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.
Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.
Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand at the Winter Wonder Walk! As part of the Winter Wonder Walk you will be transported into the magical world of Winterland, where the pages will come to life with live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail.
📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.
🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to join with the Winter Wonder Walk for a one-of-a-kind Children’s Entrepreneur Market!
🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!
🍅 Visit kids markets.com
Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼
Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is returning to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on December 9, 2025.
🎄 Second Annual Christmas Spectacular! 🎄
Step into a Winter Wonderland and experience the magic of the season at our Second Annual Christmas Spectacular— a joyful holiday showcase filled with music, dance, and festive fun for the whole family!
This year’s show features an Enchanted Forest theme, complete with festive holiday songs, tap and jazz dancing, and breathtaking aerial silks performances. You’ll also enjoy reimagined Christmas classics and a show-stopping hip-hop Nutcracker number that’s sure to bring the house down!
Enjoy performances by our 1-Year Choir students, Chamber Choir, and Performance Media Crew (dance troupe), plus a special preview number from our upcoming production of The Lion King Jr. at Wortham Center for the Arts (Jan. 10 & 11).
✨ 3 Showtimes:
Friday, December 12 – 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM
📍 Location:
174 Bradley Branch, Unit 4/5, 28704
(Please enter from the front side of the building.)
☕ Refreshments will be available for sale, with all proceeds benefiting AJT.
❄️ Expect an indoor snowstorm and plenty of sparkle and surprises along the way!
🎫 Seating is general admission (first come, first served).
🌟 Tickets will sell out quickly! Last year’s two shows completely sold out — so this year we’ve added a third performance to make room for everyone. Don’t wait — grab your tickets early and join us for this heartwarming, high-energy holiday celebration!
🎟️ Purchase your seats today for a truly spectacular Christmas experience!
Once again, the magic of the Fae will fill our Great Hall with whimsy and elegance, illuminating the night in a spectacle of music, dance, and shared revelry to warm the winter’s chill. The sylvan sounds of Holler & Crow will grace the stage as we waltz through the evening, and in the witching hours DJ Jaime ignites the dance floor with enchanted rhythms that turn our royal court into pure revelry.
Don’t forget to attire yourself, and your entourage, in your finest regalia! A masque is required, and our Costume Contest will reward the most resplendent creations with generous prizes during our grand on-stage finale.
Join us on Saturday, December 13th, for an unforgettable night of enchantment and revelry at the next incredible Fae Masquerade!
The first 50 tickets are available at Early-Bird prices!
🌙 Indoor event | Ages 18+
🏰 Great Hall doors open at 7 PM
💃 Formal festivities begin at 8 PM
PERFORMANCE: Johnny Loves Johann – Music and Dance
With violinist Johnny Gandelsman and choreographers Melissa Toogood and John Heginbotham
Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members + Students w/ID
Join us Monday, December 15 at BMCM+AC for a one-night-only performance featuring world-renowned violinist Johnny Gandelsman and internationally acclaimed choreographer/dancers John Heginbotham and Melissa Toogood.
In this intimate, museum-scale version of Johnny Loves Johann, Gandelsman will perform Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 with new choreography by Melissa Toogood and Cello Suite No. 4 with new choreography by John Heginbotham. This unique program offers a powerful glimpse into the larger evening-length work, bringing together music and dance in fresh, unexpected ways. With Gandelsman’s folk- and dance-inspired interpretation at its core, Toogood and Heginbotham infuse Bach’s timeless compositions with humanity, curiosity, and contemporary movement—transforming them into a vibrant celebration of connection and community.
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About the Program
At its heart, Johnny Loves Johann is a tribute to community – both among the artists themselves and with the audience members who join them on this journey. By inviting these remarkable choreographers to bring their personal and cultural narratives to Bach’s music, the project creates a tapestry of voices and perspectives that reflect the shared human experience.
Bach’s music is often put in the context of order and notions of perfection. While we can enjoy hearing it this way, it can also limit our experience of this music as the celebration of humanity and beautiful opportunity for connection that it is.
Gandelsman’s interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suites is special in its folk music- and dance-like qualities. Building upon that, the Johnny Loves Johann collaborators—each known for visceral, big-hearted art-making—re-visit the suites by leading with their humanity and curiosity.
Biltmore’s next exhibition is an unforgettable exploration of the culture of ancient Egypt, the time of Tutankhamun, the search for and thrilling discovery of his tomb, and the treasures found within.
The event hailed as the world’s most complete Tutankhamun exhibition becomes all the more fascinating in its Biltmore presentation—this is the only experience that reveals the historical connections between the monumental discovery and the Vanderbilt-Cecil family.
This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition premieres March 21 in Amherst at Deerpark®. Reserve your admission tickets and special admission-inclusive overnight packages today.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Join us at BMCM+AC on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 for a live performance of Merce Cunningham’s Suite for Two (1958) and a screening of the dance film Beach Birds.
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About the Performance
Suite for Two (1958) is an arrangement of three solos and one duet from the dance Suite for Five (1956). Cunningham made this arrangement for Carolyn Brown and himself for a concert at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. Suite for Two was subsequently performed on two European tours made by Cunningham, Brown, John Cage, and David Tudor in 1958 and 1960. Chalvar Monteiro dances two solos entitled “At Random” and “Stillness.” Jacquelin Harris dances “A Meander,” a new solo made for Carolyn Brown for the 1958 arrangement. The dance concludes with a duet entitled “Extended Moment.” Renowned pianist Adam Tendler plays John Cage’s Music for Piano.
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS
The Lion King JR.
Saturday & Sunday, Jan 10 & 11 • 2 pm & 6 pm
From the company that brought you Frozen JR., Shrek JR., and The Wizard of Oz: Bluegrass Style! comes our most breathtaking production yet—The Lion King JR.!
Join us on an unforgettable journey to the PrideLands in this professional-caliber musical event that’s perfect for audiences of all ages. With soaring vocals, eye-popping costumes, and powerful performances, this show will wow audiences of all ages.
Follow Simba’s epic adventure as he discovers his courage, faces his destiny, and rises to become king—all set to the timeless songs you know and love, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Along the way, you’ll meet beloved characters like wise Rafiki, brave Nala, the hilarious Timon and Pumbaa, and the villainous Scar in a heartwarming and action-packed story about friendship, responsibility, identity, and the enduring power of the Circle of Life.
This is not just a junior theater production—it’s a full-scale theatrical experience.
Our shows are unparalleled in Asheville. With jaw-dropping costumes, professional staging, and the kind of heart you can only find at Asheville Junior Theater, The Lion King JR. is a must-see.
Tickets WILL sell out.
Don’t miss your chance to see why Asheville families return to our shows again and again.
The Circle of Life is calling—get your tickets today and experience the magic! Run time is approximately 75 minutes.
Spirited Improv is a 5-week expressive arts and spiritual development experience that invites you to play, heal, and reconnect with your creative essence. Unlike traditional improv, this series isn’t about comedy or performance techniques, it’s about presence, expression, and connection.
Guided by creator Jessica Chilton, a seasoned performer, expressive arts therapist, and spiritual practitioner, you’ll step into a welcoming space where vulnerability is met with love, creativity is encouraged, and every emotion has room to breathe. You’ll explore spontaneous movement, sound, character work, song, storytelling, ritual, and group co-creation. Each session includes grounding meditation, heart-centered intention, and spacious improvisational activities that awaken joy, courage, and curiosity.
Throughout the series, you practice releasing control and trusting the unknown, an experience participants often call “both liberating and deeply healing.” As the group’s trust and connection deepen, a final performance is created. It’s not scripted or rehearsed; instead, it emerges from the collective heart and the spiritual aliveness of the moment.
The closing performance becomes a celebration of everything you’ve reclaimed: your voice, your playfulness, your presence, your courage, and your connection to community.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Direct from Off-Broadway and London’s West End, the internationally acclaimed A Taste of Ireland Company returns with its flagship production —‘A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’— touring the USA in 2026. Laugh, cry, and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation.
Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, and the recent West End cast of Éireann, ‘A Taste of Ireland’ brings the spirit and energy of modern Ireland to life with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, and heartfelt storytelling in a live celebration of Irish music and dance.
**Please note: musical instruments are subject to change from performance to performance
Hear Doc Bonn’s unique, chilling insights from examining:
- Dennis Rader (BTK Strangler)
- David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)
- Rex Heuermann (Alleged Long Island Serial Killer)
- Jeffery Dahmer and more…
Spend a deliciously chilling evening with renowned criminologist and serial killer expert, Dr.
Scott Bonn, as he takes you inside the minds of the world’s most savage and prolific
murderers.
In this thrilling 90-minute show, Dr. Bonn reveals the insatiable, psychological hungers
that drive the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer to kill repeatedly with impunity and
no remorse. He explains why the majority of serial killers are either psychopaths or
sociopaths, how the two differ, and he reveals that every serial killer is compelled to
murder by a unique fantasy need. He also explains how/why serial killers are able to
successfully avoid apprehension, blend into a crowd and become invisible.
Finally, you can ask anything you ever wanted to know about serial killers in a dynamic,
live Q&A session with Dr. Bonn. Don’t miss out on this exciting event.
*Due to the nature of the topic and material, this show might not be appropriate for children. We
recommend adults only
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
Now an international smash hit, Dinosaur World Live is back by popular demand, ready for its third major US tour.
Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding jurassic adventure, live on stage.
Book now before tickets become extinct!
The 5th Annual FuseFest: A Weekend Fused Glass Symposium
Experience the Art of Fused Glass
Welcome to FuseFest 2026! Join us for a weekend-long celebration of fused glass art at the beautiful Tryon Arts and Crafts School (TACS) in Tryon, North Carolina. Whether you’re a seasoned studio artist, an art educator looking for professional development, or a curious enthusiast, FuseFest is designed to inspire and connect you with the vibrant world of fused glass.
This immersive symposium offers a unique opportunity to learn from three acclaimed artists, explore new techniques, and connect with a passionate community.
What’s Happening at FuseFest?
Get ready for an action-packed weekend of learning and networking! FuseFest 2026 features a dynamic program model, including:
Hands-On Workshops: Take 3-hour workshops with each of our three visiting artists. Dive deep into new skills and techniques in a supportive studio environment.
Live Demonstrations & Lectures: Engage with the masters as they showcase their craft and share their artistic journeys.
Networking & Community: Mingle with fellow artists and enthusiasts at our Friday evening social, complete with live demonstrations, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.
Cross-Curricular Activities: Experience the breadth of TACS’s offerings with live art demonstrations.
You’ll also enjoy delicious local cuisine throughout the weekend, with catered lunches from vendors like Katie D’s NY Bagels and Deli, and a special community dinner on Saturday evening. We’re proud to partner with local businesses like the GreenLife Inn, Tryon Coffeehouse Co-Op, and Tryon Bottle to make your stay in Tryon memorable.
Wortham Presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm
For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.
“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm
For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.
“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on Ailey II:
Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey to spotlight rising dance talent and visionary choreographers
Bridges the gap between student training and professional performance for early-career dancers
At least half the members of the main company are Ailey II alumni
Led for 38 seasons by Sylvia Waters, handpicked by Ailey himself
Now under the direction of Francesca Harper, a former student at The Ailey School, bringing bold, inclusive, and experimental energy
Wortham Center Student Series Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Wed, Feb 18 • 10 am
Grades 6–12
Show length: 60 minutes
For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. As one of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy, propelling the next generation forward. With breathtaking talent, innovative choreography, and impeccable technique, Ailey II delivers performances that captivate and inspire audiences.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Wortham Presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm
For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.
“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm
For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.
“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on Ailey II:
Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey to spotlight rising dance talent and visionary choreographers
Bridges the gap between student training and professional performance for early-career dancers
At least half the members of the main company are Ailey II alumni
Led for 38 seasons by Sylvia Waters, handpicked by Ailey himself
Now under the direction of Francesca Harper, a former student at The Ailey School, bringing bold, inclusive, and experimental energy
Circus EVO returns to Asheville with “Solstice: a Winter Circus Experience”! Back by popular demand, Solstice is a one-of-a-kind theatrical journey that blends contemporary circus, dance, and physical theatre into a breathtaking 75-minute performance. Featuring a cast of world-class artists from across the United States, Solstice tells the story of a woman who loses her inner light and finds herself plunged into a surreal world where memories come to life and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Through awe-inspiring acrobatic acts, woven together with evocative lighting design, original music, immersive scenery, and a touch of snowfall magic, Solstice captures the imagination and awakens the spirit. This is more than a circus—it’s a heartfelt narrative brought to life through movement, emotion, and artistry. Audiences of all ages will leave feeling like kids again, reminded of the wonder of winter and the power of rediscovering joy.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Wortham Center Student Series
BODYTRAFFIC
Fri, Mar 13 • 10 am
Grades 6–12
Show length: 60 minutes
Since its founding in Los Angeles in 2007, BODYTRAFFIC has been a powerful force in contemporary dance. This internationally renowned dance company is celebrated for its technical prowess and versatility, with artists expertly mastering a repertoire that spans ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip hop genres. Known for its stunning performers and diverse technical mastery, BODYTRAFFIC is committed to a dynamic repertoire that captivates both dance lovers and newcomers alike.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Fri & Sat, Mar 13 & 14 • 8 pm
Bursting with cutting-edge “vivid theatricality,” BODYTRAFFIC conquered the contemporary dance world with stunning performers, technical excellence, and a repertoire spanning ballet, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop. Championing acclaimed choreographers, this company ignites stories with explosive energy and sheer joy.
“Absolutely joyous and oh-so-entertaining!” —Broadway World
“As the dance world navigates the future of contemporary, BODYTRAFFIC leads the way.” —Theater Jones
“They’re the kind of people you could watch dance anything all night.” —The San Francisco Chronicle
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on BODYTRAFFIC:
Known for expressive, story-driven movement that brings complex characters to life
Founded in 2007 by dancer Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company is celebrating 18 years of innovation in movement
The name “BODYTRAFFIC” was selected to evoke both dance and its hometown of Los Angeles
The company commissions bold new works that reflect diverse cultural perspectives and contemporary issues
Their performances have been featured at prestigious festivals including The Holland Dance Festival and Context. Diana Vishneva
Fri & Sat, Mar 13 & 14 • 8 pm
Bursting with cutting-edge “vivid theatricality,” BODYTRAFFIC conquered the contemporary dance world with stunning performers, technical excellence, and a repertoire spanning ballet, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop. Championing acclaimed choreographers, this company ignites stories with explosive energy and sheer joy.
“Absolutely joyous and oh-so-entertaining!” —Broadway World
“As the dance world navigates the future of contemporary, BODYTRAFFIC leads the way.” —Theater Jones
“They’re the kind of people you could watch dance anything all night.” —The San Francisco Chronicle
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on BODYTRAFFIC:
Known for expressive, story-driven movement that brings complex characters to life
Founded in 2007 by dancer Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company is celebrating 18 years of innovation in movement
The name “BODYTRAFFIC” was selected to evoke both dance and its hometown of Los Angeles
The company commissions bold new works that reflect diverse cultural perspectives and contemporary issues
Their performances have been featured at prestigious festivals including The Holland Dance Festival and Context. Diana Vishneva
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding performance captures every heart-pounding moment – from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s iconic 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.
With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and redemption unfold right before your eyes.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Wortham Center Student Series
Stewart/Owen Dance + Guests
Fri, May 1 • 10 am
Grades 7–12
Show length: 60 minutes
Experience an exciting collection of contemporary choreography performed by Wortham’s company-in-residence, Stewart/Owen Dance. From elegant to electric, this program features ensemble works and guest choreographers—each with a distinct creative voice. Known as Asheville’s hub for contemporary dance, Stewart/Owen Dance captivates audiences with their innovative performances and commitment to artistic excellence.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each