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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.

Saturday, August 31, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Aug 31 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused Comedy Dinner Show
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Green Room

A night of Live Comedy with in our cozy, vape-friendly Rezonance VIP Lounge, featuring a 3-course cannabis-infused dinner and infused drink, samples from local brands
Another cannabis-infused comedy night with Slice of Life Comedy and Infuso, the married chef team who’s catered the past few events like these!
At 5’2″, Jenn Snyder is our headliner and a hilariously DOPE comedian who packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town to dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.
Host Petey Smith McDowell is an Asheville native who has been traveling all around the country telling jokes since 2009.
He has opened for Rory Scovel, Hannibal Buress, Beth Stelling, and Trevor Noah. Petey has a very popular instagram account that gives funny memes about Asheville and WNC on the daily. Instagram: @Peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Patrick Fowler
Menu priced From $35.00 to $140

Saturday, September 7, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 7 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Friday, September 13, 2024
Friday the 13th Camping and Outdoor Standup Comedy Horrors
Sep 13 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Spooky camping stories and other outdoor thrills told by standup comedians with slides and audience interactions/games for prizes
Hosted by Clay Jones aka Jason Voorhees & Miranda Allison

With comedy by
HILLIAY BEGLEY
LARRY GRIFFIN
HELEN JENNY
ALEX PARSONS
& more!
Step into fall with a Friday September the 13th show! Join us for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy at plēb urban winery – guaranteed laughs and good vibes all around EXCEPT FOR THE KILLER ONEZ!

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this dangerously hilarious event taking place at our cozy winery in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. Join us for a night of non-stop laughter as talented comedians take the stage to entertain youSit back, relax (if you can!) and enjoy some delicious wine while you enjoy this evening of fun and laughter with friends. Dinner available during show! Grab your tickets now for online discount!

Saturday, September 14, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 14 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Standup Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 15 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday September 15 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & Professional featured performers in a fun environment. Featuring Ryan Cox, Justin Blackburn & Chesney Goodson! Hosted by Zandra Johnson

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest. Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
They will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10-12m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title!
All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. Winner will be invited back to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize, on Sept 26!

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Creative Facilitator Training
Sep 24 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Story Parlor

Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 18-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.

Guideposts Include:

  • Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others

  • How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats

  • Teaching philosophy and ethics

  • The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation

  • Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally

  • Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty

  • Marketing, business planning, and logistics

  • Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions

Early Bird pricing through March 31 | $1600
Regular price effective April 1 | $1850

Class dates include Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00pm
5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final three meetings will go till 9:30pm.

Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest Pageant Fall 2024
Sep 26 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!

Participants are WINNERS of three standup contest 9/05, 12 & 19. Pageant Winner gets title and grand cash prize. Audience votes thru ballot!
Free snacks and outside food allowed.
9/5 winner Zandra Johnson
9/12 winners tied Roman Fraden & Jordan Julius
9/19 winner tba
Plus a wild card. This show is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games.
Audience votes thru ballot. More info contact Michele at [email protected]

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 28 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 5 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 12 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Wooftop Party at the Radical!
Oct 13 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Radical

The Wooftop Party is a fun yappy hour for dog owners. With sweater weather here, it’s the perfect time for guests & their pups to enjoy The Roof. Botanical Bones will offer dog treats to keep tails wagging all night, and Mountain Pet Rescue will have adoptable dogs in search of their forever homes.

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Creative Writer’s Workshop: Panning For Gemstones
Oct 19 – Oct 20 all-day
Story Parlor

What do you do when you find you’re facing an insurmountable pile of unfinished creative work? An entire digital archive of ‘maybes?’

To use an Appalachian metaphor, you pan your dirt for gemstones.

This workshop explores what it means to run creative writing through an objective sieve. It provides a framework for tackling the current pile of unfinished work, as well as addressing the indefinite ‘maybes’ of tomorrow.

Learn to sift your mounds of incomplete material, develop self-editing skills, readjust your critical lens, and polish, refine, and complete your precious pieces.

Among peers and in the safety of a validating creative space, writers can anticipate the delight of creative collaboration, the usefulness of constructive feedback, and the thrill of showcasing the rarity and purity of their finest gemstones.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 19 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Fourth Annual Pup Crawl
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
7th Avenue Historic Area

Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) invites the community to participate in their 4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl, presented by Hunter Subaru, on Saturday, October 19th, from 12-5 pm. Participants will purchase “Pawsports” and enjoy a pet giveaway
or treat and a unique pet-themed activity at participating dog-friendly food and beverage businesses, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize.

Pawsports are available on the BRHS website, https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/events/pupcrawl or by calling (828) 692-2639 ext. 304.

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 26 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Homegrown Halloween Market
Oct 26 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Smith Mill Works

Join us for family-friendly day of creativity and community supporting local artists, makers and farmers and their handmade and homegrown treats!

Explore one of our haunted greenhouses, participate in a family friendly DIY Halloween wreath making activity, peruse the Asheville Tool Library Yard Sale and enjoy delicious and healthy food from the Pasta and Prana food truck and more at the:
SMITH MILL WORKS HANDMADE HALLOWEEN MARKET on SAT OCT 26 from 11-3.

Saturday, November 2, 2024
North Carolina Writers Network Fall Conference
Nov 2 – Nov 3 all-day
DoubleTree - Biltmore

Registration is now open for The North Carolina Writers’ Network 2024 Fall Conference. The conference will open on Friday, November 1, with a keynote address by Ron Rash, author of The Caretaker, Serena, and The World Made Straight.

The Fall Conference takes place November 1-3, 2024 at the DoubleTree Asheville in Biltmore Village. The organization’s biannual conferences are hosted in different North Carolina cities each year. The last time the conference took place in Asheville was 2019. This weekend event, designed to deepen meaningful connections among attendees, is a three-day celebration of North Carolina’s literary craft with talks, workshops, panels, and resources.

Join over 200 other writers and literature enthusiasts!

The conference welcomes attendees to experience two sides of literary craft: the evolving publishing environment for North Carolina writers, as well as craft technique that makes good writing endure through the ages. Ron Rash will be joined on the conference faculty by more than three dozen award-winning and acclaimed writers, editors, and publicists leading classes on the craft and business of writing.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Nov 2 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Nov 9 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Celebrate Cozy Season with Local Author Ashley English
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

We are delighted to host a series of workshops with Ashley English, author of books on topics ranging from raising chickens to canning & preserving, and from hosting potlucks to homemade health & wellness products. Get a jump start on holiday gifting. FREE! Refreshments will be served.

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers” series with Kathy S. Bowers & Lee Stockdale
Nov 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next in their series “In the Company of Writers.”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers” series with Kathy S. Bowers & Lee Stockdale
Nov 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Friday, November 15, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 15 @ 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 16, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Winter Lights
Nov 16 @ 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, November 17, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 17 @ 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, November 18, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Nov 18 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu