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.
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WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
- ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.
Lace up your skates, hit the big ice, and enjoy the fun at Bon Secours Wellness Arena! The rink is open for all ages to practice skills, skate for fitness, or just enjoy skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends.
Tickets include access to the ice during scheduled 2 hour windows. Concessions will be available for purchase. Price of admission includes skate rental and ice walkers based on availability as well as complimentary photos with Santa leading into Christmas.
Helmets and safety gear are recommended for beginner skaters, all sessions are skate at your own risk. For your safety and the safety of others please follow the roles outlined on site at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
PARKING:
Free parking is available in the VIP Lot off of Church Street. Entry to public skating is located in our loading dock below the VIP lot.
TICKETS:
Tickets are $15.00 per person. Price of admission includes skate rental. Credit and Debit Cards Only. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Spectators do not need tickets.
SKATE ROLL & STROLL:
We are excited to bring back two free Skate Roll & Stroll session with accommodations for people of all ages with disabilities on 12/19 & 12/27.
Spend time on the trails walked by Carl Sandburg. Walk around a lake, past his home, by the goat barn, and over the rock where Sandburg often wrote his poetry. Then walk a short distance to visit the quaint shops of the village of Flat Rock. Go by the rock for which the village is named and past the Flat Rock Playhouse (the official NC State Playhouse).
This is a hilly walk; many will want walking poles. A portion of the trail has roots and other tripping hazards. Tennis shoes will be fine for most; if it has rained that day there is one slick place, so be sure your shoes have good tread. Bring a protein snack and water bottle.
The group will gather in the main parking lot at the entrance to the Sandburg property. There are restrooms near the beginning of the walk and near the Sandburg house.
Lace up your skates, hit the big ice, and enjoy the fun at Bon Secours Wellness Arena! The rink is open for all ages to practice skills, skate for fitness, or just enjoy skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends.
Tickets include access to the ice during scheduled 2 hour windows. Concessions will be available for purchase. Price of admission includes skate rental and ice walkers based on availability as well as complimentary photos with Santa leading into Christmas.
Helmets and safety gear are recommended for beginner skaters, all sessions are skate at your own risk. For your safety and the safety of others please follow the roles outlined on site at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
PARKING:
Free parking is available in the VIP Lot off of Church Street. Entry to public skating is located in our loading dock below the VIP lot.
TICKETS:
Tickets are $15.00 per person. Price of admission includes skate rental. Credit and Debit Cards Only. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Spectators do not need tickets.
SKATE ROLL & STROLL:
We are excited to bring back two free Skate Roll & Stroll session with accommodations for people of all ages with disabilities on 12/19 & 12/27.
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Winter Wonder Walk is a live action storybook walk, and a memorable winter festival. Guests will walk through an outdoor trail while our actors bring the pages of the giant book to life. Guests set out on a quest through the kingdom of Winterland and try to find Jack Frost while meeting several wonderful characters along the way.
Before or after the trail itself, there is a large festival tent featuring a holiday market, Mrs.Claus meet and greet, a kids play area, cozy cups of hot chocolate and warm eats. Winter Wonder Walk is also the home of Asheville’s largest snowball fight with our friendly and silly ‘Snow Sprites.’ In addition to all of this, the Adventure Center runs their two aerial glow treetops courses.
Every ticket to this event will raise 4 meals for Manna foodbank, it is not only a wonderful holiday experience, it also supports our entire community. This event demonstrates the magic of reading and inspires children to pick up a book. Any child that participates in our reading program and reads 10 books will receive entry to the Winter Wonder Walk. Glow Trail admission is only available with a combo pass. Tickets available online or at the door. www.winterwonderwalk.com 4 and under FREE
Get ready to bid farewell 2023 a day early. That’s right y’all, we are doing a New Year’s Eve, Eve Party. 24 hours till 2024, get ready for New Year’s Freakout! 🥳 DJ ABUDISARRAY is cranking up the beats starting at 8 PM, and we’ve got a night of non-stop celebration planned just for you.
The party kicks off at 8 PM, and guess what? Free entry!
We’ll also have signature Jello Shots, Specialty Lil Thankies cocktails, and Peppermint Mocha hot drinks!
As the clock inches closer to midnight, we’re treating you to a complimentary champagne toast to ring in the New Year’s.(who parties on a Sunday?)
Bring your party spirit, dancing shoes, and get ready to freak out as we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new in the most epic way possible. See you there!
From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.
All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.
To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.
Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville
The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.
Reflecting on Community Resolve
Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.
Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.
Follow the Trail
Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.
Immerse Yourself in the Magic
Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.
NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.
Christmas Daytime Celebration
November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
An Unforgettable Holiday Evening
November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024
A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.
This holiday season, local Asheville Chef Jacob Sessoms’ Golden Hour at The Radical has an array of festive offerings, including merry and bright sips and eats on Christmas Day, a prix-fixe Christmas Day feast of festive delights, New Year’s Eve specials like a 1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster and more! Please see below for details, here for photos, and let me know if you have any questions. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
– Christmas Eve, Sun., Dec. 24, 4-9pm – Let Golden Hour do the cooking this Christmas Eve! The restaurant invites guests to spend the evening with them and order off their regular menu with merry and bright favorites like whole Sunburst trout with Lee’s rice & vierge and Braised Lamb Shank with winter roots & beans.
– Christmas Day, Mon. Dec. 25, 1-6pm – This Christmas, Golden Hour invites guests to a feast of festive delights for their nearest and dearest with a family-style, prix-fixe menu for $85 per person (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).
– New Year’s Eve, Dec., 31, Reservations accepted from 5-11pm – Say hello to 2024 in golden style with dinner at Golden Hour plus a champagne toast, a DJ and more. The restaurant will be serving its regular menu as well as three festive additions to ring in the new year:
1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster with charred meyer lemon butter & fresh herbs. $75
½ oz. Caviar Prunier Osetra (France) Johnny Cake Blini with crème fraiche & herb and shallot salad. $100
24 oz. Bone in Ribeye for two with chimichurri, Chop sauce, golden mash & mushrooms. $110
– New Year’s Day, Jan., 1, noon-4pm – A new year and a special brunch to kick it off! Guests are invited to celebrate 2024 with a special sneak peak of Golden Hour’s forthcoming brunch menu, available from noon-4pm.
Growing Minds Farm to School Funding Opportunities
We want to help fund your farm to school project in Western North Carolina! Mini-grants are available for schools to engage children in the following farm to school experiences:
- Local food taste tests & cooking demonstrations
- Incorporating local food into meals or snacks
- Farm field trips or farmer visits to preschools and classrooms
- Growing edible gardens
Funding can be used to start new projects, or to expand upon existing activities.
Pre-k through 12 schools and homeschool groups are eligible to apply. Schools must be located throughout our 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina.
- Smoky Mountains, NC: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain
- Southern Mountains, NC: Henderson, Polk, Transylvania
- Central Mountains, NC: Buncombe, Madison, Yancey
- Foothills, NC: Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Rutherford
- High Country, NC: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes
Growing Minds 2023-24 Farm to School / Preschool Funding
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. The amount awarded will be based on availability of funding, number of applicants, and the scope of your project. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications are due by: January 31, 2024 or March 29, 2024. Funding will be awarded by the 15th of the following month.
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year.
To support local nonprofits during this holiday season, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has compiled a list of volunteer and donation opportunities happening in our community in November and December.
If you are searching for ways to give to folks in need, by making a donation or giving some of your time to help out, please visit: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and we will get back to you with more information. Our response email will include a link which will give you access to a list with a variety of options you can choose from. Since new opportunities are being added every day, we encourage you to frequently check the list, especially if you did not find what you are looking for at the time.
We appreciate you and all that you do for our community. Please keep it up, especially for this holiday season.
Participating Organizations:
- ABCCM South
- Asheville High School/SILSA
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Erwin Middle School
- Montmorenci United Methodist Church
- United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
*Note, this list will grow as new opportunities come in!
In order to receive details about these opportunities, simply
- Click the blue “respond” button above. visit this site: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
- After responding, you will receive a confirmation email with more information and a link to access the list of opportunities.
- Remember, this list will be updated frequently, so make sure to check back frequently!
Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Whether you’re holding hands with a special someone, skating side by side with friends, or helping a child take their first wobbly steps on the ice, the experience is sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Themed skates, live music and more will make each experience special.
Reservations include one hour of skating time, with skate rentals included. Outside skates are permitted as well. Open to ages 4 and up. Reserve skating time slots in advance online, or purchase at the gate as available.
Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.
The Omni Grove Park Inn offers multiple options for celebrating the New Year, including a plated five-course dinner with live jazz in the Heritage Ballroom and dinner at the Blue Ridge Buffet with a comedy show.
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a racecar? Buncombe County Public Libraries has added The Track at Asheville as a new ZOOM partner. Each ZOOM pass will give up to four drivers 30 minutes of hot laps in a standard rig (race simulator) at The Track. Utilizing state-of-the-art hardware and software, you can choose your car, track, and conditions to experience the thrill of driving racecars around simulated tracks all over the world. No experience is necessary.
ZOOM passes at The Track require two things:
- You need to book a ZOOM pass on the Library’s website.
- You will also need to visit The Track’s website and use the reservation code provided to reserve your seat.
You are responsible for booking your timed reservation and you will need to bring your ZOOM pass to The Track to use your reservation. You can only drive if you have a ZOOM pass and a reservation. ZOOM passes for The Track are for ages 8 and up.
If you have any questions or need a library card to start ZOOMing, just let us know.
NOW until January 1, 2024- NOT REAL ART Grant for Artists is a $12,000 bi-annual award
designed to empower the practice of 6 contemporary artists, each of whom receive $2,000 plus
thousands of dollars in FREE marketing exposure worldwide. ArtsvilleUSA’s West Coast affiliate
Not Real Art encourages WNC visual artists, 2-D and 3-D, to apply by January 1, 2024. Learn more
and apply at https://notrealart.com/grant/
About Our Grant
Founded in 2019 and powered by Arterial, the NOT REAL ART Grant for Artists is a $12,000 annual award designed to empower the practice of 6 contemporary artists, each of whom receive $2,000. But, NOT REAL ART Grant winners get more than money. Each recipient gets to share their story and promote with exclusive, in-depth featured interviews on the NOT REAL ART podcast and blog. And, whether or not you receive our grant, every applicant automatically qualifies to be included in future blog stories, newsletters and our artist marketing database!
Daily | November 17-January 1
Load up your vehicle with friends and family and take a cruise through the fan-favorite Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show! Featuring hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights dancing to the tune of holiday classics on your car radio, this immersive experience has become a holiday tradition for many. Tickets are per carload, available online or at the gate.
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WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
- ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.
Fun for All Ages! Bring the family, and prepare to ring in the New Year at an afternoon show on Dec. 31.
The Billy Jonas Band loves to engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Whether performing for adults, families, school groups, faith communities, or a mix, they strive for a musical excellence that inspires, entertains, and moves people literally and figuratively. With “wild winded word magic” (Dirty Linen Magazine), homemade “industrial re-percussion” instruments, exquisite 3 and 4 part vocal harmonies, plus guitar and bass, they love to create community through song and story. Their specialty: finding and pushing your “wonder” button.
In 2010, the Billy Jonas Band was honored with a performance at the White House!
The official 2023 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Explore an array of exquisite gingerbread houses meticulously crafted by talented competitors from across the nation in the grandest gingerbread house competition of all.
Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. CLICK FOR LIVE PROPERTY UPDATES
HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $923,000 to not-for-profit partners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking: $35 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking: $25 for day parking & overnight guests
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.
As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.
The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight.
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House will offer a special New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner for two. The meal includes two glasses of Champagne, a dozen New England oysters on the half shell, white sturgeon caviar canapés, whole lobster thermidor, and choice of dessert, with options like key lime pie and flourless chocolate torte. The regular menu will also be available.
A family-friendly celebration to ring in 2024. Hendersonville pays homage to its status as North Carolina’s Apple Capital by raising a giant apple on the plaza of the Historic Courthouse.
The free event features New Year’s Eve swag giveaways, a DJ dance party, hot cocoa, games and craft vendors. All leading up to the apple rise countdown at 7 p.m. Perfect for families with young children or those who wish to enjoy an early, alcohol-free celebration. (Additional info coming soon!)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with chef David Van Tassel’s four-course, prix fixe dinner at Posana. The menu also includes amuse bouche and a New Year’s eggnog cocktail. Wine pairings are available.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GLOW NIGHT: Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Atlanta Gladiators
Fine dining, music from The Super 60’s, and good times
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
THE BLUE RAGS
The Blue Rags are a revivalist, ragtime boogie-woogie band from Asheville, North Carolina. The band released two albums on the trendsetting Sub Pop label – 1997’s Rag-N-Roll and 1999’s Eat at Joe’s – and toured extensively in the late 90’s. The band’s sound, sometimes described as “punk ragtime,” was an early influence on artists such as The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Great Scott! We’re taking it back to the 80s with a time-bending New Year’s Eve Party at The Draftsman. Don a neon fit or come dressed like the Brat Pack and get ready to rock out to 80s anthems and current hits with our live DJ and food and drink specials until the clock strikes 12.
No reservation needed. $10 cover fee at the door.