Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 17 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 18 @ 12:45 am
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.

Thursday, November 18, 2021
El Mercadito Celebrates Latinx and Hispanic Culture in Buncombe County
Nov 18 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Latinx, Hispanic, and immigrant families from all over the world bring their diverse histories, experiences, creativity, music, recipes, skills, dreams, and aspirations to the vibrant fabric of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Buncombe County. To celebrate their unique perspectives and provide an avenue for dynamic community building and economic empowerment, Hola CarolinaYMCA of Western North Carolina, and Buncombe County have partnered on an a monthly market featuring farmers, food producers, artisans, and makers who are Latinx and Hispanic.

The first El Mercadito (The Little Market) will take place at Buncombe County Sports Park (58 Apac Circle in Enka-Candler) from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 16. The date coincides with Día de la Independencia de México (Mexican Independence Day) and falls at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Other dates include October 21 and November 18 at the same location.

We’re looking for vendors – from traditional farmers, food producers, entrepreneurs, florists, and food trucks to artists, jewelry makers, musicians, and family activities.

To sign up, visit Hola Carolina’s website.

The community is invited to join us at El Mercadito to support the Latinx and Hispanic communities by purchasing locally grown produce, food products, and other artisan goods. We look forward to making festive connections over art, culture, and food.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.

Walking Tour of Albemarle Park
Nov 18 @ 5:30 pm
Charlotte Street
Join us for a walking tour of Albemarle Park!   The walk is just under a mile but there are hills!  We will take our time but come prepared with comfortable shoes.
When: Thursday, 11/18 at 5:30 pm
Where: Meet on the corner of Charlotte Street and Cherokee Road just behind the Gatehouse
*Give yourself time to find street parking in the area
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 18 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 19 @ 12:45 am
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.

Friday, November 19, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Nov 19 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Private Caboose Party
Nov 19 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Nov 19 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
‘Tis the Season Holiday Fair
Nov 19 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Expo Building

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the beautiful Western NC Mountains.

A festive shopping event featuring fabulous art, crafts, gifts, adornments for the home as well as delectable holiday food and NC wines.

Tis The Season Holiday Fair

 

Easy to find…

Just off I-26 at exit 40 (across from the Asheville Airport)
WNC AG Center, Davis Event Building Gate # 5

‘Tis the Season Holiday Fair is just minutes from the Biltmore Estate which is adorned with Christmas during the holiday season. The Grove Park Inn who hosts the well known Gingerbread House Competition and all the downtown festivities in the area that go on throughout the holiday season.

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Nov 19 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Johnson family farm Christmas open house
Nov 19 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Johnson Family Farm

Come to the local farm stand and enjoy hot cider, write a letter to Santa, and support local crafters for your perfect holiday gifts! Free ornament with any purchase $10 and more.

Fairy Hair Sparkles Fun
Nov 19 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Gold Dust Boutique

Get glammed up with Magical Fairy Hair at the Gold Dust Boutique!

You can wash, brush, comb, curl, flat iron, (up to 450°!), color, straighten, perm, blow it dry, get your haircut, etc.
Do whatever you normally do to your hair! Long lasting, super fun, non damaging to your hair, and affordable!

Covid precautions will be used.

Space is limited. Sign up now for your Fairy Hair Sparkles!
Sign up at FairyKimSparkles.com/calendar

Leonids Meteor Shower Experiance
Nov 19 @ 4:00 pm – Nov 20 @ 10:00 am
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Come feast your eyes on brilliant meteors as they burn up in the atmosphere high overhead, and just in time for Thanksgiving! Enjoy the crisp air as autumn comes to a close while you lay out under the internationally recognized dark skies at PARI. This event will be offering a look at the PARI facility, a hike up the hills for the breathtaking sunset view and history talk as well as plenty of space to stay the night and soak up the shooting stars; there will be big telescopes too!

This overnight package for two (2) includes Meteor Shower tickets, an evening under the stars and observing through our telescopes at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally certified Dark Sky Park, an overnight stay in one of our cabin quarters, a pre-packaged dinner on Friday and pre-packaged breakfast on Saturday. **Additional tickets can be added for a total of up to 6 people per room-choose additional adult after adding the cabin package.

This event is a rain or shine event! No refunds will be issued unless PARI cancels the event.

Preregistration is required

UNC Asheville Holiday Student Art and Ceramics Sale
Nov 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Owen Hall, S. Tucker Cooke Gallery

A wide variety of functional and decorative pottery and other artwork crafted by UNC Asheville students will be on sale at the annual holiday UNC Asheville Student Art & Ceramics Sale.

A wide variety of functional and decorative pottery and other artwork crafted by UNC Asheville students will be on sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Department of Art and Art History. Cash or checks only.

Community Expectations

As members of this community, we care about everyone. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors have a shared commitment to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 while following all recommended health guidelines. Please see UNC Asheville’s Community Expectations. Masks are required of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.


Accessibility

Find accessibility information for campus buildings at maps.unca.edu. For accessibility questions or to request event accommodations, please contact [email protected] or 828.250.3832.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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™ Train Ride
Nov 19 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 20 @ 12:45 am
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.

Saturday, November 20, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Nov 20 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Private Caboose Party
Nov 20 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Nov 20 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
‘Tis the Season Holiday Fair
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
WNC Ag Center Expo Building

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the beautiful Western NC Mountains.

A festive shopping event featuring fabulous art, crafts, gifts, adornments for the home as well as delectable holiday food and NC wines.

Tis The Season Holiday Fair

 

Easy to find…

Just off I-26 at exit 40 (across from the Asheville Airport)
WNC AG Center, Davis Event Building Gate # 5

‘Tis the Season Holiday Fair is just minutes from the Biltmore Estate which is adorned with Christmas during the holiday season. The Grove Park Inn who hosts the well known Gingerbread House Competition and all the downtown festivities in the area that go on throughout the holiday season.

2nd Annual 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Join us Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville.

 

Over 5,000 square feet of records, 45s, and collectibles and MORE! Check out great live DJ sets and broadcasts!

Guided History Walk –7th Ave/Train Depot District
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall--front steps

This district was where it was happening in the Gilded Age of Hendersonville. Starting in 1879, the train depot brought steam engines and hordes of summer visitors, which in turn attracted drays, hustle, handsome hotels and overnight boarding houses, shoot-outs, candy stores, a lively livestock yard, and a thriving neighborhood.

UNC Asheville Holiday Student Art and Ceramics Sale
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Owen Hall, S. Tucker Cooke Gallery

A wide variety of functional and decorative pottery and other artwork crafted by UNC Asheville students will be on sale at the annual holiday UNC Asheville Student Art & Ceramics Sale.

A wide variety of functional and decorative pottery and other artwork crafted by UNC Asheville students will be on sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Department of Art and Art History. Cash or checks only.

Community Expectations

As members of this community, we care about everyone. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors have a shared commitment to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 while following all recommended health guidelines. Please see UNC Asheville’s Community Expectations. Masks are required of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.


Accessibility

Find accessibility information for campus buildings at maps.unca.edu. For accessibility questions or to request event accommodations, please contact [email protected] or 828.250.3832.

Holiday Open House in Biltmore Village
Nov 20 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Southern Highland Craft Guild

Join us for our 9th Annual Holiday Open House at the Southern Highland Craft Guild in Biltmore Village!
Featured Guild Artists will be Jewelry Maker Extraordinaire Q Evon, and Master Wood Artist Bill Apelian. Please join us as we welcome the holiday season in Historic Biltmore Village, and shop for beautifully hand-crafted and unique gifts for everyone on your list.
South East Punk Flea Market
Nov 20 @ 11:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Southeast Punk Flea Market- Spartanburg, SC!
Join us Nov. 20-21st as we take over Spartanburg for the weekend! There will be many vendors… DIY sellers and artists! We have a lot of fun planned for the weekend. If you are a fan of weirdo art, vinyl records, vintage clothes or possibly a collector of strange and unusual things, this event is for you!
SATURDAY Nov. 20th from 11a-7pm
SUNDAY Nov. 21st from 11a-7pm
-This event is ALL AGES.
-Food trucks at the PFM!
-All vendors accept cash and most take cards. There is an ATM on site.
Admission:
$5 at the door // Children 12 & under FREE.
*HAND SANITIZER STATION AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE VENUE!
*IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL, PLEASE JOIN US NEXT TIME!
What kinda stuff can you expect to find here?….
VINTAGE CLOTHES, TOYS, ORIGINAL ART, TAXIDERMY, HANDMADE JEWELRY, RETRO VIDEO GAMES, COMIC BOOKS, VINYL RECORDS/CASSETTES/CDS, VHS, HORROR/B-MOVIE MEMORABILIA, ODDITIES! …and so much more!
———————————————————
We are in search of new vendors! We want DIY sellers with Punk Junk! Clean out your closet and dust off your records, get the skateboard out from under your bed. Someone else wants it and you could use the $.
So ya wanna sell yer junk?…
If you are interested in becoming a vendor you must pre-register. Please check out our website for more info.
www.SoutheastPFM.com
Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Nov 20 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Johnson family farm Christmas open house
Nov 20 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Johnson Family Farm

Come to the local farm stand and enjoy hot cider, write a letter to Santa, and support local crafters for your perfect holiday gifts! Free ornament with any purchase $10 and more.

PUBLIC TOUR Intersections in American Art
Nov 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Michael Sherrill, How Plants Travel, 2003, porcelain, steel, and glass, 74 × 18 × 9 ½ inches. Asheville Art Museum, gift of Marsha Madorsky, 2021.10.01. © Michael Sherrill.

Free for Museum Members or included with general admission

Today’s public tour is led by Doris Potash, master docent.

PUBLIC TOURS

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

Public Tour at Asheville Art Museum: Intersections in American Art
Nov 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Michael Sherrill, How Plants Travel, 2003, porcelain, steel, and glass, 74 × 18 × 9 ½ inches. Asheville Art Museum, gift of Marsha Madorsky, 2021.10.01. © Michael Sherrill.

Today’s public tour is led by Doris Potash, master docent.

PUBLIC TOURS

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.