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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Donate to Greenworks Double your impact with a $50,000 match!
Dec 21 all-day
online

We’ve got so many reasons to give thanks! In each of our program areas, we see ordinary people taking heroic action to protect our home from the pressures of a changing climate.

 

This year-end, we’re highlighting stories that inspired us and sharing how we’re planting seeds to create a climate-resilient future for all of us.

 

With our native pollinators, more is more. The more habitat we plant, the more easily our native pollinators can find shelter and food, the more resilient they become to the challenges posed by pesticides and extreme heat—the more stable our entire food ecosystem becomes.

Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 21 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • Donate $25+ and get a day pass to the WNC Nature Center.
  • Donate $50+ and get an animal sticker and a day pass.
  • Donate $100+ and get an animal tracks necklace, animal sticker, and a day pass.
  • Donate $250+ and get a a guided tour of the Nature Center with animal enrichment for two people, plus the necklace, sticker, and day pass. PLUS, you’ll be entered to win a chance to go on habitat with red pandas Leafa and Phoenix in 2023!
The Wish Tree- Older Adults + Adults w/ Disabilities and Foster Care Wish Tree
Dec 21 all-day
online

Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season

Wishes

Ready the hot cocoa and pull out your decorations; it’s time for another holiday season.  As you begin your holiday preparation traditions, remember to visit the Buncombe County Wish Trees! This year we are offering two opportunities to spread cheer throughout the community:

Foster Care Wish Tree

Each year children in foster care and young adults participating in Extended Foster Care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays. Signing up to sponsor a child or young adult is easy! Just follow the link below and select the child or young adult you would like to sponsor. After signing up, you will receive email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop off. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A CHILD

Direct Questions to Amber Cook

 [email protected]
(828) 250-5824

The Wish Tree- Fulfilling Wishes of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

There are a lot of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in Buncombe County in need of connection this holiday season. Show a  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities how much you care by sponsoring them this holiday season. Signing up to sponsor a Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities  is easy. Just follow the link below, select the  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities would like this holiday season, and drop off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR AN OLDER ADULT OR AN ADULT WITH DISABILITIES

A note from HHS

The holidays can be hard for a lot of people, children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities in particular. Holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, show support for one another, and shower each other with love, kindness, and generosity. Each year, we have an opportunity to deliver the holiday spirit to children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities through our wish tree gift drives. The expressions of joy and excitement on our clients faces as we deliver their gifts reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season, connection. Yes, the gifts are nice. But the real gift is knowing that someone loves and cares. That is what we deliver to our clients. Thank you in advance for your generous sponsorship.

Asheville + Grateful Bread Team Up for Winter Coat Drive
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

 

For the second consecutive year, Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA) and Grateful Bread will team up to host a Winter Coat Drive to benefit our local community. Guests, community members, and more are encouraged to bring their lightly used and recently cleaned jackets, coats, and related winter apparel to the HCCA Box Office during business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10a-4p) or during active event times until December 22nd. Grateful Bread will also be hosting a special pop up coat drive event on December 10th in front of the venue for the Christmas Jam.
Santa’s coming to town!
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Eggs Up Grill

Join us Wednesday, December 21st from 10am- 1pm as
we welcome back a very special guest, all the way from the
North Pole!

Winter Wonderland at The Grove Arcade
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Grove Arcade

see the beautiful holiday decorations and lights. Plus find lots of great gifts at the many local shops and businesses
Complimentary Wine Tastings Biltmore
Dec 21 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Capacity is limited.
Tasting room by reservation only. Make reservations in-person on the day of your Winery visit.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of your visit. Because our complimentary wine tastings fill up quickly, we recommend you reserve your tasting when you arrive for your visit.

Asheville Fika -French Broad Chocolate
Dec 21 @ 12:30 pm
French Broad Chocolate

Maurice is hosting the Wednesday Fika indoors at French Broad Chocolate Lounge near Pack Square downtown.

There will be two back-to-back meetups this Wednesday for 15 members each. This is the *first* of the two, and it is from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

*Important*: Please RSVP for only one of the two meetups – not both – and please leave when your meetup is over.

For the safety of our members, you must have the most current Covid booster to safely attend our indoor meetups. Do not attend if you are not protected this way, or if you are sick. A flu shot is highly recommended during this unusually severe flue season.

French Broad Chocolate offers espresso beverages, teas, and many chocolate delights. Please do not bring outside food or beverages.

https://www.frenchbroadchocolates.com/

We meet in the back area by the wall of windows. French Broad opens at 11:00 AM – our start time – so you must wait outside if you arrive early and it’s very cold or rainy.

Metered street parking is available. Nearby public parking decks include Biltmore, Rankin, Civic, and the Buncombe courthouse. You can also find metered street parking.

Always check the meetup.com event page, your email or the meetup app the morning of the event in case there is a change.

Please follow all CDC, state and local guidance regarding Covid safety. Get vaccinated and boosted, do not attend if you are sick, wear a mask if you wish or if the venue requests that, especially when ordering inside.

Christmas Tea Party
Dec 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Enjoy an afternoon of select Christmas teas, mini-sandwiches and desserts — including a great
holiday dessert wine at Point Lookout Vineyards, Reservations required

Wine Wednesday
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Wine Wednesday

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!

Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village
Dec 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tryon Equestrian Center

This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!

French Broad Valley Jam
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Oklawaha Brewing Company

Join us for a weekly mountain music JAM with players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs! You are welcome to come and listen or to learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program. Free but donations are accepted. Weekly event takes place at Oklawaha Brewing Company.

Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 21 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.
The Songwriter Sessions
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar

Come to the Brandy Bar for the monthly “Songwriter Sessions,” an evening of original songs,
where the artists explain their methods and the stories behind their works, This month, check out Melissa Hyman, The Water
Kickers, and Charlie Wilkinson.

Trivia Night
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Jump Little Children: The Farewell Tour
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Jump, Little Children celebrates 30 years of music on their “Farewell Tour” by coming to town one last time. The grassroots phenomenon will perform crowd favorites from their entire catalog including songs like “Cathedrals”, “Mexico”, and “Hand On My Heartache” as well as songs off of their final album “Foundering” which will be released in September of this year. The original lineup has changed with Matt and Evan Bivins bowing out for this last run, so the band will be joined by some very special guests to fill in on drums, vocals, and other instrumentation.

FRANCES CONE

Rolling Stone “With the ethereal flutterings of Bon Iver, the title track smolders through stripped-down verses before reaching the billowing harmonies of the chorus.”

Consequence of Sound “…each song feels complete, fully realized as a coherent effort from an artist who appreciates the value in taking your time to reach the finish line.”

NPR’s All Songs Considered “…a keenly balanced mix of sweetness, urgency, inventiveness and all-around charm”

NPR Artists To Watch at SXSW 2017 “The band doesn’t stay in one place for long, as slow burns make way for soaring catharsis.”

Billboard  “Leave Without You” Exclusive Premiere “The desert rock-twinged track employs the band’s signature slow build before exploding with synth and drums into the song’s chorus.”

AXS Frances Cone Delivers a Soulful Take on Indie-Pop “Ready to make their mark on the world, Frances Cone’s single “Arizona” has already accumulated over six million streams on Spotify.”

Stereogum “Arizona” track premiere “’Arizona’ is carried by Cone’s melodic vocals, rich harmonies, and an electrifying guitar sound. As the song builds up to the repetition of ‘I’m so sorry you couldn’t speak,’ it is impossible to ignore the genuine emotion in Cone’s voice.”

Noisey “Wait Right Here” premiere “Think Fleetwood Mac meets Dirty Projectors…”

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Donate to Greenworks Double your impact with a $50,000 match!
Dec 22 all-day
online

We’ve got so many reasons to give thanks! In each of our program areas, we see ordinary people taking heroic action to protect our home from the pressures of a changing climate.

 

This year-end, we’re highlighting stories that inspired us and sharing how we’re planting seeds to create a climate-resilient future for all of us.

 

With our native pollinators, more is more. The more habitat we plant, the more easily our native pollinators can find shelter and food, the more resilient they become to the challenges posed by pesticides and extreme heat—the more stable our entire food ecosystem becomes.

Give Local: SAHAC and Wicked Weed
Dec 22 all-day
online
GiveLocal
                                                    campaign logo
SAHC is thrilled to be selected again this year to participate in the MountainXpress Give!Local Campaign. Our generous partners at Wicked Weed Brewing will MATCH donations up to $10,000! PLUS, anyone donating at a level of $100 or above will receive a $10 gift card from Wicked Weed. 

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

WHAT THEY DO: We permanently protect and steward our region’s most beloved natural areas. When you support local land and water conservation, you ensure our lands, our water, our wildlife and our farms will be there for future generations. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

sahc

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 22 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • Donate $25+ and get a day pass to the WNC Nature Center.
  • Donate $50+ and get an animal sticker and a day pass.
  • Donate $100+ and get an animal tracks necklace, animal sticker, and a day pass.
  • Donate $250+ and get a a guided tour of the Nature Center with animal enrichment for two people, plus the necklace, sticker, and day pass. PLUS, you’ll be entered to win a chance to go on habitat with red pandas Leafa and Phoenix in 2023!
The Wish Tree- Older Adults + Adults w/ Disabilities and Foster Care Wish Tree
Dec 22 all-day
online

Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season

Wishes

Ready the hot cocoa and pull out your decorations; it’s time for another holiday season.  As you begin your holiday preparation traditions, remember to visit the Buncombe County Wish Trees! This year we are offering two opportunities to spread cheer throughout the community:

Foster Care Wish Tree

Each year children in foster care and young adults participating in Extended Foster Care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays. Signing up to sponsor a child or young adult is easy! Just follow the link below and select the child or young adult you would like to sponsor. After signing up, you will receive email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop off. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A CHILD

Direct Questions to Amber Cook

 [email protected]
(828) 250-5824

The Wish Tree- Fulfilling Wishes of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

There are a lot of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in Buncombe County in need of connection this holiday season. Show a  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities how much you care by sponsoring them this holiday season. Signing up to sponsor a Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities  is easy. Just follow the link below, select the  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities would like this holiday season, and drop off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR AN OLDER ADULT OR AN ADULT WITH DISABILITIES

A note from HHS

The holidays can be hard for a lot of people, children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities in particular. Holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, show support for one another, and shower each other with love, kindness, and generosity. Each year, we have an opportunity to deliver the holiday spirit to children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities through our wish tree gift drives. The expressions of joy and excitement on our clients faces as we deliver their gifts reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season, connection. Yes, the gifts are nice. But the real gift is knowing that someone loves and cares. That is what we deliver to our clients. Thank you in advance for your generous sponsorship.

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Winter Wonderland at The Grove Arcade
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Grove Arcade

see the beautiful holiday decorations and lights. Plus find lots of great gifts at the many local shops and businesses
Complimentary Wine Tastings Biltmore
Dec 22 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Capacity is limited.
Tasting room by reservation only. Make reservations in-person on the day of your Winery visit.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of your visit. Because our complimentary wine tastings fill up quickly, we recommend you reserve your tasting when you arrive for your visit.

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Pint Night
Dec 22 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Trivia Tour
Dec 22 @ 4:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

Imagine a solid trivia stack with a magnetic host in an outdoor intimate setting.  Then add the excitement of BYOB and pedaling around the City on a one-of-a-kind contraption.

Kinda like if Willy Wonka did Trivia… you will be completely entertained, with no sense left unfulfilled.

And come back for more as we have several questions sets available with a good ole just for locals option!

Trivia tours seat up to 15 people, 1.5 or 40 mins hours long.  Bring your own beer in cans or wine and your thinking while drinking caps on let’s do this thing!

Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village
Dec 22 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tryon Equestrian Center

This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!

Christmas Disco Party at the South Slope Lounge
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge South Slope Lounge

Come party with us Dec. 22nd from 6-9pm at the South Slope Lounge. Corndog is back in Asheville for the holidays for a spicy disco dance party at Ginger’s Revenge! Kevin “Corndog” O’Brien is a New York City based DJ. Combining the glam of disco and the energy of punk rock, Corndog spins genre bending sets of boogie tunes across the country. The self proclaimed Johnny Appleseed of Partying’s infectious exuberance will be sure to have you groovin’. No cover charge.

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 22 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.