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, December 14, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Old Sugarlands Trail
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

7 miles | Moderate Forest Walk, Holiday Celebration

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Saturday, December 18, 2021
Winter Tree ID Hike
Dec 18 @ 10:00 am
Cataloochee Ranch
Photo of people enjoying view from Hemphill Bald

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at Cataloochee Ranch for a moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike to Hemphill Bald, focusing on Winter Tree Identification. On the hike, we will explore strategies to identify trees in winter — such as examining bark patterns, community types, the form of the tree, and more. This hike is free for SAHC members and $10 for non-members!

Have you spent hours learning how to identify trees by their leaves, only to have them all drift away come winter? Well, lucky for you, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will be leading a hike on Saturday, December 18, to Hemphill Bald, focusing on Winter Tree Identification. On the hike, we will explore strategies to identify trees in winter — such as examining bark patterns, community types, the form of the tree, and more.

This moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 900 feet begins on a road used for hiking and horseback riding. Expect to see mountain streams and lovely cove hardwood forest mixed at times with hemlock stands and the ever-present rhododendron and mountain laurel. At the top of the ridge, the woods are replaced by open high altitude pastureland, and there is the chance for superb views of four counties and a number of mountain tops, including Cold Mountain, Crabtree Bald, Mt. Pisgah, and many others. The only difficult part of the hike is the last climb to the top. At the top is a stone table, moved there by Tom Alexander, Jr. and placed in the memory of his parents, Tom and Judy Alexander, founders of Cataloochee Ranch.

This hike is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the form below. 

Monday, December 20, 2021
AniMonday! Anime Games, Music All Day
Dec 20 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Retrocade

May be an image of one or more people and hair

Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!

Cheers to Chess at Highland Brewing Downtown
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Downtown

Need an excuse to use that chess board you bought during quarantine?

Every Monday Highland’s Downtown Taproom will Cheers to Chess. BYO chess set or use one of ours for a battle of wits.

Pitcher specials will be available while you play to keep you hydrated and ready for any blockade that comes your way.

Monday, December 27, 2021
AniMonday! Anime Games, Music All Day
Dec 27 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Retrocade

May be an image of one or more people and hair

Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!

Cheers to Chess at Highland Brewing Downtown
Dec 27 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Downtown

Need an excuse to use that chess board you bought during quarantine?

Every Monday Highland’s Downtown Taproom will Cheers to Chess. BYO chess set or use one of ours for a battle of wits.

Pitcher specials will be available while you play to keep you hydrated and ready for any blockade that comes your way.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Dirty Bingo at The Getaway
Dec 29 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Getaway River Bar
Dirty Bingo at The Getaway (White Duck Taco before Bingo)

This is what it sounds like. It’s Bingo using suggestive words, and winners get suggestive prizes. I have attended one, and it’s pretty tame, but not for the easily offended. We will meet at White Duck Taco down the street at 6:30 in the parking lot for a quick meal. If you want to skip the meal, you can meet us at the Getaway at 8:00pm when Bingo starts. There’s potential for great fun!
Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewing
Dec 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing

It’s time again for EYLA to host our ever popular Game Night! We are proud and excited to have Hi-Wire Brewing RAD, in its newest location, to host our group.
Please bring your favorite games to share and your competitive spirit to make it a fun and exciting evening of game play.
Please be aware that this and all future Game Nights will be held at the River Arts District location. Please Venmo Norque Smith for fees or pay in person Cash to the host.
COVID-19 safety measures
Event will be outdoor
Please make sure to come prepare to care for yourself. We encourage that you bring your mask if you feel you need it. We want everyone to feel as comfortable as they can to enjoy this event. Please follow all and every health recommendations to help keep everyone safe. We will follow all Hi-Wire Brewing guidelines concerning COVID-19
Saturday, January 1, 2022
First Day Hike
Jan 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! A Park Ranger will offer an informative discussion about the Park’s history while the group strolls, hikes or bikes up to the 3.2-mile entrance road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants!

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required. Please visit North Carolina State Park website for additional information.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Game Night at The Refuge
Jan 4 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Refuge
Game Night at The Refuge

Come play some games with us. No specific games are set up for the night, we just bring a bunch of stuff from our collection and playing pick-up games. Please feel free to bring your own, we love learning new games. We have the tables and chairs. Bring your own food if you’d like (there is a microwave and fridge). There is also a Chinese place across the street, a convenience store for drinks and snacks, and we’re in walking distance to Hot Dog World. If you have any questions Read our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/HendoHometownGameGeeks/about/)
Weekly bowling fun!
Jan 4 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
AMF Star Lanes
Weekly bowling fun!

Details

Join us for our Winter 2022 league! We bowl 14 or 15 weeks, we always have fun, no bowling experience is needed, you don’t need a ball or shoes, and everyone is welcome! COVID vaccination is required, and we enforce any mask mandates in effect. Cost for Winter season will be $14 per week, and this includes ball and shoe rental. We have four person teams, so you can either bring 3 friends and form your own team, or we will make teams and you can meet some new friends. We use handicap scoring, so whether you bowl a 50 or a 250, your scores will be competitive. There are prizes at the end of the season, plus we hold other events such as potluck dinners, costume contests, a weekly 50/50 raffle, practice and coaching sessions, a food drive to support our chosen charity, Loving Food Resources, and other outside events to help build and maintain a community of friends here in Asheville. We’re all about having fun and making new friends, and we hope you’ll join us!
COVID-19 safety measures
Masks required
COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be indoors
Please bring your COVID vaccination record card or a photo of it. We enforce any mask mandates in effect. You can remove the mask while you are on the approach to bowl, but please keep it on elsewhere.
Saturday, January 8, 2022
ZOOM D+D with Raj
Jan 8 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Join us for some Dungeons & Dragons over ZOOM. Teen – (grades 6-12)

Sign-up is required. Email Raj at [email protected] to request attendance.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewing
Jan 11 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing

Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewing

It’s time again for EYLA to host our ever popular Game Night! We are proud and excited to have Hi-Wire Brewing RAD, in its newest location, to host our group.
Please bring your favorite games to share and your competitive spirit to make it a fun and exciting evening of game play.
Please be aware that this and all future Game Nights will be held at the River Arts District location. Please Venmo Norque Smith for fees or pay in person Cash to the host.

Saturday, January 15, 2022
ZOOM D+D with Raj
Jan 15 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

 

Join us for some Dungeons & Dragons over ZOOM.

Sign-up is required. Email Raj at [email protected] to request attendance.

Teen – (grades 6-12

Tuesday, January 18, 2022
BINGO – holiday regift edition
Jan 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

BINGO - holiday regift edition

Come meet new people and participate in our BINGO game and social hour. Prizes are donated. Our January tradition is to bring and share your holiday re-gifts! Please bring a little something to share if you’re able. There is no cost to play.

Due to Covid we are limiting participation to adults. Advance registration will be required. Participation will be limited to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required.

Monday, January 24, 2022
Music Bingo Mondays
Jan 24 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Thursday, January 27, 2022
What If We Gather at the Botanical Gardens and Stare At Clouds While We Dance With Plants
Jan 27 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Friday, January 28, 2022
What If We Gather at the Botanical Gardens and Stare At Clouds While We Dance With Plants
Jan 28 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

A special zoom performance will be held on Saturday 1/22 for individuals to gather, share space, and dance with plants across the interwebs. Performances on Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 at 3pm are part of the Asheville Fringe Festival.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Saturday, January 29, 2022
What If We Gather at the Botanical Gardens and Stare At Clouds While We Dance With Plants
Jan 29 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Zoom D+D with Raj
Jan 29 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online

Join us for some Dungeons & Dragons over ZOOM.

Sign-up is required. Email Raj at [email protected] to request attendance.

Sunday, January 30, 2022
What If We Gather at the Botanical Gardens and Stare At Clouds While We Dance With Plants
Jan 30 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Monday, January 31, 2022
Music Bingo Mondays
Jan 31 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Friday, February 4, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 4 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Saturday, February 5, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 5 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Sunday, February 6, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 6 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Monday, February 7, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 7 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Music Bingo Mondays
Feb 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 8 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 9 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!

Thursday, February 10, 2022
Crossword: Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Feb 10 all-day
online

Our RiverRATS program teaches students all sorts of fun vocabulary about river ecology. These terms provide crucial information needed to protect and steward the river. This month’s crossword is going to quiz you on the vocabulary that we teach the kids in our stream table lessons! Let’s see how well you can do in our take on the game show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader!