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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Weaverville Tailgate Market + Winter Market
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Archetype Brewing Broadway Locals Nights
Dec 9 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing Downtown

Visit our now open downtown Tap Lounge + Venue! With new service hours available, staying true to our pledge: “doing our best for you, ourselves & our community”.

The Broadway location is now open to share a lounge experience with a COVID conscious environment promoting social distancing and cozy spaces. Locals night is a night to stop by and meet your downtown Asheville crowd in a relaxed environment.

25% off growler fills and we’ll choose a special beer each week for $3/pint!

Asheville Angel Tree
Dec 9 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing - West Asheville

In an effort to meet an increased need due to COVID-19, Archetype will be a prime location for Angel Tree adoptions and Angel Tree gift deliveries.  The proximity of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs and Archetype brewing, both nestled on Haywood Road in the heart of West Asheville, creates ease for locals wanting to pour into their communities this holiday season.

This year, in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19, quarantine, and social-distance measures, the needs are greater than ever, and we can only meet this challenge with support from our community.

Our goal is to meet essential needs for our families that do not have the means to provide for themselves or for their children.

In order to #RescueChristmas we must stand in the gap of need and create resources for these children so they do not go cold, hungry, or without hope.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Sale
Dec 9 @ 4:04 pm – 5:04 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

HICKORY NUT GAP WILL DONATE A POUND OF OUR PASTURE RAISED MEATS TO FAMILIES IN NEED FOR EVERY SAMPLER BOX PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

Sand Hill Artists Collective Virtual Holiday Gallery Tours!
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online with The Sand Hill Artists Collective

Ten Asheville area art galleries. A new gallery experience online daily from 5-6 pm each weekday beginning December 2nd through December 15th.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

 

“Leading During Challenging Times”
Dec 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Online

This event is free for Vision Henderson County Alumni, current Vision Henderson County students, and Chamber of Commerce Members but registration is required to attend.
Join fellow Vision Henderson County Alumni to learn more about rising to challenging times as a leader with a TED-style presentation and discussion from 4 leaders in Henderson County.
On the program:
Dr. John Bryant – Superintendent, Henderson County Public Schools
Dr. Laura Leatherwood – President, Blue Ridge Community College
Ernest Humphries – Plant Manager, Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Dr. Millicent Burke-Sinclair – Executive Director, Four Seasons, The Care You Trust
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Dec 9 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.

Family Outdoor Movie A Christmas Story RESCHEDULED to 12/9
Dec 9 @ 5:45 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Adult Eating Disorder Support Group
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online

 

ADULT SUPPORT GROUP
Attending a support group prior to additional therapy or treatment may help an individual begin the recovery process.  Participating in groups may be an important supplement to any type of outpatient eating disorder treatment.  Continuing with support after treatment may help reinforce skills, provide accountability, and increase motivation and commitment to recovery.

Adult Support Group (ASG)
Pro-recovery, gender-inclusive, 18+
Every Wednesday
6:00-7:00 pm
See ADULT SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE to reserve your spot and receive the group link!

 

Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Ranger Station holiday light display

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and to turn on Rewind 100.3, the local station playing holiday hits from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Mountain Music Jam Every Wednesday at Oklawaha Brewing
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oklawaha Brewing

A Wednesday tradition at Oklawaha Brewing Company

The French Broad Valley Music Association: FBVMA jam session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs. Carol Rifkin and John Mitchell cohost weekly, bring an instrument to play or just enjoy the music, its free, kid friendly, donations encouraged.

Key Players are intermediate to advanced but beginners are most welcome and encouraged to attend to listen, learn/quietly play along. More experienced players sit in the inner circle and take turns choosing fiddle tunes or songs. Guests, families and kids are invited to listen and often sing along. This style of community play has been used to entertain and pass down music to kids for generations.

The French Broad Valley Music Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization formed to celebrate local musical heritage. “Our community. Our music. Our sense of place.”

Pardee Bariatrics and Weight Loss Information Session
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mission Pardee Health Campus

Take the first step toward weight-loss surgery by attending a free, in-person informational seminar led by our bariatric team at Pardee Bariatrics and Weight Loss.

Invite a loved one or friend to this hour-long event, where you’ll:

  • Review each weight-loss procedure, the surgical process and likely outcomes
  • Meet the bariatric surgeon, Dr. Christopher Edwards and learn about his experience and qualifications
  • Discuss payment options, and forms of accepted insurance

Register online at https://pardeebariatrics.org/upcoming-classes-support-groups/

Shadrack’s Christmas lights show
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Resort

The light show is also synchronized to music that plays on the radio station indicated at the entrance to the show.

The drive-thru light show is about 30 minutes long, and there are two ticket options for purchase which covers vehicles of up to eight people

  • Dec. 10-13: Rudolph
  • Dec. 17-20: The Grinch
  • Dec. 21-24: The Nativity
Wine Dinner
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm
The Blackbird Restaurant

Southern cooking and spices are all the rage at The Blackbird Restaurant, and that’s in addition to our full wine bar. Our wines allow you to wash down memorable meals and enjoy a great pairing of flavors. From our gourmet selection of house-made desserts to our prompt and friendly service, we aim to please you with all that we do at our southern restaurant.

Whether you’re coming for brunch, lunch, or dinner, be sure to pair one of our meals with a glass of wine today; you won’t be disappointed.

From Line to Form with Instructor Allison Cochran
Dec 9 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9pm
October 14th – December 9th
No Class November 25th

Join Allie for an exploration of design methods that can enhance your creative process. In this class we will use drawing as a means for pattern making, translating lines and shapes into 3-d ceramic forms. Drawing shapes provides a quick way to explore new ideas. Students will apply these methods to make sets, coils, slabs, tiles, or working reductively with clay.

Levels: All Levels
Tuition: $310 + $55 Lab Fee

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 9 @ 6:40 pm – 7:40 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

Del Rey + Steve James Concert Live Stream
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm
online with Isis Music Hall

Del Rey and Steve James, two incredible guitar players, make music testament to the hillbilly/smarty-pants/country blues aesthetic. Their duets are smart, funny and full of instrumental virtuosity.

Their friendship developed over many years in different places around the world, as they exchanged stories and hot tips in various hotel bars. They kept running into one another, sharing double-bills in Belgium, at the Gloucester Blues Festival in England, until 2001, at the Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop they got serious about playing and recording together. Audiences and critics have responded so favorably that they often play as a duet. They have twelve solo albums between them, plus they have recorded a two cds together, Tonight and Twins. Steve appears on Del Rey’s Blue Uke CD and Del is on Steve’s Short Blue Stories.

Law of Attraction Discussion Group — Visualization exercises in LOA
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Law of Attraction (LOA) is a powerful guideline that can be utilized within our lives, and impacts ourselves as well as the collective consciousness. Let’s discuss practical, everyday ways we use and apply these tools in 2020! This session’s discussion will be, “Visualization exercises in LOA.” No advance prep, reading or knowledge required. Come with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and let’s learn together! This is an inclusive, informal, interactive discussion for people will all levels of LOA understanding.

Some other topics we will cover in future discussions include:
– How to utilize LOA to manifest best case scenarios
– Gratitude practices as a tool in manifestation
– Honoring your own feelings, emotions and well being (and others) as a form of self care while manifesting
– Staying grounded, avoiding toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing when manifesting
– Visualization exercises in LOA
– Manifesting on specific themes (love, money, good health, etc.)

Discussions will be held by Kathryn Brahaney, myself. I’ve utilized Law of Attraction in having a significantly better recovery than anticipated from two major car accidents, in receiving a job offer that allowed me to relocate to Asheville, NC (where I live now) and in finding my favorite apartment to date in a city I wasn’t sure would be in my budget. I started these discussions to share my experience using Law of Attraction and to provide opportunities to learn more that are accessible and affordable. Looking forward to sharing more with you all and chatting about how we can use LOA in navigating the rest of 2020 and beyond!

Live Stream: Andrés de la Casa-Huertas presents Reading Quirks
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

This event is free but please RSVP here. You will then receive an email on the day of the event with URL and password you’ll need to attend. Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work and keeping more dollars in our community. If you would like to support us without purchasing a book, you may purchase a gift card or make a donation of any amount. Thank you!

Reading Quirks: Who hasn’t peeked over the shoulder of the person reading next to them on the subway, curious about the book in their hands? Who doesn’t secretly love skipping the party to stay home and read? Who hasn’t daydreamed of catching the eye of a future significant other as you discover from across the room that you’re reading the same book? If you’re a reader, you know you’ve been there, and probably in so many other weird places as well, right? That’s what happens with readers, they have these strange traits, these particular ways, that separate them from the rest. Reading Quirks explores, in 72 lighthearted four-frame cartoons, all these weird things readers do, from the existential dilemma of picking your next read to the frustrations of watching an overzealous dog-earer in action. The series was written and created by a bookstore in Dallas, The Wild Detectives, originally as a social media campaign–a way to connect with other readers over a shared understanding of what it means to be crazy about books. Laura Pacheco’s adorable illustrations introduce a cast of endearing characters, whose flaws and obsessions range from disarming good nature to mischievous playfulness. Reading Quirks is a witty and light-hearted ode to the immense pleasure of reading and its resulting byproduct: neurosis.

Andrés de la Casa Huertas started his professional career as a journalist, but he pivoted quickly to a more creative practice. As a Graphic Designer and Art Director he’s worked for international brands (Apple, McDonald’s, Play Station, to mention a few) first in Madrid, and later in Dublin and London. At the moment he combines his daily job as Art Director at LERMA Ad Agency, with bringing his creative input to The Wild Detectives, a bookstore in Dallas that he runs with his best friend and his passion project. Reading Quirks is his first published book. He lives in Dallas.

Mary Magdalene Monthly Sacred Circle
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Each month Adora will explore alchemical interventions and lead a guided meditation for healing and empowerment.

Pre-registration required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-magdalene-monthly-sacred-circle-tickets-129486689173

Open Mic With Thomas Yon
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Twin Leaf Brewery

Music, poetry, comedy – we’d love for you to share or just come be entertained, sip some great brews, and eat some hot boiled peanuts while supporting your local scene. See you at 7 pm tonight! Sign up starts at 6:30 pm

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones

Image may contain: drink, text that says 'Totally Rad BEERS, BBQ, & Trivia TRIVIA ALL IN ONE PLACE Every Wednesday At 7PM!!! 12 BONES BREWING'

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.

Socially Distanced Trivia Night
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing - The Event Space at Hi-Wire Brewing
7 pm | Doors @ 6pm
65 Person Capacity
$10 Entry/Person | first beer included with admission for 21+
Teams of up to 6 people
Special Trivia Menu from Foothills Local Meats
8 Categories with 10 Questions each
Highest scoring team wins
Prizes
1st Place Team: $100 Gift Certificate to Hi-Wire & Swag Bag
2nd Place: $50 Hi-Wire Gift Certificate
3rd Place: $25 Hi-Wire Gift Certificates
Best Team Name: Swag Bag from Hi-Wire Brewing
*For the safety of our customers and staff, we will be operating at a capacity of 65 people to ensure social distancing can be maintained. All guests are required to wear a mask when interacting with Hi-Wire staff or anyone outside your party and when visiting the restroom, so remember to bring a mask or face covering.⁣⁣⁣⁣ Please leave your four-legged friends at home for this event.*
Stay Home and Write(rs) Group
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Firestorm Books & Coffee

No photo description available.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.

We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!

If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Andy Shauf
Dec 9 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Andy Shauf

Andy Shauf swings through Asheville NC on an album release tour to make his Grey Eagle debut on December 9th!

  • ALL AGES
  • 8PM SHOW, 7PM DOORS
  • STANDING ROOM ONLY

 

Few artists are storytellers as deft and disarmingly observational as Andy Shauf. The Toronto-based, Saskatchewan-raised musician’s songs unfold like short fiction: they’re densely layered with colorful characters and a rich emotional depth. On his new album The Neon Skyline (out January 24 via ANTI-), he sets a familiar scene of inviting a friend for beers on the opening title track: “I said, ‘Come to the Skyline, I’ll be washing my sins away.’ He just laughed, said ‘I’ll be late, you know how I can be.'” The LP’s 11 interconnected tracks follow a simple plot: the narrator goes to his neighborhood dive, finds out his ex is back in town, and she eventually shows up. While its overarching narrative is riveting, the real thrill of the album comes from how Shauf finds the humanity and humor in a typical night out and the ashes of a past relationship.

Antisuyu Shamanic Link Up with Amy Isakov
Dec 9 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
zoom

The Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Link-Up is a wonderful opportunity to energetically connect in soul presence with the circle of PMT practitioners worldwide, strengthening the Great Work of our shamanic planetary tribe. The power that is being harnessed and transmitted is deep and sentient nourishment for our Mother Earth! Learn more about Link-Up.

Facilitator: PMT Sanctioned Teacher Amy Isakov

December Business Morning Update
Dec 9 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
This Month’s Program
  • Rick Bowling, Senior Tax Accountant – BGW CPA , providing updates on 2020 tax changes.
There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 9 @ 8:20 pm – 9:20 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.