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, November 21, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Nov 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck at Burial
Nov 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Burial Beer Co.

Looking for something to do with your family on the day before Thanksgiving? Bring a snack and join us at the taproom for a pre-turkey day potluck. We won’t be spoiling the big meal the next day with a heavy spread, but we will have some bites to share and lots of community to enjoy. Burial will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, so this is also your chance to stock up on packaged beer to share.

https://www.facebook.com/events/307093616800924/

Chen Style Tai Chi Ch’uan (Entry Level)
Nov 21 @ 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Tao Institute

Hello Everyone! This event is just to announce a new time slot for the Entry Level Chen Style Tai Chi class at Tao Institute :) This is the ideal entry point for any beginning students who wish to train with us in any area of our curriculum.

The rate for this class is $65/mo and training is ongoing.

Class Description:
Chen style Tai Chi Chuan is the foundation training for all that is offered at the Tao Institute. Developed over 300 years ago, Chen Tai Chi Chuan is known for its use of spiraling movements, low stances, and the principles of Yin & Yang. In this class we learn the fundamentals of alignment, posture, internal cultivation, mind directed energy, meditation and Tao philosophy. Chen Tai Chi class includes Silk Reeling Qi Gong, Chen Style 1st Form, as well as standing & sitting meditation.

For further information on our curriculum and classes, please feel free to visit our website: http://taoinstitute.org

If you’d like to join us, please email us at [email protected] or you can message us directly through Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1017015005114818/?event_time_id=1017015081781477

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (November)
Nov 21 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/2014125145534975/?event_time_id=2167409530206535

Hip Hop Dance // Wednesday
Nov 21 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Primal Studios

This Hip Hop workout transports you to a place of wild abandon! You’ll get sweaty while feeling hot- sizzling HOT!? Join Tyler Northcutt for Hip Hop Dance Wednesdays at 5:30pm!

???Channel your inner Beyonce or Shakira while dancing your booty off! Learn sequential dance steps that you can use for your next dance party. This is a non-stop dynamic cardio workout full of sweat and sensuality and is sure to empower your body and soul!

➳ 60 minutes of movement ?

➳ SIGN UP NOW to save your spot + save time signing in!
$12 drop in or Pre-register on Mindbody app- Primal Studios.

➳ Our Studio is in the same building as Tribe Dance & Pole at 457 N. Lousiana Ave. in West Asheville

✨ All levels welcome! No experience necessary!

✨ Primal Studios is a Yoga/ Buti Yoga /Movement studio that inspires you to move outside your comfort zone, and connect & thrive in the community as we evolve together! Visit us at 457 N. Louisiana Ave. in West Asheville. ✨primalstudiosasheville.com ✨

https://www.facebook.com/events/2019460321693137/?event_time_id=2019460341693135

Double Beer Release: Barleywine & Schwarzbier
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
UpCountry Brewing Company

We’ve got TWO new brews going on tap this week. Join us for the release of our Barleywine and Schwarzbier!

SCHWARZBIER
Salute Your Schwarz!
This German-inspired black Lager is very smooth with a light, roasty finish. Despite its dark appearance, it has an extremely light body from a long, cold hibernation in the tank.
ABF 5%
IBU 20

BARLEYWINE
Pint of Ghosts Barleywine
This full bodied, boozy beer is sure to keep you warm as the seasons start to change. We aggressively hopped this beer with a mixture of fruity American hops, to help balance the bitterness with the bready, caramel malt character. Stay tuned for the bourbon barrel aged version!
ABV 10.5%
IBU 65

https://www.facebook.com/events/202517924011441/

Friendsgiving Extravaganza
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – Nov 22 @ 12:00 am
Save Me The Waltz

Save Me The Waltz has been open two whole weeks now, which means we are WAY overdue for a party…

Join us Wednesday, November 21st as we celebrate our very first FRIENDSGIVING!! We are excited to announce our dear friends, and renowned jazz duo, Ramona The Band will be taking the stage, providing vocals and guitar that will definitely get you dancing.

S.Cousler will be hosting an Asian “take out” menu, because lets be real, you wont be cooking at home this night.

And yes, there will be drink specials! Come party with us, 6pm – midnight! All are welcome, industry friends and bar patrons alike!

Private Club // 21+ only // $1 membership fee for all new members

https://www.facebook.com/events/283152575648816/

Open Stage benefiting The Meeting Place Mission
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company

Starting in November we will begin a series of Open Stages. November is the month of giving. Every Wednesday in November we will pick a different Nonprofit and donate a portion of beer sales to that organization. Josh Goodfellow of Codex Sound Company and Scott Moss of the band, Big Daddy Love will be running the Open Stage performances. The backline will be provided; drums, bass amp, and guitar amps. For more information please contact Josh Goodfellow at (828)-443-2169. Join us on November 21st in help to support The Meeting Place Mission! Don’t miss the music, fun, and good brews!

https://www.facebook.com/events/535169886904308/

Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Blue Ridge Biker Church

THANKSGIVING DINNER EVERYONE WELCOME come join us for good food, laughs, great fellowship, and beautiful memories. God Bless?????

https://www.facebook.com/events/569608366807955/

Transplant Thanksgiving
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Gastro Pub at Hopey

Free music by singer-songwriter Heather Taylor (folk/soul/Americana/good-vibes) with special guest Eric Heveron-Smith(many projects including Resonant Rogues) on bass/ tuba and Katie Richter on trumpet (Kismet & formerly Midnight Snack), hot and cold bar of delicious thanksgiving food ($10)food, friendly faces and no doubt a turkey costume.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and especially to those who don’t have traditional plans and family close by!

All welcome! Family friendly

Menu/ Turkey and gravy,Holiday ham,green beans,corn,Mac and cheese,stuffing,bread variety,deviled eggs,potato salad,cranberry sauce, salad,banana pudding,and pies. All the home cooked traditional thanksgiving favorites from my grandmas cook book!

Gobble gobble to you and yours!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1116202741860802/

Vegan Wednesdays
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Polanco Restaurant

We want you to try our huge vegan menu! Try something different. All items on our vegan menu are 10% off on Wednesdays! Make sure to use the code Vegan Wednesday for your server to apply the discount!

https://www.facebook.com/events/323985208131426/?event_time_id=323985231464757

Winter Lights
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Experience Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Roast s’mores by the fire, listen to your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, cider or beer. Proceeds from the event will support the Arboretum’s educational programs, exhibit and facilities year-round.

Tickets range from $8-18 and must be purchased in advance online at www.ncwinterlights.com.

https://www.facebook.com/events/183329605927836/?event_time_id=183329759261154

Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights
Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Visit Gatlinburg

Tour Gatlinburg’s most dazzling light displays by hopping aboard the Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights! This popular winter tradition is the perfect way to see our mountain town in all its Winter Magic splendor. Get your tickets today!

https://www.facebook.com/events/726348577700947/?event_time_id=726348677700937

SCB Trivia Night
Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing

Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels.

Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!

Prizes awarded each week for the 1st place team!

https://www.facebook.com/events/277072849778679/?event_time_id=277072896445341

Wine & Mingle
Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Ruth's Chris Steak House Asheville

[$35++ per person, reservations required]

Enjoy an exclusive wine flight in our Private Cellar with our Sommelier & learn all about wine– tasting notes, food pairings, & more! Finish the mingling with your favorite glass of wine then join us for 10% off your dinner. For October, Fall Back in Love with Wine! This month, we will taste outside of the Napa box and try a 95 point Merlot, an Australian Cabernet, and more!

Call 828.398.6200 for Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/events/161686534471099/?event_time_id=161686541137765

Bearwaters Brainy Trivia
Nov 21 @ 6:35 pm – Nov 22 @ 8:00 pm
BearWaters Brewing Company

Family in town? Trying to figure a way to impress them and enjoy a delicious beverage? Come on down to Bearwaters Brainy trivia. Prizes, bragging rights, and topics of conversation for the holiday.

https://www.facebook.com/events/643185869412795/

Buti Yoga Lite
Nov 21 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Primal Studios

CREATE. RELEASE. INTEND. SPIRAL IT OUT. ????
Join Jenny Roberts for Buti Yoga Lite Wednesday evenings at 6:45pm at Primal Studios!

This a great introductory class or for anyone practicing Buti who wants to commit to focusing on alignment, deep core engagement, and yoga postures in a toned down, slower paced class with lower intensity cardio plyometrics.

?‍♀️? What is Buti Yoga?
Buti utilizes the Spiral Structure Technique + deep core engagement in this empowering class, activating shakti – the divine feminine energy that AWAKENS power + sustainable confidence. Music drives the movements! ♫ ♫ ♫

➳ 60 minute class – ALL LEVELS welcome & celebrated.

➳ $12 per class drop in. Sign up on our Mindbody app- Primal Studios. Space is limited.

➳ Bring your yoga mat OR ?
We have Buti Yoga B-aligned mats for your use.

➳ Our Studio is in the same building as Tribe Dance & Pole at 457 N. Lousiana Ave. in West Asheville

? Instructor Jenny Roberts is a Yoga Alliance certified 200 hr RYT Yoga Instructor and Buti Yoga Instructor. Jenny’s passion for movement manifested through sports, as well as capturing motion and emotion as a filmmaker. Jenny is our Creative Director/Photographer & Videographer at Primal Studios.

✨ Primal Studios is a Yoga/Buti Yoga/Movement studio that inspires you to move outside your comfort zone, and connect & thrive in the community as we evolve together! Visit us at 457 N. Louisiana Ave. in West Asheville, right inside the TRIBE Dance & Pole building! www.primalstudiosasheville.com ✨

https://www.facebook.com/events/959149674271079/?event_time_id=959149687604411

All Message Service
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
The Namaste Center

Have questions? Join Susan Marie Vinci and Lillian Alexandria Pederson to receive answers. This is an evening of messages and information readily available from your Akashic records & Source. We will access this information from spirit. All are welcome! A Love offering will be receive.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1081969461980883/

All Message Service
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
The Namaste Center

Have questions? Join Susan Marie Vinci and Lillian Alexandria Pederson to receive answers. This is an evening of messages and information readily available from your Akashic records & Source. We will access this information from spirit. All are welcome! A Love offering will be receive.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1081969461980883/?event_time_id=1081969475314215

Desirée Ricker at The Poe House
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Poe House

Desirée Christa Ricker, Originally from Hendersonville, is back in town and will be at The Poe House Wednesday night 7 to 10 p.m.

This is also a Pint Night with Upcountry Brewing.

https://www.facebook.com/events/346467592600037/

Mike Martinez at Ben’s Listening Lodge
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Bens Tune Up

Mike Martinez Front man of Natural Born Leaders graces Ben’s new indoor stage for an up close and personal show!

https://www.facebook.com/events/275307796523242/?event_time_id=275307809856574

Mike Martinez at Ben’s Listening Lodge
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Bens Tune Up

Mike Martinez Front man of Natural Born Leaders graces Ben’s new indoor stage for an up close and personal show!

https://www.facebook.com/events/275307796523242/

Open Mic Night!
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Salvage Station

Come show us what you’ve got!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2181452001876782/?event_time_id=2181452028543446

Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Best Thanksgiving Movie Ever!
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

OUR THANKSGIVING WEEK TRADITION! Fill up on laughs before Thanksgiving.

It is the best Thanksgiving movie ever, and last year we easily sold out 2 screenings.

This is another hilarious and heart-warming classic movie from writer/director John Hughes. Steve Martin and especially John Candy give one of the best performances of their careers.

TICKET INFO:
THIS WILL SELL OUT! $3.00 tickets are now on sale at our 675 Merrimon Avenue location and also online at our website:
https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/movies/

SYNOPSIS:
Easily excitable Neal Page (Steve Martin) is somewhat of a control freak. While trying to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and kids, his flight is rerouted to a distant city in Kansas because of a freak snowstorm, and his sanity begins to fray. Worse yet, he is forced to bunk up with talkative Del Griffith (John Candy), an extremely annoying shower curtain ring salesman. Together they must overcome the insanity of holiday travel to reach their intended destination.

CONTENT GUIDE:
Rated R for language and a brief sexual image.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2333807546865866/?event_time_id=2333807563532531

Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Best Thanksgiving Movie Ever!
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

OUR THANKSGIVING WEEK TRADITION! Fill up on laughs before Thanksgiving.

It is the best Thanksgiving movie ever, and last year we easily sold out 2 screenings.

This is another hilarious and heart-warming classic movie from writer/director John Hughes. Steve Martin and especially John Candy give one of the best performances of their careers.

TICKET INFO:
THIS WILL SELL OUT! $3.00 tickets are now on sale at our 675 Merrimon Avenue location and also online at our website:
https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/movies/

SYNOPSIS:
Easily excitable Neal Page (Steve Martin) is somewhat of a control freak. While trying to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and kids, his flight is rerouted to a distant city in Kansas because of a freak snowstorm, and his sanity begins to fray. Worse yet, he is forced to bunk up with talkative Del Griffith (John Candy), an extremely annoying shower curtain ring salesman. Together they must overcome the insanity of holiday travel to reach their intended destination.

CONTENT GUIDE:
Rated R for language and a brief sexual image.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2333807546865866/

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Nantahala Brewing

Do you know your Pop Culture? Enjoy delicious food and craft beer? Like winning prizes? If so then you should be in West Asheville every Wednesday for Totally Rad Trivia w/ Robert at 7:00 PM. Free to Play, Teams of Up to 6 Players, and gifts cards going to the top teams!

https://www.facebook.com/events/521734221631531/

The Office Trivia At Mills River Brewery
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mills River Brewery

Join us for The Office trivia and 75 cent wings.

https://www.facebook.com/events/192227268355240/

¡Triskatrivia! Themed Trivia Night
Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Triskelion Brewing Company

¡Triskatrivia!

Wednesday nights are for Themed Trivia! Every Wednesday will be a new themed trivia night.

Teams can be up to six people, no phones, no yelling out of answers. There will be several rounds of questions, each a different category based on the night’s theme. There will also be a “Very Hard Questions” round, in which the players on the winning team will all get a free beer.

Glorious prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams.

Come on out and show off your Brainz!!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/293449921508936/?event_time_id=293449938175601

Movie Night feat. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
13 Stripes Brewery

Comedy legends Steve Martin and John Candy team up for the most hilarious of road trips! Get into the holiday spirit and join us for a night of laughs as we screen Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This does have a R rating for so may not be suitable for kids.

https://www.facebook.com/events/117633565811428/

Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Paul Hooper
Nov 21 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Paul Hooper is back in AVL!!!

An only child with OCD, Paul Hooper channels his dysfunction into a cathartic harangue. That’s a real flowery and obnoxious way of saying he complains in a funny way. Anyway, this native of Charlotte, North Carolina, now residing in New York City, has been featured on Gotham Comedy Live on AXS TV, Red Eye with Tom Shillue, at the HBO Comedy Festival in Vegas, Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, Oregon, the Boston Comedy Festival, Michael Moore and Jeff Garlin’s Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival, the Vancouver Comedy Fest and was a finalist in the 30th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition. A seasoned headliner, Paul has performed in forty two states and ten countries, including two armed forces tours. HIs debut solo album, “Tense and Uncomfortable” is available on Stand Up! Records, and iTunes.

Featuring Becca Steinhoff and Cody Daniel Hughes

18+
Tickets $7 advance, $10 door
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-paul-hooper-tickets-50030322040

https://www.facebook.com/events/2119619501699359/