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.
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
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The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.
The London Raffle prize includes:
- Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
- Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
- Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
Double with Breakfast daily - Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
- Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
- On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents
The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure.
SURPRISE – we’re also having a tree sale to clear out inventory that has gotten too large to be stored in the hoop houses over winter. These are species not typically given away at our adoption events, so here is your chance to add something unique to your home or business.
In early 2024, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.
In early 2024, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Para ver esta oportunidad de subvención en español, visite nuestra página web en español.
Eligibility
Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply.
KidsGardening grantees from any 2022 or 2023 grant program (Budding Botanist, GroMoreGood Grassroots, Lots of Compassion, and Little Seeds Pollinator Pals) and previous Youth Garden winners from any year are not eligible.
Organizations must:
- Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.)
- Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program.
- Have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2022 and 2023 combined.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
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The Spitfire Grill
Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.
In keeping with our Mission Statement, BC Theatre Dept. seeks to encourage student and community growth and purposeful interaction with a range of ideas. We mindfully tell this story with the deliberate aim of ensuring both open-mindedness and personal safety.
The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.
The London Raffle prize includes:
- Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
- Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
- Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
Double with Breakfast daily - Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
- Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
- On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents
The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure.
SURPRISE – we’re also having a tree sale to clear out inventory that has gotten too large to be stored in the hoop houses over winter. These are species not typically given away at our adoption events, so here is your chance to add something unique to your home or business.
In early 2024, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.
In early 2024, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Para ver esta oportunidad de subvención en español, visite nuestra página web en español.
Eligibility
Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply.
KidsGardening grantees from any 2022 or 2023 grant program (Budding Botanist, GroMoreGood Grassroots, Lots of Compassion, and Little Seeds Pollinator Pals) and previous Youth Garden winners from any year are not eligible.
Organizations must:
- Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.)
- Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program.
- Have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2022 and 2023 combined.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
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Take a trip into the world of Noir. A simple door key, an interrupted phone call, blackmail, and suspicion combine to produce a darkly complex mystery which will keep you riveted on the edge of your seat.
Accessibility
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Content Awareness
This production contains violence and scariness and is rated PG.
Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery in the River Art District
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the hilarious Standup Comedy event happening at plēb urban winery in the vibrant River Art District of Asheville, NC. Join us on Fri Nov 17, 2023 at 7p-9p for an evening filled with non-stop laughter, good vibes and great wine!
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, at plēb urban winery you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the comedic talents of some of the funniest regional standup comedians.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or simply looking for a night of entertainment, this event promises to deliver big laughs and a memorable time. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the best comedy Asheville has to offer.
Hosted by Hilliary Begley!!!!
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Peter Smith-McDowell!!
Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He is one of the producers of the longest running comedy room in Asheville, The Disclaimer Lounge. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Jason Webb!
Jason is Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset.Festivals: Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest) !0,000 Laughs Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest), Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Orlando Indie Comedy Festival.
Featuring Jess Cooley!
Jess is a writer and stand up comic from Upstate South Carolina, where he learned how to walk, and talk, and eat food like a real boy. Currently based in Asheville, NC, his comedy involves personal subjects like Autism, religion, and the loss of his favorite sex toy during a home invasion. His unique and colorful perspective brings his stories to life, and his demons to the spotlight.
Featuring Cary Goff!
Cary is considered the Godfather of Comedy in Asheville. Cary started the Disclaimer Comedy Mic in 2009 and it is still going strong today at The Asheville Music Hall. Cary has had humor columns in multiple magazines. He’s the dad you always wanted, except FUNNY!!
Food truck will be available for the whole show!
Grab your friends, bring your sense of humor, and join us at plēb urban winery for an evening of laughter and good times. Get ready to roll on the floor laughing at this unmissable Standup Comedy event!
The Spitfire Grill
Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.
In keeping with our Mission Statement, BC Theatre Dept. seeks to encourage student and community growth and purposeful interaction with a range of ideas. We mindfully tell this story with the deliberate aim of ensuring both open-mindedness and personal safety.
Two years ago Different Strokes! partnered with American Myth Center to create “A Different Myth“, which seeks to amplify stories that center Black voices and characters. After reading through 48 submissions from emerging Black Playwrights, we selected three playwrights as members of our 2022 cohort and have spent the last two years working with them to develop new plays. Two of those plays (Dear God by Lisa Langford, and Juked by Mildred Inez Lewis) will see a full production later this season, but before that happens, we have one more phase. As part of the development process, each playwright has had the opportunity to hear actors read their words and get their feedback but now they are ready to hear from an actual audience about how the work impacts them. These live, fully cast, staged readings (script in hand) of the plays, allow the audience to engage with the material and provide feedback afterward. Your thoughts and observations as theater enthusiasts will be crucial in shaping the future development of these exciting new plays.
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Juked will premiere for the first time in front of an audience as part of the Emerging Black Playwright Staged Reading Series. 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 directed by Mikayla Wilson, and features Stephanie Hickling Beckman, Bjorn Goller, Righteous Luster, Alex Mbuthia, Donna Marie McMillan, Rodney Smith, and Sharvis Smith. Meet The PlaywrightMildred Inez Lewis writes and directs for theatre, film and the digital space. Recent honors include an AGE Legacy Playwright (ALP) grant (2023), the Samuel French OOB Festival finals (2022), Grand Jury Award from Fusion (2022), the 2021 L.B. Williams award, and Humanitas’ PLAY LA (2018). A member of the Dramatists Guild, she writes for Antaeus Theatre Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA Playwrights Unit, PlayGround-LA and Towne Street Theatre. She is an associate artist with Rogue Artists Ensemble. Upcoming productions in 2023 include JUKED a commissioned adaptation of Sophocles’ ELECTRA for A Different Myth (Asheville, NC). Mildred will also create work for Ohlone College students. 2022 productions included THE MUSEUM ANNEX for Central Works (Berkeley, CA), /kom’plisit/ (staged reading) at Moving Arts (Los Angeles), BONWIT TELLER’S REVENGE for The Workshop Theatre (NYC), and Purity, UnPledged for the Playground Experiment’s Faces of America. Her plays have been published by Applause Books, Broadway Play Publishing. LazyBee (UK), Breathe Fire literary magazine and elsewhere. |
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”
PAW Patrol Live! sets sail with a pirate adventure!
It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Ryder will need all paws on deck as he and the PAW Patrol discover a secret treasure map while on a mission to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”
PAW Patrol Live! sets sail with a pirate adventure!
It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Ryder will need all paws on deck as he and the PAW Patrol discover a secret treasure map while on a mission to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!

Take a trip into the world of Noir. A simple door key, an interrupted phone call, blackmail, and suspicion combine to produce a darkly complex mystery which will keep you riveted on the edge of your seat.
Accessibility
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Content Awareness
This production contains violence and scariness and is rated PG.
Rock out this holiday season with TSO as we bring back ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More’! We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this winter tour is our best show in years.
We cordially invite you to partake in “Enter the Garden”, an enthralling sensory movement experience that embarks upon a poignant voyage of sexual reclamation. This event showcases an exquisite array of dance performances by talented local and national pole, chair, and burlesque dancers.
This event is for those 21 years and older.
The Spitfire Grill
Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.
In keeping with our Mission Statement, BC Theatre Dept. seeks to encourage student and community growth and purposeful interaction with a range of ideas. We mindfully tell this story with the deliberate aim of ensuring both open-mindedness and personal safety.
Two years ago Different Strokes! partnered with American Myth Center to create “A Different Myth“, which seeks to amplify stories that center Black voices and characters. After reading through 48 submissions from emerging Black Playwrights, we selected three playwrights as members of our 2022 cohort and have spent the last two years working with them to develop new plays. Two of those plays (Dear God by Lisa Langford, and Juked by Mildred Inez Lewis) will see a full production later this season, but before that happens, we have one more phase. As part of the development process, each playwright has had the opportunity to hear actors read their words and get their feedback but now they are ready to hear from an actual audience about how the work impacts them. These live, fully cast, staged readings (script in hand) of the plays, allow the audience to engage with the material and provide feedback afterward. Your thoughts and observations as theater enthusiasts will be crucial in shaping the future development of these exciting new plays.
|
Juked will premiere for the first time in front of an audience as part of the Emerging Black Playwright Staged Reading Series. 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 directed by Mikayla Wilson, and features Stephanie Hickling Beckman, Bjorn Goller, Righteous Luster, Alex Mbuthia, Donna Marie McMillan, Rodney Smith, and Sharvis Smith. Meet The PlaywrightMildred Inez Lewis writes and directs for theatre, film and the digital space. Recent honors include an AGE Legacy Playwright (ALP) grant (2023), the Samuel French OOB Festival finals (2022), Grand Jury Award from Fusion (2022), the 2021 L.B. Williams award, and Humanitas’ PLAY LA (2018). A member of the Dramatists Guild, she writes for Antaeus Theatre Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA Playwrights Unit, PlayGround-LA and Towne Street Theatre. She is an associate artist with Rogue Artists Ensemble. Upcoming productions in 2023 include JUKED a commissioned adaptation of Sophocles’ ELECTRA for A Different Myth (Asheville, NC). Mildred will also create work for Ohlone College students. 2022 productions included THE MUSEUM ANNEX for Central Works (Berkeley, CA), /kom’plisit/ (staged reading) at Moving Arts (Los Angeles), BONWIT TELLER’S REVENGE for The Workshop Theatre (NYC), and Purity, UnPledged for the Playground Experiment’s Faces of America. Her plays have been published by Applause Books, Broadway Play Publishing. LazyBee (UK), Breathe Fire literary magazine and elsewhere. |
Rock out this holiday season with TSO as we bring back ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More’! We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this winter tour is our best show in years.

