Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, October 19, 2025
Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 19 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
BMCA Fall Dance Day!
Oct 19 @ 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

BMCA Fall Dance Day!

Black Mountain Center for the Arts
October 19, 2025
03:30PM – 04:45PM

Celebrate the fall season with movement, creativity, and community at BMCA! Join us for a pay-what-you-can / free event featuring a performance of BMCA’s Dance Troupe’s new fall choreography in our theater, followed by festive activities upstairs in the dance studio. Families and kids can enjoy autumn-themed crafts, games, and activities.

It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon together—supporting local dancers, exploring the arts, and welcoming fall at BMCA.

Performance: 3:30–4:00 PM Studio Activities: 4:00–4:45 PM

Admission:
Free or Pay-What-You-Can All are welcome!
Thursday, October 23, 2025
City Dance
Oct 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, October 24, 2025
Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 24 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Banksy the Pug Halloween Photoshoot
Oct 24 @ 5:00 pm
Kimpton Hotel Arras

Join Banksy the Pug for his third annual Halloween photoshoot at Kimpton Hotel Arras benefitting the Asheville Humane Society! Enjoy complimentary professional photos of your dog (+ humans!), swag bags, and Halloween-themed dog treats. A fun, community-filled Kimpton Hotel Arras Social Hour you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, October 25, 2025
Pumpkin Pedaller
Oct 25 @ 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.

Event Schedule:
1:30pm – 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic

2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 25 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Animal Haven of Asheville Annual Fall Fundraiser
Oct 26 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Animal Haven of Asheville

Animal Haven of Asheville Annual Fall Fundraiser

📅 Sunday, October 26 | 2–6 PM 📍 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd, Asheville, NC

Celebrate compassion and community at our annual fundraiser! Enjoy a full vegan buffet, drinks, live music by Southern Style Band, a silent auction, and interactive animal stations. All proceeds support our animals and help build a memorial barn honoring co-founder Barb Bellows.

🎟️ Early-bird tickets: $37.50 (until Oct 19) | $45 after 👧 Kids under 12 attend free 🚐 Parking and shuttle service provided

Ticket URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fundraiser-5

Reserve your spot and help us raise the barn!\

Walk for Your Neighbor
Oct 26 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Swannanoa

After being cancelled last year due to Helene, our annual fundraiser Walk For Your Neighbor is BACK! Please join us on Sunday, October 26 at First Baptist Church of Swannanoa for a walk and block party! There will be music, as well as food and drink! The walk will start at 2pm, with the block party continuing until 5pm.

To register for Walk for Your Neighbor, just scan the QR code on this flyer, or follow the link below. Registration is by donation only, but we are encouraging a $20 minimum donation for those who are able. You can also ask family and friends to sponsor your walk using the donation link you receive when you register. To be cost and environmentally conscious, we will be using last year’s t-shirts.

Our valley is still recovering and needs remain high. The more we raise through this walk, the more we can tangibly share the love of Christ with neighbors in need through food, clothing, baby supplies, healthcare, home repairs, and so much more! We hope you’ll give generously, lace up those sneakers, and come walk with us!

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 26 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Howl-O-Ween
Oct 26 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown – Roof Deck/Pool

Join us for a spooktacular evening at Aloft Asheville & Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue’s Howl-O-Ween dog-friendly costume party. Come for cocktails, costumes, and community — all to support a great cause. The event takes place Sunday, October 26 from 4-7 pm at SPLASH, the outdoor pool deck at Aloft Asheville, with a $5 entry fee. Guests can look forward to dog and human costume contests, a one-night staycation raffle, music from DJ Molly Parti, and more. Dress up, sip up, and let your pups strut their stuff!

Thursday, October 30, 2025
Butoh Dance Festival – Frequency in Motion
Oct 30 @ 7:30 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Audio Visual Butoh Performance: Frequency in Motion
Featuring Atsushi Takenouchi, Hiroko Komiya and Chris H.Lynn.
In conjunction with Asheville Butoh Dance Festival 2025
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC Members + Students w/ ID

Asheville Butoh Festival, in collaboration with Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center and the University of North Carolina at Asheville, presents its 15th annual festival from October 30 – November 2. BMCM+AC will host Frequency in Motion, an audiovisual performance featuring Butoh dancers: Atsushi Takenouchi, Jenni Cockrell, Julie Becton Gillum, and Constance Humphries. Dancers will be accompanied by live sounds, field recordings, and objects by Chris H.Lynn and Hiroko Komiya. Visuals, including Super 8 and digital film, are by Chris H.Lynn.

Friday, October 31, 2025
Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Oct 31 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Craft Fair and Food Truck Extravaganza
Nov 1 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
West Henderson High School

The Sheep Dog Club of WHHS is having this event for the community to earn money for our scholarship at the end of the year to a Senior who is entering Law Enforcement Training, Fire, EMS, or the military. We have secured food trucks to be available beginning at 10 am and craft vendors to sell their goods. Please join us to help our community of future leaders. The event is free to attend and purchase goods, and vendor tables are $25 each for up to two tables. Alternatively, you can bring your own tables and rent a space for $40.

Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Home
Weekends, Sept 26th-Nov 1st – Annual Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival! WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids! Attractions will include corn cannons, bouncy pillow, a spider climber, a custom corn maze, lawn games, hay rides, pumpkins for purchase, food trucks, and MORE!
⬇️ HOURS:
Fridays: 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sundays: 10:00am-6:00pm
⬇️ ADMISSION:
$15/Tickets
FREE/Ages 3 years and under
$40/Season Passes
🌽 Corporate Nights, Field Trips, and Birthday Party reservations are also available
🗺: 2 Compton Drive, Asheville 28806
👉 Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE: https://eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com/
May be an image of 2 people, corn and text that says 'Fridays 3pT 3pm-7pm 7pm WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER SEPT 26TH NO 1ST ELIADA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & CORN MAZE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ELIADACORNMAZE.MAZEPL Corn Cannons Bouncy Pillow Spider Climber Custom Corn Maze Lawn Games Hay Rides Pumpkins for purchase Food Trucks & MORE!! Saturdays 10am 7pm Sundays 10am 10am-6pm 6pm Corporate Nights, Field Trips and Birthday Party reservations are also available. Have Questions? E-Mailu at cornmaze@eliada.org'
I9PA Release Party + Benefit Bike Bash!
Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Yards

I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)

Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.

3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!

6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.

6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.

The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Nov 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Save the date for this year’s annual Handcrafted Holiday Market! This year’s show will run from November 7 through December 18, with the reception planned for Thursday, November 6, 5:30 – 7pm. Regional artists will fill the TACS Gallery with fine and handcrafted goods, rotating their inventory with each week and providing you with ample opportunities for holiday shopping! Stay tuned for more information regarding participating artists.

Our Li’l Angels Tree is filled with ornaments donated by area artists each year. By purchasing one of these ornaments, you are supporting our Youth Scholarship Fund, providing equal opportunities to creative kids!

TACS will be hosting a collection for Thermal Belt Outreach (TBO)! Items being donated will be distributed by TBO this holiday season.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Swan Lake
Nov 11 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Grand Kyiv Ballet presents: Swan Lake

November 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Swan Lake is a ballet masterpiece that tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. The ballet is renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating music. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that has endured for more than a century.

This timeless tale of love and magic will be brought to life by the finest dancers of the Grand Kyiv Ballet. The graceful movements of the world’s best dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the USA and Japan will give you unforgettable emotions. And colorful costumes and decorations will transport audiences to a world of enchantment and wonder.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Snow Queen
Nov 12 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Grand Kyiv Ballet presents: The Snow Queen

November 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet for the WORLD Premiere of the new Ballet, The Snow Queen.  The Snow Queen is a powerful and cold-hearted ruler who travels the world with the snow, bringing winter wherever she goes.  The tale tells the adventures of a young girl named Gerda and her quest to rescue her friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen.

It is a classic fairytale ballet about love and friendship, and about how the warmth of a friend’s devoted heart removes the spell of the wicked Queen. A colorful journey full of dangers and obstacles, shown through the beauty and aesthetics of the ballet will bring festive delight to the stage this winter.

The performance is interpreted by Alexander Adbdukarimov and Arshak Galumyan, a successful choreographic duet. Former artists of the best European theaters now collaborating with them as choreographers, bearers of the traditional classical school and founders of the Berlin Ballet Company. Fabulous orchestral music combined with live effects, colorful pictures, and unique choreography will bring pure joy.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
When We Were Queens… Murielle Elizéon and Shana Tucker
Nov 13 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

When We Were Queens…
A Performance by Murielle Elizéon and Shana Tucker
November 13, 2025, at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members 

Acclaimed Durham-based cellist Shana Tucker and Saxapahaw-based French choreographer Murielle Elizéon (co-creator of Culture Mill) present When We were Queens…, a powerful multidisciplinary performance presented as a diptych—two solos in conversation.

Friday, November 14, 2025
Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Fri, Nov 14 • 7 pm

In bursts of vivid color, acrobats expertly execute gravity-defying moves to the exhilarating beat of live music—somersaulting in sync with the percussive rhythms of Afro-Jazz. Truly a circus experience like no other, this production vibrates with energy—showcasing the strength, agility, youth and artistry of African culture.

Spotlight on Cirque Kalabanté:

Founded by Yamoussa Bangoura, former Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia performer
Rooted in the Nyamakala circus tradition of West Africa
Features performers from Guinea, Canada, and Bangoura’s own extended family
Stars in Circus Without Borders, an award-winning documentary on art as activism
Created a Montreal-based school teaching African dance, cirque, and drumming

Friday, November 21, 2025
Blue Ridge Holler
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for a night of fabulous music for a fantastic cause. Our hurricane-relief concert series BLUE RIDGE HOLLER is coming to Asheville’s Wortham Center on Nov. 21!

Hosted by the multi-talented Josh Goforth, the concert features:

David LaMotte
Carolina Detour
Newfound Gap
Pythagoras

All proceeds will go toward our continued work rebuilding western North Carolina parks and recreational facilities destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

Thursday, November 27, 2025
City Dance
Nov 27 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, November 29, 2025
48HFP & Flood Gallery present: Actors & Filmmakers Mixer!
Nov 29 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and creativity! Meet local actors, directors, and producers, share stories, and discover you next great project.

Free Headshots — 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Silent Auction featuring selected local artworks
Screening of 3 International Award-winning 48HFP Shorts — 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Special DJ Set & Appearance by “Mirror Man” — 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Suggested Contribution: $10

Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre presents

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Friday, Dec 5 2025 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 6 2025 • 2 pm & 7:30 pm

School Show! – Friday, Dec 5 • 10:00 am
Call the box office for tickets: 828-257-4530, ext. 1.

A wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s 13th annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original production of the Nutcracker. Though the Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, when performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be further from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffman.

“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting. Take, for example the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with their humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King with his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, and the wild, psychedelic ride that is the World of Sweets.”

PLEASE NOTE: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Box Office is the ONLY official ticketing provider for events at the Wortham Center’s venues: Diana Wortham Theatre, Tina McGuire Theatre and Henry LaBrun Studio. Beware of third-party ticketing scams.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is returning to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on December 9, 2025.

Friday, December 12, 2025
AJT’s Christmas Spectacular
Dec 12 @ 5:00 pm – Dec 13 @ 2:00 pm
AJT Studio

🎄 Second Annual Christmas Spectacular! 🎄

Step into a Winter Wonderland and experience the magic of the season at our Second Annual Christmas Spectacular— a joyful holiday showcase filled with music, dance, and festive fun for the whole family!

This year’s show features an Enchanted Forest theme, complete with festive holiday songs, tap and jazz dancing, and breathtaking aerial silks performances. You’ll also enjoy reimagined Christmas classics and a show-stopping hip-hop Nutcracker number that’s sure to bring the house down!

Enjoy performances by our 1-Year Choir students, Chamber Choir, and Performance Media Crew (dance troupe), plus a special preview number from our upcoming production of The Lion King Jr. at Wortham Center for the Arts (Jan. 10 & 11).

✨ 3 Showtimes:

Friday, December 12 – 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM
📍 Location:
174 Bradley Branch, Unit 4/5, 28704
(Please enter from the front side of the building.)

☕ Refreshments will be available for sale, with all proceeds benefiting AJT.

❄️ Expect an indoor snowstorm and plenty of sparkle and surprises along the way!

🎫 Seating is general admission (first come, first served).

🌟 Tickets will sell out quickly! Last year’s two shows completely sold out — so this year we’ve added a third performance to make room for everyone. Don’t wait — grab your tickets early and join us for this heartwarming, high-energy holiday celebration!

🎟️ Purchase your seats today for a truly spectacular Christmas experience!

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Emberfrost: A Fae Masquerade @ Fae Nectar Tavern
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Fae Nectar Meadery

Once again, the magic of the Fae will fill our Great Hall with whimsy and elegance, illuminating the night in a spectacle of music, dance, and shared revelry to warm the winter’s chill. The sylvan sounds of Holler & Crow will grace the stage as we waltz through the evening, and in the witching hours DJ Jaime ignites the dance floor with enchanted rhythms that turn our royal court into pure revelry.

Don’t forget to attire yourself, and your entourage, in your finest regalia! A masque is required, and our Costume Contest will reward the most resplendent creations with generous prizes during our grand on-stage finale.

Join us on Saturday, December 13th, for an unforgettable night of enchantment and revelry at the next incredible Fae Masquerade!

The first 50 tickets are available at Early-Bird prices!
🌙 Indoor event | Ages 18+
🏰 Great Hall doors open at 7 PM
💃 Formal festivities begin at 8 PM

Monday, December 15, 2025
Johnny Loves Johann – Music and Dance
Dec 15 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

PERFORMANCE: Johnny Loves Johann – Music and Dance
With violinist Johnny Gandelsman and choreographers Melissa Toogood and John Heginbotham
Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members + Students w/ID

Join us Monday, December 15 at BMCM+AC for a one-night-only performance featuring world-renowned violinist Johnny Gandelsman and internationally acclaimed choreographer/dancers John Heginbotham and Melissa Toogood.

In this intimate, museum-scale version of Johnny Loves Johann, Gandelsman will perform Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 with new choreography by Melissa Toogood and Cello Suite No. 4 with new choreography by John Heginbotham. This unique program offers a powerful glimpse into the larger evening-length work, bringing together music and dance in fresh, unexpected ways. With Gandelsman’s folk- and dance-inspired interpretation at its core, Toogood and Heginbotham infuse Bach’s timeless compositions with humanity, curiosity, and contemporary movement—transforming them into a vibrant celebration of connection and community.
___
About the Program

At its heart, Johnny Loves Johann is a tribute to community – both among the artists themselves and with the audience members who join them on this journey. By inviting these remarkable choreographers to bring their personal and cultural narratives to Bach’s music, the project creates a tapestry of voices and perspectives that reflect the shared human experience.

Bach’s music is often put in the context of order and notions of perfection. While we can enjoy hearing it this way, it can also limit our experience of this music as the celebration of humanity and beautiful opportunity for connection that it is.

Gandelsman’s interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suites is special in its folk music- and dance-like qualities. Building upon that, the Johnny Loves Johann collaborators—each known for visceral, big-hearted art-making—re-visit the suites by leading with their humanity and curiosity.

Thursday, December 18, 2025
Deck the Trees
Dec 18 2025 – Jan 5 2026 all-day
Peri Social House

Mark your calendars — December 5, 2025, through January 5, 2026 — the beloved Deck the Trees holiday tradition is back, bigger and brighter than ever!

Now celebrating 15 years, Deck the Trees will once again bring holiday wonder to Black Mountain and Swannanoa, all for a great cause. This cherished fundraiser benefits the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, which helps neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter.

This year’s theme, “Christmas in Music & Song,” will inspire more than 50 beautifully decorated trees across town. You’ll find many of them at Peri Social House, Tyson Furniture Company, and White Horse Black Mountain, plus dozens of other local businesses decked out for the season.

How It Works:
From December 5 to January 5, you can vote for your favorite tree(s) by donating $1 per vote. Vote as many times as you’d like. Every dollar goes directly to the SVCM Fuel Fund. Voting is easy:

-Scan the QR code at each tree to donate online
-Or drop cash or checks in the donation box next to the tree
(Online donations encouraged.)

Can’t Visit in Person?
A full list of locations — plus photos of every tree — will be posted soon on the SVCM Deck the Trees website so you can vote from anywhere.

Follow the Festivities:
Stay updated on this year’s dazzling displays and special moments by following SVCM on Facebook (facebook.com/svcmcares) and Instagram (@svcmwnc).

This holiday season, let your heart and your votes warm homes across our valley!