Calendar of Events
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.
1st Annual Asheville Comedy Halloween Beauty Pageant
A +18 Comedy Show
The Orange Peel
October 22, 2022
8p/doors at 7p
$15 online/$17 at box office
Fully seated show
The area’s best comedians will be in character (think vampire, Batman or Alice from Wonderland,a politician, a dog, a witch, a game character, cartoon character or alien …so many possibilities!) and will be playing their part in this ridiculous pageant which will test these very special contestants in “beauty,” “talent,” “swimsuit” and standup comedy!
Decided by audience participation, YOU are in charge of who wins the prizes and is crowned the Asheville Monarch of Halloween for 2022!
You don’t want to miss the funnest event of the season! Free candy & Popcorn! Come early to enjoy Buzz Radio Asheville “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All Original, All Styles, All The Time.”
Produced by Slice of Life Comedy, Buzz Radio Asheville, The Hot Seat & Disclaimer Standup Comedy
Tickets on sale to public Aug. 5th
This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Malaprop Bookstore/ Cafe
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Mr. Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. One of his new books, The Best of Me (Little Brown/ Hachette, Fall 2020), is a collection of 42 previously published stories and essays, about which novelist Andrew Sean Greer wrote in the New York Times: “You must read “The Best of Me.” It will be a new experience, knowing that enough time has passed to find humor in the hardest parts of life. More than ever — we’re allowed to laugh.”
If you love David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting into at his live readings. You’d be wrong. To see him read his own work on stage allows his autobiographical narrative to reveal a uniquely personal narrative that will keep you laughing throughout the evening. Don’t miss this event!
Opportunity to learn more about cochlear implants – is it right for you? Two recipients of cochlear implants plus an audiologist will share practical tips to navigate the process.
This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].
-
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.
Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson
No cover
Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time
MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.
We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.
Here at Mission Health, we are committed to improving more lives in more ways. We are partnering with local law enforcement agencies on Saturday, October 29, to host Crush the Crisis, a prescription drug take-back event.
HCA Healthcare is committed to bringing frontline solutions to curb the tide of opioid misuse and addiction in the communities that we proud to serve. On Saturday, anyone in the community can safely and anonymously drop off unused and expired medication for proper disposal. HCA Healthcares Crush the Crisis events across the country will align with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
During last year’s event, Mission Heath collected 110 pounds of unused and expired
medication as part of Crush the Crisis.
Here are our participating collection sites:
Mission Hospital
1 Hospital Drive. Asheville, NC 28801
Across from the main campus on the north side
10 am – 2 pm EST
Angel Medical Center, front entrance of Angel Medical Center at 124 One Center Court
in Franklin
10 a.m. – noon
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, 78 Broad Street in Spruce Pine, near the campus of Blue
Ridge Regional Hospital
10 a.m. – noon
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, front entrance of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital at 190
Hospital Drive in Highlands
10 a.m. – noon
Mission Hospital McDowell, 500 Rankin Drive in Marion, at the rear of the Mission
Hospital McDowell campus
10 a.m. – noon
Transylvania Regional Hospital, front entrance of Transylvania Regional Hospital at
260 Hospital Drive in Brevard
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come out in a family friendly costume with your well behaved dog (costumes highly encouraged) and help raise funds for Eblen Charities work! All dogs will receive a treat, and all humans will be entered into raffles for prizes. All funds raised go to our work to keep people housed, with working utilities and other essential needs. Register by October 7th to be guaranteed a tshirt.
By Jen Silverman
Please be aware that, as of 10/2022, NC Stage is still requiring masks of all staff, audience members, and volunteers. Read more about this decision and our complete COVID-19 policy.
Sharon, in her mid-fifties, is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home. Robyn, also in her mid-fifties, needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely. A thoughtful, edgy comedy about what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.
“A play where The Odd Couple meets Breaking Bad, and where women of a certain age are visible again to society.”
-Let’s Play at Chicago Now
Discretionary Content: Adult themes and Language, brief smoking, and simulated drug use
Run Time: 1 hr 40 minutes, no intermission
Join us at the Leicester Library for a free, six-class series from the NC Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). You’ll learn will learn new recipes, nutrition tips, and easy at-home exercises. Our presenter will focus on practical skills for feeding your family nutritious meals and snacks while helping you stretch your food dollars.
These classes are open to any adults who are interested in learning more about healthy eating and basic food prep. Samples of the recipes may be provided.
-
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.
Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson
No cover
Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time
11.03 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday11.03.22. 7:30p-10p, doors at 7p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! A perfect blend between professional paid featured Comedians and a comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”] Hosted by Cody Hughes, a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.
We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.
The Royal Comedy tour, featuring Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford and Henry Welch, is coming to Bon Secours Wellness Arena at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Showcasing a star-studded lineup of world-class comedians, the Royal Comedy 17-city tour officially kicks off in Los Angeles on Sept. 30 before making its way to Greenville.
The Royal Comedy tour is produced by North American Entertainment Group Inc., one of the leading independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.
SHOW DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy St, Greenville, SC 29601
Lineup: Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, Tony Rock
Prices: $59, $75, $99, $125
Purchase: Available to purchase at Ticketmaster.com
Ticket Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D005AC2D5706E9A
ABOUT SOMMORE:
In her more than 20-year career, award-winning comedienne of “Chandelier Status,” Sommore, has become a trailblazer for women in the comedy business as one of the most successful comedians in the U.S. and abroad. Sommore has been featured in a number of hit films including “Soul Plane,” “Something New” and “Friday After Next.” Her all-new self-produced comedy special, “A Queen With No Spades” recently premiered on Showtime. For more information on Sommore, visit sommore.com. (Follow on Facebook: @QueenSommore, Twitter: @sommoresofunny, Instagram: @sommore)
ABOUT BRUCE BRUCE:
Bruce Bruce is a name synonymous with keeping audiences rolling with laughter thanks to his captivating improv skills and larger than life comedic style. You can currently find Bruce on IFC’s “Maron” and in constant reruns of “Comic View” on BET. For more information on Bruce Bruce, visit bruce-bruce.com. (Follow on Facebook: @mybrucebruce, Twitter: @mybrucebruce, Instagram: @mybrucebruce)
ABOUT LAVELL CRAWFORD:
Lavell Crawford is quickly climbing the comedic ranks and becoming one of the hottest stars in the biz today. Lavell first gained national exposure on NBC’s hit reality series “Last Comic Standing.” His television appearances include “Workaholics” (Comedy Central), “Breaking Bad” (AMC), and “Chelsea Lately” (E! Entertainment), “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam” (Showtime) and “Comic View” (BET), to name a few. For more information on Lavell Crawford, visit comedianlavellcrawford.com. (Follow on Facebook: @lavell.crawford.52, Twitter: @Lavellthacomic, Instagram: @lavellsthacomic)
Matt White went from distracting his classmates to engaging audiences nationally. Winner of “NC Funniest” 2020, “Carolina’s Funniest Comic” 2013, and “Port City’s Top Comic” 2012 are just a few achievements Matt has earned so far. Matt’s comedy journey began at ECU. Dreams of becoming a comedic actor led him to join an Improv Troupe. Later he founded a comedy organization, which branched off campus and became the hub of the local stand up comedy scene. Matt has performed in comedy festivals across the US. Red Clay Comedy Festival (Atlanta GA), LA Diversity In Comedy Festival (Los Angeles CA), Big Pine Comedy Festival (Flagstaff AZ) and many more.2019 Matt was selected “Best Of Fest” at the Cleveland Comedy Festival. He is one of the producers of the Oak City Comedy Festival (Raleigh NC).Matt has opened for Orny Adams, Tommy Davidson, Micheal Rapaport, Roy Wood Jr, Dusty Slay, Donnell Rawlings, Bobcat Goldthwait, and many many more.
-
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.
Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson
No cover
Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time
Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Time magazine, in the March 2020 “Best of” issue, listed Paula’s HBO special, Cats, Cops and Stuff as one of The 5 Funniest Stand-Up Specials Ever. Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!
Also an author, Poundstone’s second book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness (Algonquin 2017) was one of eight semi-finalists for The Thurber Prize for American Humor, the highest recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. The audiobook was one of five finalists for the Audio Book of the Year AUDIE award.
Paula was the first female comic, in its then 73rd year, to perform at the White House Correspondents dinner. She was the first female standup, in its then 5th year, to win the ACE award for Best Comedy Special on Cable television. She is included in innumerable lists, documentaries and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.
paulapoundstone.com
twitter.com/paulapoundstone
facebook.com/paulapoundstone
instagram.com/paulapoundstone
Listen to the podcast: paulapoundstone.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
*This event contains mature content/themes intended for adult audiences. Purchaser discretion is advised.*
Adam Sandler will be bringing his unique brand of comedy and song back to North America this fall, starting October 21 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Sandler will stop at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 11. Additional cities on the 15-date fall outing include Manchester, Boston, Belmont Park, Tampa, and more.
MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.
We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.
Joe Pera is a standup comedian, writer, and filmmaker from Buffalo, NY now living in New York, NY. Joe is best known for his current Adult Swim series, ‘Joe Pera Talks With You’, which The LA Times refers to as ‘TV’s quietest, most artful comedy’. He has performed his subdued standup on Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Comedy Central. After his animated special ‘Joe Pera Talks You To Sleep’ (which many have found to work), he followed up with other projects for Adult Swim including ‘Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree’ and ‘Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera’. Through his production company, Chestnut Walnut, Joe has also directed a number of film and tv projects including Conner O’Malley’s ‘Truthhunters’ pilot for Comedy Central. Joe’s new book ‘A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping Or Peeing But Using the Bathroom as an Escape’ is out now from Macmillan publishing, and on the USA TODAY best seller list. Season 3 of ‘Joe Pera Talks With You’ is now available to stream on HBO Max, and Joe can also be seen appearing on season 5 of ‘Search Party’ which just premiered on the platform.
Dan Licata is a NYC-based comedian who’s written for shows such as Saturday Night Live, Joe PeraTalks With You, and Teenage Euthanasia. In 2019, he was named one of the New Faces of Comedy at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, where his set was described as “a hyper storm of unbridled manic hilarity…”
Joe Pera is a standup comedian, writer, and filmmaker from Buffalo, NY now living in New York, NY. Joe is best known for his current Adult Swim series, ‘Joe Pera Talks With You’, which The LA Times refers to as ‘TV’s quietest, most artful comedy’. He has performed his subdued standup on Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Comedy Central. After his animated special ‘Joe Pera Talks You To Sleep’ (which many have found to work), he followed up with other projects for Adult Swim including ‘Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree’ and ‘Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera’. Through his production company, Chestnut Walnut, Joe has also directed a number of film and tv projects including Conner O’Malley’s ‘Truthhunters’ pilot for Comedy Central. Joe’s new book ‘A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping Or Peeing But Using the Bathroom as an Escape’ is out now from Macmillan publishing, and on the USA TODAY best seller list. Season 3 of ‘Joe Pera Talks With You’ is now available to stream on HBO Max, and Joe can also be seen appearing on season 5 of ‘Search Party’ which just premiered on the platform.
Ashevillians is a local comedy showcase featuring up and coming Asheville comedians and a few of your old favorites
ages 21+ (must have ID with you)
-
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.
Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson
No cover
Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time
11.17 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday11.17.22. 7:30p-10p, doors at 7p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! A perfect blend between professional paid featured Comedians and a comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”] Hosted by Cody Hughes, a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.
We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.
Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is selling out shows across the world on his Raincheck Tour.
In July 2020, the comedian teamed up with All Things Comedy to release his weekly podcast, Nateland. The world is a crazy place and there’s plenty of podcasts out there tackling the tough issues. However, Nateland will tackle the meaningless issues that we face day to day to give listeners a much-needed mental break from fighting the good fight. New episodes release Wednesdays, with video available on Nate’s YouTube channel and audio available everywhere you get podcasts.
Nate followed in the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world class magician, who’s influence is seen on Nate’s 2015 debut special Full Time Magic and his debut album Yelled at By a Clown. Nate’s half-hour Netflix Special The Standups premiered on July 4th, 2017. In March 2019, Nate’s first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid premiered globally with rave reviews, and recently released his highly anticipated 2nd special for the streaming platform, The Greatest Average American on March 18th, 2021.
Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his ten appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times, was a recurring guest on @midnight, and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. Off-screen, Nate was part of Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour, and has done live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times. In addition to touring the country as a headliner, Nate toured in arenas with Chris Rock on his 2017 Total Blackout Tour. He regularly performs at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the JFL Montreal Comedy Festival, where he’s received critical acclaim multiple years in a row.
Nate was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture’s ‘50 Comedians You Should Know’ in 2015. His debut one-hour special, Full Time Magic, premiered on Comedy Central that spring, followed by his debut album, Yelled at by a Clown, which reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks.
Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is selling out shows across the world on his Raincheck Tour.
In July 2020, the comedian teamed up with All Things Comedy to release his weekly podcast, Nateland. The world is a crazy place and there’s plenty of podcasts out there tackling the tough issues. However, Nateland will tackle the meaningless issues that we face day to day to give listeners a much-needed mental break from fighting the good fight. New episodes release Wednesdays, with video available on Nate’s YouTube channel and audio available everywhere you get podcasts.
Nate followed in the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world class magician, who’s influence is seen on Nate’s 2015 debut special Full Time Magic and his debut album Yelled at By a Clown. Nate’s half-hour Netflix Special The Standups premiered on July 4th, 2017. In March 2019, Nate’s first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid premiered globally with rave reviews, and recently released his highly anticipated 2nd special for the streaming platform, The Greatest Average American on March 18th, 2021.
Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his ten appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times, was a recurring guest on @midnight, and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. Off-screen, Nate was part of Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour, and has done live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times. In addition to touring the country as a headliner, Nate toured in arenas with Chris Rock on his 2017 Total Blackout Tour. He regularly performs at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the JFL Montreal Comedy Festival, where he’s received critical acclaim multiple years in a row.
Nate was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture’s ‘50 Comedians You Should Know’ in 2015. His debut one-hour special, Full Time Magic, premiered on Comedy Central that spring, followed by his debut album, Yelled at by a Clown, which reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks.
Will Foskey is a 27 year old stand-up comedian based in Atlanta, GA. After being named one of Just For Laughs’ “New Faces of Comedy” he recorded his debut album/special “All Things Sacred” which was released this summer. He can currently be found touring the country in preparation of his next project. While back in Atlanta, he can be found regularly performing at The Laughing Skull Lounge or playing bass for “Square Pizza” a band comprised of fellow comedians. After a good set in Chattanooga, an Angry Karen took to facebook and described his comedy as “Depressing,” “Judgmental,” and “Not Funny!” Will is very proud of this and to this day, has the review as his phone background.
featuring Kylie Vincent
ages 21+ (must have ID with you)