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.
Biltmore Park Town Square will celebrate the magic of the holidays on Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. throughout Town Square and will conclude with the tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of family fun including horse-drawn carriage rides, craft activities, face painting, music, stilt-walkers, strolling entertainment, balloon artists, caricatures, magicians, refreshments and much more!
Schedule of Events:
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Take the family for a stroll along Town Square to enjoy all the acitivities. Visit the many stores for special sales, in-store samplings, giveaways and much more!
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Enjoy a carriage ride through Town Square.
3:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Bring the kids for a visit with Santa near the Christmas Tree. Be sure to bring you camera to capture the magical moment.
6:00 p.m. – Help us countdown the for the first lighting of the Christmas Tree to kick off the holidays at Biltmore Park Town Square.
For more information about this free event, please call 828.210.1660.
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“The Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies” takes to the streets. This annual parade features floats, fire trucks, bands, classic cars, beauty queens and more …and of course, Santa!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1278686248939972/
- Nearly one million twinkling lights
- Countless decorative images
- Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
- Animated Story Tree
- Animal Characters
- Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
- Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
- Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase
While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.
Gorgeous traditional Christmas music, performed a cappella, in an exquisitely beautiful setting. BUY TICKETS SOON AS THEY SELL OUT WAY IN ADVANCE!
https://www.facebook.com/events/968930629946914/
Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)
*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.
Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627351014391

A family holiday tradition comes to life in “A Rocky Mountain Christmas” as Jim Curry performs the music from John Denver’s many Christmas Television specials and Christmas Music collections. Memorable melodies that speak to the heart of the holidays like “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night,” along with John’s own “Christmas for Cowboys,” “Noel, Christmas Eve,” “Aspenglow,” and “The Peace Carol.” Enjoy these songs along with John’s all-time hits like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” and “Back Home Again,” as Jim Curry and his band “fill up your senses” in this heart-felt seasonal show.
Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season with an evening of live music, dance, and comedy that’s sure to become an annual tradition! This family-friendly, Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Asheville and Western North Carolina and special guest artists. Directed by musical theatre veteran and funnyman Mario Morin, and choreographed by former Radio City Rockette Lucinda Morin, this professional production presents Christmas favorites including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, and take time to share the joy, laughter, and peace of the season with your friends, neighbors, and families at The Asheville Christmas Show! Discounts for military and groups of 10+. Kids age 2 and younger sitting on lap admitted free.
Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.
All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!
Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! 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 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)
*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”
Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655757136635
When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.
In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.
Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.
Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.
Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.
Over a hundred regional artisans have their handmade on display for sale in this folk and heritage craft show. The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers and more. Started in 1987, the event has grown every year and now takes place at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Children under 12 free & free parking.
https://www.facebook.com/events/217373352220720/
As Virginia Woolf said, “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food and water are essential for survival, but mankind’s relationship to food has transformed over time from one of sustenance to one laden with personal and cultural significance.
A Matter of Taste explores depictions of food and drink in art and reveals how images of fruits and vegetables can function as complex metaphors for excess, status, memory, and politics. Drawn from southern museums and private collections, this exhibition showcases over 35 paintings, decorative arts, and works on paper by artists such as Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Claes Oldenburg.
This show spans 400 years and multiple continents, revealing the evolving role of food and drink in various media and cultural contexts. While depictions of fruit and vegetables appeared in ancient times, still life painting as an independent genre dates to 16th-century Holland.
In 19th-century America, still life paintings remained popular but evolved in terms of subject matter, media, and message. Painters such as Thomas Wightman, George Forster, and De Scott Evans embraced Dutch still lifes and used food as commentary on the current political climate and the transient state of the human condition.
Illustrated newspapers led to an increase of cartoons by artists such as Winslow Homer and William Hogarth, who utilized food and drink as social satire. The 20th-century modern art movement further changed the perception of food. The culture of mass production enabled Pop artists to elevate seemingly mundane foodstuffs to high art. Yet, other contemporary artists explored the symbolic and nostalgic role of food seen in works by Tim Tate, Linda Armstrong, and Laquita Thomson.
Visitors will also experience an elaborately set dining table fit for a sumptuous feast. Dining became its own art form over time and communicated one’s social standing and wealth. Each of the table’s six place settings represent a different culture and offer a glimpse into global dining customs. Selective drinkware will accompany this section revealing how tea sets and even punch bowls reflected an owner’s prestige.
Mountain Shag Clubs Christmas Party and Toys for Tots fundraiser is always a good time.
We hope you will join us!
RSVP’s needed soon.
https://www.facebook.com/events/310610423111982/
Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.
NC PAWS Rescue Fundraiser
25% of the proceeds to to helping kittys in our community
**PAINT YOUR PET**
CLASS- SUNDAY, December 2nd (2-5pm)
PHOTOS/PAYMENT ARE DUE- SATURDAY, November 24th
YOU CAN PAINT ANY PET!
This would also be a great gift to give to a loved one.
For More Information and to Sign Up, go to
https://www.facebook.com/events/246567926011944/
Downtown Sylva’s annual Christmas parade draws hundreds to Historic Main Street for celebration, cheer and a chance to see Santa. The themed parade, featuring 50+ floats will begin at Mark Watson Park and end on Chipper Curve Drive. The start time is 2 p.m., and the parade lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
For more information please call 828-586-2719 or http://www.mainstreetsylva.org/holiday-festivities.html
https://www.facebook.com/events/922901907894452/
Please join us for a Family Game Night at The Capital Club 82 Patton Avenue Asheville North Carolina. There will be games such as Ping Pong, Giant Jenga, Corn Hole and Foosball. We will be showing the Falcons Patriots game on the large screen. There will be a cash bar selling wine and beer. Your admission includes appetizers and non alcoholic drinks. We look forward to seeing you then!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2225206814423739/
Come show your support for someone who has supported Jackson County for over 16 years!
Bill Bishop is a Jackson County Employee (Supervisor at Jackson County 911 Center) where he has worked for almost 17 years. He volunteered on Cullowhee Fire Department for 7 years and many people know him as “Santa” as he has volunteered in that role for many years here at county events.
On October 27th Bill had a massive stroke and was sent to Mission for Emergency Surgery, today he is still in St Josephs ICU. Bill has a very long road ahead of him and your support truly means the world to him, his wife Dee Dee and their five, four legged kids (all cats!).
Please come join us and his wife at the event, share stories, memories, laughs and enter in a raffle drawing to show support to a man who has supported his county and country his entire life. <3
BBQ Plates with sides and drink $10
Kids Hot dog plate, chips and drink $5
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Raffle Tickets $1 each or 12 for $10
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If you are unable to attend but would like a bag of BBQ or Raffle Tickets, please contact this page OR Jessica Buchanan, Connie Farmer, Danna Owen, Tracy Payne or Megan Nicholson
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Thank you and God Bless
https://www.facebook.com/events/983334391850631/
- Nearly one million twinkling lights
- Countless decorative images
- Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
- Animated Story Tree
- Animal Characters
- Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
- Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
- Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase
While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)
*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.
Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627344347725
All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!
Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! 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 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)
*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”
Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655777136633
When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.
In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.
Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.
Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.
Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.
