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.

Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.
Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.
The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!
Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
We’ve got TWO shows for you this holiday season!
For one weekend only, we’ll be remounting last year’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley! Set two years after Pride & Prejudice, this story centers bookish middle sister Mary as the heroine. As members of the family gather to celebrate Christmas together at Pemberley Estate, a newcomer sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
While Miss Bennet depicts the Darcys’ Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, an inventive footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of an unexpected (and uninvited) guest who creates tension in the household, both upstairs and down. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.
Onstage we have Trinity Smith-Keel, Hanni Muerdter, Emily Tucker, Lauren Otis, Mandy Bean, Zak Hamrick, Jason Williams, Aaron Ybarra, Dana Gillihan, Gabby Bailey, and Desmond Williams.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL PATRONS must wear an N95 or comparable type face mask that covers nose and mouth at all times when inside the theater, except when actively drinking a beverage. Due to the size of the space, social distancing while seated will not be possible, so mask wearing will be strictly enforced.
The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
You may want a mat, chair, and/or a blanket as you sit or lie back and experience this beautiful release. Sound bowls will hum over you as your energy is moved, balanced, and reset.
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From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

We have curated a selection of amazing raffle prizes to raise funds for our growing non-profit and the rollout of our sliding scale pricing for the 2023 Spring Conference!All you need to do to enter is donate $10 to Organic Growers School! Every $10 entry gets you one ticket. The winner will be picked December 30th.
This gift basket is valued at $395 and includes:
- A special breakfast set from East Fork Pottery consisting of two Tracksmith mugs and two Utah breakfast bowls from East Fork Pottery.
- Two cases (24 – 8oz cans) of your choice flavor Buchi Kombucha.
- Pantry items from Mother Earth Foods @motherearthfoods, which include: Dynamite Coffee, the Well Seasoned Table Mountain Sunset Tea, Big Spoon Roasters Maple Cinnamon peanut & pecan butter, Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon Blueberry Burbon Jam
- Four different varieties of tea from Asheville Tea Company
- $75 worth of Gardening supplies from Fifth Season

The Main Stage Theatre at HART
Directed by Erin McCarson
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.

This heartwarming Broadway-style show will brighten your holiday season. Don’t miss this year’s event featuring performers from western North Carolina and special guest artists performing many of your seasonal favorites. The dazzling performances include dance, live music, and comedy.
A Holiday Mystery for All Ages!
In this family-friendly holiday mystery, Sherlock Holmes is asked to discover the identity of a man who lost his hat and goose in a late-night scuffle. At first, Holmes treats the request as only a mild curiosity, but then the countess of Morcar’s rare and valuable blue carbuncle is found stuffed down the goose’s throat. The pursuit of the thief leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 221B Baker Street to Covent Garden Market and all over the streets of wintery London.
Doors for performances open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Ticket sales end 1 hour prior to showtime, but there may still be tickets available in the office. Tickets purchased in the hour before a show starts in the office are $25. Contact BMCA for availability, and go to BMCA office to buy last-minute tickets.
Truman Capote’s beloved short story, A Christmas Memory, will once again be performed as a one-man show by actor and theologian E.R. Haire, Jr. at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.

Four shows are set, beginning on Friday, December 16th at 7:30pm. The rest of the schedule includes Saturday, December 17th at 7:30pm, Sunday, December 18th at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The performances will be held in the Wilderness Room of the Parish House, across Rutledge Drive from the church building at 1895 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.
This is the 20th year Dr. Haire has performed the story from Los Angeles to Edinburgh, Scotland with many stops in between.
“This story has become a big part of my life and I never really realized it until returning to perform it at home. It brings the story’s poignant message full circle,” said Dr. Haire.

Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
December 2 – December 18, 2022
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday December 15 at 7:30 pm
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!
Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.
Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.
The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
For one weekend only, we’ll be remounting last year’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley! Set two years after Pride & Prejudice, this story centers bookish middle sister Mary as the heroine. As members of the family gather to celebrate Christmas together at Pemberley Estate, a newcomer sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
While Miss Bennet depicts the Darcys’ Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, an inventive footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of an unexpected (and uninvited) guest who creates tension in the household, both upstairs and down. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.
Onstage we have Trinity Smith-Keel, Hanni Muerdter, Emily Tucker, Lauren Otis, Mandy Bean, Zak Hamrick, Jason Williams, Aaron Ybarra, Dana Gillihan, Gabby Bailey, and Desmond Williams.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL PATRONS must wear an N95 or comparable type face mask that covers nose and mouth at all times when inside the theater, except when actively drinking a beverage. Due to the size of the space, social distancing while seated will not be possible, so mask wearing will be strictly enforced.
The Artisan Players present A.R. Gurney’s “Ancestral Voices: A Family Story.” This bittersweet story takes place in the 40’s, following a family through decades of war and social upheaval. Directed by Janice Vertucci Schreiber.
A Christmas Memory takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Until
he was ten years old, Truman Capote lived with elderly relatives in a small town in
rural Alabama. The story is a frankly autobiographical account of those years,
especially of his relationship with one of the elderly cousins, Miss Sook Faulk.
The greatest examples of Capote’s skillfulness as a writer are found among the
stories inspired by his early childhood and the relationships he forged growing up
in the rural South.
A Christmas Memory first appeared in Mademoiselle Magazine in the late 1950s,
when Capote was 27 years old, and has since become one of his most beloved and
bestselling works.
Mr. Capote was a flamboyant figure in both literary and cultural circles.
Controversial, colorful and complex, he was a writer of uncommon grace. His
best-known works include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, In Cold Blood, Other Voices Other
Rooms, and The Grass Harp. Mr. Capote died in 1984 at the age of 59.
Earle Ross (E.R.) Haire, Jr. PhD is a native of North Carolina. His professional
achievements combine acting and theology. In Los Angeles, he worked as an actor
and at Paramount Studios. Theater credits in Los Angeles include The Foreigner,
You Can’t Take It With You, Hamlet, Henry V, Richard III, The Importance of Being
Earnest, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and the comedy spoof Riffs of Shakespeare.
Dr. Haire is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Dr. Haire earned a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Yale University Divinity
School, focusing on drama and worship. In 2017 he earned a PhD. In Theology and
Ethics from the University of the Edinburgh in Scotland.
12.01 PULP Featuring Katie Hughes plus Comedy Open Mic
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 12.01.22. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel Website)
Katie Hughes is an Atlanta-based comedian and writer who Creative Loafing Atlanta named Critics’ Choice Best Comedian & Readers’ Choice Best Celebrity of 2019. Her album “Queen of the Castle” debuted at #1 on iTunes. Katie can be heard frequently on SiriusXM and seen on HBOmax and [adult swim].
Comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
Hosted by Cody Hughes.
Katie Hughes Videos:
FB EVENT: https://fb.me/e/22QEIpORh
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From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

We have curated a selection of amazing raffle prizes to raise funds for our growing non-profit and the rollout of our sliding scale pricing for the 2023 Spring Conference!All you need to do to enter is donate $10 to Organic Growers School! Every $10 entry gets you one ticket. The winner will be picked December 30th.
This gift basket is valued at $395 and includes:
- A special breakfast set from East Fork Pottery consisting of two Tracksmith mugs and two Utah breakfast bowls from East Fork Pottery.
- Two cases (24 – 8oz cans) of your choice flavor Buchi Kombucha.
- Pantry items from Mother Earth Foods @motherearthfoods, which include: Dynamite Coffee, the Well Seasoned Table Mountain Sunset Tea, Big Spoon Roasters Maple Cinnamon peanut & pecan butter, Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon Blueberry Burbon Jam
- Four different varieties of tea from Asheville Tea Company
- $75 worth of Gardening supplies from Fifth Season
The Magnetic Theatre announces its 2023 Mainstage Season of new plays with tickets on sale beginning January 1st, and begins scheduling auditions and interviews for actors and technicians.
The Magnetic Theatre’s Mainstage Season begins with HappyLand, a new rock opera by Brayden Dickerson and Zach Knox of Smooth Goose. The musical tells the tale of a delivery person who doesn’t quite fit into the titular town of HappyLand. Forced to make one last delivery before the vacation they have been dreaming of, our hero embarks on an epic journey to SadLand, falls in love, and maybe even saves the world. Full of toe-tappin’ tunes and fantastic adventure, HappyLand launches February 10th and runs through February 25th.
Beginning April 14th and running through April 29th, join us for the regional premiere of Fish, by Cyndi Williams. When two characters connect unexpectedly in a lonely bar, they wind up playing a dangerous game. Who will survive, and how can they forgive themselves in the process? Shifting timelines and unearthing skeletons, Fish is a fever dream twisting through memory, fantasy, and the present.
Next up, June 2nd through 17th, take your seats and pay attention to Da Classroom Ain’t Enuf, by Charles Payne. This choreopoem, inspired by the work of Ntozake Shange, is an exploration of the intersection of Black and Brown communities, particularly in and around the American educational system. The play features an ensemble of four actors who play teachers, students, and their families and is a mix of poetry, prose, and music, with original tracks by composer Richard Jones.
Then, August 4th through 13th, The Magnetic Theatre’s One Act Play Festival returns for its fourth year of short plays. Featuring a variety of stories, emerging and seasoned playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Playwrights may submit one act scripts for consideration throughout the month of February.
Ushering in the spooky season, October 6th through 21st brings The Splatter Play by Abby Auman. It’s the day of the open house for Tina’s childhood home, which also happens to be her deceased mother’s evil laboratory. Determined to turn the terrors of the lab into selling points, Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through the home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren’t quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope. *Note: there will be blood, so much blood.
Finally, as 2023 comes to a close, The Magnetic Theatre proudly presents New Queer’s Eve. December 1st through 16th, join us for a look at the year’s last holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.
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From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!




