch our eye. Wild Remembering Founder Topher will be our bird guide, introducing us to the birds we may hear or see in the forest and summit field.” Visit mainspringconserves.org for more information and to register (registration required). Suggested donation of $15-$30.
Hunter Library Fall D&D and Boardgame Night – Oct 22 at 4:30 p.m.
“Game night at Hunter Library has both Dungeons and Dragons One Shot adventures and open board gaming. If you’d like to sign up for D&D please RSVP as spots are limited. Priority will be given to WCU students, so please RSVP with your student email. Our D&D games are for players of all skill levels. We will be using the 5th edition rules. Players can bring their own LVL 2 character, or have one provided for them at the event. D&D starts at 4:30 p.m. FREE Pizza will be provided!”
Mountain Murders Dinner in Story and Ballad – Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join local historian Paula at The Balsam Mountain Inn on October 26th from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening of gripping true local murder stories and enchanting mountain ballads. Enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks from the bar. Tickets are $50 at https://square.link/u/qgyV4KdT
WCU School of Music Choral Concert – Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
WCU School of Music Choral Concert. Free and open to the public, no ticket needed. Event at Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall.
Sylva Treat Streat- Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
“Join us for classic Trick or Treating in downtown Sylva.”
