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, December 10, 2023
COLLECT Designer Market
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Rite of Passage

Jewelry artist Laura Wood and textile artist Libby O’Bryan, co-founder of the slow-fashion label Rite of Passage, have collaborated along with Erin Hawley, founder of Melona, to launch COLLECT, a curated designer market at Rite of Passage’s store in the River Arts District.

COLLECT features extraordinary gifts for the holidays by regional artists and makers not usually found in Asheville and handpicked for this reason. Participants include Megan Huntz, Anna Johnson, Vinx Apothecary, The Dustworks, Carrie George Leather, Elizabeth Suzann, Poem Crown, Jeffrey, Opie Way, State the Label, and Cicil Home — in addition to jewelry by Laura Wood Studios and clothing by Rite of Passage, designed by Giovanni Daina-Palermo.

“Laura [Wood], Erin [Hawley], and I wanted to create an alternative to the ‘pop-up’ or a larger fair — something curated, warm, and festive,” said O’Bryan of COLLECT. In addition to gifts, COLLECT will feature food and drink from Crocodile Wine, Roll Up Herbal Bar, Botanist & Barrel, and Nibbly Onigiri.

COLLECT opens on Friday, December 8, 5-7:00 pm. The event continues Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 11:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Rite of Passage is located next to Ultra Coffeebar at 240 Clingman Avenue Ext. in the River Arts District.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center
The Uncommon Holiday Market is in its 9th season of gathering makers of art and handmade items as well as curators of antique & vintage finds.
The market will be held at the beautiful Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center from 10 am – 4 pm both days.
Admission is FREE this year so please be generous & give to our 501C3 partner Mountain Pet Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue serving cats and dogs in the Asheville area.
Parking is also FREE!
This is an INDOOR & OUTDOOR market and Service dogs only are allowed inside.
Food will be available both days from 11-3.
Holiday Pop Up Shop + Open Studio
Dec 10 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
LOOM Imports Studio

Join us for a Holiday Pop Up Shop at Open Studio

Saturday, December 9th – 11-5
Sunday, December 10th – 11-5

115 Elk Mountain Road, North Asheville NC 28804

Shop pottery, art, vintage clothing, home goods, jewelry, teas, tinctures, gifts + more from:
@gennypopshop
@a13rattlesnakesandrainbows
@junopottery
@heilbronherbs
@loomimports
@yewocollective

Community Holiday Extravaganza
Dec 10 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arthur R. Edington Center

Join us for the 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza, hosted by R2S, on Sunday, December 10th, from noon to 5 pm. We are excited to announce that Derrick Barnes, a critically acclaimed author of “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” (Agate), as well as three NY Times Bestsellers (“The King of Kindergarten”, “I Am Every Good Thing”, and “The Queen of Kindergarten”), will be joining us.

We will be celebrating the release of his newest book, “Santa’s Gotta Go!”, by giving out free copies! In addition to meeting the author, we have other exciting events planned such as holiday carnival games, hot cocoa bars, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, free food, and more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with us!

REFRACTION ART MARKET
Dec 10 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wedge Brewery at Foundation

Refraction Holiday Art Market Returns to Wedge Brewing
RAD community artists share their creative roots as Refraction market vendors
Asheville, NC, December 10, 2023: Refraction Art Market, a curated art market celebrating the vibrant artistic energy the Wedge was built upon will be returning to the Wedge at Foundation for its third year. The art showcased will represent a wide array of high quality work including ceramics, painting, printmaking, woodwork, jewelry, leather, glass and more. The event will run from 12-6 pm at the Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St.
Refraction cofounder Andrew Massey fondly remembers the days of walking down to the Wedge after a long day in the ceramics studio and having a beer alongside a plethora of other artists. The Wedge was the watering hole for the community from the get go, the place where you could count on sharing ideas and creative visions amongst a pool of equally passionate creators. While Asheville has grown, the Wedge and the River Arts District have still held that feeling of creative source, which is why Andrew and Amy are so passionate about bringing artists together for Refraction. Their mission is to ignite the creative energy that pulses at the heart of the RAD and create space for a multitude of talented artists to share their work and their love for this community.

URLs:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2083107-2?pid=10412
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/2083107-3?pid=10412

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr Asheville

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Sundays Traditional Game Day
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

Monday, December 11, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 11 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 12 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 13 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store

Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 14 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Friday, December 15, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 15 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 16 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

Plant Club Pop-up Market
Dec 16 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Art Garden AVL

Come enjoy the Canopy Gallery and check out local growers and makers of all things plantie: from rare tropicals to native medicinals, handmade pots and trellises to botanical watercolor paintings, cut flower bouquets to herbal salves and teas….

Pop-up market features 6-10 local plant vendors on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This event is free to attend and vend.

Holiday Bingo
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

 

FREE | All ages, advance registration required

Good old-fashioned fun with great prizes! Looking for more bingo? Check out additional dates and locations.

Merry Makers Market
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Support local + small this holiday season at our 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕!
We’re decking the halls as you shop housewares, vintage pieces, original art, handmade craft, fair trade imports, and more! Free and open to the public. Dogs are welcome! Vendors are setup inside and outside the showroom and runs rain, snow, or shine. Parking is available behind the showroom.

The Little Crafty
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Arcade
The Big Crafty and The Grove Arcade are pleased to present The Little Crafty!
The Big Crafty’s lil’ sister event will be held within the Grove Arcade on December 16th and 17th from 12-5pm.
A cozy curation of artists and makers will set up shop for a festive weekend — along with live music, artist demonstrations, and more — all within one of Asheville’s finest architectural gems.
Find special gifts and enjoy the beauty of the Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland at the first ever Little Crafty Holiday Market!
Weihnachtsmarkt: German-inspired Holiday Market
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at our German-inspired Holiday Market on Saturday, December 16th, from 12-5pm! 🇩🇪 Transforming our RAD Beer Garden into a winter wonderland reminiscent of the traditional Christmas markets in Germany and neighboring countries, each shipping container will become a charming stall.
Indulge your taste buds with authentic German delights from Haus Heidlberg German Food Truck, savor delectable Blunt Pretzels, and treat yourself to the delightful creations of Mount Patisserie baked goods. With 10 vendors already confirmed and more to come, you’ll discover an array of unique gifts and crafts to make your holiday shopping a breeze.
Warm up with the cozy tradition of Glühwein, a delightful mulled wine enjoyed in the festive season throughout the region. Soak in the holiday ambiance, indulge in delicious treats, and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Don’t miss this enchanting holiday market—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!
South Slope Makers Market + Bar Hop
Dec 16 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Company
Join us holiday season in the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville, NC to shop 35 vendors with a drink in hand!
Find vendors, drinks and food at all of these fun locations! 👇
Green Man Brewing
27 Buxton Ave
Urban Orchard Cider Co
24 Buxton Ave
Twin Leaf Brewing
144 Coxe Ave
Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Ave
Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as woodworking, original art, jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more!
No MLM or direct sales will be present.
This event is FREE to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume.
​This is a family friendly event, however please note alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venues.
If you are 21 or older and choose to drink, please drink responsibly.
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr Asheville

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Teen Dungeons + Dragons with Raj
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library
 

Calling all adventurous teens! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons at Pack Memorial Library!

All players aged 13-17 are eligible.

This program is free, but you do need to register.

Email Raj at [email protected] to sign up.

Sunday, December 17, 2023
Winter Bingo Challenge!
Dec 17 all-day
Swannanoa Library

Come pick up a bingo card and do the many HARD tasks (like taking a nap or reading a book). One row gets you a fun sticker. Three rows and you’re entered for our grand prize drawing.

The Little Crafty
Dec 17 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Arcade
The Big Crafty and The Grove Arcade are pleased to present The Little Crafty!
The Big Crafty’s lil’ sister event will be held within the Grove Arcade on December 16th and 17th from 12-5pm.
A cozy curation of artists and makers will set up shop for a festive weekend — along with live music, artist demonstrations, and more — all within one of Asheville’s finest architectural gems.
Find special gifts and enjoy the beauty of the Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland at the first ever Little Crafty Holiday Market!