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.
A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s tenth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT shocked and surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker might be the world’s most famous ballet, if it is being performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original and much darker story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.
“I always want to go back to the original story” artistic co- director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take for example the King and Queen of Sausages who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.
This year’s performance features the ACDT adult company, White Dog ProjectX International, and the students of New Studio of Dance. With typical ACDT flair, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will again prove to be a wonderful Seasonal story full of adventure, courage and loyalty where love comes alive in a spectacular modern dance experience.
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.
A European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.
The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Hernan Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.
Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.
- $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
- $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
- $50 for buses and motorcoaches
- 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County
Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s tenth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT shocked and surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker might be the world’s most famous ballet, if it is being performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original and much darker story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.
“I always want to go back to the original story” artistic co- director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take for example the King and Queen of Sausages who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.
This year’s performance features the ACDT adult company, White Dog ProjectX International, and the students of New Studio of Dance. With typical ACDT flair, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will again prove to be a wonderful Seasonal story full of adventure, courage and loyalty where love comes alive in a spectacular modern dance experience.
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.
The tradition continues on the Rock after going virtual! Bring the whole family to this dazzling holiday celebration, Playhouse-style! An all-new show with the same great spirit and quality, A Playhouse Christmas 2021 will feature many seasonal classics along with several new adaptations and medleys. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, this song and dance revue is sure to bring you great holiday joy!
Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.
We are excited to announce that all of our 2022 adventures are open to book! Grab your calendar, find the perfect whitewater, zip line, or biking adventure, and book the trip before the perfect day slips by you.
Plan your next adventure with Nantahala Outdoor Center! NOC offers more than 100 itineraries that you can sort by Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Mountain Biking, and more! Filter by location, experience level, or activity type. Mix and match your favorites or book one of our packages for a full-day of fun! Planning your next adventure has never been easier.
BOOK EARLY & WIN!
We love when you plan ahead!
Book by December 31st, 2021 and
be entered to win a sweet limited edition 50th MERCH PRIZE PACK including a t-shirt, insulated mugs, Nalgene, magnets, sticker pack and a $50 Gift Card to use at our stores, on a meal or on an adventure! A $120 Value!
Get Started
Dance can be life-changing. We want to show you how. Come try two weeks of classes for just $29.99
Fall/Winter Schedule 2021/2022
Additional Information
ATTD New Fall 2021-2022 Class Schedule – August 22, 2021- May 27, 2022
*Note that ages serve only as a guideline. Below represents our Curriculum based ballet programs. Look for additional class offerings of Int/Adv Tap, Jazz & Hip- Hop TBA. Combo I – Elementary II placement is based on age. Level 1 and above are skill based placement. All schedules are subject to change.
Combo I : Pre- Ballet/Pre- Tap Curriculum (Age 3-4 )
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday11:00-12:00
Combo II : Ballet/Tap Curriculum Age (5-6)
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday 11:00-12:00
Elementary I : Introduction to Classical Technique w/Tap & Jazz (Age 6-7)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section A
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section A
Wednesday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section B
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section B
Elementary II: Introduction to Classical Technique w/ Tap, Jazz & Repertoire(Age 7-8)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet:
5:45-6:30 Tap / Jazz
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Boys Class:
Wednesday 6:00-6:45 w/Mr. Merz Elementary I- Level II
Level I : Classical Ballet Technique, with Repertoire and one enrichment class (Age 8-10 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Level II : Classical Ballet Technique, w/ Repertoire and 2 enrichment classes (Age 9-11 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
Friday 4:00-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:30 Repertoire
Level III : Classical Ballet Technique w/Repertoire, pre-pointe, conditioning, specialty classes (Age 10-12 placement required)
Monday 5:00-6:30 Ballet Technique
6:30-7:15 Pre- Pointe/Variations
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Friday 4:30-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:15 Repertoire
Level IV/V : Classical Ballet Technique w/ Repertoire, pointe, conditioning, specialty classes ( Placement required)
Monday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Repertoire
Tuesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Modern
Wednesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Pointe/Conditioning
Thursday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-6:45 Pointe
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
12:30-2pm Rehearsal **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
PreProfessional Day Program : Vocational Ballet Training ( Age 14- audition required)
Monday: 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe-Conditioning/Pointe
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Tuesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique center en pointe
3:30-4:30 Modern
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Wednesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe/Repertoire
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Thursday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe Variations
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Friday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pas de Deux
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique
12:30-2pm Rehearsal
Deck The Trees presents: A Black Mountain Christmas, December 2, 2021 – January 3, 2022 Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area.
Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.
Newsies Audition information will be coming soon!
Newsies & Anne of Green Gables will offer roles for youth and adults!
You can audition for both Newsies and Anne of Green Gables and be in both.
FREE SANTA PHOTOS
Visit Asheville Outlets for FREE photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment from on Saturdays and Sundays, November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, December 11 &12, and December 18 & 19, located in the center circle in front of Nike Factory Store.
Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last).
🎅🏼 Sunday with Santa | Co-hosted by Bargello & Hotel Arras
Santa will be joining us here in Downtown Asheville for
a very special visit on Sunday, December 5th from 1 PM-3 PM!
🎄 1 PM-2:30 PM Capture the magic and wonder of the season and grab a photo with Santa! Santa will be in the foyer of Hotel Arras at 7 Patton Ave in front of our beautiful Holiday Tree. Don’t forget your camera! If you wish, a special Santa helper will be nearby to take a photo on your personal device 🤳🏽
🎁 2:30 PM-3 PM Santa will be walking around Bargello and our Sister restaurant District 42 to say hello to guests, staff, and patrons!
🥞 Join us for Brunch before you meet Santa on Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM or join us afterward for our pizza bar at District 42 beginning at 2 PM!
✨ A few notes about Santa!
Santa is fully vaccinated and up to date on boosters.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.
The tradition continues on the Rock after going virtual! Bring the whole family to this dazzling holiday celebration, Playhouse-style! An all-new show with the same great spirit and quality, A Playhouse Christmas 2021 will feature many seasonal classics along with several new adaptations and medleys. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, this song and dance revue is sure to bring you great holiday joy!
Worms are the best! Come learn how they can make your garden the best it has ever been, AND learn how food waste and composting have an impact on climate change.
Here’s the details:
On Sunday December 5th 2021 from 2-3:30 Bountiful Cities will hold a FREE Worm Compost Workshop (Vermiculture) at their Pearson Garden in Montford
This is being done in conjunction with World Soil Day!
There will be a hands on project (perfect for kids) building small worm compost systems to take home.
There will be a demonstration of a worm tower and info. about vermiculture.
The Hop Ice Cream will be making a Bountiful Cities Signature flavor using sweet potatoes grown in our Herring Elementary school garden to help promote the event.
We will supply yummy refreshments (chocolate “soil” cake with gummy worms!) and hot beverages to keep folks warm and cozy.If you plan to attend please contact us by email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]. Also, please let us know if you’ll be attending and will need language interpretation and/or childcare.
This workshop is being presented in conjunction with the City of Asheville.
Thanks, and we hope to see you there!
This is being done in conjunction with World Soil Day, and Asheville Greenworks!
A European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.
The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Hernan Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.
Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.
- $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
- $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
- $50 for buses and motorcoaches
- 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County
Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
A European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.
The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Hernan Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.
Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.
The 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ – the largest in the world – will be held at the resort on Monday, November 22, 2021. This year, the Competition will be a combination of aspects from The 2020 National Gingerbread House Competition™, while bringing back the in-person events that make this experience so special to the competitors, Gingerbread enthusiasts, and the hotel. It is our mission to ensure that the Competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues for future generations.
Like last year, the Competition will conduct the first round of judging virtually. This will enable documentation of the creation process, enhance the first round of the judging experience, and ensure the competition will continue safely, even if unforeseen circumstances were to arise. The first round is meant to give the judges a visual idea of the creation by showcasing a framework and different portions of the piece that highlight the story behind it- even if your final product is not yet completed. More details on this below.
The second round of judging will be done in-person at the hotel in the Grand Ballroom as in years past. The Omni Grove Park Inn is thrilled to once again display all Gingerbread entries at the Resort for public viewing to celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into these edible works of art. All Gingerbread entries will be reviewed in-person during the second round to ensure the integrity of the Gingerbread creation physically meets the criteria.
For those who may not travel this season, the hotel will continue, “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by releasing one of the Top 12 finalists, per day, on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels from December 1 – 12, 2021 to spark Ginger-love for all during the happiest season of the year! This provides an in-person and virtual way for all to enjoy.
The winning creations will be on display Sunday, November 28, 2021 – Sunday, January 2, 2022. The Omni Grove Park Inn invites guests not staying at the Resort to view the display after 3:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and January 1. Public viewing on December 26 and January 2 will reopen after 3:00 p.m. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.
Deck The Trees presents: A Black Mountain Christmas, December 2, 2021 – January 3, 2022 Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area.
Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.
During the weeks of December 6-10 and 13-17, the farm will host daytime Christmas tours.Guided tours are at 10:30 AM each day. While drop-ins are allowed, those with reservations take priority, so please consider making a reservation. Guided daytime tours are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (65 and over), and free for those under 5. Each day, the farm house will be open for self-guided tours from 1-3 PM. Reservations are not needed for self-guided tours, and tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors (65 and over), and free for those under 5.
OAKS Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
September 7-December 17, 2021 | Monday-Friday | 2:30-5:30pm
An inclusive recreation program designed to support rising 1st5th graders and their families. OAKS will provide homework
assistance and opportunities to play through a variety of activities
and field trips. Participants will benefit from lower child to
staff ratios, continuation of scholastic goals (as applicable),
and individualized treatment plans (facilitated by LRT/CTRS
and program staff). Participants who cannot meet eligibility
requirements may attend with a 1:1 worker.
Location: Oakley
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee
Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford
Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee
Wells Funeral Home is presenting a starlight luminary display around the grounds of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, NC on Monday, December 6 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Inclement weather make-up date is Wednesday, December 8). This drive-through event will feature approximately 2,000 luminaries as well as seasonal music.
The luminary experience is free with donations accepted to support DayStay Adult Day Services. Based in Candler, DayStay is a non-profit adult day care providing daytime, weekday care for elderly and impaired adults.
DayStay fosters socialization to support the dignity and self-esteem of each participant and provides an affordable alternative to institutionalism. Through respite care and resource information, the program seeks to support family caregivers in their efforts to provide care to the aging or impaired adult in the home for as long as possible. Center participants include adults who experience a lack of socialization, depression, Alzheimer’s, dementia, are at risk of falling, or who need limited assistance with daily personal care.
DayStay participants take part in diverse programs including arts and crafts, music, chair exercise, games, trivia, gardening, and more. Activities are adapted to meet the individual needs of each participant. All activities are conducted in such a manner that each participant can succeed without shame or risk of failure.
DayStay is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. DayStay’s daily rate is intentionally kept low so that families can take advantage of this cost-effective service. Financial assistance is provided through grants and scholarships. For more information on DayStay Adult Day Services, visit www.daystayasheville.com or call (828) 665-1575.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park is located at 1 Chapel of Faith Drive, Candler. Additional event information can be found on the Wells Funeral Home website, www.wellsfuneralhome.com.
###
Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.
- $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
- $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
- $50 for buses and motorcoaches
- 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County
Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.