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.

Friday, December 14, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Saturday, December 15, 2018
3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl
Dec 15 all-day
Wild Wing Cafe

The 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here and we want the city of Asheville to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK!

Ticket Includes:
* Ugly Sweater T-shirt handed out at our after party. (photo shown below)
* Signature Ugly Sweater Crawl Koozie at registration
* Registration party to kick off the crawl
* Professional photographer on site to capture the fun
* DJ’s playing holiday music at multiple stops
* Themed Discounted Drink specials at participating bars
* Ugly Sweater Crawl Map to help guide you bar to bar
* Hundreds of crawlers dressed in the ugliest holiday gear staying together
* Voted one of the most fun & organized holiday crawls by Yelp 2017

Pet Pics with Santa / PAWS Adoption Day
Dec 15 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mountain Brook Vineyards

Due to inclement weather, this event has been moved from Saturday, December 8th to Saturday, December 15th.

Cooper invites everyone and their pets to come out to Mountain Brook Vineyards to have their pet’s picture taken with Santa on Saturday, December 15th, between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The address is 731 Phillips Dairy Road, Tryon, NC 28782, and they’re located just 8.8 miles from the Tryon Equestrian Center going towards Rutherfordton.

If you don’t have a pet, PAWS will also be on site with adoptable dogs and cats looking for their forever homes for the holidays!

Instant photos will be available to take home for $5.00 with all profits going to PAWS. Come out and enjoy some holiday cheer and some grrrreat wine! Https://www.mountainbrookvineyards.com/events/picture-your-pet-with-santa-paws-adoption-event

https://www.facebook.com/events/2186338094975656/

Clasique’s Annual Itty Bitty Crafty
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Clasique Acupuncture & Pilates Studio

Join us at Clasique for our annual “Itty Bitty Crafty”- the perfect place for a holiday party and merrymaking!

Bring your holiday spirit and shop gifts from our favorite LOCAL artists! Drop by the studio between 2 – 6pm for shopping, enjoying wine, cider from Noble Cider, and chocolate from French Broad Chocolates. We’ll also have live mandolin tunes by the lovely & talented Cynthia McDermott from 2-4!

Artists & designers include : Spotted Dog Farm – Asheville, NC, Fly Coop Studios, Kintala Talismans, Mary Cozens Art, and many more!

https://www.facebook.com/events/283781488937137/

Southern Style Christmas at the Vineyard
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Silver Fork Winery

A day of good music, beautiful views and fabulous award-winning wine

https://www.facebook.com/events/310897129507027/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 15 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Sunday, December 16, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Monday, December 17, 2018
Gingerbread House & Wine Party
Dec 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake James Cellars Winery

What better way to celebrate the Holidays than by decorating gingerbread houses and drinking wine! We supply everything for the gingerbread house and you get a glass of wine. Cost is only $15!!!
Call the winery at (828) 584-4551 to RSVP today! Only 15 spots available.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1924287551024532/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 17 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Addison Farms Meet and Greet
Dec 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

We’ve tapped Addison Farms’ 2017 Coming Home Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon were the first grapes planted in the vineyard and were the impetus for Jeff and Dianne to come home from Atlanta, which is something they had been wanting to do for some time. Coming Home to the family farm and working to preserve the family farm is celebrated with each bottle of Coming Home.

Meet the owner, Jeff Frisbee, and winemaker, Shruthi Dhoopati.

https://www.facebook.com/events/285411768986007/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Wine Tasting
Dec 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Appalachian Vintner

ASHEVILLE’S BEST FREE WINE TASTING HIGH-END CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Please welcome William “Bill” O’Friel Back To The Tasting Bar For Our High-End California Holiday Spectacular

Champagne TBD (maybe Veuve, Pol Roger)

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir

Dariush Caravan Red

Newton Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon

Honig Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Wine Wednesdays, include one *free sample from each of our hand selected fine wine features (up to four wines). New wines are chosen each week.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1966525293397203/

Bubbles Around The World: A Holiday Sparkling Dinner
Dec 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Henderson

Join us for a Sparkling Wine Dinner to ring in the Holidays! Chef Michael has perfectly paired sparkling wines from around the world to tantalize our taste buds! Drew Summers, of Advintage Distributing will be our tour guide on this delightful journey! He will even be wowing us with his saber technique! Merit might even give it a try! You don’t want to miss this! Come help us celebrate 2018 and get ready to ring in 2019! Cost is $50 per person. Please contact the store to reserve your spot! 828-595-2236
Menu:
Sriracha & Wasabi Devilled Eggs | Sake, Ginger, Chives
Shrimp Bisque | Sherry, Crème Fraiche, Caviar
Poached Pear Salad | Winter Leaves, Tomatoes, Champagne Vinaigrette
Mac ‘n’ Cheese| Brie, Black Truffles
Chocolate-Orange Mousse | Vanilla Whipped Cream, Raspberry

https://www.facebook.com/events/354777081774257/

Thursday, December 20, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Sylva Wine & Art Walk, Downtown Sylva
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who doesn’t like Art & Wine? Stroll thru the streets of Sylvatown on Dec. 20th to taste great wines and view local artists! Sponsored by The Cut Cocktail Lounge, White Moon, Noon, Pie Times, Gallery 1, The Paper Mill Lounge, Guadelupe Cafe, City Lights Cafe, Mill St Baby, and Regina Nicole!

https://www.facebook.com/events/367311450516181/

Friday, December 21, 2018
Winter Solstice Celebration – Dark Prong Coffee Release
Dec 21 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ecusta Brewing Company

Come and celebrate the Winter Solstice with the release of our Dark Prong Coffee Porter. Roasted barley, chocolate malt and smooth pecan coffee (from local Pisgah Coffee Roasters) intertwine for a bold, flavorful porter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1422759147855974/

Natural Wine Tasting with Drew Summers
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tasty Beverage Company

Come try some fantastic natural wines that will pair perfectly with your holiday! We will be pouring the following wines:

Teutonic Riesling – Williamette Valley
Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation – 55% Del Barba Zinfandel, 45% Redwood Valley Carignan
Idlewild The Bird – Mendocino County – 60% Dolcetto, 35% Barbera, 5% Nebbiolo

Each of these wines is bright and high acid, drinkable enough to stand alone but is extremely food friendly. We love these wines and are excited to share them with you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1471390979659282/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 21 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Saint Paul Holiday Wine & Food Pairing
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sweet Sippin'

Sweet Sippin’ will be Merry & Bright tonight as we collaborate with a local catering partner and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard out of Hendersonville, NC. 5 wines, 5 course samples and the beautiful sounds of The Quatrophonics, a quartet of wily saxophonists…even Santa will want a ticket! A great early Christmas gift for yourself or others – join us as we celebrate what this season is all about – spending time with those you love, and celebrating the local talents around us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/207106746860707/

Special Christmas Event, 2umbao’s Debut Performance
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm – Dec 22 @ 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope

Hello Everyone! Hope you are all looking forward to this New location! 2umbao will be hosting this special Christmas event for the Debut Performance of 2umbao’s Ladies Team!!
Thanks to #RitmoKultural and 103.3 Asheville FM for their support!

*Cover $10 ( This includes Class , Social, & Performance ?)

** Sensual Bachata Class at 8pm with Jennifer & Mary from 2umbao!

***Sharing the Decks at 9pm
1st DJ Malinalli, Asheville NC
2nd Special guest DJ Sens3 , Knoxville TN

****Special Performance at 11:15pm

This is a gorgeous new location for Urban Orchard Downtown , large open space and a bar that provides Beer, Cider, & Wine!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1946343472337577/

Saturday, December 22, 2018
Holiday Party & New Wine Release
Dec 22 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join us for a fun, relaxed holiday party to decompress and rejuvenate for the final days of this holiday season!

*NEW WINE RELEASE*
2018 Chardonnay Pet Nat – Hand harvested in Hendersonville, NC on September 2, this sparkling Chardonnay was produced by the Pétillant Naturel method.

12 – 5pm: Cookie Swap – bake a cookie and pack a to-go of delicious treats.

12 – 10pm: Ping Pong by Pong AVL

7 – 9pm: Holiday Decoration with Jillian Stewart – make something festive for yourself, or a last minute gift!

Rock your favorite ugly sweaters all day.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1976619585784785/

Michael Wilson Knowles at Silver Fork
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Silver Fork Winery

Fans of great blues and classic rock will love the eclectic range and vocal stylings of Michael Wilson Knowles in his first solo appearance at Silver Fork! Come out for excellent wine, celebration, and even a few seasonal tunes to round out the afternoon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/186857532246126/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 22 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Sunday, December 23, 2018
Chimney Rockin’ with Daniel Sage!
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

Come out to Chimney Rock to enjoy the Fabulous Food, Wonderful Wines and Rockin’ talent of Daniel Sage!

https://www.facebook.com/events/563829534058941/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

A Centerpiece Jazz Christmas
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The Grind Cafe

The Annual Centerpiece Jazz Christmas Shows at the Grind Cafe will be on Dec. 21st & 23rd. The Friday Dec. 21 show will feature: Richard Shulman on piano and Adam Booker on bass – along with regulars Dave Reep on trumpet and Joseph Hasty on guitar/vocals with special guest Geoff Clapp on drums.
The Sunday Dec. 23rd show will feature the Page Brothers – Andy and Zack Page on guitar and bass. They will join Clapp, Hasty and Reep to round out the Quintet.
Holiday Jazz at it’s finest in the most intimate and festive atmosphere in Western North Carolina. Dinner specials along with fine wines and bottled craft beers will help ring in the Holidays!
$14 cover charge and reservations are a must!
These shows sell out in a hurry folks…

https://www.facebook.com/events/581339808972501/

Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Thursday, December 27, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 27 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Friday, December 28, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 28 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.