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, January 25, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Memoir Writing Miniseries with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Jan 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy at Pulp featuring Cody Hughes
Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday December 25, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website https://theorangepeel.net/event/slice-of-life-comedy-open-mic-24/ )
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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Cody Hughes
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Feature Cody Hughes is a comedian from Asheville NC. He’s lived in a few different big cities and a lot of comedians like him and a lot of other comedians have heard good things about him from the comedians who like him. A few comedians don’t like him and he can’t do anything about that. Oh well. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver, Maria Bamford, and many others.
Watch his new comedy special:

Friday, January 26, 2024
“Cultivating Well-Being: An Introduction to Mindfulness Through Gardening”
Jan 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

In the wake of hectic periods in life, such as the holiday season, finding your way back to tranquility can be a gradual process. One effective path to reducing stress and mastering the art of handling challenges like anxiety is through the practice of mindfulness. Join us as Rosie Reeves, our Education Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, delves into the world of mindfulness. Through her guidance, participants will explore the essence of mindfulness through a series of engaging gardening activities designed to foster a sense of well-being and calm.

Saturday, January 27, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jan 27 @ 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, January 30, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, February 2, 2024
Impending Joy Album Release Show with Tongues of Fire and Rob Robinson
Feb 2 @ 8:00 pm
Eulogy

Impending Joy

The absolutely unfettered energy of Asheville’s psych/garage band Impending Joy begs to be heard live. The driving surf punk-esque sound has to be enjoyed communally. It has the unifying spirit that solidifies what it means to be young or young at heart. It gleefully slams the point home, it rocks no matter what sub-genre you want to call it, somewhere between Surf Curse and OSEES is close enough. Impending Joy’s debut, self titled album is a journey through time carrying a twinge of nostalgic familiarity. The album is a collection of tracks that invites the listener to break free from the mundane and immerse oneself in more. Where truth is not just music; it’s a gateway to joy.

Tongues of Fire

Most bands fit cleanly within a genre but Tongues of Fire don’t. At their heart they are a punk band, their shows are unhinged, the music is straightforward and hard hitting, there is no trace of excessiveness but they are accessible and there is a well crafted feel to what they do.

Rob Robinson

Rob Robinson creates vocal driven electronica, house, and vaporwave sounds inspired by 90s educational aesthetics on his upcoming debut record, “The Worldhouse Collection,” which is imbued with the “rompler” sample-synth sounds of the Roland D-50 and Korg M1 synthesizers.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 3 @ 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, February 6, 2024
Meditative Morning
Feb 6 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
NC Arboretum

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.

Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!

Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, February 9, 2024
“You’re a Heartbreaker” Galentine’s Candle Making and Lipgloss Bar
Feb 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hummingbird Candle Co

⚡️Breakin’ hearts and lightin’ candles! 💔 Join us for the ultimate Galentine’s bash – ‘You’re a Heartbreaker’ – where candle making and lip gloss magic collide for the ultimate Galentine’s glam! 💄🕯️

Indulge your senses in an evening of creativity and friendship as we gather at our fabulous Lip Gloss Bar to whip up personalized, custom colored lip glosses. Choose from an array of plumper or flavor add-ons to make your pout pop! Meanwhile, let the cozy glow of candlelight guide you through the art of crafting your own custom scented 10 oz upgrade candle – because your friendship deserves nothing but the best vibes.

FREEBIES! Every guest will be treated to a free gift basket filled to the brim with Galentine’s goodies, including delightful sample candles, luxurious spa products, sweet candies, and so much more – a heartwarming collection valued at $25!

Picture this: beautiful linen-covered tables adorned with lush florals, the soft flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow, and the laughter of best friends filling the air. Capture memories with our Polaroid pictures – an instant keepsake of a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible bonds of friendship.

So, dust off your favorite dress, glam up, and join us for a night of fun, laughter, and love. This Galentine’s we’re breaking hearts in the best way possible – by celebrating the amazing women who make our lives sparkle!

Secure your spot now for only $75 per person – because the best memories are made with the best friends!

Rouge: Cirque and Dance Cabaret
Feb 9 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Expect the Unexpected!
Rouge features daring aerial acts, thrilling acrobatics and poetic dance that cannot be missed. The Madame of Ceremonies is your guide for a mesmerizing good time that holds audiences spellbound. Rouge is the perfect event for a date night or night out with friends.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 10 @ 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
Going Nowhere Fast – Emo Night
Feb 10 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
DSSOLVR

EMO NIGHT IS BACK BABY! THIS TIME, WE’RE GOING ON TOUR!

Get ready for…
🖤😭 DSSOLVR’S SUPER EMO VALENTINE’S WEEKEND! 😭🖤
02/10 in Asheville starting at 6pm

Featuring:
-Sing along with DJ XZANEINSANEX @zanebuchholz, @djdeckades, and @dj_sellout
-The Release of Emo Nightmare GF Sour
-Swoopy Hair Photo Booth
-One time only Emo long sleeve shirts
-The Return of L.G. FUAD Jello Shots
-VIP Tour Badges
-Probably more stuff that I forgot

Then the party continues, on Sunday with the BIG GAME playing in both taprooms. 😭💀🏈💀😭💀🏈💀😭💀🏈💀😭

Party on,
xXDSSOLVRXx

“Eyes Wide Shut: A Blindfolded Affair”
Feb 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
“Eyes Wide Shut: A Blindfolded Affair”

Indulge in an evening of passion, connection, and a dash of mystery at our “Eyes Wide Shut: A Blindfolded Affair” Couples Massage Candle Making Event on Saturday, February 10th at 7 PM!

Ignite the flames of love as you and your beloved embark on a tantalizing journey of sensory exploration. Craft your very own 10 oz upgrade massage candle, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with a blindfolded smelling experience and a touch of DIY romance.

Be swept away in a world of sensuality with our exclusive gift basket, brimming with delightful surprises – from enticing sample candles to sexy spa products, candies to sweeten the moment, mini champagne bottles, all wrapped up in a tempting package valued at $30!

Picture this: beautiful linen-covered tables adorned with lush florals, the soft flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow, and the heady fragrance of specially curated aphrodisiac scents filling the air. Capture the magic with our Polaroid pictures – a timeless keepsake of the moments when love is blind and enchanting.

Blindfold your senses and let the adventure unfold! Dive into our candle library, an array of specially curated aphrodisiac scents, for a blind smelling experience. Let your hearts guide you to the perfect fragrance, creating a candle that mirrors the uniqueness of your love.

We’ll be your guide on this journey, leading you step by step to create not just a massage candle, but a masterpiece that encapsulates the magic of your connection. So, don your most captivating attire, dress up, and join us for a night where every touch, scent, and shared smile becomes a celebration of love.

Secure your spot now for only $110 per couple – because the best stories are written in the language of love. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Valentine’s experience – where every moment is a surprise waiting to be unwrapped

Sunday, February 11, 2024
Dear Valentine: A Love Letter Writing Workshop
Feb 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Story Parlor

Led by certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this pre-Valentine’s Day workshop offers space to connect + craft a love letter from the heart. We’ll talk about the history and styles of love letters complete with examples, what elements go into writing a love letter, how to find and capture meaningful moments, and provide the needed materials to complete a written letter.
For partners and individuals alike, this workshop is designed for everyone looking for a shared meaningful experience to tap into a more intentional way of connection and expression. From die-hard romantics, to self-love-devotees, to “Galentines” enthusiasts, to folks where the “L” word needs a little TLC — there’s something for everyone — whether you’re looking to write a love letter to yourself, your longtime beloved, your cat, or a ghost who won’t let up their haunt in your heart, join us!

Participants will walk away with:
– creative ways of thinking about letter-writing-
a wax-sealed envelope and letter
– meaningful connection exercises
– a shared experience
– snacks

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Live Stream | AMA with Lauren Harr of Gold Leaf Literary
Feb 13 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Virtual w/ Malaprop's Bookstore
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm

Join Lauren Harr, co-founder of Gold Leaf Literary Services, to ask burning questions about the book world, author events, and the business of writing.

This event is scheduled to occur monthly at the dates and times listed above.

To join, email [email protected] with the subject “I have a question!” and you’ll receive the Zoom link for the upcoming event.

Founded by two long-time booksellers in 2016, Gold Leaf Literary Services is dedicated to educating and assisting authors in various stages of their careers. For more, visit www.goldleafliterary.com.

Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, February 16, 2024
Juniper Bends February Reading
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flatiron Writers Room
Join us for a post-Valentine’s Day exploration of LOVE in all its forms. Our February reading takes place at the Flatiron Writers Room in West Asheville. Doors at 6:30pm, reading starts at 7pm. Free!
Featured readers: • Sebastian Matthews (Creative Nonfiction) • Amy Reed (YA Fiction) • Tony Robles (Poetry) • Kelly Kelbel (Prose) Readers will have their books available for sale.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 17 @ 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, February 20, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Ryan Gordon at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday February 22, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Ryan Gordon
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
FB: https://fb.me/e/4Qdi8lxKy

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Ryan Gordon at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday February 22, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Ryan Gordon
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
FB: https://fb.me/e/4Qdi8lxKy

Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o

Featuring Ryan Gordon-
Born in Western North Cackalacky, Ryan started his comedy journey in nearby Asheville. After gaining traction on social media, he took to the stage to tell his jokes. With over 300K followers across different social media platforms, his videos have been viewed hundreds of millions of times. He has been in a few comedy festivals including the World Series of Comedy and Blue Ridge comedy festival.

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info!

Friday, February 23, 2024
Poetry as Prayer
Feb 23 @ 6:00 pm
Asheville Salt Cave | Massage & Salt Spa Therapy
Together we will create a gentle space to nurture ourselves forward this season using breath, slow flow movement, and poetry. No writing experience is necessary, just an open heart, body, mind.
February 23 & April 19th @ 6pm Let’s come together during this full moon with intentions of slowing-in to the senses, nourishing our bodies with gentle sensuous movement and poetry as prayer. Poet, Doula, and Women’s Counselor Tiffany Narron will guide us along in a heart-warming circle to sink into our parasympathetic nervous systems with breath and somatic movement and explore reading and writing poetry as prayer. Together we will move to the rhythm of our breath and explore the language of our bodies in a warm, nourishing flow, reading excerpts of poetry centered on enchantment and the senses to then share and write in response as you feel called, leaving with an intentional poetic prayer of your own for this season. No writing experience is necessary, just an open heart, body, mind. Come as you are, share as you’re comfortable. Nourish your body and harvest your poetic prayer for the season. Reserve your space below. Space is limited.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Full Moon Breakthrough Breathworkshop with Sound Baths
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Magictown Movement Studio

To celebrate this February full moon, embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner healing through our groundbreaking Breathwork Meditation Workshop including 2 Sound Baths! During this immersive experience you will be guided through a powerful Breathwork practice to help you massively release stress, heal past wounds and traumas, access deeper levels of awareness, and connect more profoundly to Source.

Led by two professional highly experienced facilitators with over 60 years experience between them, this workshop will
deepen your connection with your breath and unlock its incredible potential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

We are delighted to have Kat Houghton again facilitate sound baths to complete each of the Breathwork Meditation Sessions.

Join a group of like-minded individuals on the path to self-discovery in a supportive nurturing environment on the beautiful island in Marshall on one of the oldest rivers in the world.

You may come to the full day (10am-4.30pm, recommended, ) which includes two Breathwork Meditation Sessions with sound baths and a session of Self-discovery. You may also come to the first Breathwork Meditation Session with sound bath only (10am-1pm,) or the second Breathwork Session with sound bath only (1.30pm-4.30pm.).

Ancient Tools for Personal Empowerment
Feb 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Dobra Tea East

Set within the magical space of the Dobra Tea East, you’ll be transported into an alchemical world designed to empower and uplift your spirit. Topics covered will be the inner alchemy of a soul’s spiritual awakening and the ancient tools that can assist the process.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 24 @ 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, February 25, 2024
Belonging in a Divided World: Restoring Connection to Your Self and Your Life
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Story Parlor

This highly-experiential two-day workshop addresses the epidemic disconnection from our true selves, from other people, and from the natural world—major causes of personal unhappiness and planetary crisis—and gives participants tools for mending the separation, a fundamental step toward healing and wholeness.

Using a synthesis of the wisdom of our ancient ancestors and the latest in neuroscience and the psychology of belonging, we will immerse ourselves in the dynamics and collective awareness of the workshop group to:

  • Identify, explore and revise unhealthy stories about ourselves and our world,

  • Learn and practice essential skills in connecting deeply to others,

  • Experience ancient ways of being in relationship with the other-than-human, and

  • Innovate creative ways to foster belonging and connection in our everyday lives.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Feb 25 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday February 25 Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring Dante’ Quitman, Julia Macias & James Burks!!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Monday, February 26, 2024
Virtual Writers Workshops
Feb 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.