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.

Monday, November 25, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 25 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Harvest Hues: Crafting Your Own Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Nov 26 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

Celebrate the spirit of gratitude and creativity this Thanksgiving season with our “Harvest Hues” workshop at Bullington Gardens! Learn to craft stunning centerpieces using an array of fresh flowers and fall botanicals harvested right from our garden. Flowers and botanicals will be provided, just bring a container as a centerpiece.

Immerse yourself in the warm colors and textures of autumn as you gather inspiration from nature’s bounty. Under the expert guidance of Mary Quirk, you’ll learn essential floral design techniques and tips for incorporating seasonal elements into your centerpiece creations.

From vibrant chrysanthemums and seed heads, to rustic branches, you’ll have access to a diverse selection of garden-fresh blooms and foliage, allowing you to design a centerpiece that perfectly reflects your personal style and the festive atmosphere of Thanksgiving.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to add a touch of natural beauty to your home, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and craft something truly special.

Sand Hill Nursery Workday
Nov 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park

Join us for weekly workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

Winter Lights
Nov 26 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 27 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 28, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 28 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, November 29, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Winter Lights
Nov 29 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 30, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Nov 30 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour & Sale
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kenilworth Neighborhood

The artists of the Kenilworth Artists Association have rescheduled their Fall Open Studio Tour & Sale for the weekend of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

“We’ve taken a tumble with Hurricane Helene arriving a week prior to our originally scheduled event, but we have dusted ourselves off, taken stock of our good fortune and hope to welcome our neighbors, our friends, and our community into our studios,” said Angela Maddix, a long-time participating artist.

The Kenilworth neighborhood, located south of downtown Asheville near Biltmore Village, is the setting for the tour. The inspiring work of artists who create their art in the midst of this historic neighborhood they call home will be available for purchase.

This year’s participating artists will showcase a wide range of media: works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, encaustic, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, glass, fiber, woodcraft, mixed-media, illustration, photography, paper and collage. Visitors will find unique local, hand-made art for holiday gift-giving, and special occasions. The tour is free, and is self-guided.

Each artist will donate a portion of sales to Loving Food Resources, a pantry serving western North Carolina hospice and HIV/AIDS clients.

A brochure with a map of studio locations, as well as more information about the participating artist, may be found at https://www.kenilworthartists.org/

Winter Lights
Nov 30 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 1, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Dec 1 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 1 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour & Sale
Dec 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kenilworth Neighborhood

The artists of the Kenilworth Artists Association have rescheduled their Fall Open Studio Tour & Sale for the weekend of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

“We’ve taken a tumble with Hurricane Helene arriving a week prior to our originally scheduled event, but we have dusted ourselves off, taken stock of our good fortune and hope to welcome our neighbors, our friends, and our community into our studios,” said Angela Maddix, a long-time participating artist.

The Kenilworth neighborhood, located south of downtown Asheville near Biltmore Village, is the setting for the tour. The inspiring work of artists who create their art in the midst of this historic neighborhood they call home will be available for purchase.

This year’s participating artists will showcase a wide range of media: works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, encaustic, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, glass, fiber, woodcraft, mixed-media, illustration, photography, paper and collage. Visitors will find unique local, hand-made art for holiday gift-giving, and special occasions. The tour is free, and is self-guided.

Each artist will donate a portion of sales to Loving Food Resources, a pantry serving western North Carolina hospice and HIV/AIDS clients.

A brochure with a map of studio locations, as well as more information about the participating artist, may be found at https://www.kenilworthartists.org/

Winter Lights
Dec 1 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Monday, December 2, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 2 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Winter Lights
Dec 2 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Rookie Readers
Dec 2 @ 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Southside Center

Rookie Readers is an engaging literacy program designed specifically for toddlers, aiming to foster a love for reading while nurturing their creativity through crafts. Each session combines the joy of storytelling with hands-on craft activities that complement the theme or storyline of the chosen book. With a focus on interactive learning, socialization, and fine motor skill development, Rookie Readers creates a vibrant environment where toddlers can explore the magic of books and unleash their imagination through art. Participants will be able to learn about local resources to promote a lifestyle of literacy while in the program.

Rookie Readers will take place at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, located at 258 Livingston St from 10:00 to 11:30.

Dates:
November 4th, 18th
December: 2nd, 16th, 30th

Please contact Fallon “Bonsai” Hyder at [email protected], or (828) 989- 2464 with any questions.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 3 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Dec 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.

Winter Lights
Dec 3 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 4 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Winter Lights
Dec 4 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 5, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 5 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Winter Lights
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, December 6, 2024
Bullington Gardens Holiday Market
Dec 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Bullington Gardens will hold its annual holiday greenery and craft sale December 6th and 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville. Fraser Fir trees in three sizes, freshly cut in the mountains of North Carolina, may be ordered online through Nov. 25 for pickup on December 6th or 7th. Unadorned wreaths (on a 12-in frame) will also be available to order online. Visit www.bullingtongardens.org to order online or call 828-698-6104 for more information.

Available at the in-person sale will be decorated wreaths and swags, locally grown plants such as cyclamen, amaryllis, and poinsettia, and handcrafted nature-themed items made by our own elves. Make your selections from ornaments, textiles, botanical beauty products and more.

There will be an online raffle of our popular evergreen gnome, a whimsical addition to your holiday décor.

Come immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Bullington. All proceeds support our educational programs for children and adults, and our horticultural therapy for those with special needs.

M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Holiday Gem Show 2024
Dec 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Land of the Sky Event Venue

Come see us Dec. 6-8 at our Holiday Gem Show! You’ll find everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast.
Admission is free and this is a fun family friendly event. Food and drink are available daily.
There’s something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers. You can visit over 35 locally and nationally known vendors. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and have top quality treasures that make great gifts.
Shop for everything you need for your rock collecting hobby: all kinds of rocks, gems, and crystals, WNC and US gemstones, minerals directly from the rockhound who collected them, sterling silver gemstone jewelry, cabochons and faceted gems, lapidary equipment, slabs, and faceting material, moldavite, tektites, meteorites, trinitite, unusual mineral specimens, polished stones, gemstone animal carvings, and so much more!
The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association
M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Holiday Gem Show 2024 hours:
December 6: 9 AM-6 PM
December 7: 9 AM-6 PM
December 8: 10 AM-4 PM
Location:
Land of the Sky Event Venue
39 Spring Cove Rd
Swannanoa, NC
28778
We host the M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show 4 times a year and this is an event that you can keep coming back to!

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801