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 2, 2025
Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 2 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Nov 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Save the date for this year’s annual Handcrafted Holiday Market! This year’s show will run from November 7 through December 18, with the reception planned for Thursday, November 6, 5:30 – 7pm. Regional artists will fill the TACS Gallery with fine and handcrafted goods, rotating their inventory with each week and providing you with ample opportunities for holiday shopping! Stay tuned for more information regarding participating artists.

Our Li’l Angels Tree is filled with ornaments donated by area artists each year. By purchasing one of these ornaments, you are supporting our Youth Scholarship Fund, providing equal opportunities to creative kids!

TACS will be hosting a collection for Thermal Belt Outreach (TBO)! Items being donated will be distributed by TBO this holiday season.

True Home Open Mic Thursdays
Nov 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Signup begins 6pm / Perform 6:30-8:30.
Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.

Saturday, November 8, 2025
Dark City LIT! Free Literary Festival in Black Mountain
Nov 8 all-day
Black Mountain Public Library

Saturday | Doors Open at 9:00 AM

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT!, a celebration of local literary talent. The day kicks off with the Write Local, Read Local Author Fair, featuring 20 local authors hand-selling their books.

🕛 Noon – 1:00 PM: Enjoy a dynamic Rapid-Read Hour, where authors share quick readings from their latest works.
📝 Afternoon Workshops: Dive into writing workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft.
🌟 Featured Author Tessa Fontaine closes the day with a powerful reading and book signing.

📍 Don’t miss this vibrant day of storytelling, creativity, and community!

Write Local, Read Local Author and Illustrator Fair
Nov 8 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Black Mountain Library

The Black Mountain Public Library is excited to announce that registration is now open for the fourth annual “Write Local Read Local Author & Illustrator Fair” taking place Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This beloved community event brings together authors, illustrators, and book lovers from across the Swannanoa Valley for a morning of conversation, connection, and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the public face-to-face, hand-sell their books, and share their stories in a welcoming, literary atmosphere.
The fair is more than just a book signing—it’s a celebration of the incredible talent in our valley and an invitation for our neighbors to discover and support it.
Each registered participant will receive table space for the drop-in event at no cost. Whether you’re an emerging author, an established illustrator, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to be part of the vibrant Swannanoa Valley literary community. (If you participated in the 2024 event, we ask you to wait until next year unless you have published work since 11/2024. We appreciate your understanding.)

250-Rep Team Workout
Nov 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
CrossFit Vibrant
250-Rep Team Workout to Honor Veterans and Kick Off America’s 250th Birthday
On November 8, 2025, veterans and supporters will gather at CrossFit Vibrant 20 Maple Creek Circle,
Greenville, SC to complete the WOD for Warriors A250 to help kick off celebrations of America’s 250th
birthday. Participants will work in teams of 2–5 to complete 250 total reps of various exercises with
250-meter runs in between. The A250 workout is simple, accessible, and symbolic and honors the 250
years of resilience, sacrifice, and freedom made possible by our nation’s Veterans.
WOD for Warriors is hosted nationally by Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), a nonprofit organization
forging America’s leading health and wellness community for veterans.
Veterans and supporters will complete a functional, team-based workout of 250 reps with 250-meter runs
in between. This visually engaging and symbolic event honors veterans and commemorates 250 years of
America’s resilience and freedom made possible by our nation’s military and veterans.
Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is a nonprofit organization forging America’s leading health and
wellness community for veterans. Through inclusive events, programming, and community connections,
Team RWB empowers veterans to focus on health, fitness, and belonging so their best days are still
ahead.
Thanksgiving Potluck
Nov 8 @ 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
Animal Haven of Asheville

Celebrate compassion and community at our 4th annual ThanksLiving event! Bring a vegan dish to share, enjoy a peaceful afternoon with our 70+ rescued animals, and hear from special guest Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary and renowned animal advocate.

Schedule: 11-1: Potluck | 1-2:30: Animal visits | 2:30-4:30: Gene Baur presentation & Q&A
🎟️ Tickets are limited and advance purchase is required; no day-of ticket sales | $37.50 early bird (through Oct. 26) $45 regular (Oct. 27–Nov. 7)
🍽️ Bring a vegan dish (serves 8–10), plate, utensils and drink 🌧️ Rain or shine | 🪑Tables and chairs provided | 🚙Offsite parking and shuttle service available
🍉 Optional animal donations: unbleached pumpkins, melons, apples

Ticket URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/thanksliving-potluck

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 8 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Sunday, November 9, 2025
Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 9 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans
Nov 11 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Chimney Rock honors all veterans and active military personnel with free admission for Veterans Day weekend. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
NC Medicinal Herb Grower and Buyer Event – 10 Year Celebration!
Nov 13 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center

Join medicinal herb farmers, buyers, and celebrate the season at the 10th Annual NC Medicinal Herb Grower Buyer Event in Mills River, NC!

True Home Open Mic Thursdays
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.

Friday, November 14, 2025
Under the Stars
Nov 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company Event Center

Join Us for Our 11th Annual Fundraiser – Friday Nov. 14th!

At the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) stars reflect an important message, especially after a year of community resilience post-Helene. While we might exist in different orbits, we all play an integral part of connecting for a bigger picture.

Under the Stars is our evening of celebrating the way we connect to serve our STEAM community, reflecting on our past year, and helping shape our mission for the year ahead.

Silent & Live Auction | Local Beer & Wine | Out of This World Food | Special Music Guest

 

Saturday, November 15, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 15 @ 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.

 

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Sunday, November 16, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 16 @ 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.

 

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24

Monday, November 17, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 17 @ 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.

 

Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 18 @ 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 19, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 19 @ 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, November 20, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 20 @ 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.

 

“Discovering a Sense of Place”
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Kanuga

Join naturalist and educator, Jessie Wilder, for a thoughtful conversation on the benefits of living a place-based life, Thurs. November 20 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the conversation with Jessie Wilder at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees=$24.74). KANUGA, 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Event registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-discovering-a-sense-of-place-with-jessie-wilder-tickets-1849253971409

Details:
10–11AM, Forest Bathing with Aimee Bostwick: Join Aimee for a time to ground ourselves by engaging our senses and tuning into our relationship with Nature. Dress comfortably for the weather and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We will end this time with a cup of tea and sharing.
11AM–12PM, Jessie Wilder on Sense of Place: Join us for a conversation with naturalist Jessie Wilder as she shares with us about our deep connection to place and how it forms us. Consider where you currently live and ask yourself this: I live here, but how much do I really know, love, and inhabit this place as home?
12–1:30PM, Lunch and Discussion in the Dining Hall

True Home Open Mic Thursdays
Nov 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Signup begins 6pm / Perform 6:30-8:30.
Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.

Slice Comedy Standup Picture Show
Nov 20 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Petey Smith McDowell
Comics on the show do standup with slide show pictures to illustrate their sets. This is sure to keep you in your seats figuring out what you just looked at!
Thursday November 20, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley 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,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Feature Cloud Hudson is a comedian, lighting designer, and weather forecaster (licensed meteorologist) with a knack for finding the silver lining around every storm cloud. Their comedy blurs the lines between science and magic in a quest for collective understanding. But don’t let this intellectual spirituality fool you- Cloud uses only the most unhinged examples of the disgustingly divine to draw clouds of laughter from crowds that matter.
Plus comedians Derek Boskovich & Aaron Naylor!
For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Friday, November 21, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 21 @ 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.

 

Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Nov 21 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Join us in Biltmore Park Town Square on Friday, November 21, 2025, for an enchanting start to your holiday season. The Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market promises to be an evening of magic and wonder.

Wander through the charming holiday market filled with over 35 local artisans, farmers, and craftspeople offering unique finds that will be perfect for gift-giving and holiday gatherings. You can even take home a freshly cut, Christmas tree from a local farm. Enjoy the warm, festive ambiance, sip on a rich cup of hot cocoa and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts.

Don’t miss the highlight of the evening – gather with family and friends to countdown for the lighting of the Biltmore Park Christmas tree at 6:30 pm! Experience the holiday cheer with the community, as twinkling lights illuminate the tree. The Christmas tree and the market will be surrounded by an abundance of festivities including a special holiday story time hosted by Barnes & Noble after the tree lighting, bringing joy to all ages.

Celebrate the season with the Biltmore Park community and make it a night to remember!

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 22 @ 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.

 

Holiday Book Sale
Nov 22 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Black Mountain Library

Books for $5 a bag. Lots of gift items – books, puzzles, blind dates, gift baskets and more!

Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard Holiday Market
Nov 22 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Get ready for holiday magic at Ross Farm, our sweet 22-greenhouse winter wonderland!
Join us for the Holiday Farm Market on November 22, 2025 (12-4pm) presented by Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard.
~Local craft vendors (Pottery, baking, and plants!!)
~Seasonal treats with a dessert food truck AND hot dogs
~Caroling & community sing-a-long (Get ready for Last Christmas 4.0!)
~Cozy holiday vibes
Find unique gifts, support local artisans, and celebrate the season with your neighbors amidst the stunning beauty that is Ross Farm.
~Ross Farm | 91 Holbrook Rd, Candler, NC 28715
Mark your calendars – this is THE place to be for Appalachian holiday cheer!

Santa at the Bandstand
Nov 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.

Dates available:

November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30

December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24