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.
The race starts on Woodfin Street in front of the downtown YMCA and ends at Pack Square Park..
Packet Pickup on Nov. 27 from 4-7pm at Brookstone Church, North Asheville campus and Race Day at Pack Square Park 7-8:30am
Race entries will also be available on November 27 from 4-7pm at packet pickup. Then again on race day from November 28 from 7-8:45am at Pack Square Park
November 29
Downtown Street Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
5:00pm
The lighting of downtown holiday lights and Santa’s arrival kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hendersonville. The evening features entertainment, sing-along, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Click for more information Downtown Hendersonville
November 8 – 17
Flat Rock Playhouse presents: “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion! The play was based on the novel by C. S. Lewis. 828-693-0731 Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
November 29 – December 23
Peppermint the Bear Scavenger Hunt
Free
Peppermint Bear will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for her cubs. As you search for the cubs, visit at least 12 of the 22 downtown participating businesses to be eligible for prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox, located in front of the Visitor Center, by December 23rd. For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, stop by the Visitor Center at 201 South Main Street.
December 7
Hendersonville Christmas Parade
10:00am
A traditional hometown Christmas parade travels along Main Street from Five
Points to Caswell Street. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association. This year’s theme is the “The Magic of Christmas”. Visit the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association web site to download a Parade application. 828-692-4179
November 29 – December 22
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage presents: “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas”
An all-new Christmas production follows up last year’s smash holiday hit. This original musical revue performed by your favorite Flat Rock Playhouse singers and dancers is filled with holiday cheer. Celebrate the holidays Vagabonds style! Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
December 6
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas
Main Street / 5pm – 8pm
The Downtown merchants open their doors and invite holiday shoppers in with a festive window displays, decorations, caroling, music, and refreshments. 828-697-2232.
December 8
Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper
1pm-4pm
$20
The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several inns and the Cookie Caper part of the tour is a delicious Christmas treat at each inn. The inns on tour include the 1898 Waverly Inn, Charleston Inn, Mill House Lodge, Echo Mountain Inn and Brightwaters Guesthouse. 828-697-3010
December 18 – January 1
Iceless Skating Rink
Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm
Admission: $10, Children 10 & under $5 (payment by cash or check only)
Enjoy ice-skating in Downtown Hendersonville this holiday season. The iceless rink is located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street. The synthetic surface is made from special polymers that does not require liquid, so it can be enjoyed year-round in any temperature. A curling lane is also available. Curling involves players sliding stones on the ice towards a target. Play a variety of free games while you wait your turn on the ice. Skate rental included in admission price. Admission: $10, Children $5 for ages 10 & under, with group rates available for groups of 10 or more, but must call to reserve a time for groups, $5 for for 30 minutes of curling. Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm. Operates weather permitting. Benefits the Henderson County America In Bloom Program, 828-768-4413 To learn more go to: Henderson County America in Bloom
December 20 – 22
Main Street Holiday Hayrides
5pm – 8pm
Free
Take a magical hayride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. Board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Reservations are not accepted, first-come, first-served basis.
All persons two and older must have a ticket to enter arena. Note: Costumes not permitted for guests 14 years & older.
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Tue, 21 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Priority Customer Sale : Mon, 13 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Venue/Ticketmaster Presales : Thu, 16 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/396069957790012/
Music, poetry, comedy – we’d love for you to share or just come be entertained and sip some great brews, while supporting your local scene. See you at 7 pm tonight! Sign up starts at 6:30 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/402200357200372/?event_time_id=402200500533691
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic every Wednesday 9:(ish)pm at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall.
Fun and free show of hit-or-miss comedy where comics stop by to work on their material or try out new stuff. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.
https://www.facebook.com/events/3174166542609086/?event_time_id=3174166645942409
Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country getting together to share miles and smiles prior to their meal later in the day. We hope you will make this race part of your annual tradition. Join us on Thanksgiving morning for the SECOND year of the Biltmore Park Turkey Trot!
This is Biltmore Park’s only Thanksgiving Day certified, USATF 5k. Our route will begin and end in Biltmore Park in South Asheville and run through Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood. The race will begin promptly at 9:00 am.
All participants registered as of November 1st are guaranteed to receive a finisher medal upon completion, a complimentary long-sleeve t-shirt, and swag from our partners!
A big thank you to the ongoing support from our community, Biltmore Park Town Square, and our many other sponsors. Our highest priority is our commitment to hosting a first-class event all around.
** Strollers are permitted. ** Dogs are not allowed on the course **
All pre-registered participants will receive a 50/50 poly-blend long sleeve t-shirt if registered before November 1st. After this date, shirts will be available online in limited quantities for $10.
– Pre-event packet pickup – Wednesday, November 27th – TBD
– Race Day Packet Pick- Up and on-site Registration is Thursday, November 28th from 7:30am- 8:45am
– Race starts promptly at 9am in Biltmore Park Town Square
– Awards Ceremony at approximately 10:15 am
Prizes and Awards:
All finishers pre-registered by November 1st, are guaranteed a 2019 Biltmore Park Turkey Trot 5k Finisher Medal.
Overall – Male/Female: Top 3
Overall Winners (1st place male/female) will receive a turkey from Luella’s BBQ!
Master’s – Male/Female: Top 3
Age Group:
Male/Female, Top 3 in each category
9 and Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-59, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 and up
This year’s Christmas display theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Come take your family photos at this magical display. Santa will be available on special dates, contact store for more details! Display also open when Santa is not there.
The City of Hendersonville will be hosting their annual Turkey Trot 5k Thanksgiving morning. The Trot is a run/walk event open to all ages, all fitness levels and all family members! The 5k starts in front of City Hall on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 and travels through downtown ending back at City Hall. The entry fee is $12 which includes a t-shirt. This is a non-sanctioned event – we’re here for fun and exercise. Event is rain or shine, sleet or snow!
The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th at 9am. Come join us for this fun and festive 5K that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville.Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot course is a USATF certified 5k. The route will begin and end in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville and run through the surrounding neighborhood.
The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th at 9am. Come join us for this fun and festive 5K that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville.Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot course is a USATF certified 5k. The route will begin and end in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville and run through the surrounding neighborhood.
Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
No additional costs to enter.
The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.
Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.
All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/events/354841472011965/?event_time_id=354841528678626
Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling all the way to Asheville Mall! Santa Claus is on his way to Asheville, and we’re celebrating his arrival on Saturday, November 16. Your little elves-in-training are invited to visit Santa at Center Court, near Barnes & Noble and ULTA, to share their Christmas lists and holiday wishes.
Santa will be available from November 16th to December 24th, when he begins his holiday trek around the world. Your elves-in-training can visit with Santa Monday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm; and Sundays from noon to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.
November 16 through December 24, 2019
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. inside Food Court
FREE Santa Photos are back! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.
Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.
And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.
Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.
We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event
Season’s at The Highland Lake Inn hosts a special Thanksgiving Day Buffet! $52 for adults and $26 for children. Reservations are required.
Starters Butternut Squash-Granny Smith Apple Bisque Lentil & Italian Sausage Soup
In-House, Hot-Smoked Salmon with Red Onion, Chopped Egg and Capers
Court Bouillon Poached Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon Wedges
Warm French Onion – Gruyère Dip Pita Chips, Crostini and Crackers
Season’s Salad Bar Baby Greens, Sliced Cucumbers, Julienne Carrots, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion & Assorted Cheeses. Creamy Buttermilk Dressing and Oak-Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fresh Fruit Display with Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Red Grapes and Assorted Berries
Composed Salads Baby Red Potatoes with Bacon, Celery, Red Onion and a Whole Grain Mustard Dressing
Wild Rice Salad with Spinach, Mushrooms, Carrots, Onions and a Rice Wine Vinaigrette
Orzo with Broccoli Florets, Roasted Red Peppers, Water Chestnuts and a Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Dishes include:
– Golden Beet Salad (Veg) – Arugula, Blue Cheese, Pralines & Ver Jus
– Kale Citrus Salad (Veg, GF) – Autumn Greens, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Almonds & Lemon Vinaigrette
– Pumpkin Bisque – Creamy Roasted Pumpkin with Hint of Autumn Spice
– Roasted Turkey – Brined Turkey with Fresh Herbs & Rosemary Giblet Gravy
– Braised Beef Brisket – Caramelized Onion & Wild Mushrooms
– Sugar Rubbed Ham – Root Beer Glaze
– Sweet Potato Casserole (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Brown Sugar & Marshmallows
– Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Cream & Garlic
– Cauliflower Gratin (Veg)
– Roasted Butternut Squash – Bourbon Maple Glaze
– Southern Cornbread Stuffing – Local Sage, Savory Sausage
– Green Bean Casserole (Veg) – Cream, Cremini Mushrooms, Roasted Onions
– Cranberry Sauce (V) – Fresh Cranberries, Orange & Herbs
– Wild Rice Pilaf (Veg) – Roasted Onion, Carrots, Celery & Fresh Herbs
– Peanut Butter Fudge Pie
– Strawberry Shortcake Tuxedo
– Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding
– Pumpkin Pie
– DoubleTree Cookies
Complimentary Beverages:
Iced Tea, Tea, Coffee & Apple Cider
Beer & wine are available for an additional cost.
Pricing does not include fees or taxes.
Includes All Non Redemption Arcade Games, Activities, and Attractions!
Such as…
Indoor Climbing wall | Indoor/Outdoor Go-karts | Arcade Games | Laser Tag | Bumper Cars | Mini Golf | Mini Bowling | X-Rider Theatre | AeroBall | & More!
https://www.facebook.com/events/323685011602260/?event_time_id=323685148268913
Come in to enjoy creating memories with us during a time that your dollars go farther! Half-off games and attractions after 4pm. See y’all soon!
https://www.facebook.com/events/582585695548471/?event_time_id=582585845548456
Thursdays are Jazz and Wine night! Come enjoy an evening of 1$ off wine specials, live Jazz from 6-8pm, and delicious food by Food Stop Food Truck!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2305712789446907/?event_time_id=2305712942780225
$1 off flagships!
It’s like Open Mic night, but every song is guaranteed to sound good! Share your vinyls with us and we’ll play them for you! 6:30 – 8:30
https://www.facebook.com/events/347259619444923/?event_time_id=347259776111574
Community Box Partner
Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!
Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).
- Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!
- 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.
Dry Falls Village has been isolated for as long as anyone can remember. Her inhabitants grow weary and thirst for adventure. Now, they decide, is the time to venture into the wilderness and explore!
Do you have what it takes to brave the dangers of the unknown? Will you steel yourself and venture to uncover sights unseen? Can you handle what lies beyond the borders of the village?
This is West Marches!
The Bearded Dragons Inn hosts their weekly West Marches game. This is a drop in game for all to join. If you have never played before come and join us. Our amazing community will teach you all you need to know. If you have years, or even decades of experience stop on by as well as you’ll experience a whole new style of play. For more information check out our website: https://sites.google.com/view/west-marches-at-dry-falls/home
Please note that this game is family friendly but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
https://www.facebook.com/events/401870287020606/?event_time_id=401870443687257
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.
Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave.. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/391468795015437/?event_time_id=391468915015425
Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/962585360596619/?event_time_id=962585523929936