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.

Saturday, November 1, 2025
I9PA Release Party + Benefit Bike Bash!
Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Yards

I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)

Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.

3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!

6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.

6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.

The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!

Lake Hickory Haunts 2025
Nov 1 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Hickory Haunts

Voted the Best Haunt in the Carolinas, Known as the premier haunt of the Carolina’s, Lake Hickory Haunts is a one of a kind haunted theme park; featuring a large body of water, surrounded by 13 unique full-scale haunted attractions. Within these attractions, you will discover awe-inspiring immersive environments, multi-dimensional special FX, over 100 live characters, breathtaking scares, and much more!

Happens on the following Dates:
Sep 12, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 13, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 19, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 20, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 26, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 27, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 3, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 12, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 19, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 23, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 24, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 25, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 26, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 30, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 31, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 1, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 2, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sunday, November 2, 2025
Lake Hickory Haunts 2025
Nov 2 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Hickory Haunts

Voted the Best Haunt in the Carolinas, Known as the premier haunt of the Carolina’s, Lake Hickory Haunts is a one of a kind haunted theme park; featuring a large body of water, surrounded by 13 unique full-scale haunted attractions. Within these attractions, you will discover awe-inspiring immersive environments, multi-dimensional special FX, over 100 live characters, breathtaking scares, and much more!

Happens on the following Dates:
Sep 12, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 13, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 19, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 20, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 26, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Sep 27, 2025, 7:30pm to 10:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 3, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 12, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 19, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 23, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 24, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 25, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 26, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 30, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Oct 31, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 1, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Nov 2, 2025, 7:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturday, November 8, 2025
Dark City LIT! Free Literary Festival in Black Mountain
Nov 8 all-day
Black Mountain Public Library

Saturday | Doors Open at 9:00 AM

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT!, a celebration of local literary talent. The day kicks off with the Write Local, Read Local Author Fair, featuring 20 local authors hand-selling their books.

🕛 Noon – 1:00 PM: Enjoy a dynamic Rapid-Read Hour, where authors share quick readings from their latest works.
📝 Afternoon Workshops: Dive into writing workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft.
🌟 Featured Author Tessa Fontaine closes the day with a powerful reading and book signing.

📍 Don’t miss this vibrant day of storytelling, creativity, and community!

Friday, November 14, 2025
Honky Tonk Night at after/glow
Nov 14 all-day
after/glow

after/glow is turning up the twang in celebration of Dwight Yoakam at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center! Guests are invited to saddle up and swing by for a Friday night done right with classic country tunes and a chance to win tickets to the concert on November 15.

Saturday, November 15, 2025
Guest Chef Series at Golden Hour
Nov 15 all-day
Golden Hour

Chef Kevin Chrisman is teaming up with Chef Payton Barrell from Asheville restaurant Gourmand for one lively Saturday night in the kitchen at Golden Hour. The two talented chefs will combine their expertise to present a delectable à la carte menu. Reservations are encouraged.

Thursday, November 20, 2025
“Discovering a Sense of Place”
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Kanuga

Join naturalist and educator, Jessie Wilder, for a thoughtful conversation on the benefits of living a place-based life, Thurs. November 20 at Kanuga. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. followed by the conversation with Jessie Wilder at 11 a.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall after the presentation. Cost: $20 (plus tax and fees=$24.74). KANUGA, 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Event registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-discovering-a-sense-of-place-with-jessie-wilder-tickets-1849253971409

Details:
10–11AM, Forest Bathing with Aimee Bostwick: Join Aimee for a time to ground ourselves by engaging our senses and tuning into our relationship with Nature. Dress comfortably for the weather and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We will end this time with a cup of tea and sharing.
11AM–12PM, Jessie Wilder on Sense of Place: Join us for a conversation with naturalist Jessie Wilder as she shares with us about our deep connection to place and how it forms us. Consider where you currently live and ask yourself this: I live here, but how much do I really know, love, and inhabit this place as home?
12–1:30PM, Lunch and Discussion in the Dining Hall

Slice Comedy Standup Picture Show
Nov 20 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Petey Smith McDowell
Comics on the show do standup with slide show pictures to illustrate their sets. This is sure to keep you in your seats figuring out what you just looked at!
Thursday November 20, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Feature Cloud Hudson is a comedian, lighting designer, and weather forecaster (licensed meteorologist) with a knack for finding the silver lining around every storm cloud. Their comedy blurs the lines between science and magic in a quest for collective understanding. But don’t let this intellectual spirituality fool you- Cloud uses only the most unhinged examples of the disgustingly divine to draw clouds of laughter from crowds that matter.
Plus comedians Derek Boskovich & Aaron Naylor!
For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursday, November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Buffet at Golden Hour
Nov 27 all-day
Golden Hour

Guests are invited to Golden Hour for a Thanksgiving feast brimming with all the favorites, plus a few Golden Hour twists. From smoked turkey and leek dressing to pumpkin cheesecake and sweet potato doughnuts, each dish celebrates comfort with a touch of woodfire flavor. The buffet is $65 per person and $40 per child under 12 years of age, excluding tax, gratuity & beverages. Reservations are encouraged.

Friday, November 28, 2025
Friendsgiving Potluck
Nov 28 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Energetic Experiences

Join Levi & Marian for a Friendsgiving Potluck, a free community event where we come together to celebrate connection, gratitude, and delicious food!

Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy an evening of laughter, friendship, and unity.

We kindly ask that you bring a note listing the ingredients of your dish to help those with food sensitivities, allergies, or preferences.

Whether you’re bringing a homemade recipe or just coming to enjoy the company, all are welcome. Let’s create beautiful memories and give thanks as a community!

 

Saturday, November 29, 2025
Saluda Holiday Pop Up Market
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
McCreery Park Pavillion

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with the Saluda Pop Up Holiday Market. McCreery Park Pavillion in Downtown Saluda.

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Jingle Jamboree
Dec 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Blue Ridge Mall

Blue Ridge Mall is thrilled to bring back Jingle Jamboree; a festive day filled with holiday cheer and community spirit! This December, we’re inviting local choirs, musicians, dance teams, karate groups, and community organizations to take the stage and help make this celebration one to remember.
Get ready to shine at the Jingle Jamboree ! Enjoy a day of live entertainment, festive performances, and plenty of holiday magic for the whole family. Come be part of the joy as we kick off the most wonderful time of the year together!

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center

🎉 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.

Friday, December 12, 2025
20th annual Candlelight Stroll
Dec 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Weaverville, NC

Tree Lighting: 6:00 pm, The Weaverville Tree on Main Street

Storytelling, Music, Gifts, Kids Crafts, and a Shuttle Service to TownThe Community Center and The Dry Ridge Museum offer a full night of festivities, AND a ride from Lake Louise to Main Street.

Scavenger Hunt: Holiday characters are hidden throughout Main Street!

SantaAs usual, Santa is hosted by Keller Williams Realty!

Cops 4 Kids: Donation jars are dispersed along Main Street.

Festive Singing and CarolingDetails to come as we get closer to our event!

The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk created by Asheville Plays
Dec 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk—an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods! Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, this immersive journey guides guests through the Kingdom of Winterland, where each page of the story comes to life with delightful characters and heartwarming surprises. This family-friendly event has been created with everyone in minde, no matter your age or what you may celebrate during the winter holiday season. Winter Wonder Walk includes the outdoor storywalk, a heated holiday tent featuring a local vendor market, a kids’ play area, and several tasty concession and beverage options. Guests ages 4+ can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Every ticket purchased helps spread joy even further—each one supports MANNA FoodBank and their mission to feed our community.Kids 12 and younger can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in our “S’Mitten With Books” reading program! Bundle up and bring the whole family—it’s the perfect way to make magical memories and give back this holiday season!
2025 Dates: November 29 & 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14
Festivities begin at 6 PM | Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 PM
Tickets & FAQs at www.winterwonderwalk.com

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Breakfast with Santa + Cookie Decorating at The Horse Shoe Farm
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Horse Shoe Farm

A festive morning for the whole family! Enjoy a breakfast buffet from 10AM–12PM, live holiday music, craft activities, and cookie decorating — plus a special visit from Santa himself. The bar will be serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, and eggnog for a cozy seasonal touch. $65 for adults, $45 for children.

Yule Tide Pride
Dec 13 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
AB Tech Mission Conference Center

So excited for Asheville Phoenix Fire Nonprofit’s 1st Annual – YULE TIDE PRIDE – Holiday Market Convention! We are bringing Pride into the festive season! Come get your holiday gifts, enjoy some local live music, coffee shop treats, connect with resources, take a holiday photo, sink in with community and more!

The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk created by Asheville Plays
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk—an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods! Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, this immersive journey guides guests through the Kingdom of Winterland, where each page of the story comes to life with delightful characters and heartwarming surprises. This family-friendly event has been created with everyone in minde, no matter your age or what you may celebrate during the winter holiday season. Winter Wonder Walk includes the outdoor storywalk, a heated holiday tent featuring a local vendor market, a kids’ play area, and several tasty concession and beverage options. Guests ages 4+ can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Every ticket purchased helps spread joy even further—each one supports MANNA FoodBank and their mission to feed our community.Kids 12 and younger can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in our “S’Mitten With Books” reading program! Bundle up and bring the whole family—it’s the perfect way to make magical memories and give back this holiday season!
2025 Dates: November 29 & 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14
Festivities begin at 6 PM | Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 PM
Tickets & FAQs at www.winterwonderwalk.com

Sunday, December 14, 2025
Jim Brickman: The Gift Of Christmas
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Jim Brickman’s distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music, making him a driving force behind modern American music. The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 22 Number One albums and 32 Top 20 Radio Singles. He’s garnered two Grammy nominations, Gospel Music’s Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and is a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” Club.

 

The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk created by Asheville Plays
Dec 14 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk—an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods! Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, this immersive journey guides guests through the Kingdom of Winterland, where each page of the story comes to life with delightful characters and heartwarming surprises. This family-friendly event has been created with everyone in minde, no matter your age or what you may celebrate during the winter holiday season. Winter Wonder Walk includes the outdoor storywalk, a heated holiday tent featuring a local vendor market, a kids’ play area, and several tasty concession and beverage options. Guests ages 4+ can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Every ticket purchased helps spread joy even further—each one supports MANNA FoodBank and their mission to feed our community.Kids 12 and younger can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in our “S’Mitten With Books” reading program! Bundle up and bring the whole family—it’s the perfect way to make magical memories and give back this holiday season!
2025 Dates: November 29 & 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14
Festivities begin at 6 PM | Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 PM
Tickets & FAQs at www.winterwonderwalk.com

The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk created by Asheville Plays
Dec 14 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk—an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods! Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, this immersive journey guides guests through the Kingdom of Winterland, where each page of the story comes to life with delightful characters and heartwarming surprises. This family-friendly event has been created with everyone in minde, no matter your age or what you may celebrate during the winter holiday season. Winter Wonder Walk includes the outdoor storywalk, a heated holiday tent featuring a local vendor market, a kids’ play area, and several tasty concession and beverage options. Guests ages 4+ can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Every ticket purchased helps spread joy even further—each one supports MANNA FoodBank and their mission to feed our community.Kids 12 and younger can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in our “S’Mitten With Books” reading program! Bundle up and bring the whole family—it’s the perfect way to make magical memories and give back this holiday season!
2025 Dates: November 29 & 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14
Festivities begin at 6 PM | Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 PM
Tickets & FAQs at www.winterwonderwalk.com

Friday, December 19, 2025
Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve
Dec 19 2025 – Jan 3 2026 all-day
Hollywild Animal Preserve

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Greenville’s best holiday tradition. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village and the Enchanted Deer Forest for extra holiday magic! Kids 2 and under are free!

Step into the magic of Santa’s Village, where holiday cheer meets hands-on fun for the whole family. Feed and interact with gentle miniature horses, camels, Watusi cattle, pigs, sheep, alpacas, goats, waterfowl, antelope, and more—and don’t forget to purchase animal food to treat the many residents. Cuddle with bunnies, have your photo taken with a baby kangaroo, snap pictures with Santa in his animal barn, and visit the Grinch at his festive Grinch House.

Savor fresh coffee and pastries at Santa’s Sweet Delights, or enjoy hot cocoa, drinks, snacks, and food from our concession stand. Visit the souvenir shop for fun, colorful, and festive items, and leave your mark on the “feel good” graffiti board. Warm up by a crackling fire pit or the grand bonfire, roast marshmallows and s’mores, and steal a kiss under the mistletoe tree. Pose inside the giant lighted present, then find a picnic table to relax and take it all in.

Santa’s Village is more than a visit, it’s a memory in the making.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Silo Cookhouse
Dec 24 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Horse Shoe Farm

Celebrate Christmas Eve with an elegant three-course prix fixe dinner featuring seasonal dishes and an optional wine pairing, accompanied by live piano music. This exclusive evening offers refined dining and festive charm in the heart of the Blue Ridge foothills. Reservations required. $95 per adult, $55 per child.

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Slice Standup Comedy Pageant Winter Finale
Jan 15 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Slice Standup Comedy Pageant Winter Finale
Thursday January 15, 2026
7:30p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $18 (available at door or website)
These shows sellout!

Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!

Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!

Participants are 4 WINNERS of Fall/Winter Contests 8/21 & 10/16
Pageant Winner gets title and $150 cash prize.

Audience votes thru ballot!

Contestants:
8/21 winner Ryan Gordon
8/21 winner Derek Boskovich
10/16 winner Min McWilliams
10/16 winner Zakiya Bell-Rogers
Plus a runners-up battle for the wild card featuring comics who had the most votes but didn’t win a spot:
10/16 1st runner up Josie Beers
10/16 2nd runner up Zach Stephens
8/21 2nd runner up Aaron Naylor

The final pageant is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games & questions from our celebrity judges. Audience votes thru ballot.

More info contact Michele at [email protected]