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.

Friday, November 22, 2024
ANIMALS AS LEADERS: JOY OF MOTION X TOUR
Nov 22 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

Ages 18+
Masterworks 3: Messiah
Nov 22 @ 8:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

When asked to name the greatest composer of all time, Beethoven exclaimed without hesitation, “Handel — to him I bow the knee.” Mozart too held the English master in high regard: “Handel understands effect better than any of us… When he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.” Experience the full might and awe-inspiring emotional weight of Handel’s legendary Messiah and kick off your holiday festivities with this powerful performance featuring four outstanding soloists and the Asheville Symphony Chorus

Saturday, November 23, 2024
Good Tidings Market
Nov 23 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Show & Tell is kicking off the holiday season with a gathering of artisans, makers, and vintage collectors inside the halls of the Asheville Masonic Temple in Downtown Asheville. Shop handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, handpoured candles, fine art, stationary, herbal skincare, holiday decor, and more!

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Saturday + Sunday
Nov 23 + 24
11am-5pm
Free and open to the public

Get early access to shop at our 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲, Friday, Nov 22 from 5-9pm.
Tickets are “pay what you can” with all proceeds benefiting the Equal Plates Project.
Get your tickets here https://rb.gy/an2xqh or in person.

Equal Plates Project is a nonprofit that purchases from small farms at fair prices, transforms their quality ingredients into nourishing meals, and shares thousands of locally-sourced meals each week with neighbors facing complex barriers to food access. Learn more at equalplatesproject.org.

Ross Farm/Appalachian Standard Holiday Farm Market
Nov 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

We all need a little seasonal pep after a hard Fall, and what better way to kick off the holidays than at Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard’s magical Holiday Farm Market? 🎅❄️
Join us Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a festive afternoon that’ll warm your holiday spirit. Shop local and support small Asheville businesses this holiday season at the Holiday Farm Market! That’s the gift that keeps giving, baby.
Get ready for a merry afternoon filled with:
✨ A delightful marketplace of local craft vendors with unique treasures
🍪 Sweet holiday treats to tempt your taste buds
🍔 Mountain Man BBQ Food Truck
🎤 Cheerful holiday caroling throughout the greenhouse
🎶 A heartwarming community sing-a-long (all voices welcome!)
⛄ The coziest winter vibes this side of the Appalachians
🪴 An abundance of gorgeous houseplants in our cozy paradise
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC 28715
Escape the winter chill in our cozy greenhouses, where you’ll discover a wonderland of lush, thriving houseplants just waiting to bring life to your holiday decor. 🎄 Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your green journey, you’ll find the perfect leafy companion to brighten your home or gift to someone special. 🎁
Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer for an afternoon of festive fun in our warm, plant-filled haven! ❤️

Masterworks 3: Messiah
Nov 23 @ 2:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

When asked to name the greatest composer of all time, Beethoven exclaimed without hesitation, “Handel — to him I bow the knee.” Mozart too held the English master in high regard: “Handel understands effect better than any of us… When he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.” Experience the full might and awe-inspiring emotional weight of Handel’s legendary Messiah and kick off your holiday festivities with this powerful performance featuring four outstanding soloists and the Asheville Symphony Chorus

Winter Lights
Nov 23 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

The Greenville Symphony presents Grieg’s Piano Concerto
Nov 23 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

PROGRAM
Sarah Gibson: warp & weft
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor
Robert Schumann: Symphony No. 1, “Spring”

Prepare for an enchanting evening of musical exploration as we delve into the depths of Sarah Gibson’s mesmerizing composition, warp & weft, setting the stage for a journey through Norwegian landscapes with Grieg’s timeless Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16. The grand finale of the evening unfolds with the vibrant and stirring melodies of Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, promising an unforgettable concert experience filled with passion, virtuosity, and musical mastery.

GUEST
Spencer Myer, piano

Masterworks 3: Messiah
Nov 23 @ 8:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

When asked to name the greatest composer of all time, Beethoven exclaimed without hesitation, “Handel — to him I bow the knee.” Mozart too held the English master in high regard: “Handel understands effect better than any of us… When he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.” Experience the full might and awe-inspiring emotional weight of Handel’s legendary Messiah and kick off your holiday festivities with this powerful performance featuring four outstanding soloists and the Asheville Symphony Chorus

Miguel Zenón
Nov 23 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Join this Grammy-winning master musician for drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the Diana Wortham Theatre stage in a special, exclusive black tie event to support Wortham’s Arts for All Kids program. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists and composers of his generation, Miguel has developed a unique voice as a conceptualist, “creating an entirely new jazz language for the 21st century” (MacArthur Foundation).

Act fast: Tickets are extremely limited.

Sunday, November 24, 2024
Good Tidings Market
Nov 24 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Show & Tell is kicking off the holiday season with a gathering of artisans, makers, and vintage collectors inside the halls of the Asheville Masonic Temple in Downtown Asheville. Shop handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, handpoured candles, fine art, stationary, herbal skincare, holiday decor, and more!

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Saturday + Sunday
Nov 23 + 24
11am-5pm
Free and open to the public

Get early access to shop at our 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲, Friday, Nov 22 from 5-9pm.
Tickets are “pay what you can” with all proceeds benefiting the Equal Plates Project.
Get your tickets here https://rb.gy/an2xqh or in person.

Equal Plates Project is a nonprofit that purchases from small farms at fair prices, transforms their quality ingredients into nourishing meals, and shares thousands of locally-sourced meals each week with neighbors facing complex barriers to food access. Learn more at equalplatesproject.org.

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch
Nov 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!

“Defying Gravity; A Celebration of Women in Musical” TheaterFour Seasons Chamber Orchestra Concert
Nov 24 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Bo Thomas Auditorium

The 4SCO is pleased to present a dazzling program titled “Defying Gravity; A Celebration of Women in Musical Theater.” The concert features an excursion down Broadway, celebrating women in musical theater. This uplifting program includes music from popular musicals including; Chicago, Frozen, Legally Blonde, and Wicked. Additionally, opera and aria compositions by Henry Purcell, Elfrida Andrée. Kathleen Watson and Candice Dickinson are the featured soloists.

The Greenville Symphony presents Grieg’s Piano Concerto
Nov 24 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

PROGRAM
Sarah Gibson: warp & weft
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor
Robert Schumann: Symphony No. 1, “Spring”

Prepare for an enchanting evening of musical exploration as we delve into the depths of Sarah Gibson’s mesmerizing composition, warp & weft, setting the stage for a journey through Norwegian landscapes with Grieg’s timeless Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.16. The grand finale of the evening unfolds with the vibrant and stirring melodies of Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, promising an unforgettable concert experience filled with passion, virtuosity, and musical mastery.

GUEST
Spencer Myer, piano

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION
Nov 24 @ 3:30 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!

Winter Lights
Nov 24 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS
Nov 24 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
Monday, November 25, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 25 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 26 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
OLD-TIME JAM Old-Time Mountain + Folk Music
Nov 27 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jack of the Wood


Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!

Sing Your Heart Out
Nov 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.

Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.

Winter Lights
Nov 27 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 28, 2024
Winter Lights
Nov 28 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

BLUEGRASS JAM Hosted by Drew Matulich
Nov 28 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

BLUEGRASS JAM

Hosted by Drew Matulich


Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.

Friday, November 29, 2024
The Snozzberries Psychedelic Circus with Magenta Sunshine
Nov 29 all-day
Asheville Music Hall

PSYCHEDELIC CIRCUS 4
Veterans of Asheville’s psychedelic music scene, The Snozzberries have announced their fourth annual Psychedelic Circus event. The immersive, multimedia concert takes place on November 29th, now taking place at Asheville Music Hall. Guitarist Ethan Heller said “we love Asheville so much, this is our hometown and we are so excited to be able to spread some joy here with Psychedelic Circus during these difficult days.”
Past events have featured liquid light projections, live painting, dancers, and more. Each year there is a fun interactive element to the show. “Two years ago, we stuck 500 balloons to the walls and ceilings and used a leafblower to launch hundreds more balloons onto the crowd, “ Heller said. “Last year we focused on art installations, we had huge murals and neon netting hung up around the venue. This year, we have a ton of fun tricks up our sleeve.”
The Snozzberries have been making a lot of noise this year. Their new self-titled album comes out on Nov 1, with lead off singles Return and Hide (Testify) perking up ears around Asheville and beyond. They are currently in the midst of a 24-city tour in support of their upcoming album. “Psychedelic Circus is our homecoming show after tour, and it’s also the unofficial album release party.”
Bassist and vocalist Josh Clark adds that “we’re really trying to cultivate the full festival feeling into one night. It’s a multimedia art festival. We love the collaborative spirit between the artists and musicians, there’s always room for fun sit ins.”
In addition to The Snozzberries and their merry band of installation artists, the rock act will be joined by local roots-fusion band Magenta Sunshine. As an added bonus, the mysterious and elusive MC Burnt Reynolds Jr. III will be the event emcee.

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Acoustic Jam Session
Nov 29 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

Winter Lights
Nov 29 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Nov 29 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, y’all!

Saturday, November 30, 2024
Love Local Makers Market
Nov 30 all-day
Trailside Brewing Co

Join us on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday for a local shopping extravaganza! There will be new artists on both days with a total of 40+ local makers for you to start your holiday shopping early!

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801