Calendar of Events
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.
Get ready for a magical evening as Santa arrives to light up Main Street! Join us for the exciting countdown at the Historic Courthouse, where Santa will flip the switch and illuminate the tree, filling downtown with holiday cheer. Enjoy free visits with Santa, cozy carriage rides, warm drinks, and tasty treats, along with plenty of holiday shopping to start the season with joy. Don’t miss out on this festive celebration!
Celebrate the magic of winter at the 4th annual Winter Wonder Walk, an immersive outdoor story-walk that combines the excitement of live theater with a scenic walk in the woods. This festive adventure takes guests through the kingdom of Winterland as each page is brought to life by many delightful characters along the way. Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, the event includes a heated tent with a holiday market featuring many local businesses, a kids’ play area, tasty concessions, and Venezuelan cuisine from Delish Food Truck. Guests can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, open to guests aged 4 and older, illuminated with thousands of lights. Kids can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in the S’Mitten With Books program. Festivities start at 6 PM, with the Winter Wonder Walk opening at 6:30 PM. Each ticket purchased supports the community by donating to Manna Foodbank, making this a wonderful way to celebrate the season with loved ones! There are six opportunities to experience this enchanting memory; Nov 29,30, & Dec 6,7,13,14. Please check our website for more information, FAQs, and to purchase your tickets! www.winterwonderwalk.com.
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.
Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
“A beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.”
-New York Times
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.
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!
Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.
Age Restrictions
13 and up. No exceptions.
Stops
10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery
What’s Included
Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop
What’s Not Included
Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.
Join us on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday for a local shopping extravaganza! There will be new artists on both days with a total of 40+ local makers for you to start your holiday shopping early!
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.
Explore Asheville with the whole family!
Age Restrictions
All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.
Duration
60 Minutes
What’s Included
Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes
About
Now’s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, you’ll learn about our city’s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style – complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, it’s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. It’s a show on wheels!
The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun – it’s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.
Waitlist
If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.
Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.
Included:
- Round trip transportation*
- Three vineyard visits
- Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
- Time commitment = up to 5 hours
Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!
Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!
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 the magic of winter at the 4th annual Winter Wonder Walk, an immersive outdoor story-walk that combines the excitement of live theater with a scenic walk in the woods. This festive adventure takes guests through the kingdom of Winterland as each page is brought to life by many delightful characters along the way. Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, the event includes a heated tent with a holiday market featuring many local businesses, a kids’ play area, tasty concessions, and Venezuelan cuisine from Delish Food Truck. Guests can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, open to guests aged 4 and older, illuminated with thousands of lights. Kids can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in the S’Mitten With Books program. Festivities start at 6 PM, with the Winter Wonder Walk opening at 6:30 PM. Each ticket purchased supports the community by donating to Manna Foodbank, making this a wonderful way to celebrate the season with loved ones! There are six opportunities to experience this enchanting memory; Nov 29,30, & Dec 6,7,13,14. Please check our website for more information, FAQs, and to purchase your tickets! www.winterwonderwalk.com.
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.
Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
“A beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.”
-New York Times
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.
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!
Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.
Age Restrictions
13 and up. No exceptions.
Stops
10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery
What’s Included
Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop
What’s Not Included
Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.
Join us for a Family Workshop at AMOS!
Design, decorate and create your own unique countdown calendars all about your STEAM interests! Work with AMOS educators to stock them with treats and gifts that will keep you full of surprises for the rest of the month!
Date: Sunday December 1st, 2024
Time: 10am-11:30am OR 12pm-1:30pm
Cost: $15 per person, $7 for members
*Each ticket includes an advent calendar and admission to the museum.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
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 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.
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!
Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.
Age Restrictions
13 and up. No exceptions.
Stops
10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery
What’s Included
Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop
What’s Not Included
Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.
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 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.
