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.
Over the years, JP (Jonathan Pearlman) has produced many Tribute Shows under the “Alien Music Club” pseudonym. When he’s not producing shows and writing original material, he acts as Musical Director for the popular “Asheville Sessions” series at Isis Music Hall and can often be seen on guitar in many local venues. Tonight, he’s put together a stellar lineup with Taylor Pierson on piano, Zack Page on bass, Ben Colvin on sax and Justin Watt on drums. JP steps out into the spotlight to bring you “Tom Waits: The Early Years” – A very hip Tribute to Tom Waits, A neo-beatnik songwriter who grew weirder and wilder in the ’80s, earning a cult following that only grew larger as the years passed. Brought to you by Isis Music Hall in their intimate, upstairs Lounge, we know you’re gonna love it!
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis. Reservations are highly recommended.
Reserved Tickets for the Lounge are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :: Seating will be limited :: You MUST call venue (828-575-2737) to make a dinner reservation and purchase your tickets.
Dedicated to advancing and preserving the big band jazz tradition, the 17-piece Asheville Jazz Orchestra is western North Carolina’s premier big band. Whether they are playing a swing dance, club date, or formal concert, the AJO is the hardest swinging band in Asheville.
Join us for an evening of dazzling jazz renditions of beloved Christmas songs and carols. Featuring a New York City piano trio headed by Haim Cotton.
Address: 3715 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC 28732
Web: FeedAndSeedNC.com
December 16th at 7pm.
Doors open at 6pm*
Tickets online $20, at the door $25
Haim Cotton’s Jazz Trio:
Haim Cotton – piano
Solomon Gottfried – bass
Andea Niccolai – drums
Shakedown Lounge announces its grand opening party on December 16, 2022, starting at 7:00 p.m., with live music by the Lactones, drink specials, and free samples of new product offerings. The event is free and open to the public ages 18 and up.
Shakedown Lounge is open now Wednesday-Monday 4 p.m.-11 p.m., offering traditionally-prepared kava kava, as well as herbal teas, CBD/hemp edibles, lotus drinks, and coffee. The focus is on top-quality products and community through conversation, live music, poetry, and art, in an alcohol-free environment. The lounge provides a comfortable and relaxing setting for all of this. Shakedown Lounge came about when several long-time employees at Sovereign Kava got together to open their own spot in Hendersonville. www.shakedownlounge.com
Lactones is an underground drip noise band from Asheville, NC, that got their start performing at kava bars, perfecting their own blend of spacious atmospheric rock fusion that has been captivating audiences for nearly a decade. @kavalactonesmusic www.lactonesmusic.com
Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina. Poetry Open Mic Hendo happens every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., at Shakedown Lounge. Performers are encouraged to arrive early to sign up. This poetry-centered event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression. Look out for frequent featured guests, drink specials for performers, good entertainment, and lots more open mic to come.
A Holiday Mystery for All Ages!
In this family-friendly holiday mystery, Sherlock Holmes is asked to discover the identity of a man who lost his hat and goose in a late-night scuffle. At first, Holmes treats the request as only a mild curiosity, but then the countess of Morcar’s rare and valuable blue carbuncle is found stuffed down the goose’s throat. The pursuit of the thief leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 221B Baker Street to Covent Garden Market and all over the streets of wintery London.
Doors for performances open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Ticket sales end 1 hour prior to showtime, but there may still be tickets available in the office. Tickets purchased in the hour before a show starts in the office are $25. Contact BMCA for availability, and go to BMCA office to buy last-minute tickets.
- Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring live music!
- This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
This has all the makings of a jolly good family tradition!
- Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Admission: Adults $29; Children (5-11) $13
- Phone:
- Email:
A Christmas Memory takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Until
he was ten years old, Truman Capote lived with elderly relatives in a small town in
rural Alabama. The story is a frankly autobiographical account of those years,
especially of his relationship with one of the elderly cousins, Miss Sook Faulk.
The greatest examples of Capote’s skillfulness as a writer are found among the
stories inspired by his early childhood and the relationships he forged growing up
in the rural South.
A Christmas Memory first appeared in Mademoiselle Magazine in the late 1950s,
when Capote was 27 years old, and has since become one of his most beloved and
bestselling works.
Mr. Capote was a flamboyant figure in both literary and cultural circles.
Controversial, colorful and complex, he was a writer of uncommon grace. His
best-known works include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, In Cold Blood, Other Voices Other
Rooms, and The Grass Harp. Mr. Capote died in 1984 at the age of 59.
Earle Ross (E.R.) Haire, Jr. PhD is a native of North Carolina. His professional
achievements combine acting and theology. In Los Angeles, he worked as an actor
and at Paramount Studios. Theater credits in Los Angeles include The Foreigner,
You Can’t Take It With You, Hamlet, Henry V, Richard III, The Importance of Being
Earnest, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and the comedy spoof Riffs of Shakespeare.
Dr. Haire is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Dr. Haire earned a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Yale University Divinity
School, focusing on drama and worship. In 2017 he earned a PhD. In Theology and
Ethics from the University of the Edinburgh in Scotland.
The Main Stage Theatre at HART
Directed by Erin McCarson
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated pre-professional company. A full production with impressive sets and costumes.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the King of the Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting and exotic characters.
This heartwarming Broadway-style show will brighten your holiday season. Don’t miss this year’s event featuring performers from western North Carolina and special guest artists performing many of your seasonal favorites. The dazzling performances include dance, live music, and comedy.
CAROLING BY GASLIGHT
Written and Directed by Skyler Goff
Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the tightfisted old miser. But if you thought he was bad, wait until you get a load of his neighbors. Find out what really happened that fateful night in this hilariously devious retelling of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.
Content Warning: Contains explicit sexual content, language, and dialogue. Depicts murder, gore, gun use, conspiracy, prostitution, necrophilia, hallucinogens, psychotic breaks, and other content not suitable for children. Please contact the box office for more information if needed. We do not recommend this show for audiences under 18.
Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance
Edvard Tchivzhel, conductor
Rachel York, soprano
Jamarcus Gaston, host
Dancers of the International Ballet
This December, the music and tradition return! Gather family and friends for all your yuletide favorites and some special surprises.
This December, let the Greenville Symphony take you on a journey through NYC led by conductor Edvard Tchivzhel and host Jamarcus Gaston. Feel the holiday spirit from Broadway to Rockefeller Center with festive favorites and special surprises, featuring soprano Rachel York and Dancers of the International Ballet.
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
Directed by Beth Norris
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.
Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.
The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!
Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
We’ve got TWO shows for you this holiday season!
For one weekend only, we’ll be remounting last year’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley! Set two years after Pride & Prejudice, this story centers bookish middle sister Mary as the heroine. As members of the family gather to celebrate Christmas together at Pemberley Estate, a newcomer sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
While Miss Bennet depicts the Darcys’ Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, an inventive footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of an unexpected (and uninvited) guest who creates tension in the household, both upstairs and down. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.
Onstage we have Trinity Smith-Keel, Hanni Muerdter, Emily Tucker, Lauren Otis, Mandy Bean, Zak Hamrick, Jason Williams, Aaron Ybarra, Dana Gillihan, Gabby Bailey, and Desmond Williams.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL PATRONS must wear an N95 or comparable type face mask that covers nose and mouth at all times when inside the theater, except when actively drinking a beverage. Due to the size of the space, social distancing while seated will not be possible, so mask wearing will be strictly enforced.
– ALL AGES
– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– SEATED AND STANDING ROOM ONLY TICKETS AVAILABLE
AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS
Salvation Army Santas, hard liquor, new classics and some old country standbys make up the Honeycutters’ Holiday Spectacular. After the 2019 release of their EP, “Christmas on a Greyhound Bus,” Amanda Anne Platt and her band took to the road bringing with them a holiday show that is both irreverent and heartwarming. The spectacular is back for 2022, with some new tunes in tow from their latest studio album, “The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea.”
The music of Asheville, North Carolina based outfit Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is nuanced, bringing insight and wit to the stories Platt tells through songwriting. Lyrically driven, the band’s country roots music often inspires introspection, whether it be about life on the road, heartache or hope.
There is an empathetic and charming wit ingrained in Platt’s songwriting. She has a knack for accessing a deep well of emotion and applying it to her story-telling, whether she is writing from her own experiences or immersing herself into the melody of emotions in another person’s life.
The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
Named to Variety’s Comedy Impact Report following the unprecedented success of her debut, THE FAREWELL TOUR, Heather McMahan is back on the road bringing the giggles nationwide. A beloved standup comedian, storyteller, and the best friend everyone wants, Heather has seen her popularity skyrocket with fans and the industry falling for her voice, wit and southern flair. Her podcast, ABSOLUTELY NOT WITH HEATHER MCMAHAN was named one of the Ten Best Podcasts of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly. She starred opposite Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang in Netflix’s LOVE HARD, which reached no. 1 in the world and the US in its first five days of release on the platform. On the television side, she is currently developing a ½ hour multi-cam based on her life for NBC.
Experience the joy and magic of the holiday season through music and song with A Celtic Celebration with The Reel Sisters on the Main Stage at Isis Music Hall on Friday, December 16th.
The Reel Sisters enchant audiences and will bring you the mystery and magic of the winter holidays with their captivating music of harp, pipes, whistle, and song. Christmas favorites paired with traditional tunes from the Celtic lands and Appalachia will leave your heart full and your toes tapping! The Sisters’ approachable, lighthearted personalities create a unique musical experience that will leave you feeling inspired, contented, and full of good cheer. In the spirit of the season, the Sisters have invited along their nearest and dearest to join them on stage for an intimate and endearing tribute to the holiday season at Isis Music Hall. Join us for dinner and a drink and let us share music, friendship, and the joy of the holiday season. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited.
The Reel Sisters are a duo steeped in the musical tradition of Scottish harp and smallpipes. Piper Rosalind Buda and harpist Kelly Brzozowski share lifetimes of experience in the traditional music community and the technical expertise of classical training. The Reel Sisters’ music is uplifting, stirring, and just sweet fun. The music binds them together and connects them deeply to their audiences. Come and get in the Christmas spirit with The Reel Sisters!
Buncombe County is excited to announce the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 is now available.
The ACFR offers an in-depth analysis of Buncombe’s financial process and contains an independent auditor’s report from the audit firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
Go to the full report.
We invite you to come downtown and experience one or more temporary installations from the Art in the Heart program. Share your thoughts on the artwork by clicking on the second tab below. Art in the Heart is a temporary art program specifically designed to help stimulate conversations about themes like identity, community, inclusion, healing, unity, and resilience. It’s also a way to start conversations about how public spaces can, or don’t, help reflect or express a community’s past, present, and future.
You can find more background and information about the Pack Square Visioning Project here.
Asheville Asks: How do I get an issue addressed or find out about services in my neighborhood?
Our new Neighborhood Resources web page is a “one-stop-shop” resource to answer residents’ questions, from development projects to trash pick up.
This webpage gives you quick access links to some of the most frequently requested community resources and information.
Residents have a variety of questions and opportunities to get involved, and having the answers and information all in one place empowers residents to stay informed and help the City make improvements that the community wants to see.
The Neighborhood Resources web page can be accessed at ashevillenc.gov/neighborhoodresources.
Did we miss something? Let us know how we can improve this page by contacting us at [email protected].
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From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!
The Asheville Fire Department is conducting a survey this month to understand how residents like you feel about the services provided by the City of Asheville Fire Department.
It’s a quick 2 question survey which allows you to rate service and make suggestions as to how AFD can better serve the community.
Have thoughts?