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.
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!
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.)
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
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
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
Sun, Nov 9 • 3 pm | 60 minutes
Swing is more than a rhythm—it’s a manifesto. From the lean precision of Count Basie to the buoyant lift of Fletcher Henderson, the world-weary elegance of Billie Holiday to the dazzling joy of Ella Fitzgerald, swing pulses with momentum and style. Not just a byword of the Big Band era, swing is how jazz moves—on time and on purpose.
Jazz Is for Everyone is a series of five one-hour sessions exploring jazz music. Come to one or join them all—each session stands on its own and welcomes listeners at any level.
What You’ll Experience:
Guided listening
Live music demonstrations
Stories that connect the music to people, places, and intent
A space for questions, curiosity, and shared discovery
Jeremy Walker launched Jazz Is for Everyone in 2004 at his Brilliant Corners Jazz Club, with Wynton Marsalis serving as Artistic Advisor. The program was developed as an Educational Affiliate with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, Walker’s been writing, composing, performing, producing, and speaking about why this music still matters.
Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
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.
Acclaimed Durham-based cellist Shana Tucker and Saxapahaw-based French choreographer Murielle Elizéon (co-creator of Culture Mill) present When We were Queens…, a powerful multidisciplinary performance presented as a diptych—two solos in conversation.
“When We were Queens… is shaped as a ritual to call the ancestors. It is the whispering of a spell. It is an attempt to reclaim a lost mythology through somatic embodied imagination. It seeks to face the void of erasure for individual and collective healing. It is shaped as a diptych: two solos in conversation to acknowledge both the singularity of Murielle and Shana’s cultural experience (one is French, the other is American) and the common thread running through their experience as women of color from the African Diaspora. The performance convokes the audience for a moment of shared witnessing while acknowledging the complexity of a gaze which has often exoticized our Black and Brown bodies.”
Commissioned by NC State Live, the original development of the work began in 2022 and after subsequent series of museum and gallery residencies, When We were Queens… held its world premiere in February 2024, co-presented by NC State Live and the North Carolina Museum of Art.
When We Were Queens…
A Performance by Murielle Elizéon and Shana Tucker
November 13, 2025, at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members
Acclaimed Durham-based cellist Shana Tucker and Saxapahaw-based French choreographer Murielle Elizéon (co-creator of Culture Mill) present When We were Queens…, a powerful multidisciplinary performance presented as a diptych—two solos in conversation.
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
after/glow is turning up the twang in celebration of Dwight Yoakam at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center! Guests are invited to saddle up and swing by for a Friday night done right with classic country tunes and a chance to win tickets to the concert on November 15.
Wortham Center Student Series Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique En Cirque
Fri, Nov 14 • 10 am
Grades 1–7
Show length: 60 minutes
This high-energy circus inspired by the sights and sounds of Guinea features gravity-defying acrobatics set to exhilarating percussive rhythms of live Afro-Jazz and West African music. Founded by Guinean-born artist Yamoussa Bangoura, Cirque Kalabanté blends traditional African performance with European circus techniques, creating a vibrant celebration of strength, agility, and cultural pride. The performance reflects Bangoura’s dream of sharing the beauty and artistry of African culture with the world, brought to life by a cast that includes members of his own family and community.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
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
Wortham Presents Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque
Fri, Nov 14 • 7 pm
In bursts of vivid color, acrobats expertly execute gravity-defying moves to the exhilarating beat of live music—somersaulting in sync with the percussive rhythms of Afro-Jazz. Truly a circus experience like no other, this production vibrates with energy—showcasing the strength, agility, youth and artistry of African culture.
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
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.
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
Darko Butorac, conductor
Elinor Frey, cello
Discover the defiant (and devilish) spirit of four Classical revolutionaries. Boccherini and Haydn explore their dark sides, bringing new depth to their work. C.P.E. Bach challenges aristocratic tastes and elevates the cello to new heights, while Stravinsky resurrects the Classical style through a bold 20th-century lens.
Boccherini: Symphony No. 4, “Casa del Diavolo”
C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concerto
Stravinsky: Dumbarton Oaks
Haydn: Symphony No. 44, “Trauer”
Buy Tickets Online
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
APLP Presents DAWN LANDES w/ Natalie Jane Hill
11/15 @ AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
7 pm | $21.49
Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of Yoakam’s singles have charted on Billboard, with 14 peaking in the Top 10. Yoakam is a recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association, and BMI Country Music’s President’s Award, the most prestigious award offered by the organizations. He was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the Songwriter/Artist category at the 49th anniversary Gala in 2019 in Nashville, TN.
Come celebrate Deep River’s 33rd year of making music with our special show featuring the greatest hits of one of America’s legendary bands, who’ve also been a huge influence on us, the Eagles. Created from Linda Ronstadt’s backing band in 1971, the Eagles are famous for fusing country and rock (Take It Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Witchy Woman, Desperado, Tequila Sunrise) country and disco (One Of These Nights) country and R & B (Take It To The Limit, The Long Run, I Can’t Tell You Why, Heartache Tonight, Please Come Home For Christmas) and of course, classic rock (Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane).
Deep River’s signature sound features three women who sing all the lead and harmony vocals. The current 7-piece line-up includes Sharon Lewis on vocals and bass guitar, Sandy Howard and Nita Smith on vocals, as well as Asheville Music School instructors Alec Fehl on lead guitar and Justin Watt on drums. Peter Millis is our acoustic guitarist, and Kevin Sanders is our keyboardist.
Darko Butorac, conductor
Elinor Frey, cello
Discover the defiant (and devilish) spirit of four Classical revolutionaries. Boccherini and Haydn explore their dark sides, bringing new depth to their work. C.P.E. Bach challenges aristocratic tastes and elevates the cello to new heights, while Stravinsky resurrects the Classical style through a bold 20th-century lens.
Boccherini: Symphony No. 4, “Casa del Diavolo”
C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concerto
Stravinsky: Dumbarton Oaks
Haydn: Symphony No. 44, “Trauer”
Buy Tickets Online
For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our “favorite things.”
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed—it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.
Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss.”
We’re only in it for the money.
HAHAHAHA
OK, OK…we’re just a bunch of professional musicians with pretty diverse backgrounds who decided to take on a pretty big challenge and have some fun in the process.
Now, you might ask, “Oh yeah? Professional musicians, eh? What makes you think you can play Frank’s music as well as [insert Zappa family/band member here]?”
Well, maybe you haven’t heard of us individually, but “we’re pretty good musicians” and you probably have heard of the folks on our resumes:
BB King, Mick Fleetwood, Barbara Streisand, LA Philharmonic, James Taylor, Pinetop Perkins, Arthur Barrow, Munich Philharmonic, Bryan Beller, Popa Chubby, Yo Yo Ma, Andy Summers, Madison Opera, blah blah blah….you get the idea.
As for Frank’s music, he was constantly changing things, both for his own creative choices and to adapt to the different musicians he had over the years. He also understood that his live performances were entertainment: it’s supposed to be a rock show, not a piano recital.
With all that in mind, we don’t think playing Song X from Album Y note-for-note while staring at our shoes is the proper way to go about this.
The result of that approach (combined with a lot of homework) is a show that pays respect to Zappa’s legacy, but is also new and different and dangerous and FUN, with lots of eyebrows.
Kinda like Frank.
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.
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