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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 31 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.

$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.

Specials

Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays

Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)

Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here(Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 31 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Think Tank Tuesdays Trivia Night
Dec 31 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillman Beer

Hillman Beer’s Trivia Night is on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm! Get ready to drink some beer, test your wit, and have some fun!

Details:
– Please arrive at 6:30pm
– Max 6 people per team
– First place gets a $50 Hillman Beer Gift Card!

A Roaring New Year’s Eve
Dec 31 2019 @ 7:00 pm – Jan 1 2020 @ 1:00 am
Bold Rock Mills River

Celebrate the start of 2020 in style at Bold Rock Mills River by dressing in your favorite roaring 20’s themed outfit, enjoy live swing music, fresh hors d’oeuvres, a champagne cider toast at midnight and more. Must be 21+, costumes and tickets required. Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Comedy Night Tryon Resort: New Year’s Eve Edition! 2 shows
Dec 31 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Campagna Italian Cuisine

Comedy Night Jumbo_2019

CoCo Fresh and Sid Davis are serving up TWO shows on December 31 for the ultimate way to close out the year! The doors open at 5pm, and attendees can enjoy a full bar and menu available.

Join us in Campagna Italian Cuisine at 7pm or 10pm for laughs and gain admission to the Legends Club NYE Dance Party afterwards for FREE! Comedian bios below.

Tickets are LIMITED – get yours before they’re gone!

Tickets: $25/person available here.
18+ only. Admission is per show with 7pm and 10pm shows available. A wristband to the Legends Club (21+ only) is also included with purchase.

Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 31 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena
Roaring Twenties at Grove Arcade | New Years Eve Party
Dec 31 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Grove Arcade

? Early Bird tickets are now SOLD OUT. Reserve your spot today!

———-———

This New Years Eve… ?

Join us for a speakeasy-style soirée in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Step back a full century to the decade that brought Asheville the beautiful and historic Grove Arcade. While the building already has the 1920’s feel, the environment will be decorated like a 1920’s underground speakeasy, featuring Grove’s Tonic as a 1920’s prohibited beverage and original Flapper’s walking the party serving various hors d’oeuvres.

Every guest will have the opportunity to step into the 1920’s photo booth and be sent a digital copy of their photo right to their phones. Every guest will also be leaving the party with a secret take home gift to match the era and theme. More information to come!

Featuring:
– Jazz music by Asheville band, Red Echo Lab and Justice Mann of Shabidukah
– Fine hors d’oeuvres (vegetarian options available)
– Apothecary Style Craft Cocktails Curated by Jonny Burritt, 2019 NC Restaurant & Lodging Association Bartender of the Year, and the Bar Manager at Antidote and Drink Mixologist at The Chemist
– Photo booth with themed costumes ?
– Grove Arcade transformed and decorated to feel like the 1920s

TO ENTER:
– Bring your printed or digital ticket to scan at door
– Secret password: “Giggle Water”
(20s slang for alcohol)

Use this ticket link if Facebook is not letting you buy it here:
? bit.ly/GroveArcadeRoarings20sTickets

New Years Eve Party: Vintage Vinyl, Champagne Toast & Appetizers
Dec 31 2019 @ 7:30 pm – Jan 1 2020 @ 1:00 am
The Artisan of Flat Rock

Yup, we’re at it again!!!! We had the best New Years Eve party in town, so why not do it again?

The Artisan of Flat Rock rocks New Years Eve with the music of Vintage Vinyl, Drink Specials, Champagne Toast at Midnight, and appetizers for everyone.

Tickets on sale in June and price TBD…

https://www.facebook.com/events/310021342987579/

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 31 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Asheville Symphony Classical Mystery Tour Music of the Beatles
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm
THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Asheville Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band — including cast members from the Broadway smash Beatlemania! The first half of the concert features selections from the unforgettable Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, performed exactly as it was recorded. The second half will include hits from throughout the Beatles’ career. Hear “Penny Lane” complete with a live trumpet section, the beautiful “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and the classical/rock fusion of “I Am The Walrus.” Plus, join us for our “Yellow Submarine” after-party as we ring in 2020 with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer/wine open bar and a champagne toast, featuring live music from Carolina Music Planner.

Bee’s Knees NYE 2020
Dec 31 2019 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2020 @ 1:00 am
Villa Collina

Villa Collina is your New Year’s Eve celebration destination. Tennessee’s largest home is steeped in luxury and mystique, with a surprise around every corner.

Dress to impress and join your friends for an unforgettable evening at Villa Collina and an immersive all-inclusive experience. All guests must be at least 21 years old.

Wine, beer and spirits will be accompanied by delectable food at stations around the home. Bring your best dance moves because music will abound throughout the property – from classical piano to jazz and from an 80s cover band to a DJ playing beats on the dance floor.

Enjoy the magnificent artwork as well as dancers who will perform throughout the home. Amazing silent auction packages will be available for bid until 11 p.m.

At midnight, join us on the terrace for a soaring fireworks show – the largest private show in East Tennessee – to usher in the New Year.

Don’t miss the opportunity to support Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and ring in 2020 in 1920s style!

Capella on Cloud 9 NYE 2020
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Capella on 9

Ring in 2020 in the clouds!
Join us for our Capella on Cloud 9 New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, extensive hors d’ourves, live music, a champagne toast at midnight and a chance to win a staycation package at AC Hotel Asheville.
No weather refunds will be granted.

We hope to see you at Capella on Cloud 9 for the celebration of the decade!

Capella on Cloud 9 NYE Celebration
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Capella on 9

Capella on Cloud 9 NYE Celebration

Ring in 2020 in the clouds! Join us for our Capella on Cloud 9 New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, extensive hors d’ourves, live music, a champagne toast at midnight and a chance to win a staycation package at AC Hotel Asheville. No weather refunds will be granted. We hope to see you at Capella on Cloud 9 for the celebration of the decade!

Grove House 38th Epic NYE Bash!
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 3:00 am
Grove House

Cover: Three Clubs ~ One Price ~ Only $30 (ages 18+ event)
Pay at the door on the night of the event (or) Save $5 with Advance Tickets
Info: Bring in 2020 with a dazzling soiree’ at the historic YWCA 1924 building (GROVE HOUSE)

~ ONE Combined EPIC NYE Bash
~ THREE Dance Floors, THREE DJ’s, THREE Balloon Drops
~ SIX Bar Tend Stations
~ EIGHT Holiday Themed Areas (‘Pirates That Stole Christmas’, ‘Forest Of Silver & Gold’, ‘Old School Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Saloon’, ‘Holiday Hall’, ‘Candy Land’, ‘Ice Palace’)

~ Balloon drops over ALL THREE dance floors, stuffed with OVER $1000 in Cash & Prizes!!!
~ Complimentary party favors (hats, tiaras, noisemakers, horns, leis, etc.)
~ Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts
~ Legendary drag show at 12:30am on the BOILER ROOM stage

THREE Venues Combined Into ONE EPIC NYE Bash
*** Club Eleven On Grove *** Scandals Nightclub *** BOILER ROOM ***

Web Page & Video: http://thegrovehouse.com/gh_nye.html

Advance Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4456662
NOTE…Advance Tickets Are Not Required. Pay at the door on the night of the event (or) Save $5 with Advance Tickets.

Murder By Death
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Murder By Death’s eighth full-length album The Other Shore is a space-western about a ravaged Earth, its fleeing populace, and a relationship in jeopardy. It’s an epic journey rocketing toward the unknown—in the universe, within the characters represented through 11 songs, and through the band’s evolving sound. But basically, the quest poses the ultimatum: Stick with what you have, or risk it all to find something new.

New Year’s Eve with DJ Malinalli
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. - South Slope

Come ring in 2020 and dance the night away with the Urban Orchard Fam and DJ Malinalli.  FREE Admission and champagne and cider specials all day!

New Year’s Eve Party
Dec 31 2019 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2020 @ 12:30 am
Guidon Brewing Company

Say goodbye to 2019 and welcome 2020 with DJ Curtis of Phoenix Sound, beer, food, music and dancing at Guidon Brewing Company.

NYE with The Beatles & ASO
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Asheville Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band — including cast members from the Broadway smash Beatlemania! The first half of the concert features the unforgettable Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album in its entirety, performed exactly as it was recorded. The second half will include hits from throughout the Beatles’ career. Hear “Penny Lane” complete with a live trumpet section, the beautiful “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and the classical/rock fusion of “I Am The Walrus.”

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Presents: The Electric Kool-Aid Asheville Test
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center Asheville

It’s a whimsically apt metaphor for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a band whose very existence is rooted in the unyielding quest for joy and positive energy. Blending infectious funk grooves, psychedelic jams, and experimental electronics, the Baltimore four-piece’s new album, ‘Pizazz,’ is a buoyant, blissful reminder of just how much fun music can be. Eschewing the traditional funk band lineup that typically includes keyboards, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong constructs effervescent soundscapes with just two guitars, bass, and drums, crafting their music with a sophisticated ear for both open space and dense layering.

The Century Room’s “New” New Year’s Eve!
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
The Century Room

TICKETS ARE $125 PER PERSON PLUS TAX AND GRATUITY. SINCE ONLY 120 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD, TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Group discounts available when booking one table for 8-10 guests. DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ONLY WHEN BOOKING DIRECTLY THROUGH THE CENTURY ROOM. DISCOUNTS CANNOT BE APPLIED TO PURCHASES ON THIS SITE. 

Includes:

  • Gourmet Dinner Buffet
  • Two Drink Tickets
  • Late Night Bites
  • Champagne Toast at Midnight
  • Dancing to the Groove Shakers!

(does not include additional beverages, tax & gratuity)

STARTERS:

  • Cold Seafood Tray – Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters on the Half Shell, Stone Crab Claws, Crab Bisque finished with Sherry and Jumbo Lump Crab
  • Mixed Greens Salad with Camembert Cheese, Candied Pecans and Cider Vinaigrette

BUFFET:

  • Truffle Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes
  • Balsamic and Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Gran Marnier Glazed Parisian Carrots
  • Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Bearnaise Sauce (Carving Station)
  • Grilled Grouper served with Caper-Dijon White Wine Cream Quinoa Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Roasted Vegetables and Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette (available upon request)
  • Assorted Breads and Rolls
  • Selection of Mini Desserts

JOIN US FOR A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION UNLIKE ANY WE’VE HAD BEFORE!

Irish Session/Jam – Every Tuesday!
Dec 31 @ 8:45 pm – 11:45 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

In true pub fashion, The White Horse has hosts a traditional Irish style session every Tuesday night. Sessions are in many ways the heart and soul of Irish traditional music, a place for players to share tunes and socialize. It’s not a performance, but rather an informal situation in which listeners are welcome to participate, whether offering encouragement, singing along on a chorus, or asking questions about the music and instruments. White Horse sessions regularly draws players from as far away as Waynesville, Cullowhee, Rutherfordton and even Clayton, Georgia.

Come join us in a long musical tradition spanning hundreds of years.

Tuesdays 6:45 til 8:45

https://www.facebook.com/events/2280967635492723/?event_time_id=2280967772159376

BLACK & WHITE: A Party Of The Century
Dec 31 2019 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2020 @ 12:30 am
Battery Park Book Exchange

Imagine yourself enchanted in our book store like never before! This New Year’s Eve, experience a monochromatic masquerade party while enjoying live jazz, champagne and a full breakfast buffet!

For the special New Year’s Eve event, the Battery Park Book Exchange will have extended hours through midnight and features non-stop live music through the night. The shop will be decorated to match the “Black and White” theme and guests are encouraged to join the fun by dressing in black and white and wearing a face mask.  Note: The cafe area will be open to non-ticketed customers.

This will be the Black and White Gala, in the tradition of Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball held for all the swells at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Capote served Tattinger and all guests came in their finest black and white, and wore elaborate masks. We invite our patrons to do the same, and we will have some masks to loan as well.

⬜⬛ Special Add On ⬜⬛
Advanced VIP tickets available include reserved seating, complimentary drinks, a midnight Taittinger toast, and a late night breakfast buffet inspired by Capote’s original. The store will be decorated lavishly, fascinating guests and taking them back to that elegant place and time.

What’s Included with VIP Tickets:

?Full Breakfast buffet at 11 p.m. following the same menu from Capote’s party at the Plaza Hotel, NYC in 1966.

?Live jazz music all night

?(1) Complimentary welcome sparkling cocktail

?(1) additional drink ticket (followed by cash bar with special sparkling cocktail menu, red and white wine, beer)

?(1) Midnight Tattinger Champagne toast

NYE Party at The Montford
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm – 12:30 am
The Montford

New Year, Tiki This: Gather your friends and loved ones to ring in 2020. Indulge in paradise-themed sips at our grandiose holiday themed, tropical oasis at our rooftop bar. Revel in a champagne toast at midnight while taking in sparkling city views.

Tickets are $135 per/person and include:

  • Three drinks of your choice

  • Two small plate offerings

  • One midnight champagne

  • New Year’s-themed party favors

 *This is a capped event in our intimate rooftop space, so tickets are limited

**Take the Elevator Home: buy 2+ tickets & receive a discounted Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown hotel rate

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Vintage Kava

Open Mic at Vintage Kava

Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)

Stop by to sign up for your slot!

Shovels & Rope
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

As the Brontë sister wrote, “The ties that bind us to life are tougher than you imagine.” Shovels & Rope, the musical duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, embody that bond. Married for a decade, their covenant extends to blood and beyond: as parents, bandmates, and creative collaborators who can now add the pursuits of festival curators, film subjects, and children’s book authors to that mighty list. Having released four studio albums and two collaborative projects (Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1 & 2) since 2008, Trent and Hearst have built their reputation on skill, sweat, and, yes, blood. Now, with the tough and elegant new record By Blood, as well as their High Water Festival in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, “Shovels & Rope: The Movie”, and the picture book “C’mon Utah!”, Shovels & Rope are primed for their biggest year yet.

Accomplished musicians in their own right prior to dedicating themselves full time to Shovels & Rope in 2011, Trent and Hearst have made a career together by seizing opportunities and never resting on their laurels or being complacent in doing something just because. Carving out a niche in the music world with strong, roots/indie/folk/rock-inspired efforts like 2012’s O’ Be Joyful, 2014’s Swimmin’ Time, and 2016’s inward-looking Little Seeds, as well as their powerful live show, far-reaching tours, and myriad TV and festival appearances, Shovels & Rope have earned the right to follow their own muse. And so, in an effort to satisfy their numerous creative interests and adapt to a changing industry, Trent and Hearst have firmly planted their flag in realms beyond recording and releasing albums.

shovelsandrope.com

Yo Mamas Big Fat Booty Band, Empire Strikes Brass NEW YEAR
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm
Salvage Station
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Team Trivia Tuesdays
Jan 1 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 am
Sanctuary Brewing Company

Come out and see what the fuss is all about! Team Trivia Tuesday at Sanctuary Brewing Company with host Josh Dunkin!

Team Trivia Western NC & The Upstate of SC is every Tuesday at 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing Company on 1st Avenue in Downtown Hendersonville! There is no limit to how many people can participate on each team. You can have 1 or 20!

The game is free to play and the top two teams each week receive a gift card of $40 (1st place) and $20 (2nd place).

https://www.facebook.com/events/281414405828018/?event_time_id=281414579161334

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Jan 1 @ 12:30 am – 2:30 am
Peace Center

Part of the 2019 – 2020 Broadway Season. Learn more about subscribing: http://bit.ly/2J6KMcs.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, Beautiful has a book by Tony Award®-nominee and Academy Award®-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award.

https://www.facebook.com/events/360508881207738/

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Jan 1 @ 12:30 am – 2:30 am
Peace Center

Part of the 2019 – 2020 Broadway Season. Learn more about subscribing: http://bit.ly/2J6KMcs.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, Beautiful has a book by Tony Award®-nominee and Academy Award®-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award.

https://www.facebook.com/events/360508881207738/?event_time_id=360508894541070

Open Mic – Every Tuesday!
Jan 1 @ 1:45 am – 4:45 am
White Horse Black Mountain

Open Mic – Every Tuesday
Bring your instrument, vocal cords and friends.
Everyone is welcome!
Always free

https://www.facebook.com/events/1375534215919396/?event_time_id=1375534345919383