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.

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]

Friday, September 27, 2024
The Boys in the Boat: Book discussion and Film
Sep 27 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

If you missed the critically-acclaimed 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat when it was at the theaters, now is your chance. The Swannanoa Library will host a brief discussion of the book by the same name (written by Daniel James Brown), followed by a free screening of the movie on Thursday, June 27, from 4-6:30 p.m.

Set against a fascinating historic backdrop, The Boys in the Boat tells the true story of the University of Washington rowing team and their inspiring quest to compete for gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The Swannanoa Library is located at 101 West Charleston Ave. For more info, call the library at 828-250-6486.

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
Monday, October 7, 2024
OUR PLANET LIVE: LIFE ON OUR PLANET
Oct 7 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Four billion years. Millions of species. Five mass extinction events (and counting, but more on that later). It’s the story of Life on Our Planet, a stunning new series chronicling the ongoing rise and fall of lives on Earth, from the cataclysmic events that reshape our ecosystems to the creatures that survived (or didn’t) along the way. Because life always finds a way — but as this eight-part epic journey proves, the road from single-celled life-form to the biodiversity we know today was anything but drama free.

About Keith Scholey
Keith Scholey is the series producer for Netflix’s Our Planet and Director of the cinema film David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. Born and raised in East Africa, he qualified as a Zoologist with both a degree and PhD from Bristol University. He began working with the BBC Natural History Unit as a Researcher and subsequently became a producer making many films for the Natural World and Wildlife on One series as well as for special series including David Attenborough’s award winning The Private Life of Plants. As Head and Editor-in-chief of the BBC Natural History Unit, he oversaw series including David Attenborough’s Life of Birds and The Life of MammalsBlue PlanetAndes to AmazonCousins and Wild Africa. A veteran producer, editor and director of the natural history world, he left his job as Controller of Factual Production, responsible for all BBC ‘in house’ Factual content to join Silverback Films and continue the mission and aim of making content that makes a difference. Awards for productions he has been responsible for include Emmys, Baftas, RTS’s, Wildscreen pandas and Jackson Hole Awards. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Bristol.

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
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
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

Winter Lights
Nov 18 @ 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 19, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Nov 19 @ 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

Winter Lights
Nov 19 @ 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 20, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Nov 20 @ 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

Celebrate Cozy Season with Local Author Ashley English
Nov 20 @ 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.

Winter Lights
Nov 20 @ 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 21, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Nov 21 @ 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

Winter Lights
Nov 21 @ 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 22, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Nov 22 @ 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