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.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, January 11, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session One
Jan 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Saturday, January 13, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jan 13 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Two
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Saturday, January 20, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jan 20 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Jan 21 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

A Charlotte Comic Takeover!!!
It’s Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! Jan 21, 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get 3-5m, FREE entry and pizza. ]
Morgan Marie is guest hosting, in from Charlotte with some great comic features in tow, Matt Hammy, Thomas Heynan & Christine McLennan!! Get Your Tickets Now!!

Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Asheville Watchdog Public Forum: HCA-Mission Health at 5 Years
Jan 23 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center

Join The Watchdog and a Panel of Experts to Discuss Possible Solutions for Restoring Quality Healthcare to Western North Carolina

TUESDAY, JAN. 23, 2024

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A-B Tech Conference Center 

16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville 28801

Free (registration required) (Donations are welcome)

Mission Health used to be one of the premier hospital systems in America, a magnet for top physicians and nurses, a provider of caring, quality care for patients, and a source of pride for the community.

Five years ago, Mission’s board of directors sold the system to HCA Healthcare of Nashville, promising that the sale to the hospital giant would lead to higher-quality, more accessible, and lower-cost healthcare for the people of western North Carolina.

Now, after five years of HCA management, there’s a broad consensus that the exact opposites have occurred. The question now is:

What can we, the citizens of western North Carolina, do to once again have the best-in-class, accessible, and affordable healthcare we used to expect?

Please join Asheville Watchdog and a panel of experts for a public discussion focused on solutions.

Confirmed panelists (L-R): State Sen. Julie Mayfield; Dr. R. Bruce Kelly, MD; Karen Sanders, MSN, RN; City of Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof. Moderator: Asheville Watchdog Exec. Editor Peter Lewis

Note: Executives of HCA Healthcare, Mission Health, the Dogwood Health Trust, and MAHEC all declined The Watchdog’s invitations to participate in this event.

The event is free, but all attendees are requested to register in advance. Space is limited. There will be no microphones on the floor; submit your question in advance.

Virtual Writers Workshops
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.

Thursday, January 25, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Memoir Writing Miniseries with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

City Dance
Jan 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, January 27, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jan 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, February 1, 2024
Basics of Pruning
Feb 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 10 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Dear Valentine: A Love Letter Writing Workshop
Feb 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Story Parlor

Led by certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this pre-Valentine’s Day workshop offers space to connect + craft a love letter from the heart. We’ll talk about the history and styles of love letters complete with examples, what elements go into writing a love letter, how to find and capture meaningful moments, and provide the needed materials to complete a written letter.
For partners and individuals alike, this workshop is designed for everyone looking for a shared meaningful experience to tap into a more intentional way of connection and expression. From die-hard romantics, to self-love-devotees, to “Galentines” enthusiasts, to folks where the “L” word needs a little TLC — there’s something for everyone — whether you’re looking to write a love letter to yourself, your longtime beloved, your cat, or a ghost who won’t let up their haunt in your heart, join us!

Participants will walk away with:
– creative ways of thinking about letter-writing-
a wax-sealed envelope and letter
– meaningful connection exercises
– a shared experience
– snacks

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Live Stream | AMA with Lauren Harr of Gold Leaf Literary
Feb 13 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Virtual w/ Malaprop's Bookstore
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm

Join Lauren Harr, co-founder of Gold Leaf Literary Services, to ask burning questions about the book world, author events, and the business of writing.

This event is scheduled to occur monthly at the dates and times listed above.

To join, email [email protected] with the subject “I have a question!” and you’ll receive the Zoom link for the upcoming event.

Founded by two long-time booksellers in 2016, Gold Leaf Literary Services is dedicated to educating and assisting authors in various stages of their careers. For more, visit www.goldleafliterary.com.

Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, February 16, 2024
Juniper Bends February Reading
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flatiron Writers Room
Join us for a post-Valentine’s Day exploration of LOVE in all its forms. Our February reading takes place at the Flatiron Writers Room in West Asheville. Doors at 6:30pm, reading starts at 7pm. Free!
Featured readers: • Sebastian Matthews (Creative Nonfiction) • Amy Reed (YA Fiction) • Tony Robles (Poetry) • Kelly Kelbel (Prose) Readers will have their books available for sale.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
An Intimate Evening With David Foster + Katharine McPhee
Feb 21 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

16-time Grammy® award-winning musician, composer, and producer DAVID
FOSTER and acclaimed singer, television, and Broadway star, KATHARINE
MCPHEE are bringing their viral Instagram show on the road.

Coming directly from the Living Room to the stage, this intimate show with
the powerhouse duo will be packed with David‘s hits from Chicago,
Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, etc. and Kat’s
biggest songs from American IdolSmash, and Waitress. Plus some of their
favorites that they just love!

About David Foster
Few other individuals can claim to have their fingerprints on more major moments in all of popular music than David Foster. He has created hit songs for a diverse array of artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan.

Foster is gearing up to take on Broadway with several projects including writing the music for a new musical about the iconic animated character “Betty Boop.” He is also writing the music for a musical based on the Amy Bloom novel and New York Times bestseller Lucky Us.

About Katharine McPhee
Katharine McPhee can most recently be seen starring in the Netflix Original Series Country Comfort. Previously she starred as “Paige Dineen” on the CBS’ spy drama Scorpion and was featured in NBC’s award-winning musical series Smash, executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Her other television credits include CSI: NYCommunity, and Family Guy.

McPhee appeared on the big screen in Columbia’s romantic comedy The House Bunny. In addition to her acting career, she finds great success in the music space after her turn on Season 5 of American Idol. McPhee’s first single debuted at #2 on the Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart. Her debut album landed on the Billboard 200 chart and went gold in 2008.

McPhee also has a presence in theater, having recently starred in both the U.S. and U.K. productions of Waitress.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
City Dance
Feb 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.