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.
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Wortham Center Student Series Donna Washington: A Little Shiver
Tue, Oct 28 • 10 am
Grades 3–5
Show length: 60 minutes
Join internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington for a delightful session of fun, interactive, and not-so-scary ghost stories perfect for young audiences. Through the enchanting world of Swamp Stories rooted in African American traditions, students will not only enjoy the tales but also enhance their literary skills. Donna’s animated storytelling style, complete with vocal pyrotechnics and expressive characterizations, will captivate and inspire students, making this an unforgettable educational experience.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Tue, Oct 28 • 7 pm
Master storyteller Donna Washington delivers delightfully disquieting tales of skin-spinners, sweet-toothed child-eaters, undead lovers, and blood-hungry captains. Perfectly timed for the Halloween season, these stories will get under your skin and revisit you deep in the night.
Recommended for ages 18+
Spotlight on Donna Washington:
Called a “Walking Disney Movie” for her animated, spellbinding style
Consultant on the eerie video game South of Midnight
30+ national awards for storytelling and spoken word recordings
Performed at major festivals across the U.S., Australia, and beyond
For grown-up lovers of the strange, spooky, and spine-tingling—don’t miss it!
Tours on the last Wednesday of the month, May through October: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, October 29
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden. Visit and Learn!
Visit informally Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no docents or tours)
Docents and Presenters: Extension Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden.
Program Description: On the last Wednesday of the month from May to October you can join a more formal tour and be led through the gardens by a master gardener docent as you watch the other gardeners caring for the plants. See beautiful and interesting plants, delicious vegetables, native plants for beauty and pollinator interest.
The tours start at 10:00 a.m. and should last approximately an hour. The tours will begin outside the front door of the Buncombe County Extension Office.
Wear appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses and sturdy shoes and bring some water) as this event will be held outside. In the event of steady rain in West Asheville, the workday and the tour will be canceled.
The tour is free and registration is not necessary.
If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
NOTE: The Learning Garden is open for informal visits Monday through Friday throughout the year, but if you visit on a Wednesday, during the growing season, you can meet the Master Gardeners working in the gardens and ask questions about the plants and their care. We invite you to visit often, observe the gardens, and ask questions as the Master Gardeners tend the gardens through the growing season. If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
An in-person talk/demo.
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.*
Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule
Location: 49 Mt Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806
Program: Dividing and Repotting Houseplants
Presenters – Marilyn Lonon & Nancy Humphries, Extension Master GardenerSMVolunteers
Description: Are your houseplants starting to look tired, leggy and ready for a new home? Now is the perfect time to repot or divide them to keep them healthy and thriving! Join Marilyn Lonon and Nancy Humphries, Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers, who together bring over 100 years of houseplant know-how. They’ll guide you through trimming, dividing, and repotting your plants.
This is a hands-on workshop—bring your houseplants and the pots you’d like to use. Potting soil will be provided. It’s a great time to start new plants for holiday gifts, and you may even go home with an extra plant or two!
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule.
Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required. Please register at the link provided
If you encounter problems registering or have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Award-winning garden blogger, Lisa Wagner, encourages creative ways to plan, record, and reflect on your journeys through the seasons in your garden and landscape.
An in-person talk/demo.
Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
Location: 49 Mt Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806
Program: Dividing and Repotting Houseplants
Presenters – Marilyn Lonon & Nancy Humphries, Extension Master GardenerSMVolunteers
Description: Are your houseplants starting to look tired, leggy and ready for a new home? Now is the perfect time to repot or divide them to keep them healthy and thriving! Join Marilyn Lonon and Nancy Humphries, Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers, who together bring over 100 years of houseplant know-how. They’ll guide you through trimming, dividing, and repotting your plants.
This is a hands-on workshop—bring your houseplants and the pots you’d like to use. Potting soil will be provided. It’s a great time to start new plants for holiday gifts, and you may even go home with an extra plant or two!
Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required. Please register at the link provided.
If you encounter problems registering or have questions, call 828-255-5522.
I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)
Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.
3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!
6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.
6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.
The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!
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.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Join NC Stage Nov. 5th – Nov. 23rd for Is This A Room. Wed., Thurs., Sat. at 7:30pm; Fri. & Sun. at 2pm. (Friday 11/7 at 7:30pm)
June 3, 2017: A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking classified information to media sources. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Adult Tickets: $24-48
Student Tickets: $10
“Choose Your Price” Nights 11/5-11/7: $10-48
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!
Calling all fans of classic rock and pop! Don’t miss your chance to experience the incredible sounds of two of music’s greatest legends, Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the ultimate tribute band! DAVID CLARK performs as BILLY JOEL along with BILL CONNORS as ELTON JOHN. This tribute show promises to evoke a wave of nostalgia and joy with hits like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right.” The iconic hits don’t stop, and you won’t want them to!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $48 / $58 / $68
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)
Naturalist Niche: Ridge Hike
Step off the beaten path and join one of our favorite hikes of the year led by a local naturalist. This special trek explores areas of the park normally closed to the public, offering rare views and rich insights into the landscape. With most of the leaves fallen, you’ll be treated to sweeping, long-range vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge. Please note, this hike goes off trail and is considered moderately strenuous.
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.
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
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
Juked – RESCHEDULED
PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 and May 1-18, 2025 have been rescheduled again to November 6 – 23, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.
Thursday – Saturday, November 6 – 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis
Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023.
THRILLER | SUSPENSE | TRUE STORY
A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist named Reality Winner is surprised at her home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections. Reality was given a record breaking sentence and was released from prison to a half-way house on June 2, 2021 for good behavior.
The FBI transcript of her interrogation is the heart of Is This a Room, conceived as a play and directed by Obie Award-winner Tina Satter, in which an extraordinary human drama unfolds between the complex and witty Reality, and the agents who question her. As Reality’s autonomy shrinks before her eyes, a simmering real-life thriller emerges, asking what it is to have honor in this American moment, and how the personal can reverberate globally.
Performances of Is This a Room will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.
November 5 – November 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Friday November 7 at 7:30pm (Pay What You Can Night)
Other Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s second annual One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.
One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.
Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.
Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!
Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Paperhand Puppet Project presents The Gift
Friday, Nov 7 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 8 • 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 • 3 pm
Stories move on the water. The water moves in all things. Life moves in dynamic patterns that weave like currents and rich tapestries that shape who we are. We may sometimes fall short of such states of grace. We readily receive the gifts the world provides with no explicit expectations in return. Yet reciprocity could very well be our best pathway to survival. We can decide to give back, and now is the time. We were built for this. Made for it.
We humbly request the gift of your presence as we seek this balance. Let the Grandmothers tell you a story that you didn’t know you needed. Let the water protectors and heroines of justice sing you a song of resilience. Let us share a moment of connection, wonder and gratitude. Let us create this, our future, together — through art!
Join us in honoring the rare gift that is life on Earth as we celebrate Paperhand’s 25th year! Come and experience the magic of giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted cardboard and cloth, illuminated puppets and shadows all set to original live music in a performance for all ages. See you at the show!