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, December 9, 2023
Vintage Market
Dec 9 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
DSSOLVR

Saturday, December 9th between 1-6, we’re unleashing a blast from the past with a downright delightful Vintage Popup!

Saddle up for a journey through time as you peruse the delightful array of clothes and curiosities curated by Soft Cowboy Trading Co and Tangelo Vintage. From timeless duds that’ll have you looking dapper at the local watering hole to trinkets with tales as vast as the prairie.

So, mosey on down, take a sip, and indulge in a shopping spree that’ll make you Yeehaw

Honey + the Hive: 5th Annual Winter Market
Dec 9 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Honey & the Hive

Honey & the Hive will present their Winter Market, taking place at 23 Merrimon Avenue on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 3 – 7 p.m., featuring small-scale local crafters, artisans, and artists.

The team at Honey & the Hive is proud to bring the Winter Market back for the fifth year. The 2023 Winter Market will be a one-day event featuring 15+ local vendors and artists with everything you need for gift shopping, including fermented foods, culinary goods, botanical art, foraging gear, herbal crafts, goat milk soaps, self-care products, and honey, of course! The market will be held at our storefront with vendors both indoors and outdoors, rain or shine.

The 5th Annual Market is free to attend. Customers who purchase from our vendors will be automatically entered into a chance to win a gift basket. Attendees are welcome to sample our infused honey and honey varietals from beekeepers around Western North Carolina.

“We live in an amazing place with many talented artisans and we believe strongly in supporting local businesses and producers. This market has grown and changed over the years to accommodate the needs of our community, and we look forward to a wonderful market day for our fifth year.” says staff member Amber Shehan.

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​​Honey & the Hive is a beekeeping supply, honey, and gift shop in Weaverville, North Carolina. We carry beekeeping supplies, offer classes on beekeeping, sell local honey, and make products from the hive, like propolis tincture, infused honey, and beeswax candles. More than just a store, we are a hive of like-minded people who love bees and pollinators and want to educate our community about how to help care for this valuable part of our ecosystem.

Vendors include: Fermenti, Sister of Mother Earth, Wise Earth Way, Larkspur Art, Toe River Threadworks, Of Sage and Stone, LeighAlan Skincare and Candle Co., Honey Badger Bakes, Tiny Sun Creations, GR Woodworking, Bold and Brash Bakery, Felt Good, Habibi Village, SAVOR Shrub Bitters, Deep Time, Appalachian Sacred Smoke

Sunday, December 10, 2023
M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
Dec 10 all-day
Land of Sky Shrine Club

Come see over 22 vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast! The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association (MAGMA) will host our Christmas & Holiday gem show from December 8-10.

Our shows are open to the public, with free admission and food and drink available daily. The show is only a 10-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC.

Christmas & Holiday Show hours:
Friday, December 8: 9AM- 6PM
Saturday, December 9: 9AM- 6PM
Sunday, December 10: 10AM- 5PM

This gem show is a fun family event where you can shop for minerals, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry from locally and nationally known vendors. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gifts.

Entering the show is always free and once there, you’ll find prices range from affordable to very expensive. There’s truly a wide variety of treasures to see, from great deals to museum quality specimens! We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers.
The MAGMA Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year, with shows in March, June, September, and December, so this is an event that you can keep coming back to!

COLLECT Designer Market
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Rite of Passage

Jewelry artist Laura Wood and textile artist Libby O’Bryan, co-founder of the slow-fashion label Rite of Passage, have collaborated along with Erin Hawley, founder of Melona, to launch COLLECT, a curated designer market at Rite of Passage’s store in the River Arts District.

COLLECT features extraordinary gifts for the holidays by regional artists and makers not usually found in Asheville and handpicked for this reason. Participants include Megan Huntz, Anna Johnson, Vinx Apothecary, The Dustworks, Carrie George Leather, Elizabeth Suzann, Poem Crown, Jeffrey, Opie Way, State the Label, and Cicil Home — in addition to jewelry by Laura Wood Studios and clothing by Rite of Passage, designed by Giovanni Daina-Palermo.

“Laura [Wood], Erin [Hawley], and I wanted to create an alternative to the ‘pop-up’ or a larger fair — something curated, warm, and festive,” said O’Bryan of COLLECT. In addition to gifts, COLLECT will feature food and drink from Crocodile Wine, Roll Up Herbal Bar, Botanist & Barrel, and Nibbly Onigiri.

COLLECT opens on Friday, December 8, 5-7:00 pm. The event continues Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 11:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Rite of Passage is located next to Ultra Coffeebar at 240 Clingman Avenue Ext. in the River Arts District.

Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center
The Uncommon Holiday Market is in its 9th season of gathering makers of art and handmade items as well as curators of antique & vintage finds.
The market will be held at the beautiful Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center from 10 am – 4 pm both days.
Admission is FREE this year so please be generous & give to our 501C3 partner Mountain Pet Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue serving cats and dogs in the Asheville area.
Parking is also FREE!
This is an INDOOR & OUTDOOR market and Service dogs only are allowed inside.
Food will be available both days from 11-3.
Holiday Pop Up Shop + Open Studio
Dec 10 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
LOOM Imports Studio

Join us for a Holiday Pop Up Shop at Open Studio

Saturday, December 9th – 11-5
Sunday, December 10th – 11-5

115 Elk Mountain Road, North Asheville NC 28804

Shop pottery, art, vintage clothing, home goods, jewelry, teas, tinctures, gifts + more from:
@gennypopshop
@a13rattlesnakesandrainbows
@junopottery
@heilbronherbs
@loomimports
@yewocollective

Community Holiday Extravaganza
Dec 10 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arthur R. Edington Center

Join us for the 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza, hosted by R2S, on Sunday, December 10th, from noon to 5 pm. We are excited to announce that Derrick Barnes, a critically acclaimed author of “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” (Agate), as well as three NY Times Bestsellers (“The King of Kindergarten”, “I Am Every Good Thing”, and “The Queen of Kindergarten”), will be joining us.

We will be celebrating the release of his newest book, “Santa’s Gotta Go!”, by giving out free copies! In addition to meeting the author, we have other exciting events planned such as holiday carnival games, hot cocoa bars, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, free food, and more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with us!

REFRACTION ART MARKET
Dec 10 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wedge Brewery at Foundation

Refraction Holiday Art Market Returns to Wedge Brewing
RAD community artists share their creative roots as Refraction market vendors
Asheville, NC, December 10, 2023: Refraction Art Market, a curated art market celebrating the vibrant artistic energy the Wedge was built upon will be returning to the Wedge at Foundation for its third year. The art showcased will represent a wide array of high quality work including ceramics, painting, printmaking, woodwork, jewelry, leather, glass and more. The event will run from 12-6 pm at the Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St.
Refraction cofounder Andrew Massey fondly remembers the days of walking down to the Wedge after a long day in the ceramics studio and having a beer alongside a plethora of other artists. The Wedge was the watering hole for the community from the get go, the place where you could count on sharing ideas and creative visions amongst a pool of equally passionate creators. While Asheville has grown, the Wedge and the River Arts District have still held that feeling of creative source, which is why Andrew and Amy are so passionate about bringing artists together for Refraction. Their mission is to ignite the creative energy that pulses at the heart of the RAD and create space for a multitude of talented artists to share their work and their love for this community.

URLs:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2083107-2?pid=10412
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/2083107-3?pid=10412

Monday, December 11, 2023
Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store

Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Friday, December 15, 2023
Handmade Ornament Sale
Dec 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Plant Club Pop-up Market
Dec 16 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Art Garden AVL

Come enjoy the Canopy Gallery and check out local growers and makers of all things plantie: from rare tropicals to native medicinals, handmade pots and trellises to botanical watercolor paintings, cut flower bouquets to herbal salves and teas….

Pop-up market features 6-10 local plant vendors on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This event is free to attend and vend.

Merry Makers Market
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Support local + small this holiday season at our 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕!
We’re decking the halls as you shop housewares, vintage pieces, original art, handmade craft, fair trade imports, and more! Free and open to the public. Dogs are welcome! Vendors are setup inside and outside the showroom and runs rain, snow, or shine. Parking is available behind the showroom.

The Little Crafty
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Arcade
The Big Crafty and The Grove Arcade are pleased to present The Little Crafty!
The Big Crafty’s lil’ sister event will be held within the Grove Arcade on December 16th and 17th from 12-5pm.
A cozy curation of artists and makers will set up shop for a festive weekend — along with live music, artist demonstrations, and more — all within one of Asheville’s finest architectural gems.
Find special gifts and enjoy the beauty of the Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland at the first ever Little Crafty Holiday Market!
Weihnachtsmarkt: German-inspired Holiday Market
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at our German-inspired Holiday Market on Saturday, December 16th, from 12-5pm! 🇩🇪 Transforming our RAD Beer Garden into a winter wonderland reminiscent of the traditional Christmas markets in Germany and neighboring countries, each shipping container will become a charming stall.
Indulge your taste buds with authentic German delights from Haus Heidlberg German Food Truck, savor delectable Blunt Pretzels, and treat yourself to the delightful creations of Mount Patisserie baked goods. With 10 vendors already confirmed and more to come, you’ll discover an array of unique gifts and crafts to make your holiday shopping a breeze.
Warm up with the cozy tradition of Glühwein, a delightful mulled wine enjoyed in the festive season throughout the region. Soak in the holiday ambiance, indulge in delicious treats, and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Don’t miss this enchanting holiday market—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!
South Slope Makers Market + Bar Hop
Dec 16 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Company
Join us holiday season in the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville, NC to shop 35 vendors with a drink in hand!
Find vendors, drinks and food at all of these fun locations! 👇
Green Man Brewing
27 Buxton Ave
Urban Orchard Cider Co
24 Buxton Ave
Twin Leaf Brewing
144 Coxe Ave
Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Ave
Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as woodworking, original art, jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more!
No MLM or direct sales will be present.
This event is FREE to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume.
​This is a family friendly event, however please note alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venues.
If you are 21 or older and choose to drink, please drink responsibly.
Sunday, December 17, 2023
The Little Crafty
Dec 17 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Arcade
The Big Crafty and The Grove Arcade are pleased to present The Little Crafty!
The Big Crafty’s lil’ sister event will be held within the Grove Arcade on December 16th and 17th from 12-5pm.
A cozy curation of artists and makers will set up shop for a festive weekend — along with live music, artist demonstrations, and more — all within one of Asheville’s finest architectural gems.
Find special gifts and enjoy the beauty of the Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland at the first ever Little Crafty Holiday Market!
The Star Market
Dec 17 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Canopy at Art Garden AVL,
FIRSTwnc and Imprint Artists are coming together to create: The Star Market

Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 1-4 pm

This is a free market that will be held in The Canopy at Art Garden AVL, 191 Lyman St., #316, Asheville, NC, 28801

The two local non-profits, FIRSTwnc and Imprint Artists have come together to bring a unique holiday market filled locally hand crafted treasures by artists supported by the two organizations.

“Our mission at FIRSTwnc is to help all people, especially persons with disabilities more fully participate in the community. We work directly with persons with disabilities and their families to help them navigate complex systems and get the resources they need to thrive. With our specialized knowledge and dedicated perseverance we are able to move mountains and create solutions. We believe that individuals with disabilities can thrive within the community. Thus, we work hard to arm families and persons with disabilities with the required knowledge and support to make this a reality.”

“Imprint Artists serves artists and creative individuals through mentorship and programming that provides tools to develop the financial autonomy necessary to navigate the marketplace without having to compromise their integrity, principles or values. In this way, Imprint Artists elevates the human experience as well as quality of life through funding projects and programming that encourage cultural preservation and ritual as demonstrated through the arts.”

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Thursday, December 21, 2023
Witchy Wonderland Solstice Market
Dec 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing
Come celebrate Yule solstice! Join us for a cozy evening in the brewhouse and get your last minute holiday shopping on! From 5-8 pm!
Lots of amazing crafters and makers with a special guest
Third Eye Coffee truck outside to keep ya warm!
Can’t wait to see y’all there!
Friday, December 22, 2023
Our Biggest Plant Sale of the Year
Dec 22 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Canopy at Art Garden AVL

Join us for our biggest plant sale of the whole year! Take 20% off of all plants – yes, even the rare ones!

Saturday, December 23, 2023
7th Annual JINGLE + MINGLE: HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET
Dec 23 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Holiday Craft Market FB 122323

– LOCAL POP-UP CRAFT MARKET
– FREE ADMISSION
– 10AM – 3PM

We’ll have local vendors set up selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving. Be sure to grab a bite from our in-house Taqueria and a drink from the bar as you peruse Asheville’s finest makers. Plus, we’ll set the mood with some classic holiday tunes!

Interested in becoming a vendor? Please send an email to [email protected].

Saturday, January 6, 2024
Savor Shrub Bitters
Jan 6 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Kick off the year with a focus on health and wellness at our event featuring SAVOR Shrub Bitters. Join us for a class and tasting session with SAVOR owner Kat, who will showcase the aperitif-inspired fruit-forward bitters and discuss the health benefits of ingredients. Learn to craft cocktails and mocktails, and discover the joy of making mixers and bitters for health. SAVOR’s unique flavors shine in classic drinks, adding a twist to your favorites. Kat, a herbalism expert, created these bitters with a commitment to joyful self-care, emphasizing the importance of savoring the moment. Cheers to a vibrant and nourishing start to the year!

Monday, January 8, 2024
End of Year Sale
Jan 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Explore our exclusive End of Year Sale featuring an exquisite collection of affordable luxury furniture renowned for its heirloom quality and eco-friendly comfort. Join us from December 16th to January 8th at both our furniture studios in Asheville, NC, and Cashiers, NC.

Indulge in a rewarding shopping experience in our main studio with tiered discounts:
– Enjoy 15% off total purchases up to $1,500
– Elevate your space with 20% off total purchases ranging from $1,501 to $5,000
– Embark on a luxury journey with 25% off total purchases exceeding $5,000

Saturday, February 3, 2024
Winter Clearance Sale Goodwill Industries
Feb 3 all-day
Various Goodwill Locations
Winter Clearance Sale
It’s been unseasonably warm this month, but don’t let a false spring catch you off guard! Winter is still here, and we have a great deal to keep you warm. All regularly priced winter clothing will be marked 50% off between Thursday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 3. Find clothing for the whole family, including jackets and coats, winter scarves and hats, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, sweats, and gloves, while supplies last. The deal includes adults’ and children’s clothing.

To find the store nearest you, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org/locations.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Valentine’s Day Market at the Grove Arcade
Feb 10 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade
It’s the season of love and we are celebrating with a Valentine’s Day Market at the Grove Arcade! 🌹💌
This market will be on Saturday, February 10 from 12-3pm and will be the perfect opportunity to buy the most unique gifts for your honey from our own Grove Arcade merchants.
We will also have a complimentary Valentine’s Day card decorating station, live music, a Kokedama plant pop-up with Studio Flora Diva, dessert pop-ups, and the first 100 kids will get a free ice cream cone at our new ice cream spot AppalachCream!
So don’t be stupid cupid, and find your loved one something unique, decorate a handmade card, and spend a Saturday afternoon at Asheville’s most romantic spot— the Grove Arcade
Sunday, February 18, 2024
The 37th National Arts and Crafts Conference + Shows
Feb 18 all-day
The Omni Grove Park Inn
There are a number of ways to participate in our annual Arts and Crafts celebration at the Grove Park Inn in February:

1. Reserve an Arts and Crafts Weekend Package at the Grove Park Inn

The cost of registration is included in the Grove Park Inn package so you won’t need to worry about purchasing an additional conference events pass with the office if you’ve got the package.

The package includes the following:

  • Lodging Friday and Saturday nights at the Omni Grove Park Inn*;
  • The Conference Events Pass which covers all of the seminars, discussion groups, demonstrations, Grove Park Inn tours, and special exhibits for all three days;
  • Entry to all three exhibitor shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday;
  • Continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings;
  • Dessert and coffee social hour Friday and Saturday nights;
  • Use of the Grove Park Inn Sports Center;
  • Conference tote bag, a calendar, and The Conference Catalog.

Call (800) 438-5800 to place a deposit for your room reservation today!

 

2. Purchase individual Conference Events Passes only

If you’d like to register for the conference and attend the shows, but you won’t be staying at the Grove Park Inn, then you will need to purchase Conference Events Passes from our office. The Conference Events Pass includes admission to the Exhibitor Shows. You can call the office at (828) 628-1915.

The Conference Events Pass will get your entry into all seminars, small group discussions, shows demonstrations, access to the educational exhibits, and free access to the Arts and Crafts Shows. You will also receive two continental breakfasts during the weekend and the pre-seminar dessert socials. 

3. Buy general admission the day of if you’re just interested in viewing the Arts & Crafts Shows

If you just want to shop the dealer shows at the Grove Park Inn, you can purchase general admission at the door the day that you want to come to the shows! Included in the shows are access to the educational displays, two demonstrations, the silent auction, and the chance to enter a special drawing!

General admission is $10.00 and covers admittance for all three days.

Here’s what’s included in the shows:

– Discover vintage antiques as well as handcrafted contemporary items in the Arts & Crafts style including new and antique jewelry, rugs, furniture, pottery and tiles, artwork, furniture, and metalware, showcasing hand craftsmanship and simple yet elegant designs.

– View our three educational displays within the shows.

– Demonstrations on the Wooden (electric) Lamps of Charles Limbert AND the Cuerda-Seca method of ceramic motifs in Art Pottery;

– Access to our annual silent auction – bid on gently used items from collections from across the country;

– Authors will be on hand to sign their books in the 8th floor of the Vanderbilt wing;

– and a Free drawing to win a special collector’s item (to be shown at the shows).

4. You can separately register for special fundraiser events happening throughout the weekend – the Pre-Conference Workshops, the Craftsman Reception, the Historic House Tours, and the Asheville Art Museum lecture without registering for the conference!

Pre-Conference Workshops – Learn from Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisans

The Craftsman Reception – hosted by the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

The annual Historic Homes Tour – hosted by the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Go Behind the Scenes with The Asheville Art Museum!