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.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Bubbles Around The World: A Holiday Sparkling Dinner
Dec 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Henderson

Join us for a Sparkling Wine Dinner to ring in the Holidays! Chef Michael has perfectly paired sparkling wines from around the world to tantalize our taste buds! Drew Summers, of Advintage Distributing will be our tour guide on this delightful journey! He will even be wowing us with his saber technique! Merit might even give it a try! You don’t want to miss this! Come help us celebrate 2018 and get ready to ring in 2019! Cost is $50 per person. Please contact the store to reserve your spot! 828-595-2236
Menu:
Sriracha & Wasabi Devilled Eggs | Sake, Ginger, Chives
Shrimp Bisque | Sherry, Crème Fraiche, Caviar
Poached Pear Salad | Winter Leaves, Tomatoes, Champagne Vinaigrette
Mac ‘n’ Cheese| Brie, Black Truffles
Chocolate-Orange Mousse | Vanilla Whipped Cream, Raspberry

https://www.facebook.com/events/354777081774257/

Thursday, December 20, 2018
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.

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/

Friday, December 21, 2018
Winter Solstice Celebration – Dark Prong Coffee Release
Dec 21 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ecusta Brewing Company

Come and celebrate the Winter Solstice with the release of our Dark Prong Coffee Porter. Roasted barley, chocolate malt and smooth pecan coffee (from local Pisgah Coffee Roasters) intertwine for a bold, flavorful porter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1422759147855974/

Natural Wine Tasting with Drew Summers
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tasty Beverage Company

Come try some fantastic natural wines that will pair perfectly with your holiday! We will be pouring the following wines:

Teutonic Riesling – Williamette Valley
Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation – 55% Del Barba Zinfandel, 45% Redwood Valley Carignan
Idlewild The Bird – Mendocino County – 60% Dolcetto, 35% Barbera, 5% Nebbiolo

Each of these wines is bright and high acid, drinkable enough to stand alone but is extremely food friendly. We love these wines and are excited to share them with you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1471390979659282/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 21 @ 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.

Saint Paul Holiday Wine & Food Pairing
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sweet Sippin'

Sweet Sippin’ will be Merry & Bright tonight as we collaborate with a local catering partner and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard out of Hendersonville, NC. 5 wines, 5 course samples and the beautiful sounds of The Quatrophonics, a quartet of wily saxophonists…even Santa will want a ticket! A great early Christmas gift for yourself or others – join us as we celebrate what this season is all about – spending time with those you love, and celebrating the local talents around us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/207106746860707/

Special Christmas Event, 2umbao’s Debut Performance
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm – Dec 22 @ 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope

Hello Everyone! Hope you are all looking forward to this New location! 2umbao will be hosting this special Christmas event for the Debut Performance of 2umbao’s Ladies Team!!
Thanks to #RitmoKultural and 103.3 Asheville FM for their support!

*Cover $10 ( This includes Class , Social, & Performance ?)

** Sensual Bachata Class at 8pm with Jennifer & Mary from 2umbao!

***Sharing the Decks at 9pm
1st DJ Malinalli, Asheville NC
2nd Special guest DJ Sens3 , Knoxville TN

****Special Performance at 11:15pm

This is a gorgeous new location for Urban Orchard Downtown , large open space and a bar that provides Beer, Cider, & Wine!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1946343472337577/

Saturday, December 22, 2018
Holiday Party & New Wine Release
Dec 22 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join us for a fun, relaxed holiday party to decompress and rejuvenate for the final days of this holiday season!

*NEW WINE RELEASE*
2018 Chardonnay Pet Nat – Hand harvested in Hendersonville, NC on September 2, this sparkling Chardonnay was produced by the Pétillant Naturel method.

12 – 5pm: Cookie Swap – bake a cookie and pack a to-go of delicious treats.

12 – 10pm: Ping Pong by Pong AVL

7 – 9pm: Holiday Decoration with Jillian Stewart – make something festive for yourself, or a last minute gift!

Rock your favorite ugly sweaters all day.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1976619585784785/

Michael Wilson Knowles at Silver Fork
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Silver Fork Winery

Fans of great blues and classic rock will love the eclectic range and vocal stylings of Michael Wilson Knowles in his first solo appearance at Silver Fork! Come out for excellent wine, celebration, and even a few seasonal tunes to round out the afternoon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/186857532246126/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 22 @ 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.

Sunday, December 23, 2018
Chimney Rockin’ with Daniel Sage!
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

Come out to Chimney Rock to enjoy the Fabulous Food, Wonderful Wines and Rockin’ talent of Daniel Sage!

https://www.facebook.com/events/563829534058941/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 23 @ 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.

A Centerpiece Jazz Christmas
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The Grind Cafe

The Annual Centerpiece Jazz Christmas Shows at the Grind Cafe will be on Dec. 21st & 23rd. The Friday Dec. 21 show will feature: Richard Shulman on piano and Adam Booker on bass – along with regulars Dave Reep on trumpet and Joseph Hasty on guitar/vocals with special guest Geoff Clapp on drums.
The Sunday Dec. 23rd show will feature the Page Brothers – Andy and Zack Page on guitar and bass. They will join Clapp, Hasty and Reep to round out the Quintet.
Holiday Jazz at it’s finest in the most intimate and festive atmosphere in Western North Carolina. Dinner specials along with fine wines and bottled craft beers will help ring in the Holidays!
$14 cover charge and reservations are a must!
These shows sell out in a hurry folks…

https://www.facebook.com/events/581339808972501/

Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 26 @ 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.

Thursday, December 27, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 27 @ 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.

City Dance
Dec 27 @ 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.

Friday, December 28, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 28 @ 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.

Saturday, December 29, 2018
Jangling Sparrows Duo Holiday Show
Dec 29 all-day
Isis Music Hall

(Asheville, NC) – Asheville’s Jangling Sparrows Duo bring their Roots-y Americana-flavored Rock to Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd., Saturday, December 29. Showtime: 7pm-9pm. Tickets: $10 (advance), $12. (door). Info: (828) 575-2737 or visit https://isiasheville.com/.

BA # 4 – Apple Pie Barleywine Release
Dec 29 @ 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company

On December 29th we will unveil the biggest beer yet to emerge from our Barrel Program – BA #4 Apple Pie Barleywine. This delicious beer is an Apple Pie lovers dream come true! Aged for 32 months in bourbon barrels, it features additions of Carolina apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar and weighs a hefty 12% ABV.

AVAILABLE IN TASTING ROOMS ONLY

https://www.facebook.com/events/2572385022832996/

BA # 4 – Apple Pie Barleywine Release
Dec 29 @ 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company

On December 29th we will unveil the biggest beer yet to emerge from our Barrel Program – BA #4 Apple Pie Barleywine. This delicious beer is an Apple Pie lovers dream come true! Aged for 32 months in bourbon barrels, it features additions of Carolina apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar and weighs a hefty 12% ABV.

AVAILABLE IN TASTING ROOMS ONLY

https://www.facebook.com/events/1096528970527959/

BA # 4 – Apple Pie Barleywine Release
Dec 29 @ 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company

On December 29th we will unveil the biggest beer yet to emerge from our Barrel Program – BA #4 Apple Pie Barleywine. This delicious beer is an Apple Pie lovers dream come true! Aged for 32 months in bourbon barrels, it features additions of Carolina apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar and weighs a hefty 12% ABV.

AVAILABLE IN TASTING ROOMS ONLY

https://www.facebook.com/events/2232507833701476/

Carver & Carmody at Burntshirt!
Dec 29 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

Join Carver & Carmody in Chimney Rock for an afternoon of wine tasting and live music 2-5!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1128349187325456/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 29 @ 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.

Sunday, December 30, 2018
Yoga + Wine Tasting with Kimmie: Prince & Poppin’ Bubbly
Dec 30 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Community Tap

Ring in 2019 right with an hour yoga class + BUBBLES tasting! This will sell out – get your tickets now!

* Please note refunds can be accommodated up to 24 hours before the event. There will be a waiting list so please request a refund if you can’t make it so we can include someone else. Cheers + Namaste.

https://www.facebook.com/events/287403411899270/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 30 @ 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.

Monday, December 31, 2018
GROVE HOUSE 37th EPIC NYE BASH!
Dec 31 all-day
Scandals Nightclub

~ ONE Combined EPIC NYE Bash
~ THREE Dance Floors, THREE DJ’s, THREE Balloon Drops
~ SIX Bar Tend Stations
~ EIGHT Holiday Themed Areas (‘Pirates That Stole Christmas’, ‘Forest Of Silver & Gold’, ‘Old School Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Saloon’, ‘Holiday Hall’, ‘Candy Land’, ‘Ice Palace’)

~ Balloon drops over ALL THREE dance floors, stuffed with OVER $1000 in Cash & Prizes!!!
~ Complimentary party favors (hats, tiaras, noisemakers, horns, leis, etc.)
~ Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts
~ Legendary drag show at 12:30am on the BOILER ROOM stage

A Very Savory New Years Eve
Dec 31 2018 @ 5:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 pm
The Paper Mill Lounge & Theatre

NYE UPDATE: We are opening our doors on NYE at 5pm so peeps can party till 2am. Tickets will NOT need to be purchased nor reserved, prior.

The dinner options will be available ALL NIGHT LONG for $98, including bottle or glass of wine with a chicken or beef entree of your choice, champagne at midnight!

At 10:30ish a live band, starring Tyler Kittle, Curt Collins, Cara Rimmer, Katie Hutchinson, & Jeremy Thompson for dancing and celebrating!

(Event is 21+) #thepapermilllounge #newyearseve2018 #chefkelleyrae #lounge

https://www.facebook.com/events/1124445541049772/

New Year’s Feast at the Golden Fleece
Dec 31 @ 5:30 pm
Golden Fleece

You are cordially invited to a New Year’s Eve feast at the fleece! Join us on Monday, December 31st for a culinary experience befitting the final meal of the year. To send off our third year serving our friends and neighbors in the Asheville community, Golden Fleece will offer a sumptuous5 course prix-fixe menucurated by Executive Chef, George Delidimos. See the full delicious line-up of luxury and lucky flavors below. Tickets for the evening will be available at 5:30pm & 7:30pm and will be $65 per guest (tax and gratuity not included). Golden Fleece will also offer wine pairings for the 5-course feast for an additional $25 per guest. Availability for this celebratory evening is limited so don’t delay, call (818) 424-7655or visit our reservation page. We look forward to the opportunity to take care of you one last time in 2018!

First Course
Creamy Lobster Bisque;pine nuts, basil, lobster tail, grilled baguette
Wine Pairing: Sparkling Rosé

Second Course
Warm Root Vegetable Salad;beets, parsnips, carrot, potato, red onion, pomegranate vinaigrette, graviera cheese, walnuts
Wine Pairing: Still Chardonnay

Third Course
Wild Mushroom & Black Garlic Ragout;wild NC mushrooms, black garlic, Madeira, thyme
Wine Pairing: Still Pinot Noir

Fourth Course
Pomegranate-Fennel Glazed Rack of Lamb;cream of corn, spiced-pickled raisin
Wine Pairing: Still Syrah

Fifth Course
Persimmon-Champagne Mousse;caramelized citrus
Wine Pairing: Champagne

New Year’s Eve Five Course Dinner
Dec 31 2018 @ 6:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
Jargon

New Year’s Eve dinner reservations are open!

Two seatings: 6-8pm or 8:30pm-close
$75 per person, or $100 per person with 4 wine pairings
Live music by Vollie McKenzie

Reserve online at jargonrestaurant.com or call 828-785-1761

Menu (subject to change):

Rabbit Ravioli – House ricotta, butternut squash, pistachio, fava beans, carrot, balsamic brown butter

Pickled Beet Salad – Blood orange, Marcona almonds, mint, fennel, chèvre mousse

Marinated Rouget -Whole seared, celeriac purée, cilantro, thyme, blistered peppers, charred lemon

Porchetta – Pork belly-wrapped tenderloin, hoppin johns, braised winter greens, carrots, beets, red pepper mostarda

Sweet potato pie – Sourwood honey, spicy pecans, rosemary infused fresh marshmallow, orange

-Please note that this is a RESERVATIONS ONLY event.
-Per person costs do not include sales tax, gratuity or additional alcohol.
-A credit card will be required at time of reservation, and may be subject to a fee of $50 per person in case of cancellation within 48 hours, or no show.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2205334736145694/