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.

Thursday, December 20, 2018
A Matter of Taste Exhibit
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Bascom...A Visual Arts Center

As Virginia Woolf said, “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food and water are essential for survival, but mankind’s relationship to food has transformed over time from one of sustenance to one laden with personal and cultural significance.

A Matter of Taste explores depictions of food and drink in art and reveals how images of fruits and vegetables can function as complex metaphors for excess, status, memory, and politics. Drawn from southern museums and private collections, this exhibition showcases over 35 paintings, decorative arts, and works on paper by artists such as Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Claes Oldenburg.

This show spans 400 years and multiple continents, revealing the evolving role of food and drink in various media and cultural contexts. While depictions of fruit and vegetables appeared in ancient times, still life painting as an independent genre dates to 16th-century Holland.

In 19th-century America, still life paintings remained popular but evolved in terms of subject matter, media, and message. Painters such as Thomas Wightman, George Forster, and De Scott Evans embraced Dutch still lifes and used food as commentary on the current political climate and the transient state of the human condition.

Illustrated newspapers led to an increase of cartoons by artists such as Winslow Homer and William Hogarth, who utilized food and drink as social satire. The 20th-century modern art movement further changed the perception of food. The culture of mass production enabled Pop artists to elevate seemingly mundane foodstuffs to high art. Yet, other contemporary artists explored the symbolic and nostalgic role of food seen in works by Tim Tate, Linda Armstrong, and Laquita Thomson.

Visitors will also experience an elaborately set dining table fit for a sumptuous feast. Dining became its own art form over time and communicated one’s social standing and wealth. Each of the table’s six place settings represent a different culture and offer a glimpse into global dining customs. Selective drinkware will accompany this section revealing how tea sets and even punch bowls reflected an owner’s prestige.

Holiday STEAM
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Haywood County Public Library

What happens when you mix science and the holidays? Join us for some hands-on fun!

https://www.facebook.com/events/275934569788889/

Ecusta Apparel 15% off through Dec. 24th.
Dec 20 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ecusta Brewing Company

Looking for that perfect gift? Our apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, caps) will be 15% off through Dec. 24th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2138898043042560/?event_time_id=2138898056375892

Toy Drive – All Month
Dec 20 @ 3:00 pm – Dec 21 @ 2:00 am
The Burger Bar

Each individual who donates more than $25 worth of toys will be given a 10% discount, that day, toward their entire tab.

https://www.facebook.com/events/563935094055904/

Toy Drive – All Month
Dec 20 @ 3:00 pm – Dec 21 @ 2:00 am
The Burger Bar

Each individual who donates more than $25 worth of toys will be given a 10% discount, that day, toward their entire tab.

https://www.facebook.com/events/563935094055904/?event_time_id=563935110722569

Resilience IPA Release Night
Dec 20 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Big Lick Brewing Company

Join us at Big Lick Brewing Company on Thursday, December 20th for Resilience Night, the night we are releasing our batch of Resilience IPA! All of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will go directly to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, so come drink some good beer for a good cause! Growler fills and crowlers will be available to go.

https://www.facebook.com/events/204387083797626/

Ben & Jerry’s Celebrities Scoop for Helpmate
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join Helpmate for ice cream scooped by local celebrities on December 20th at Ben and Jerry’s. The celebrity scoopers of the night will be County Commissioner Amanda Edwards, Sheriff Quentin Miller and more. We look forward to the community connections and thank Ben and Jerry’s for donating 10% of the proceeds to Helpmate.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2205683506419885/

Brother Wolf Rescue Christmas Event
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mills River Brewery

Help Brother Wolf raise money to save pets in our Community. There will be free food and possible pet adoptions.

https://www.facebook.com/events/496977357481895/

Free Pet Photos with Santa
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets is teaming up with iHeart Radio-Asheville to host FREE Pet Photos with Santa. Pet Photos will be available on Thursday, November 29, Thursday, December 6, Thursday, December 13 and Thursday, December 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the food court. (Dogs & Cats only) Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be on-hand and all donations are welcome. 99.9 Kiss Country Star 104.3 News Radio 570 WWNC

https://www.facebook.com/events/542896726122954/?event_time_id=542896759456284

Free Pet Photos with Santa
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets is teaming up with iHeart Radio-Asheville to host FREE Pet Photos with Santa. Pet Photos will be available on Thursday, November 29, Thursday, December 6, Thursday, December 13 and Thursday, December 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the food court. (Dogs & Cats only) Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be on-hand and all donations are welcome. 99.9 Kiss Country Star 104.3 News Radio 570 WWNC

https://www.facebook.com/events/542896726122954/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 20 @ 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.

Mills River Brewery Tabling Event
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mills River Brewery

Come and see our friends at Mills River Brewery and learn more about Henderson County Brother Wolf Chapter!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2208248226129723/

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)
Dec 20 @ 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/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627417681051

Mica Town Beer Tasting
Dec 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Shucks Pearls of Marion Holiday House

Come and enjoy beer tasting with McDowell County’s first brewery. You might enjoy shopping our pearl selections as well.

https://www.facebook.com/events/356159138451722/

Trivia
Dec 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Summit Coffee Asheville

Join us for trivia every Thursday at 5:30. There will be fun prizes for the winners and losers. Maybe an impromptu dance party?
Host this week: Angela

Think you know your stuff? We’ll call your bluff!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1793889307407161/

3rd Annual O’ Hole-y Night
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
HOLE

Cocoa! Caroling! Doughnuts!

It’s time again for our favorite event of the year! Our Hole family is excited to spread the cheer with your whole family. Come sing-along with our carolers while we serve up piping hot, made-to-order holiday doughnuts. We can’t wait to meet Grandma Sue, your nephew Pete, and even your drunk Uncle Stan (there will be some boozy glazes just for him). Ho! Ho! Hole!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1922498671159893/

Circle Round presents Drum and Chant Ritual for Yule!
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Raven & Crone

Circle Round presents a DRUM AND CHANT RITUAL FOR YULE. Join us as we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun and the Spirit. Bring drums/rhythm instruments if you have them, and enthusiasm. We will have some extra rhythm instruments available for use. Love donations for use of space and/or contributions of canned goods for the foodbank are welcome. Presented by Meade, co-founder of Tuatha Dea Celtic Tribal Drum Family, and Rhiannon of SerpentStone on Thursday, December 20,2018 from 6-8 pm.

Circle Round is a monthly forum which meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm at the Raven and Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC. For further info, or if you wish to be a presenter for a future meeting, contact Rhiannon at [email protected].

https://www.facebook.com/events/118653872385611/

Holiday Lights Safari 2018
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hollywild Animal Park

Holiday Lights Display

https://www.facebook.com/events/678011099229782/

Izzi Hughes at Cedric’s Tavern – Biltmore Estate
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Biltmore

Singer/guitarist, Izzi Hughes, is no newcomer to music or performing. She brings a youthful energy to every performance, while “wowing” the audience with her musical maturity. Her eclectic mix of songs will remind you of the old ones you have forgotten, while putting a unique twist on the new ones of today.

https://www.facebook.com/events/489018264898311/

Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 2-23. Want to experience the show by foot? Lights by the Lake Stroll Night is on Saturday, December 1. Please check our Facebook event page for information on any closings due to winter weather.

Tickets are $10 at the gate ($8 in advance) for a standard passenger car or van. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.

https://www.facebook.com/events/260293307959881/?event_time_id=260293327959879

Live Music with Paul DeFatta
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Maggie B's Wine & Specialty Store

Come have fun and relax before Christmas with a fun show from Maggie B’s favorite, Paul DeFatta. This will be Paul’s last show before he makes a big move, so you don’t want to miss him!

https://www.facebook.com/events/274771303233318/

Pop-up Gift Shop
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Engaged Asheville

Come snag some last-minute gifts for your friends and family! Enjoy the beautiful Engaged Asheville space while sippin’, snackin’ and tryin’ on all things LuLaRoe, Mary Kay & Doterra!

I will have some gift tags, cards and other Holiday themed items available for personalization as well :)

https://www.facebook.com/events/193048844977292/

Strengthen Inner Resilience Through Painting!
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Sacred Space Painting

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
JUST A WILLINGNESS TO EXPLORE!

Wintertime is a time for coming home to the light and stillness within. Sometimes for sensitive souls or someone who has experienced trauma it can be hard to do that with the overstimulation of the Holiday Season. Give yourself the gift of spontaneous expression with lots of liquid colors in a safe and supportive environment. Intuitive Painting opens the heart and soothes the soul.

~Experience the joy of creative expression in a safe and
supportive environment.
~Remove blocks to creative flow.
~Find and trust your authentic voice.
~Develop body awareness.
~Learn how to calm your own nervous system.
~Access the stillness and mystery within.

Space is limited so register early to insure a spot.

$180 if paid before November, 20th, $200 after the 20th.
Call if you have any questions, 828-252-4828
You can mail me a check or register and pay through my website http://www.sacredspacepainting.com/registration.html

https://www.facebook.com/events/1912162892212972/

Succulent Terrarium Workshop with Casamigos Tequila
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Capella on 9

Join us for a succulent terrarium making class with Casamigos brand education, a new cocktail launch, and small bites. The succulent is your’s to take home.

https://www.facebook.com/events/979592668916760/

Sylva Wine & Art Walk, Downtown Sylva
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who doesn’t like Art & Wine? Stroll thru the streets of Sylvatown on Dec. 20th to taste great wines and view local artists! Sponsored by The Cut Cocktail Lounge, White Moon, Noon, Pie Times, Gallery 1, The Paper Mill Lounge, Guadelupe Cafe, City Lights Cafe, Mill St Baby, and Regina Nicole!

https://www.facebook.com/events/367311450516181/

Technique & Hill Training
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
OLLI

The Asheville Marathon and Half Training Group will have weekly technique and Hill Training on Thursday evenings at 6pm at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Parking Lot – OLLI – UNCA.

Each workout will last one hour. During these workout sessions we will be doing some hill interval training (everyone’s favorite) to improve your hill technique as well as your conditioning.

If you haven’t already registered for the marathon or half marathon training group, you can sign up online and attend these technique and hill trainings and our weekeng long runs. Find out more here –> http://ashevillemarathon.com/community/training/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2133268403589289/

Technique & Hill Training
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
OLLI

The Asheville Marathon and Half Training Group will have weekly technique and Hill Training on Thursday evenings at 6pm at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Parking Lot – OLLI – UNCA.

Each workout will last one hour. During these workout sessions we will be doing some hill interval training (everyone’s favorite) to improve your hill technique as well as your conditioning.

If you haven’t already registered for the marathon or half marathon training group, you can sign up online and attend these technique and hill trainings and our weekeng long runs. Find out more here –> http://ashevillemarathon.com/community/training/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2133268403589289/?event_time_id=2133268466922616

Winter Lights
Dec 20 @ 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=183329625927834

Deep Relaxation and Mindfulness for the Season of Lights
Dec 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Emily Cameron, Coach for Life, Leadership and Relationship will be hosting the last free relaxation event this Thursday, December 20 at 6:30 pm. Our experience begins with settling in with the Loving Kindness meditation and then go into 30 minutes of reclining guided relaxation. Many people have enjoyed this class in the past since it has helped them to relieve stress, recover their vitality and achieve inner peace. This is Emily’s introduction to the community and her gift of peace for this season of lights. COME TO LAST SESSION! FREE! …and donations for space rental are appreciated. We meet at the Center Within’s Sanctuary Studio at130 Center Avenue, enter through purple door at left end of building. Please RSVP by texting or calling 703.409.0671 or by PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1965222673562168/