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, November 23, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 23 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Monday, November 24, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 24 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 24 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Hike with a Naturalist

Watch the park transform week-by-week while you hike one of our six unique trails with a naturalist guide every Monday morning in November. Fall color lingers at the beginning of November, and as we approach Thanksgiving the forest prepares for winter.

To register for this event, please call our office at 828-625-9611 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, or email [email protected] any time.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 25 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 26 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Friday, November 28, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 28 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Nov 28 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters

Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.

Jazz & Soul Sessions with Kelle Jolly & Will Boyd
Nov 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

YMI’s Banjul-Banjo Music Series presents Jazz & Soul Sessions @YMI is a vibrant new concert series featuring nationally acclaimed artists Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd, making up a dynamic five member house band.

Hosted at the historic YMI Cultural Center, this initiative honors the history and celebrates the rhythm of our legacy in the heart of Asheville, NC.

Monthly event. Choose your engagement:
4th Friday @ 7 pm and Saturday @ 3 pm in November, December, February, March, & April.

Tickets are from $30 to half price on Friday and pay-what-you-can on Saturdays! RSVP on Eventbrite!

Alan Mearns Classical Guitar
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Alan Mearns was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He began his musical studies with the classical violin at age five, switching to the guitar at age ten. Moving to the United States in his late teens, he studied classical guitar performance at Appalachian State University (where he held the prestigious Fletcher Scholarship) and as a graduate assistant at Austin Peay State University (where he received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award, 2003).

Friday, November 28th at 7:30 pm – We want everyone to access the healing power of music! Perhaps you can only afford a few dollars, or maybe you have resources to cover the cost for others. Donate What You Can! You may enter your desired donation amount below. The suggested price per ticket is $22.

Saturday, November 29, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 29 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Nov 29 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters

Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.

Jazz & Soul Sessions with Kelle Jolly & Will Boyd
Nov 29 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

YMI’s Banjul-Banjo Music Series presents Jazz & Soul Sessions @YMI is a vibrant new concert series featuring nationally acclaimed artists Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd, making up a dynamic five member house band.

Hosted at the historic YMI Cultural Center, this initiative honors the history and celebrates the rhythm of our legacy in the heart of Asheville, NC.

Monthly event. Choose your engagement:
4th Friday 7 pm and Saturday 3 pm in October, November, and December.

Tickets are from $30 and pay-what-you-can on Saturdays! RSVP on Eventbrite!

48HFP & Flood Gallery present: Actors & Filmmakers Mixer!
Nov 29 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and creativity! Meet local actors, directors, and producers, share stories, and discover you next great project.

Free Headshots — 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Silent Auction featuring selected local artworks
Screening of 3 International Award-winning 48HFP Shorts — 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Special DJ Set & Appearance by “Mirror Man” — 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Suggested Contribution: $10

The Music Of Norah Jones & Bonnie Raitt featuring Lillie Syracuse
Nov 29 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Lillie Syracuse’s music pours deep from the heart of the in between. For a decade, Lillie honed her craft in Nashville, TN, where she wrote and released her debut album Coming Up Diamonds in 2020, with producer and Grammy-nominated drummer Mike Marsh (The Avett Brothers, Dashboard Confessional).

Saturday, November 29th at 7:30 pm – We want everyone to access the healing power of music! Perhaps you can only afford a few dollars, or maybe you have resources to cover the cost for others. Donate What You Can! You may enter your desired donation amount below. The suggested price per ticket is $25.

Sunday, November 30, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 30 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
Nov 30 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters

Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Take your holiday weekend to a wild place and join us for Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters. Meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and learn from their naturalist counterparts what important roles they play in our ecosystem all weekend at 2pm.

Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour
Nov 30 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Experience the Magic of the Season with Leslie Odom, Jr.

 

Monday, December 1, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 1 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

An Hawaiian Christmas with CarolinAloha featuring Billy Cardine
Dec 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Red Legged Frog Productions presents
A Hawaiian Christmas with CarolinAloha featuring Billy Cardine
Mon, Dec 1 2025 – 7:30 pm
Join Us in the intimate 78 seat Tina McGuire theater for an Hawaiian Christmas!

CarolinAloha is the fusion of three deep passions: the mountains, the ocean, and music. Created by master slide guitarist Billy Cardine, the project draws rich inspiration from the timeless beauty of Hawaiian music.

Cardine has been recognized as a slide guitar pioneer, taking the dobro into unchartered musical genres. His distinct voice on all things slide has led him to collaborations with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, world-renowned bassist Edgar Meyer in Porous Borders of Music and alongside Jerry Douglas on Southern Filibuster. His unique slide work spans a wide spectrum of genres-from gypsy jazz to bluegrass-and has taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has played legendary stages including Carnegie Hall, The Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, MerleFest, Bonnaroo, and RockyGrass, among many others.

Cocktail table seating upfront is available as well a bar for refreshments located in the theater.

 

 

Hawaiian Christmas with CarolinAloha featuring Billy Cardine
Dec 1 @ 7:30 pm
Tina McGuire Theater

Red Legged Frog Productions presents
A Hawaiian Christmas with CarolinAloha featuring Billy Cardine
Mon, Dec 1 2025 • 7:30 pm
Join Us in the intimate 78 seat Tina McGuire theater for an Hawaiian Christmas!

CarolinAloha is the fusion of three deep passions: the mountains, the ocean, and music. Created by master slide guitarist Billy Cardine, the project draws rich inspiration from the timeless beauty of Hawaiian music.

Cardine has been recognized as a slide guitar pioneer, taking the dobro into unchartered musical genres. His distinct voice on all things slide has led him to collaborations with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, world-renowned bassist Edgar Meyer in Porous Borders of Music and alongside Jerry Douglas on Southern Filibuster. His unique slide work spans a wide spectrum of genres—from gypsy jazz to bluegrass—and has taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has played legendary stages including Carnegie Hall, The Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, MerleFest, Bonnaroo, and RockyGrass, among many others.

 

Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 2 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 3 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Thursday, December 4, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 4 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Asheville Symphony: Cirque de la Symphonie
Dec 4 @ 7:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

The Asheville Symphony combines forces with the incredible Cirque de la Symphonie for a family-friendly holiday-themed performance featuring favorite tunes from Tchaikovsky, John Williams, Brahms, and much more — all while acrobats perform death-defying feats, tumbling through the air and across the stage.

Members of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the Asheville Symphony Orchestra for select pieces, celebrating the amazing talent of our student musicians on this performance!

Darko Butorac, conductor

Friday, December 5, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 5 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Hendersonville Symphony Holiday Concert
Dec 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall

Join for the annual Holiday concert featuring the sounds of the season. Kick off the holiday season with us – a great family tradition! We will be joined by very special guests from the Hendersonville Ballet!

I Still Believe In Christmas: An Evening With Anne Wilson
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Join GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Anne Wilson for “I Still Believe in Christmas, An Evening with Anne Wilson,” a limited run of Christmas shows this December. Come hear the music of the Christmas season, and new music from Anne’s highly anticipated upcoming album STARS. Don’t miss a festive and merry night of music and worship, this December!

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 6 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

28th Annual Santa on the Chimney
Dec 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

28th Annual Santa on the Chimney

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Santa will be back in the park this year for his Christmas trial run rappelling down Chimney Rock. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.

BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday
Dec 6 @ 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville

The Blue Ridge Orchestra rings in the winter season with BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday—two festive performances featuring chamber and orchestral works by British composers Handel, Walton, Coleridge-Taylor, Holst, and more, followed by beloved holiday favorites performed by our full orchestra!

While our home at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Hall undergoes its 2-year renovation, we’re grateful to continue our partnership with UNCA students and the surrounding community. This temporary displacement gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our reach—bringing live orchestral music directly to audiences in Weaverville, Swannanoa, and communities across Western North Carolina. This season of giving, please consider supporting our mission to keep great orchestral performances accessible to all.

Details:

Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville
63 N Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787

Sunday, December 7th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
101 Chapel Ln.
Swannanoa, NC 28778

Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students, Free 6 and under