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.

Sunday, December 10, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic+ Feature Comedy
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring great regional comics!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Weekly 30 Minute Meditation for Moms (online)
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
online

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

Led by experienced instructors, this 30 min guided meditation session will help you feel the much needed calmness.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meditation-for-moms-tickets-126660441791?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Daily Meditation + Support (online)
Dec 14 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
online

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute
IMPORTANT: register here to get zoom link https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

Friday, December 15, 2023
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party + live music with Caribbean Cowboys
Dec 15 @ 6:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

It’s that time of year again! Dust off your most tacky Christmas sweater and head to Point Lookout for wine + some festive jams with Steve Weams – The Caribbean Cowboys Band! Prize goes to the ugliest sweater! 🎄
Dec. 15 | 6-9pm | No cover charge

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Kid Hop Hooray!
Dec 16 @ 10:00 am
The Orange Peel
Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Drop in anytime.
Playing family-friendly dance music for family wintertime fun/
There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase the Hop Ice Creamery!  And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids‘ juice boxes)
Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.
12 and under are only $2 (babies under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $6.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Sunday, December 17, 2023
A Swannanoa Solstice
Dec 17 @ 2:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.

The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:

-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd

A Swannanoa Solstice
Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.

The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:

-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarius Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Alex Joyce has been performing stand up comedy for 13 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
Featuring Hilliary Begley. Patey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden

The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show at The Pulp
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarius Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Alex Joyce has been performing stand up comedy for 13 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
Featuring Hilliary Begley. Petey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden

Thursday, December 21, 2023
Connect Beyond’s Holiday Fundraiser
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage

Join us for our 2023 Holiday Fundraiser featuring a silent auction and raffle as well as live DJ set from Mad Mike Martinez, and a dance party for all attendeees.

VIP TICKET // $35 // 6pm – 7:30pm: VIP Hour includes light appetizers and beverages.

General Admission Tickets // $5 // 6pm – 10pm: Includes your suggested donation to non-profit, Connect Beyond Festival.

*Proceeds from this event will be directly donated to Connect Beyond Festival. This is an all ages event.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Full Moon Forest Bathing
Dec 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a gentle, mindful stroll along the French Broad River as the sun sets and the full moon rises. This is a unique opportunity to unplug in a peaceful setting with a series of invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide that invite you to connect more deeply to the environment around you. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our relationship with nature, community and Self. We’ll end with a tea ceremony featuring a foraged infusion of local plants. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in nature.

$45/person (includes special community access)

Limited to 15 participants for a more intimate experience.

  • Advance registration required
  • Detailed meeting instructions shared after registration.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
City Dance
Dec 28 @ 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.

Saturday, December 30, 2023
New Year’s Freakout
Dec 30 @ 8:00 pm
DSSOLVR

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!

Sunday, December 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve Party at Point Lookout Vineyards
Dec 31 @ 6:30 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Fine dining, music from The Super 60’s, and good times

Early NYE Pajama Party
Dec 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Whale :: A Craft Beer Collective
Do you love to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but love your bed more? :: We are throwing the party for you. :: Come throw down early at The Whale in West Asheville while we countdown to midnight, only midnight is at 9 pm. :: That way you can be in bed at 10! :: Or if you think you’ll last til midnight, hit us up first so you can celebrate the occasion twice! ::
Wear your pajamas so you can go right to bed when you get home.
New Years Eve 80’s Dance Party feat. members of Snarky Puppy, Chess Club
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Adam Chase & Friends presents an All Star 80s tribute to ring in the 2024 new year

Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Meditative Morning
Jan 2 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
NC Arboretum

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.

Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!

Meditative Morning
Jan 2 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
The North Carolina Arboretum

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.

Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!

Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Westie Wednesdays at Continuum ft. Ryan Pflumm
Jan 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
CONTINUUM ART

Help us relaunch the Westie scene in a premier venue showcasing spacious dance floors, high ceilings, and a vintage vibe. If you are new to West Coast Swing, come check out for yourself the popular dance style that can be done to a wide variety of music, including pop, country, blues, and contemporary music! For those looking to advance their skills, the Hendersonville WCS community is excited to welcome Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm to Continuum!

As always, the dress is casual and no partner is needed. Join us for an incredible night of connecting and dancing with our MONTHLY event every FIRST Wednesday!

PRIVATE LESSONS
If you would like to book a private lesson with Ryan for $75 per hour, please message Continuum with the following:

  1. Which timeslot(s)
  2. number of people attending
    Times:
    3:30-4:30pm
    4:30-5:30pm
    5:30-6:30pm
    first come, first served

CLASSES
7:00-8:00pm Intermediate w/ Ryan Pflumm!
7:00-8:00pm Beginner w/ Rachel Harris
8:00-10:00pm Social Dance

Each class is $10 and includes a pass to the social dance. The social dance is $7 without a lesson. Music will be DJ’d by Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm.

Bring your own beer/wine. Liquor and other beverages above 16% alcohol content are strictly prohibited.

Masks are encouraged but, not required.

Cash, cards, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash app are accepted.

Saturday, January 6, 2024
KID HOP HOORAY! Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Jan 6 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Drop in anytime.
Playing family-friendly dance music for family wintertime fun/
There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase the Hop Ice Creamery!  And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids‘ juice boxes)
Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.
12 and under are only $2 (babies under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $6.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO
Jan 16 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

You don’t need to know plié from a jeté to enjoy Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The company, affectionately known as the Trocks, brings its internationally beloved troupe of male dancers to Greenville to perform a brilliant combination of skillful pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical ballet favorites like Swan Lake.

In the nearly 50 years since the company’s founding, it has grown to achieve great appeal among more mainstream audiences who flock to theaters throughout the world to see the prima ballerinas perform. The Trocks are “a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they know the originals” (Sydney Star Observer).

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Mindful Meditation: Goal Setting
Jan 17 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Ferguson Family YMCA

Join Cynthia Camp as she leads this workshop on Goal Setting. Reflect back on 2023 and set your 2024 goals with mindful meditation. This two-hour workshop will focus on the stages of reflections and planning for a more joyful life. All that is required is a notebook and a pen, and feel free to bring your favorite mat and blanket.

This event is free and open to everyone!

Friday, January 19, 2024
SHREK RAVE
Jan 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD.

Ages 18+

Saturday, January 20, 2024
Chase Away the Blues
Jan 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC’s popular event, Chase Away the Blues, returns to January in 2024 to brighten up the winter nights! Get ready! The VIP Blues Lounge opens at 5:30 PM with live music open bar and food provided by Tryon Resort in the Pavilion. All are sure to get your feet stomping…

Sunday, January 21, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Jan 21 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

A Charlotte Comic Takeover!!!
It’s Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! Jan 21, 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get 3-5m, FREE entry and pizza. ]
Morgan Marie is guest hosting, in from Charlotte with some great comic features in tow!! Get Your Tickets Now! https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets/

Thursday, January 25, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Jan 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy at Pulp featuring Cody Hughes
Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday December 25, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website https://theorangepeel.net/event/slice-of-life-comedy-open-mic-24/ )
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Cody Hughes
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Feature Cody Hughes is a comedian from Asheville NC. He’s lived in a few different big cities and a lot of comedians like him and a lot of other comedians have heard good things about him from the comedians who like him. A few comedians don’t like him and he can’t do anything about that. Oh well. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver, Maria Bamford, and many others.
Watch his new comedy special:

City Dance
Jan 25 @ 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, January 26, 2024
Wortham Center Student Series PARSONS DANCE
Jan 26 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Recommended grades: 4-12
Performance duration: 60 min

With athleticism, grace, and unparalleled innovation, Parsons Dance creates unforgettable contemporary performances that amaze audiences.

Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].

Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.






“Cultivating Well-Being: An Introduction to Mindfulness Through Gardening”
Jan 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

In the wake of hectic periods in life, such as the holiday season, finding your way back to tranquility can be a gradual process. One effective path to reducing stress and mastering the art of handling challenges like anxiety is through the practice of mindfulness. Join us as Rosie Reeves, our Education Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, delves into the world of mindfulness. Through her guidance, participants will explore the essence of mindfulness through a series of engaging gardening activities designed to foster a sense of well-being and calm.

PARSONS DANCE
Jan 26 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

As one of the world’s premier contemporary dance companies, this talented troupe showcases a dynamic fusion of styles that combines athleticism, grace and unparalleled innovation. Through endless creativity and self-expression, striking choreography and powerful music, Parsons Dance creates unforgettable performances that push the boundaries of dance and bring life-affirming artistry to audiences across the globe.

Connect with the art and artists

  • Dance workshop — details forthcoming
  • Pre-show discussions: January 26 & 27 at 7 p.m.