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.

Sunday, December 5, 2021
The Hop releases Bountiful Cities Series Sweet Potato Candied Pecan Ice Cream
Dec 5 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop- various locations see below
An Online Store Release!
The Bountiful Cities Series consists of regular, small-batch ice cream flavors made with ingredients grown and harvested from the local elementary school FEAST gardens! It is also meant to be a tool to help promote the food-related programs for the schools/students in Asheville and Buncombe County.
What is the newest flavor?
Sweet Potato w/ Candied Pecans

North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

S&W Building
56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Dec 5 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
“Paws + Pints” Adoption Day Free ·
Dec 5 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hillman Beer - Asheville/Biltmore Village

Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.

The tradition continues on the Rock after going virtual! Bring the whole family to this dazzling holiday celebration, Playhouse-style! An all-new show with the same great spirit and quality, A Playhouse Christmas 2021 will feature many seasonal classics along with several new adaptations and medleys. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, this song and dance revue is sure to bring you great holiday joy!

A TUNA CHRISTMAS CANCELLED
Dec 5 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams

In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of A Christmas Carol is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun.

FREE Worm Composting Workshop (Vermiculture)
Dec 5 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Pearson Garden in Montford

No photo description available.

Worms are the best! Come learn how they can make your garden the best it has ever been, AND learn how food waste and composting have an impact on climate change.

Here’s the details:
On Sunday December 5th 2021 from 2-3:30 Bountiful Cities will hold a FREE Worm Compost Workshop (Vermiculture) at their Pearson Garden in Montford
This is being done in conjunction with World Soil Day!
There will be a hands on project (perfect for kids) building small worm compost systems to take home.
There will be a demonstration of a worm tower and info. about vermiculture.
The Hop Ice Cream will be making a Bountiful Cities Signature flavor using sweet potatoes grown in our Herring Elementary school garden to help promote the event.
We will supply yummy refreshments (chocolate “soil” cake with gummy worms!) and hot beverages to keep folks warm and cozy.

If you plan to attend please contact us by email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]. Also, please let us know if you’ll be attending and will need language interpretation and/or childcare.

This workshop is being presented in conjunction with the City of Asheville.
Thanks, and we hope to see you there!
This is being done in conjunction with World Soil Day, and Asheville Greenworks!

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 5 @ 2:30 pm
Peace Center

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville

A European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Hernan Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Dec 5 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Virtual Concert: Asheville Baroque Concerts
Dec 5 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Virtual on Youtube

VIRTUAL CONCERT Sunday, December 5, 3 pm – ASHEVILLE BAROQUE CONCERTS
Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba, Daniel Swenberg, Baroque lute and theorbo

Vihuela!
Lutenist Daniel Swenberg joins Gail Ann Schroeder for a program of music for viola da gamba, lute and theorbo. This concert, pre-recorded in the beautiful St. Giles Chapel at Deerfield, will feature works by Diego Ortiz, Sylvius Weiss and Marin Marais. It will be aired on PAN HARMONIA’s YouTube page on Dec 5, 2021 at 3 pm. Connect here: https://www.youtube.com/c/PanHarmonia and please subscribe!

VIRTUAL: Asheville Baroque Concerts
Dec 5 @ 3:00 pm
youtube

PAN HARMONIA is Asheville, NC’s award-winning chamber music repertory company. Created and directed by flutist Kate Steinbeck, it has been nationally recognized for its artistic excellence and creative vision for over two decades. Luminous ensembles of winds, strings, voice, guitar, piano and percussion perform a wide range of repertoire from iconic masterpieces to beautiful new works, spanning from the Renaissance to the Now. PAN HARMONIA shares its world-class music widely. Its musicians love playing for diverse audiences of all ages throughout the community – in art galleries, historic churches, prisons, homeless shelters and front porches. We believe social justice and arts access go hand in hand. Our music is sublime, transcendent, refreshing and our performances inclusive, informal and fun. PAN HARMONIA will alter your perception of what classical music can be!

 

ASHEVILLE BAROQUE CONCERTS: Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba, Daniel Swenberg, Baroque lute and theorbo Vihuela! Lutenist Daniel Swenberg joins Gail Ann Schroeder for a program of music for viola da gamba, lute and theorbo. This concert, pre-recorded in the beautiful St. Giles Chapel at Deerfield, will feature works by Diego Ortiz, Sylvius Weiss and Marin Marais. It will be aired on PAN HARMONIA’s YouTube page on Dec 5, 2021 at 3 pm. The livestream link will be posted on the Pan Harmonia website on the day of the concert, so be sure to check that afternoon. Connect here: https://www.youtube.com/c/PanHarmonia and please subscribe!

Ballroom Tea Dance
Dec 5 @ 3:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre
Ballroom Tea Dance

Great Price. $10 for Dance WNC Members/$12 for non-members includes refreshments. Ballroom: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rhumba, Cha, Swing, 2-step, Bolero, Salsa, Samba…
IT’S THE MOST _____ TIME OF THE YEAR: OIL ON CANVAS
Dec 5 @ 4:00 pm
Magnetic Theatre

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and Jean and Doug couldn’t be more excited about the holiday season. The halls are decked, the trees are up, and the kids, Rosemary and Bing, will be arriving any minute. Son-in-law Mike and new grandbaby Suzie round out the family gathering, and loving tolerance and charity abounds. But Jean has arranged a surprise for them all that makes them question her sanity, and as Thanksgiving Day dawns, the family must decide: How far will they go to make Jean’s ultimate Christmas wish come true?

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $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 listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

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.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Happy Holidays from Love Bubble
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
Isis Music Hall--The Main Stage

Love Bubble” is the name of the freshest harmony-driven trio in WNC! Made up of 3 of our areas finest and most sought after singers, you’re in for a dreamy, nostalgic, heartwarming and whimsical time! Hank Bones (guitar/vocals), Paula Hanke (vocals/flute/uke) and Peggy Ratusz (vocals/harmonica/percussion) bring a holiday twist to their psychedelic jazz/rock/pop 60’s vibe for this Christmas themed concert! It’s the time of the season! Happy Holidays from Love Bubble!”

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville

A European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Hernan Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

WHITE HORSE LIVE: Blind Phoenix
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
WHITE HORSE LIVE: Blind Phoenix

Co-produced by White Horse Black Mountain and RadHaus Studio!

Blind Phoenix is back with more great Americana music. Co-leads Chris Daniels and Rebekkah Hilgraves range from smoky and bluesy to silly and fun, with songs about love, loss, driving in cars (or doing another sort of driving).

They are joined by bassist Michael Filippone and drummer James Kylen, with special guest pianist/vocalist Chris Rosser.

As many bands do, Blind Phoenix started by accident. Chris Daniels and his wife Kim own a great little restaurant, The Silos, along the coast in North Carolina, and Rebekkah Hilgraves was in town helping a family member. She wandered in to the restaurant one night after a neighbor told her that there was a regular open mic night every Wednesday. They sat together, planned a couple of tunes and had a blast singing together the first time.

Rebekkah kept visiting, got inspired to write a couple of songs, and an idea was born — let’s turn this into a Real Thing, and record an album. Over the next several months, both saddened and inspired by life events, more songs came to life. They planned recording sessions in Asheville, at White Horse Black Mountain and RadHaus. Truth or Dare was the result, and the rest, as they say, is history.

They’ll bring back songs from the album, along with more new material they’re preparing for their next couple of albums!

Want to hear their work before you decide? Check out TRUTH OR DARE at https://blindphoenix.shop

(PSST — can’t attend in person? Watch the video here: https://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com/white-horse-live-player )

Monday, December 6, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Dec 6 all-day
online
ASAP is currently hiring for several positions and internships
Dec 6 all-day
online only

2021 ASAP board and staff

ASAP is currently hiring for several positions and internships.  Applications are accepted only by email. Please do not call or come by the office.

Growing Minds Program Coordinator will assist in the design and implementation of farm to school programs, including trainings/workshops for educators, farmers, community partners, parents, and volunteers; curriculum and resources; networking and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders; providing community outreach and engagement; assisting with grant writing and reporting; and other tasks in support of the organization.

The Assistant Market Manager is responsible for providing operational and promotional support to the ASAP Farmers Market/Asheville City Market year round (the current location is at 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, but is subject to change). This is an hourly contract position scheduled for at-market shifts. Hours will vary based on market schedules and will average from 5-7 hrs./wk. Related responsibilities or support for other Local Food Campaign programs may be assigned as needed.

The Farmers Market Intern will support theASAP Farmers Market/Asheville City Market. Internships run 8-10 weeks, 6 hours weekly, and are available in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Responsibilities include supporting market operations, including set-up; running special events; and, optionally, providing content for social media posts and weekly newsletters.

Asheville Art Museum From Home
Dec 6 all-day
online
WORK OF THE WEEK
Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Asheville Gallery of Art’s December Exhibit, Joyful Light
Dec 6 all-day
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art

December 2021 Exhibit

“Joyful Light”

Each of us would benefit by having more joy and light into our lives and our world, after the last two difficult years. The December exhibit at the Asheville Gallery of Art focuses on visual images that remind us to welcome the joy and light of the season into our hearts and homes.

“Joyful Light” runs from December 1-31 during gallery hours, 11am-6pm, and features works by numerous artists in a variety of mediums. A gathering to meet the artists will be held on First Friday, December 3 from 5-8pm at the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue. Please join us during this special time of year to view the wonderful medley of offerings!

Patricia Veatch – “Merry Berry”, Oil
“Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I love Christmas most of all for the opportunity to be with family and share our traditions. After a very isolated zoom Christmas last year, our family is going to celebrate with gusto!”

Sally Lordeon – “Sunlight Thru the Trees”, Acrylic

“As the days shorten, we are reminded of nature’s eternal gift of gleaming sunlight that shines through the thickest forest and brings us the joy of another beautiful day.”

Raquel Egosi – “Terpsichore”, Acrylic

“While mostly abstract, this painting is inspired by the dynamic flow of the joy of dance, the exuberance of life, and the creativity of performance and stage lights.”

Robin Altman – “Mountain Sunflower”, Acrylic
“This little painting is a reminder to get up each day with the intent to shine a light on the world in some way. Just as nothing stops nature, we must stand up and be counted.”

The Asheville Gallery of Art is open 7 days a week. For more information about this show, contact the gallery at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery’s Facebook page.

Be an Arts Ally Raffle
Dec 6 all-day
online

Be an Arts Ally

Join or renew your arts council membership between now and December 31st for your chance to win this raffle package, including a Wheel Thrown Shape vase from East Fork, truffles from Chocolate Fetish, a card set from Noir Collective, and two bottles wine from Marked Tree vineyard.

Bullington Gardens Virtual Holiday Sale
Dec 6 all-day
online

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 4, 2022
Dec 6 all-day
Buncombe County
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.
In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

Businesses Get in the Local Food Guide!
Dec 6 all-day
online w/ ASAP
Get in the Local Food Guide!
2021 Local Food Guide and Full Share: A CSA GuideEvery year, ASAP calls more than 1,400 businesses to update our Local Food Guide and CSA guide so that we get the most accurate information about connecting with local food and farms. We’ve started making calls for 2022!
Want to get a head start on updating your listing? You can give us a call (828-236-1282) or do it yourself online (click login in the upper right of appalachiangrown.org). The deadline to be included in the print Local Food Guide is Jan. 31 (or Dec. 31 for CSA farms).⁣
Have a new farm, restaurant, retail outlet, or other locally sourcing food business that you want to be listed? Go to appalachiangrown.org and click Get in the Guide.⁣ An online listing is completely free.
Christmas at Biltmore
Dec 6 all-day
Biltmore

November 5, 2021 – January 9, 2022: 47th Annual Christmas at Biltmore

Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Deck The Trees
Dec 6 all-day
Monte Vista Hotel

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

Elida Homes: Sponsor A Child for the Holidays
Dec 6 all-day
online
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and job insecurity, our children and youth need support more than ever.
Many children who are living at Eliada may be restricted to campus and won’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays. Families in our child development center face financial hardship. Our older youth transitioning to adulthood have children of their own, and are struggling to find work and safe housing during this time.
With community support, Eliada can help parents and guardians provide a bright and joy-filled Christmas to their kids. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
How to sponsor a child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a wish list. Wish lists include information that help you get to know the child such as their favorite sports team, color, and movie. Wish lists also include their top three most need and most wanted items. Needed items include winter clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Wanted items often include things like music, art supplies, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.
The value of a wish list is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].
Sponsor multiple children with a program wish list:
We also have wish lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada throughout 2022.
Cottage wish lists are for youth living at Eliada. They include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases, and kitchen utensils. Many children will arrive at Eliada in 2021 with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can ensure they feel at home at Eliada.
Other wish lists are for our Child Development, Day Treatment, Campus Farm and Equine Therapy programs with needed classroom and playground supplies.
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until late November-early December. If you can shop at the last minute, we can use your support.
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected] or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.
Farm to School Jumpstart Grants from Growing Minds
Dec 6 all-day
online

Growing Minds has announced a new Jumpstart Grant for farm to school projects. Pre-K through 12 schools, homeschool groups, teacher and nutrition education programs, and community organizations serving children and families within the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina may apply for $500-$1,000 to provide children with positive local food and agriculture experiences. Eligible projects include edible school gardens, farm field trips, local food taste tests, or meals. In addition to funding, grantees may request supplemental training and/or technical assistance from the Growing Minds staff to help implement their project.

Grant applications are due Jan. 15, 2022.

Give the Gift of Theatre!
Dec 6 all-day
online
Flat Rock Playhouse Gift
                Certificate sits on a decorated Christmas tree

If you are looking for a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, why not give the gift of live theatre? The 2022 season will be announced soon and an experience is an unforgettable gift. Contact the Box Office at 828.693.0731 to purchase.

Also, consider making a donation designated to underwrite the cost of tickets which will be offered to first responders in the area. For the person who doesn’t need anything, but loves the arts, this could be a very special gift you give in their honor. Contact the Development Office for more information. 828.693.0403 x220.