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.
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.
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.
Have a terrible case of the Mondays? Got a sick a twisted sense of humor? Come play Cards Against Humanity with us! We have 3 box sets with every expansion. We’re pushing tables together, making new friends, and having laughs every Monday!
https://www.facebook.com/events/371611523634185/?event_time_id=371611680300836
Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Allison Beatty to dive into the wreck of the wily and wonderful world of sci-fi, weird fiction, speculative fiction, literary horror, and disturbing fiction with a healthy mix of underappreciated classic and contemporary books. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!
The club meets the at Malaprop’s on the last Monday of every month at 7:00pm.
- Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!
- This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
The Bearded Dragons Inn hosts their weekly West Marches game. This is a drop in game for all to join. If you have never played before come and join us. Our amazing community will teach you all you need to know. If you have years, or even decades of experience stop on by as well as you’ll experience a whole new style of play. For more information check out our website:
https://sites.google.com/outlook.com/westmarchesattriskelion/home
https://www.facebook.com/events/377998122745064/?event_time_id=377998292745047
For the month of December, Asheville Yoga Center (AYC) will be supporting Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED). Beginning December 1st, there will be donation boxes in AYC’s studio and boutique locations for monetary contributions. On December 26th, 10% of drop-in and community-class sales will be donated (along with a generous $250 direct donation from AYC!), to the CRC for ED General Fund for the distribution to the various programs of the organization.
Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!
Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.
Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.
*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.
November 29
Downtown Street Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
5:00pm
The lighting of downtown holiday lights and Santa’s arrival kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hendersonville. The evening features entertainment, sing-along, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Click for more information Downtown Hendersonville
November 8 – 17
Flat Rock Playhouse presents: “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion! The play was based on the novel by C. S. Lewis. 828-693-0731 Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
November 29 – December 23
Peppermint the Bear Scavenger Hunt
Free
Peppermint Bear will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for her cubs. As you search for the cubs, visit at least 12 of the 22 downtown participating businesses to be eligible for prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox, located in front of the Visitor Center, by December 23rd. For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, stop by the Visitor Center at 201 South Main Street.
December 7
Hendersonville Christmas Parade
10:00am
A traditional hometown Christmas parade travels along Main Street from Five
Points to Caswell Street. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association. This year’s theme is the “The Magic of Christmas”. Visit the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association web site to download a Parade application. 828-692-4179
November 29 – December 22
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage presents: “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas”
An all-new Christmas production follows up last year’s smash holiday hit. This original musical revue performed by your favorite Flat Rock Playhouse singers and dancers is filled with holiday cheer. Celebrate the holidays Vagabonds style! Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
December 6
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas
Main Street / 5pm – 8pm
The Downtown merchants open their doors and invite holiday shoppers in with a festive window displays, decorations, caroling, music, and refreshments. 828-697-2232.
December 8
Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper
1pm-4pm
$20
The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several inns and the Cookie Caper part of the tour is a delicious Christmas treat at each inn. The inns on tour include the 1898 Waverly Inn, Charleston Inn, Mill House Lodge, Echo Mountain Inn and Brightwaters Guesthouse. 828-697-3010
December 18 – January 1
Iceless Skating Rink
Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm
Admission: $10, Children 10 & under $5 (payment by cash or check only)
Enjoy ice-skating in Downtown Hendersonville this holiday season. The iceless rink is located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street. The synthetic surface is made from special polymers that does not require liquid, so it can be enjoyed year-round in any temperature. A curling lane is also available. Curling involves players sliding stones on the ice towards a target. Play a variety of free games while you wait your turn on the ice. Skate rental included in admission price. Admission: $10, Children $5 for ages 10 & under, with group rates available for groups of 10 or more, but must call to reserve a time for groups, $5 for for 30 minutes of curling. Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm. Operates weather permitting. Benefits the Henderson County America In Bloom Program, 828-768-4413 To learn more go to: Henderson County America in Bloom
December 20 – 22
Main Street Holiday Hayrides
5pm – 8pm
Free
Take a magical hayride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. Board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Reservations are not accepted, first-come, first-served basis.
It’s the start of a brand new decade, y’all! Show up in your very best masquerade evening attire and let’s party like it’s 1919 again! Join us at Storm for a multi-course chef’s dinner, classic prohibition-era cocktails, and entertainment by local DJ Molly Kummerle!
We are excited to offer a special NYE prix fixe dinner menu prepared by Chef Jay Medford, along with rum & cigar pairings, a special classic cocktail menu and full bar service all evening long! We are offering two seatings for dinner service, with an earlier option for those looking to enjoy dinner before the party, and a later option that guarantees space on the dance floor and full cocktail service for you and your friends all evening long. Each ticket option will include access to our full bar menu, as well as a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
First Seatng (5-7PM): $75/person — Includes table seating with a three course prix fixe menu and a complimentary glass of champagne.
Second Seating (8pm-close): $175/person — Includes table seating with a three course prix fixe menu and a complimentarty wine or beer pairing, finished with a special cocktail and dessert pairing for the final course. This also includes table/cocktail service for your party all evening long, and a champagne toast at midnight.
*$130/person: Special reduced ticket price for tables that will move to make room for the dance floor at 10pm. Full cocktail service will still be provided to these parties all evening long along with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Bar Seating/Party Only (10pm-close): $85/person — This is general admission to our NYE party at Storm, beginning at 10pm. This includes full bar service, a small bites menu, DJ and dancing, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
*IN ORDER TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR NEW YEARS, CALL AND BOOK AT (828) 505-8560 WITH YOUR PARTY SIZE AND PREFERRED TICKET TIER.
*YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE A CARD NUMBER IN ORDER TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE.
Dance into 2020 with “The Electric Kool-Aid Asheville Test” at U.S. Cellular Center’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena in Asheville, NC on 12/31! PPPPrepare for a flockin’ epic night with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, plus support from TAUK ?
Use code: ‘PIGEONS’ to get get PPPPre-sale tickets on Wednesday August 28th from 10AM to 10PM ET. General on-sale begins on Thursday August 29th at 10AM ET.
“The Electric Kool-Aid Asheville Test” promises to be their craziest NYE yet… Can YOU pass the Asheville test?!?
It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Night at Sanctuary Brewing Company!
Calling all singers, songwriters, stand ups, poets and prophets! Come one, come all.
Host Josh Dunkin and Steven Durose of The Gathering Dark want to hear all of your stuff!
No Mimes!
https://www.facebook.com/events/531022364070354/?event_time_id=531022520737005
This year’s Christmas display theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Come take your family photos at this magical display. Santa will be available on special dates, contact store for more details! Display also open when Santa is not there.
Winter can be the most beautiful time of the year at Chimney Rock. Leafless trees make for expansive views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The sky is clear; you’re likely to find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. You may even see a critter scamper by you in the forest. Capture that special moment or scene on your camera, enter it in our Winter Wonders Photo Contest and tell us about it. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
Cost: No additional cost to enter.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1883673098397455/?event_time_id=1883673201730778
5Rhythms is a movement journey of unraveling, unwinding and embodying the thread that connects us all. Soften as your soul borrows your head, hands, feet, hips… giving you an internal shower and sending you back out in this unpredictably magical world with a renewed lightness of being; knowing more clearly what you’ve always known….but perhaps, temporarily, forgot. ♥ $10-20 Energy Exchange. ***Please do not Park in the French Broad Food Co-Op lots!! Park in the small lot across from the Orange Peel, the LaZoom Lot to the left of the FBFC or the ALoft Parking Lot (all the lots have a small parking fee).
https://www.facebook.com/events/518151585260172/?event_time_id=518151755260155
“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.
Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.
Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?
Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
No additional costs to enter.
The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.
Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.
All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/events/354841472011965/?event_time_id=354841635345282
Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.
Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.
Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3
Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3
The Holidays have never felt so magical! Get on Asheville’s homegrown purple bus tour and experience a sightseeing history tour injected with enough seasonal cheer to make your belly laugh like a bowl full of jelly. We explore Downtown, the South Slope, Historic Montford, and the River Arts District. This 90 minute holiday extravaganza only happens in December. Get your tickets now!
8 Jumbo Smoked Wings with your choice of side for $10! Choose from our Dry Rub, Buffalo, or our weekly special!
https://www.facebook.com/events/290725515134456/?event_time_id=290725678467773
“This will be a full evening of celebration,” said Lillianna Woody, owner. “Our Executive Chef Neal Mitchell and our kitchen staff have created an amazing menu that you do not want to miss. “We’ll have room to dance, late night snacks and champagne available to toast at midnight.”
Doors open for dinner at 5 p.m. with limited reservations.
The special New Year themed menu features fun twists designed to give you all the luck you need in 2020 like crispy deep-fried pig ears with a black-eyed pea relish, arugula, & a “Crystal” hot sauce gastrique; pan-seared scallops with sweet potato mousseline, shaved white truffles, crispy collards, & a “Steens” cane syrup brown butter; and Southern bread pudding with a maple caramel sauce with strawberries & champagne cake balls with champagne infused strawberries.
After dinner, dance the night away with Ellis Dyson and the Shambles kicking off the New Year celebration at 9 p.m.
Ellis Dyson & the Shambles expertly blends old-time influences ranging from Piedmont murder ballads, to traditional jazz, to big band swing. The result: whiskey-soaked, foot-stompin’ songs that bring party music of departed eras to crowds both young and old.
The Shambles have made waves with their theatrical and explosive live shows and masterful musicianship that electrifies every audience. Bursting with exuberance and effortless expertise, this playfully hootin’ and hollerin’ act is guaranteed to bring the ruckus.
New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach and Miami drops an orange. In Asheville, we drop a keg! Ring in the New Year at the Biltmore Park Monk as we welcome 2020 with our 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop Celebration. Our two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on New Year’s Eve, descending at midnight as we tap a keg of Must Love Coconut IPA, and toast to the New Year! The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend and ample parking is available for guests.
Season’s at The Highland Lake Inn offers a special New Year’s Eve Dinner, this 4-course dinner comes with a glass of champagne and an amuse bouche. Cost is $85 per person. Reservations are required.
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.
The New Year’s Eve Apple Rise is the 4th Annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Historic Courthouse, it includes a family celebration at 6pm with a countdown to the Greenwich Mean Time (London) midnight (7pm local time). Starting at 11pm is the official Apple Rise ceremony, which leads up to the local midnight New Year celebration. Noisemakers, glow sticks and hot beverages will be given out while supplies last, plus a DJ will play the top hits of 2019, and warming stations, corn hole and giant jenga games will be available to help to pass the hour.
Join us for an incredible New Years Eve celebration overlooking Pack Square Park with extra special offerings from Executive Chef Tom LaFauci, live music from the “Irresistible Dance Party” sounds of Free Flow Band with a champagne toast and post ball drop breakfast bar to ring in 2020.
Seating starts at 6:30pm with savory small bites and then a 2-course dinner service beginning at 7:15pm. Enjoy your choice of a local craft beer or a glass of house wine to accompany your meal.
The evening then continues with live sets from the Free Flow Band from 9pm until 12:30am. There will be a champagne toast and breakfast bar at midnight, and DJ Dance Party until 2am for those who wanna keep it going!
Join us for a full evening of culinary delights and entertainment for only $119 per person!
Call 828.515.4151 or email [email protected] to purchase your tickets.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland presented by Ingles
Tryon Resort is thrilled to be the newest location on the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland circuit. This two-mile journey weaves through hundreds of thousands of animated Christmas lights coordinated to music for an estimated 30 minutes of holiday enchantment. The Wonderland also features giant, custom-built displays of Santa and his pals on vacation in the mountains, hang gliding, rock climbing, ice fishing, lounging around the campfire, and more. This playful portion of the show is sure to please everyone, young to old.
The tour finishes in Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village filled with more fun for the whole family. The tour is $25 per carload with additional pricing for group vans and buses available. Tickets are available online in advance or at the exhibit entrance, and discount tickets are available at any Ingles location. Tours are self-driven and open from 6pm-10pm seven days a week beginning November 15, 2019 and ending on January 5, 2020.