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.

Saturday, November 12, 2022
Chunky Blanket Workshop
Nov 12 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Looking for a great holiday gift? You’ve probably seen these super soft, super snuggly blankets in your favorite home goods store for over $100. Now you can make your own for a lot less, once you learn the technique. No knitting experience required!

Non-knitter Pam Robbins will step you through the process. First, she’ll show you how to “cast on” to start your project. Then, you’ll learn how to “knit” your blanket until it’s approximately 45”x 60”. Finally, Pam will show you how to “bind off” your piece to give it a professional look. And you’ll do all of this using just your hands; no needles required!

Friday, November 18, 2022
Seminar: Decision-Making Competence
Nov 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Chamber

This program will open the big picture of Decision-Making, and show its vast significance to our success as professionals and individuals.
Participants in the presentation will benefit from decision-making insights that will show them how to separate between fact and fiction, think strategically about decisions, and understand the big picture, which will help them to significantly reduce the margin of error in their decision-making process. (Decision-making is never perfect).
This topic is of critical importance to all large and small businesses alike and is one of the main 10 leadership skills that are critical to post COVID situational leadership.
This program can propel you to the next level of decision-making, and can help you apply your wisdom to every decision you make, which ultimately, can be a game changer.
Instructor: Eli Harari – The Thinking Coach
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Nov 19 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

Chunky Blanket Workshop
Nov 19 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Looking for a great holiday gift? You’ve probably seen these super soft, super snuggly blankets in your favorite home goods store for over $100. Now you can make your own for a lot less once you learn the technique. No knitting experience necessary!

Purple Crayon owner Pam Robbins will step you through the process. First, she’ll show you how to “cast on” to start your project. Then, you’ll learn how to “knit” your blanket until it’s approximately 45”x 60”. Finally, Pam will show you how to “bind off” your piece to give it a professional look. And you’ll do all of this using just your hands; no needles required!

Tuesday, November 22, 2022
The Magnetic Theatre Auditions for Reading of Riveted
Nov 22 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Auditions taking place on November 22, 2022 from 7pm to 10pm. Please sign up for an appointment here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945a8a62da4fb6-auditions

The Magnetic Theatre is developing a new folk musical, Riveted, by local playwright and musician Deborah Silverstein. We’ll be presenting a reading on Saturday, January 21st, 2023. These auditions are for the reading only. The full production is tentatively scheduled for April, 2024.

Please prepare a 60 second monologue and 16 bars of a song. An accompanist will be provided – please bring your sheet music!

Synopsis: Riveted is a folk musical exploration of generations of women and how each woman learns from or bucks against the traditions of her mother, and her mother before her. As a family packs up all of the memories in the matriarch’s attic, secrets and history unfold to change their lives and relationships forever.

Character Breakdown:

Rosie – Matriarch of the family, about to move into assisted living. 70s-80s

Betty – Rosie’s daughter. Rebellious spirit. 50s-60s

Emma – Betty’s daughter. Level-headed and smart. 30s

Young Rosie – Rosie as a young woman. 20s

Beatrice Gretzer – Rosie’s best friend. In love with Rosie. 20s

Frank Brennan – Rosie’s husband. Demanding, stoic, in a typical 1950s mindset. 20s

Billy / Will – Billy is Rosie’s brother. 20s. / Will is Rosie’s son. 20s. Both are sent to war, scared, but doing their civic duty as they see it necessary.

Young Betty – Betty as a young woman. Hippie / Protestor type. 20s.

Elliot – Betty’s husband. Hippie / Protestor type. Very strong willed. 20s.

June / Heinz Girl / Receptionist – Young Rosie’s friends and coworkers. 20s

Martha / Heinz Girl – Young Rosie’s friends and coworkers. 20s

Date: 11/22/2022 (Tue.) Location: 375 Depot St.

For more information about The Magnetic Theatre, please visit www.themagnetictheatre.org

Monday, November 28, 2022
Auditions for Native Gardens
Nov 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

 callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm

MAINSTAGE

Native Gardens

PLAY

By Karen Zacarías

Directed by: Candace Taylor

AUDITION DATES: UPDATED: Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm, callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: February 10 – February 26, 2023; Performances: Fridays February 10, 17, 24 and Saturdays February 11, 18, 25 at 7:30pm and Sundays February 5, 12, and 19 at 2:30pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA – check back for more information closer to audition dates!

ABOUT THE SHOW: Tania, a very pregnant PHD candidate, and Pablo, her high-powered lawyer husband, realize the American dream when they buy a house with a backyard in Washington, DC. Living next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank is great – until a disagreement arises over a long-standing fence line between their homes. The conflict spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. With witty humor and engaging real-life drama, Native Gardens showcases conflict – and the worst and best ways to work it out!

Director Candance Taylor seeks a cast of four for this quick-witted and engaging real-life drama. Characters include Tania, a doctoral candidate, her husband Pablo, a rising attorney, and Frank and Virginia, their neighbors – a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Auditions for Native Gardens
Nov 29 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

 callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm

MAINSTAGE

Native Gardens

PLAY

By Karen Zacarías

Directed by: Candace Taylor

AUDITION DATES: UPDATED: Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm, callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: February 10 – February 26, 2023; Performances: Fridays February 10, 17, 24 and Saturdays February 11, 18, 25 at 7:30pm and Sundays February 5, 12, and 19 at 2:30pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA – check back for more information closer to audition dates!

ABOUT THE SHOW: Tania, a very pregnant PHD candidate, and Pablo, her high-powered lawyer husband, realize the American dream when they buy a house with a backyard in Washington, DC. Living next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank is great – until a disagreement arises over a long-standing fence line between their homes. The conflict spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. With witty humor and engaging real-life drama, Native Gardens showcases conflict – and the worst and best ways to work it out!

Director Candance Taylor seeks a cast of four for this quick-witted and engaging real-life drama. Characters include Tania, a doctoral candidate, her husband Pablo, a rising attorney, and Frank and Virginia, their neighbors – a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden.

Friday, December 2, 2022
Cybersecurity Basics + Fundamentals
Dec 2 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Cyber-attacks are on the rise. Last year nearly 50% targeted small businesses. To help, the Carolina Cyber Center of Montreat College is presenting a jargon-free lunch and learn session to share basic and fundamental steps that can be taken to help keep individuals and organizations protected. We will introduce practical actions to raise awareness and give businesses and organizations concrete ways to become more cyber-secure. The steps can be implemented in a short time frame with no or limited experience and may greatly lower the risk of being damaged by a cyber-attack.
Companies attending can receive:
• FREE Security Vulnerability Report – on company domain
• FREE Cybersecurity Awareness Training – three months at no cost for up to 200 employees
Our Instructors are Ed Carroll and Joe Jakubielski, Carolina Cyber Center
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Alcohol Ink Silk Scarf and Tote Workshop
Dec 3 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Purple Crayon

This holiday season, give your friends and family (or yourself) beautiful alcohol ink gifts that they can use to accessorize their home or wardrobe!

If you’ve been wanting to try a new and vibrant medium that works on a wide variety of materials and surfaces, you’ll love alcohol inks. As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors of this art form, you’ll be amazed at the intricate patterns that emerge!

The multi-talented Deana Murchison will show you how to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork with very little effort. You’ll leave with at least one print, a ceramic coaster(s), a fashionable 11”x60” silk scarf, and a nifty stuffable cotton tote. Only you (and your fellow classmates, of course!) will know how quick and easy your masterpieces were to make!

No dyeing, drawing, or painting experience necessary!

Friday, December 9, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Sunday, December 11, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Needle Felted Snowman Workshop
Dec 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Purple Crayon

Though we usually don’t get a lot of snow in Asheville, this super cute needle felted snowman is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Join us for this fun workshop with fiber artist, Camille Daunno.

In just a few hours, you’ll learn the basics of needle felting, including what fibers are appropriate for creating a needle felted structure, how to build a three-dimensional piece (and how to shorten the process by using a Styrofoam ball), and how to embellish creations by needle felting details and attaching accessories.

You’ll leave the class with an adorable 8-1/2” free-standing snowman that will make a charming addition to any seasonal décor!

Monday, December 12, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 12 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Thursday, December 15, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 15 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Friday, December 16, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 16 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Saturday, December 17, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 17 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Sunday, December 18, 2022
NOW Casting Movie Extras
Dec 18 @ 10:00 am
online
The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Winter Camp 2022 Session 1
Dec 22 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Asheville Museum of Science

Camps are Mon-Thurs, December 19-23 and 26-29th from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a daily and weekly sign-up option!
The age group for these camp sessions is 6-11-years-old (K-5th grade).
Sign up for Session 1 here: https://ashevillescience.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5af64a890dd5e292ce82d197b&id=8f3d934c4e&e=16408a818c

Daily rates start at $60 per participant/day and $225 per participant/week!
To learn more, contact [email protected].

Thursday, December 29, 2022
Winter Camp 2022 Session 2
Dec 29 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Asheville Museum of Science

Camps are Mon-Thurs, December 19-23 and 26-29th from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a daily and weekly sign-up option!
The age group for these camp sessions is 6-11-years-old (K-5th grade).

Sign up for Session 2 here: https://ashevillescience.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5af64a890dd5e292ce82d197b&id=dd3c976dc2&e=16408a818c
Daily rates start at $60 per participant/day and $225 per participant/week!
To learn more, contact [email protected].

Saturday, January 7, 2023
Intro to Gelli Printing Workshop
Jan 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Gelli printing is an easy, innovative way to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind monoprints. The results are striking, and all you need is a gelli plate, acrylic paint, and some kind of substrate (paper, canvas, etc.). In this fun, hands-on workshop, paper artist Kristen Grady will teach you everything you need to get started with this super versatile process.

Among other techniques, you’ll learn how to build multiple layers of design, create textures and an “old wall” look, and add stenciling and shimmer to your prints. Kristen will also teach you how to create two-sided prints, work with multiple prints at the same time, create a theme for your prints, use thick and thin paints in different ways, and find your color palette.

There will be plenty of time to practice each technique, and you’ll complete at least four, two-sided prints. You’ll also leave with plenty of ideas on how to use your finished prints, including incorporating them into junk journals, and how to care for and store your gelli plate, which will be yours to keep—a $25 value!

Monday, January 9, 2023
Creativity Kickstart
Jan 9 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Do you have intentions to start making art, but for some reason aren’t? Or were you making stuff all the time, but now it’s become a chore to get into your studio? Whether you’re struggling to get going with your art or have fallen into a creative slump, this workshop is for you!

Join creativity coach and veteran instructor Robyn Crawford as she takes you on an exciting, 4-week artistic adventure that’s sure to get your creative juices flowing! In this 12-hour, highly interactive course, you’ll kickstart your creativity by watching interesting artistic techniques, solving challenging creativity-building puzzles, participating in stimulating cross-media art experiments, working through selected The Artist’s Way best practices, and doing fun, optional homePLAY assignments.

We’re excited to finally get to offer this popular course. Don’t put your art (and YOU!) on the back burner again. Register today and make 2023 your most inspired year yet!

Saturday, January 14, 2023
Intro to Junk Journaling Workshop
Jan 14 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

January is the perfect time to start keeping a “junk journal”: a hand-made book used to collect and store daily memories, mementos, photos, collages, inspiring quotes, or anything you want to remember. You can also use junk journals as art journals, a place for collage or daily gratitude lists, or to inspire a daily art practice in general. In this highly imaginative workshop, paper artist Kristen Grady will show you how to design a junk journal to fit your needs.

You’ll start by cutting and sizing an empty cereal box to create the cover for your journal. After strengthening and decorating your cover, you’ll learn how to turn your precious papers—including any gelli prints that you may have made in Kristen’s Introduction to Gelli Printing workshop—and actual “junk” mail into various types of pages (decorative, envelope, writing, etc.) until you fill your book. Next, Kristen will show you how to stitch your pages into the cover and then go over ways to fill in your journal as you go. You’ll be surprised at how full your book can become in just an afternoon! Finally, you’ll add decor, embellishments, and ephemera to finish your project.

You’ll leave the workshop with a beautiful, personalized keepsake that’s anything but junk! You’ll also have a newfound appreciation for the useful and beautiful creations you can make out of things that you used to throw away!

Sunday, January 15, 2023
Workshop: Characterization and the Body
Jan 15 @ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Performers: Get out of your head and inhabit your character!

In this workshop, acting coach, director and performer Jamie Knox will lead you through a series of exercises to:
– Make your work more physically dynamic
– Prepare for giving a memorable audition
– Approach a character from the outside in, to work quickly with new direction
– Talk yourself up…to yourself! Learn the art of getting into a good headspace and focusing on being a character, not acting
– Work on a specific monologue OR learn to work with any piece given to you

Sunday, January 15th, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
at The Magnetic Theatre
375 Depot St, Asheville NC 28801

About the instructor:
Jamie Knox juggles writing, directing, and acting in plays with running a yoga business and wrangling a four-year-old. She has been coaching characterization since 2008 and is a strong believer in being the character, not simply pretending to be the character. In this workshop expect to be challenged to get out of your head and into your body, finding more authenticity in your work.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator Workshop
Jan 18 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Take your business to the next level!
A comprehensive business innovation program designed to assist for-profit, not-for-profit, and family-owned businesses to the next level of success.
This program begins January 18, 2023, and meets 8:30 am – 1 pm every other Wednesday for five months.
Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator is designed by entrepreneurs to help for-profit, family owned, and nonprofit businesses innovate and increase profitability. If you approach the business the same way as you did in the past, it will limit future profit growth.
Now is the time to innovate with cutting edge best practices in business management, leadership, planning, branding, marketing, sales, accounting, purchasing, raising capital, information technology, human resources, time management, new business development, operations and distribution. The Program will help you identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in each department of your company to track, monitor and accelerate the success of your business. Peter Drucker said, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
Monday, January 23, 2023
Bright Star AUDITIONS
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre-- 35below

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Bright Star AUDITIONS
Jan 24 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre-- 35below

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Monthly Writing Workshops
Jan 25 @ 3:12 am – 4:12 am
online

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

January 25 – Jennifer McGaha
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Webinar QuickBooks Online: Understanding Customer Transactions
Feb 7 @ 10:00 am
online

Join QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor, Candy Williams, as she helps you to understand bookkeeping concepts for your small business.