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, January 18, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Keynote Address from Clint Smith, “Our History, Reimagined”
Jan 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Lipinsky Hall Auditorium

UNC Asheville presents “Our History, Reimagined,” a Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Address from keynote speaker Clint Smith in Lipinsky Hall on Wednesday, January 18. This event is free and open to all, no tickets are required.

The United States is a country of great opportunity and economic mobility, but we must wrestle with how certain opportunities are contingent on different facets of one’s identity, and how the history of violence and exploitation helped to generate its economic foundation. The United States has freed millions around the world from despots and genocide, and we must wrestle with this same country’s pervasive history of barbarous imperialism. In a conversation exploring Civil Rights movements over the decades, as well as how memorials tie into our perceptions and collective memories of these eras, Clint pushes the audience to wrestle with the complicated truths about the country we live in and helps crystalize how this history has shaped the contemporary social, political, and cultural landscape of our world today.

Clint Smith is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of the narrative nonfiction book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Hillman Prize for Book Journalism, the Stowe Prize, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and selected by the New York Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2021.

He is also a former National Poetry Slam champion and a recipient of the Jerome J. Shestack Prize from the American Poetry Review, as well as the host of the Youtube series Crash Course Black American History.

This event is part of UNC Asheville’s Equity & Arts Series.


Accessibility

UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.

Visitor Parking

Visitors may park in faculty/staff and non-resident All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

Thursday, February 2, 2023
18th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
Feb 2 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park
Join Chimney Rock’s naturalists and our favorite NC rodent to find out if spring is coming early or if we have six more weeks of winter. Cheer on our resident groundhog, Pumpkin, as he seeks his shadow and meet some of his animal ambassador friends, too.
Monday, February 6, 2023
Valentine’s Day Adoptions w/ WNC Nature Center
Feb 6 @ 2:11 pm – 3:11 pm
WNC Nature Center
Looking for an otterly perfect gift for your Valentine? Or perhaps you want to share the sentiment that love stinks with a skunk plush!
Symbolically adopt an animal at the WNC Nature Center at the $50 or $100 level, and your gift recipient will get a plush or drinkware with their adoption packet!
Adopt your favorite animal today at www.wildwnc.org/adopt.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Toddler/Pre-K Story Time Valentine’s Day Tea Party
Feb 9 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Leicester Public Library

Join us for a special Toddler/Pre-K Story Time. Dress up fancy (if you choose) and enjoy a pre-holiday celebration with stories, songs, crafts, tea and snacks!

No registration is required.

Storytime for Adults: Chocolate and Love Stories with PapaJoe Gaudet
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

What a sweet treat we have in store for you!

Chocolate & Love Stories
The traveling teller, PapaJoe, is the one of those characters you expect to find wandering through the pages of an old children’s picture book. And when you see him telling a tale, long beard wagging, the explosion of expressions, the range of voices, the depth of emotions; you’ll know some of the reasons he is so loved by his listeners. He draws us into the tales like chocolate.

Geared towards ages 12 and up. Light refreshments will be provided.

Valentine’s Burlesque Class ​
Feb 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Time to schedule a Valentine’s date for yourself. During these two classes, you will learn and get to know the basics of classic burlesque dance as well as perfecting a dance routine. Please wear clothes you can move in, and bring a large button-down or sweatshirt as well as a scarf or wrap to play with!

Friday, February 10, 2023
Unlimited Make-Your-0wn Valentine + Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Feb 10 all-day
Weaverville Library

Swing by the Weaverville Library anytime the first two weeks of February and make as many valentines as your heart desires. All supplies are provided. Make a valentine for a local veteran and we’ll deliver it for you! Free and for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

Hearts for Art
Feb 10 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Searching for a romantic idea for your Valentine’s weekend date? Then you’ll be pleased to learn Hearts for Art returns to the Museum again this year. From February 10 to 13, you’re invited to display your love of art by placing a paper heart on the floor in front of the single artwork that truly captures your heart.

The Hearts for Art project began seven years ago at the Oakland Museum of California and Columbus Museum of Art to encourage art appreciation. Join us and many other museums across the country to spread the love of art through Hearts for Art.

Step 1: Pick up your heart at the welcome desk as you enter the Museum.

Step 2: Fall in love with an artwork and make it official by placing your heart on the floor in front of your favorite.

Step 3: Take a photo of your selection with your heart included and share your love on social media with the tags #heartsforart and @ashevilleartmuseum for a chance to be featured on the Museum’s social media pages.

Step 4: Next, escort your date up to the rooftop Perspective Café and Sculpture Terrace to enjoy delicious beverages, local food, delightful conversation, and dramatic views.

Step 5: End your very memorable date by presenting your companion with an annual Museum Membership, showing them you’d love to share many more magical moments moving forward.

Please note: No FLASH photography inside the galleries to protect the artworks!

DSSOLVR’s 3rd Annual Valentine’s Emo Night
Feb 10 @ 6:00 pm
DSSOLVR

DSSOLVR is hosting its 3rd annual Emo Valentine’s Party,
On Friday, February 10th at 6:00pm. A free event that promises to bring back the energy and excitement of concerts like Warped Tour. The party will feature music from xZaneInsanex, food by Calico Pizza, an art pop-up by Heidi Failmezger of Remember Me Tattoo, and limited edition shirts and tour badges. Then on Sunday, the party continues with a viewing of the big game on our new 65″ TV’s and a 150″ projector, and food from Master of BBQ starting at 6pm.

See you in the pit,
XxDSSOLVRxX

Saturday, February 11, 2023
Unlimited Make-Your-0wn Valentine + Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Feb 11 all-day
Weaverville Library

Swing by the Weaverville Library anytime the first two weeks of February and make as many valentines as your heart desires. All supplies are provided. Make a valentine for a local veteran and we’ll deliver it for you! Free and for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

Valentines at Vineyard
Feb 11 all-day
Point Lookout Vineyards
Hearts for Art
Feb 11 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Searching for a romantic idea for your Valentine’s weekend date? Then you’ll be pleased to learn Hearts for Art returns to the Museum again this year. From February 10 to 13, you’re invited to display your love of art by placing a paper heart on the floor in front of the single artwork that truly captures your heart.

The Hearts for Art project began seven years ago at the Oakland Museum of California and Columbus Museum of Art to encourage art appreciation. Join us and many other museums across the country to spread the love of art through Hearts for Art.

Step 1: Pick up your heart at the welcome desk as you enter the Museum.

Step 2: Fall in love with an artwork and make it official by placing your heart on the floor in front of your favorite.

Step 3: Take a photo of your selection with your heart included and share your love on social media with the tags #heartsforart and @ashevilleartmuseum for a chance to be featured on the Museum’s social media pages.

Step 4: Next, escort your date up to the rooftop Perspective Café and Sculpture Terrace to enjoy delicious beverages, local food, delightful conversation, and dramatic views.

Step 5: End your very memorable date by presenting your companion with an annual Museum Membership, showing them you’d love to share many more magical moments moving forward.

Please note: No FLASH photography inside the galleries to protect the artworks!

Cupid’s Cocktails – Blacklight Party for Valentine’s
Feb 11 @ 4:00 pm – Feb 12 @ 1:00 am
Pillar Rooftop Bar

Come join Pillar for a Valentine’s party to remember! The event will be from 4PM to 1AM, with food from 4PM to 9PM. Once the food goes away, the DJ comes out. Enjoy some fresh mixes from DJ Fresh Rosé 9PM – 1AM. On the menu will be special valentine’s themed cocktails, desserts, and a steak special.

Zoe + Cloyd Valentine’s Concert
Feb 11 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Unlimited Make-Your-0wn Valentine + Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Feb 12 all-day
Weaverville Library

Swing by the Weaverville Library anytime the first two weeks of February and make as many valentines as your heart desires. All supplies are provided. Make a valentine for a local veteran and we’ll deliver it for you! Free and for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

Hearts for Art
Feb 12 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Searching for a romantic idea for your Valentine’s weekend date? Then you’ll be pleased to learn Hearts for Art returns to the Museum again this year. From February 10 to 13, you’re invited to display your love of art by placing a paper heart on the floor in front of the single artwork that truly captures your heart.

The Hearts for Art project began seven years ago at the Oakland Museum of California and Columbus Museum of Art to encourage art appreciation. Join us and many other museums across the country to spread the love of art through Hearts for Art.

Step 1: Pick up your heart at the welcome desk as you enter the Museum.

Step 2: Fall in love with an artwork and make it official by placing your heart on the floor in front of your favorite.

Step 3: Take a photo of your selection with your heart included and share your love on social media with the tags #heartsforart and @ashevilleartmuseum for a chance to be featured on the Museum’s social media pages.

Step 4: Next, escort your date up to the rooftop Perspective Café and Sculpture Terrace to enjoy delicious beverages, local food, delightful conversation, and dramatic views.

Step 5: End your very memorable date by presenting your companion with an annual Museum Membership, showing them you’d love to share many more magical moments moving forward.

Please note: No FLASH photography inside the galleries to protect the artworks!

Valentine’s Games: The Newlywed Game
Feb 12 @ 5:30 pm
The Breedloves Deli
Monday, February 13, 2023
Unlimited Make-Your-0wn Valentine + Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Feb 13 all-day
Weaverville Library

Swing by the Weaverville Library anytime the first two weeks of February and make as many valentines as your heart desires. All supplies are provided. Make a valentine for a local veteran and we’ll deliver it for you! Free and for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

Hearts for Art
Feb 13 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Searching for a romantic idea for your Valentine’s weekend date? Then you’ll be pleased to learn Hearts for Art returns to the Museum again this year. From February 10 to 13, you’re invited to display your love of art by placing a paper heart on the floor in front of the single artwork that truly captures your heart.

The Hearts for Art project began seven years ago at the Oakland Museum of California and Columbus Museum of Art to encourage art appreciation. Join us and many other museums across the country to spread the love of art through Hearts for Art.

Step 1: Pick up your heart at the welcome desk as you enter the Museum.

Step 2: Fall in love with an artwork and make it official by placing your heart on the floor in front of your favorite.

Step 3: Take a photo of your selection with your heart included and share your love on social media with the tags #heartsforart and @ashevilleartmuseum for a chance to be featured on the Museum’s social media pages.

Step 4: Next, escort your date up to the rooftop Perspective Café and Sculpture Terrace to enjoy delicious beverages, local food, delightful conversation, and dramatic views.

Step 5: End your very memorable date by presenting your companion with an annual Museum Membership, showing them you’d love to share many more magical moments moving forward.

Please note: No FLASH photography inside the galleries to protect the artworks!

Singles to Mingle and Couples to Support Vday Social
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Capella On 9 AC Hotel Downtown

We are hosting another multiple meetup groups event in honor of Valentine’s day. This is for the Singles to Mingle and the couples to support. This is a pressure-free event, so feel free to bring friends! We will be in the indoor space at Capella on 9. They have beer, wine, cocktails along with snacks and tapa dishes.
This event will include the following meetup groups:
Socials for late 20s, 30s and 40s near Asheville
Check out Social Group for late 20s, 30s and 40s https://meetu.ps/c/512Z5/BFgKT/d on Meetup

30s and 40s for singles and couples near Asheville
Check out 30s & 40s Singles and Couples Near Asheville https://meetu.ps/c/4Vc3l/BFgKT/d on Meetup

30s and 40s Women near Asheville
Check out 30’s and 40’s Women Near Asheville https://meetu.ps/c/4RNl7/BFgKT/d on Meetup

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Unlimited Make-Your-0wn Valentine + Make a Valentine for a Veteran
Feb 14 all-day
Weaverville Library

Swing by the Weaverville Library anytime the first two weeks of February and make as many valentines as your heart desires. All supplies are provided. Make a valentine for a local veteran and we’ll deliver it for you! Free and for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

Brother Wolf Puppygram
Feb 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

Celebrate Valentines Day at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue!

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s mission is to better the lives of companion animals through adoption and pet retention programs, a low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic, lifesaving shelter transfer partnerships, and extensive volunteer and foster networks. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue impacts the lives of thousands of animals each year in the Western North Carolina region.

 

This Valentine’s Day, Brother Wolf is offering a Puppygram package that includes a miniature succulent from local business B.B. Barns, a delicious cupcake, personalized card, and 20 minutes of snuggle time with one of their rescued puppies. If you are interested in sharing the gift of sweet puppy kisses with your special someone this year, a limited number of Puppygrams are available at $175 with all proceeds going towards Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s life saving work for homeless animals in the WNC area.

Valentine’s Games: The Newlywed Game
Feb 14 @ 5:30 pm
The Breedloves Deli
Love Songs and Murder Ballads of the Appalachian Mountains
Feb 14 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Swannanoa Public Library

Love Songs and Murder Ballads of the Appalachian Mountains

Join Irene Moser and her players for a Rip-roaring, Spine-Tingling Valentine’s Day evening of love and murder ballads

Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner
Feb 14 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’ve got the perfect lineup of events to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you’re looking for a nice wine dinner, a night of trivia and laughter, or a chance to listen to some amazing stories, we’ve got something for everyone! 21+

Come join us in The Parlor for a night of delicious food, wine, and community. Local Chef Sam Etheridge will be serving up a five-course menu with hand-crafted recipes inspired by Aphrodite, paired with French wines chosen by Juniper from Mutual Distributing. Tickets will be $135pp + tax and gratuity is included. Treat yourself and your special someone to a night of romance and indulgence!

HAROLD AND MAUDE on Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse
Good Vibes: Poetry and sex positive storytelling
Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm
Getaway River Bar

Join us for a night of poetry and storytelling all about the pros, cons, and weirdness of sharing your body with others. All donations will be given directly to Asheville Prison Books. “Asheville Prison Books is a volunteer-run collective which has distributed free literature to people incarcerated in the southeast since 1999. We currently distribute books to North and South Carolina.

 

Fundraiser for Asheville Prison Books, Sliding scale $5-$25 Donation.

 

Time: Doors 7:00, Show 7:30PM

This event will be taking place in the covered outdoor space, so we suggest people dress warmly.

CUPID’S TRIVIA for Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’ve got the perfect lineup of events to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you’re looking for a nice wine dinner, a night of trivia and laughter, or a chance to listen to some amazing stories, we’ve got something for everybody.

Grab your sweethearts, galentines, and mistletoes, because Cupid’s Trivia is coming to the Asheville Beauty Academy and you’re in for a wild ride!

Singles, couples, throuples, oh my! Whether you’re hopefully in love or hopelessly single, this Valentine’s Day celebration is gonna be the bee’s knees. Get ready to giggle, guffaw, and geek out over all things love!

The one and only, Indica Gemini, a dazzling queen, will be your host for the evening. And let us tell ya, with a full bar at your disposal and the most flexible host in town, this Cupid’s Trivia is not one to miss.

So, dust off your love goggles and get ready to put your love smarts to the test! With special prizes up for grabs, you might just win yourself a hot date for next year!

Save the date for February 14th and get ready to fall in love with Cupid’s Trivia. Starting at 8pm, and with no cover charge, this is the perfect excuse to get outta the house and get your game on.

But beware, this event is 21+ only, so leave the kiddos at home and come ready to swoon! See you at the Asheville Beauty Academy in downtown Asheville for a night of love, laughter, and trivia!

HAROLD AND MAUDE on Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14 @ 9:15 pm
Grail Moviehouse
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Valentine’s Burlesque Class ​
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Time to schedule a Valentine’s date for yourself. During these two classes, you will learn and get to know the basics of classic burlesque dance as well as perfecting a dance routine. Please wear clothes you can move in, and bring a large button-down or sweatshirt as well as a scarf or wrap to play with!