October 2025 Round-up: Magic Season in the Mountains

​This year, Western North Carolina reclaims its joyful spirit as we reestablish the festivals and celebrations sadly denied to us following Helene last year. We come together to honor the history and essence of our region with events like the Southern Highland Craft Guild (SHCG) Heritage Festival and the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair; these gatherings celebrate the incredible work of our local craftspeople and artists who make this area so special.

And as we revel in the festivities of the Mountain State Fair and the SHCG Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, we also forge connections that remind us of our place in the world at events like the LEAF Global Arts Festival.

In the midst of enjoying all that this extraordinary place has to offer, we take a moment to reflect on how to honor our old traditions while making them relevant to today. We look to the resilience of New Orleans and the lessons learned from its recovery after Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Street Creature Puppet Collective, which brought magic and whimsy back to WNC at our darkest hour.

How LEAF Global Arts Turns Life Into a Year-Round Festival Experience

Just a year ago, fall festivals were disappearing right and left from event calendars in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hurricane Helene may have thrown a wrench in Western North Carolina’s 2024 festival season, but 2025 is back and better than ever. This weekend marks the triumphant return of the LEAF Global Arts Festival for its 30th anniversary at Lake Eden in Black Mountain. Join host Elise Wilson, along with LEAF founder Jennifer Pickering and LEAF Marketing and Engagement Coordinator Natascha Van Aalst Leitner, as they uncover how stories, songs, and dance connect Western North Carolina with the rest of the world—and why this year's theme, “Live Life Like a Festival,” is more relevant than ever.

Listen to our conversation with Natascha and Jennifer here.

The Spirited Return of Fall Festival Season in Western North Carolina

Last year, fall festival season in Western North Carolina all but collapsed under the crushing weight of an unexpected natural disaster. The economic impact of Hurricane Helene sent shockwaves through the creative community, leading to numerous event cancellations and forcing many artists to forgo a large chunk of their income during the region’s peak tourist months.

Now, as autumn returns to Appalachia and the air becomes crisp, crowds are once again flocking to the region to enjoy the changing colors and purchase local arts and crafts. Regional festivals are back, and with them, the chance for creators to connect with visitors eager to take home a piece of Appalachian artistry.

Explore our fall festivals travelogue here.

‘So Many Possibilities: The Street Creature Puppet Collective Steps Back Into the Limelight

In late summer last year, Jen Murphy grabbed a whiteboard and jotted down all the upcoming events her group, Street Creature Puppet Collective, had planned for that fall. Like in years past, there was a lot to keep track of, and it was shaping up to be another busy season for the crew of roughly 50 puppeteers, artists, performers, musicians, and tinkerers.

“October is always our busiest month, and we were in full production mode getting ready for those events when [Hurricane] Helene changed everything,” says Jen, a founding member of the Western North Carolina-based Collective. “Everything got erased.”

What a difference a year can make.

Read our feature story on the Street Creature Puppet Collective here.

News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds. This November, we welcome the return of RADfest and the WNC Pottery Festival, along with exciting news about the ArtsvilleUSA-supported exhibition, A Tale of Two Cities, airing on WYES PBS.

Call for Artists

• ArtsvilleUSA Live Holiday Market: ArtsvilleUSA seeks artists to showcase and sell ornaments, small works, and handmade crafts at the YMCA’s Live Holiday Market. The event aims to build community, connecting artists with patrons and bringing visitors and members to the YMCA. Apply here.

Events + Exhibitions

• WNC Pottery Festival: Explore the artistry of local potters at the WNC Pottery Festival, which showcases unique handmade pottery and crafts from across the region. November 8, Sylva, NC.
• RADfest: Immerse yourself in Asheville's creative scene during this two-day celebration. Visit local artists in their studios, browse pop-up shops, and experience the ArtsvilleUSA-supported exhibit, A Tale of Two Cities. November 8–9, River Arts District.
• Jingle Bell Market: Kick off your holiday shopping at this festive market featuring a variety of local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats—November 15 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center—more info here.
• Trolls: A Field Study: Visit the North Carolina Arboretum to experience Trolls: A Field Study, an outdoor exhibition featuring twelve interactive sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. On display from November 15, 2025, to February 17, 2026.

In the News

• Steppin’ Out, WYES PBS: ArtsvilleUSA founder Louise Glickman discusses A Tale of Two Cities on the Sept. 11 edition of New Orleans’ only weekly arts and entertainment review.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured image: Max Cooper Photography.