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 30, 2019
Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 30 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

Sunday, December 1, 2019
Good Tidings: A Fair Trade Pop Up Shop
Dec 1 all-day
Trade and Lore Coffee Shop

Purchase fair trade gifts for everyone on your list this season! Handmade, fair trade international gifts including coffee, jewelry, home goods, accessories, clothing and more. With hot drinks, refreshments, beer & wine available from Trade & Lore.

WHEN: Friday November 29th – Sunday December 1st

OPEN: 8am-8pm

WHERE: Trade and Lore Coffee Shop – 37 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801

First hour of parking is free at the Downtown Wall Street Parking Garage

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 1 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Pisgah Market on Small Business Weekend
Dec 1 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

Join us for the 5th annual big 2 day event!
(formerly Asheville Flea For Y’all / Holiday Flea For Y’all)

A must-do for antiquers, vintage collectors, art seekers and sellers. The finest vintage picking around, local handmade art and objects, people watching, collecting, and connecting with over 100 local and regional vendors and artists.

Apply Now!
https://goo.gl/forms/AzV10VIe1806UX4g1

$5 adult admission Kids FREE!

Kids Day Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Image may contain: outdoor

‘Tis the season for crafting!

Come celebrate the holidays with us by decorating Ornaments at the historic Grove Arcade. Our annual Winter Wonderland will be going on, meaning Grove Arcade will be covered head-to-toe in holiday lights, decorations, and indoor SNOW! ❄️❄️

Don’t miss it! ?

*** this is a FREE event

Monday, December 2, 2019
Giving Tuesday River Link Saving Hominy Creek Trash Trout
Dec 2 all-day
Asheville Greenworks

Image

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday. This year, we are raising $10,000 to fix the Hominy Creek Trash Trout so that we can continue to #CleanAVL.

The impact of this update will allow the Hominy Creek Trash Trout to weather the challenges of its location – frequent flooding, sediment, and huge influxes of litter (thanks to the transfer station and overhead highways).

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We believe in this program and are committed to making it better. We are able to educate students, community leaders, and folks from around the country with this innovative litter prevention device. 75% of litter found in our local waterways starts as roadside litter. The Trash Trout catches that trash before it even has a chance to reach the river.

This #GivingTuesday, we will be sharing the story of the Trash Trout and ways which you can help restore it.

1. Follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

2. Share our campaign and message with your friends and family.

3. Don’t want to wait? You can make your gift to GreenWorks today.

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 2 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 2 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Giving Tuesday River Link Saving Hominy Creek Trash Trout
Dec 3 all-day
Asheville Greenworks

Image

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday. This year, we are raising $10,000 to fix the Hominy Creek Trash Trout so that we can continue to #CleanAVL.

The impact of this update will allow the Hominy Creek Trash Trout to weather the challenges of its location – frequent flooding, sediment, and huge influxes of litter (thanks to the transfer station and overhead highways).

Image

We believe in this program and are committed to making it better. We are able to educate students, community leaders, and folks from around the country with this innovative litter prevention device. 75% of litter found in our local waterways starts as roadside litter. The Trash Trout catches that trash before it even has a chance to reach the river.

This #GivingTuesday, we will be sharing the story of the Trash Trout and ways which you can help restore it.

1. Follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

2. Share our campaign and message with your friends and family.

3. Don’t want to wait? You can make your gift to GreenWorks today.

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 3 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
44th Operation Healing Forces/Bizarre Bazaar Charity Event Night
Dec 4 all-day
Richmond International Raceway

“SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE”
THE 44th BIZARRE BAZAAR CHARITY EVENT
TO BENEFIT OPERATION HEALING FORCES

Richmond’s annual Bizarre Bazaar event is recognized nationally as one of the top craft shows in the country. Every year, the night before this grand four day event begins, a charity is given the opportunity to participate and raise awareness and funds for their organization. Operations Healing Forces (OHF) has been selected again this year. OHF benefits the men and women in the Special Forces segment in every branch of the military, through therapeutic retreats. These highly trained soldiers need our help to adjust back to their civilian lives and be combat ready to protect our country.

If you’re a regular at the Bizarre Bazaar, or a first time shopper consider attending the preview party the night before. Your tax deductible donation will help our military elite who are sent all over the world on missions that we will most likely never hear about but are critical to our safety. OHF soldiers have been sent to as many as 76 countries on thousands of missions.

The Richmond International Raceway is transformed into a shopper’s paradise. Over 450 vendors open their booths selling everything from soup to nuts. Unique gifts include seasonal items, gourmet food, designer women and children’s clothing, toys, fine crafts, jewelry and one of a kind artwork.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 4th, 2019. The $125 per person Express VIP Party will begin at 4:30PM; and VIP guests paying $100 will be admitted entry at 5:00PM. Then $50 per person General Admission event will open at 6:00PM. VIP’s will be the first in the door to view and purchase one-of-a-kind crafts & gifts along with an unlimited bar and upscale menu. The $50 ticket entitles you to two drink tickets and a variety of finger foods to nibble on while you shop. The event is attended annually by over 30 thousand people over a four day period. This exclusive, one night shopping experience will provide the opportunity to see and purchase all of the items on display while supporting a very worthy cause. Your tax deductible donation to attend the charity event is a beautiful way to kick off the holiday season and make a difference in someone else’s life.

98% of OHF respondents believe their relationship with their partner improved following the retreat. 96% reported that the OHF retreat aided in their personal recovery.

Event sponsors include Markel Corporation, Davenport & Company, Boost Branding, and Bryan & Hunter Kornblau.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.operationhealingforces.org/tickets or at www.bizarrebazaar.com. Attendance is limited so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 4 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 5 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 5 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Friday, December 6, 2019
Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 6 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 6 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

Holiday Arts Market
Dec 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Shop local this holiday season! Come support the Refinery’s many artists at this year’s Holiday Market. 

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 7 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Dec 7 all-day
Buncombe County NC
Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

Papertown Christmas Craft Fair
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Town of Canton Armory

Holiday shoppers will want to get ready for the eighth annual Papertown Christmas Craft Fair. A wide variety of crafters will be selling handmade goodies and all types of Christmas items. Every inch of the Armory will be filled with Christmas items for sale. Artisans and crafters from all over North Carolina will be represented at the Canton craft fair. Shoppers can find homemade cookies, candy, cakes, an array of Christmas decorations for the home, handmade ornaments, stocking stuffers, candles, soap, perfect for everyone’s Christmas list. Shoppers need to arrive early and stay for door prizes. Spend time with family and friends.

Holiday Makers Sale Folk Art Center
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Sales

December 7 & 14 | 10:00a-4:00p

The Holiday Makers SALE is a chance to shop fine craft at a discounted rate. Over 30 of our makers gather their leftover stock from 2019, and give a peak at their 2020 designs! Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Shop local!
Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Makers SALE
Dec 7 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Maker Sale

During the first two Saturdays in December, over 30 Guild members* will fill the auditorium of the Folk Art Center for our annual Holiday Makers Sales on December 7th & 14th, from 10am-4pm.

Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Buying from artisans supports the local economy and promotes the Guild’s mission to cultivate the crafts and makers of the Southern Highlands for the purpose of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar!! | Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall bring you the Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar in Downtown, Asheville!!!

TWO FLOORS of 27+ vendors, Full Kitchen/Bar, Bloody Mary Bar & Kids Area!

FREE ADMISSION

Come check out an array of over 27 Local Vendors (full list below!) and support local craft for the holidays! This event will surely be a one stop shop for all of your holiday gifts for family and friends alike!

Live music from 12:30PM-2:30PM and 3:30PM-5:30PM featuring local live music .

ALSO, to top things off, for every item purchased, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a craft basket compiled by the vendor AND tickets to either the late night show at Asheville Music Hall ‘4th Annual Very Jerry Xmas’ or tickets to Jam By Day!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Dec 7 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Free for Members or included with Museum admission

Join us for the debut of this new family program! This month we’ll visit artworks that feature animals of all kinds. We’ll mimic their sounds and movements and discover what they eat, where they live, and how they behave.

Artful Adventures

Taking place each first Saturday, Artful Adventures are 30–45 minute kid-friendly, themed interactive gallery tours followed by an optional related art-making activity in our Wells Fargo Art PLAYce. Families of all ages and abilities are welcome; no reservations required.

The Big Crafty
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

Voted WNC’s favorite art event for the past decade, The Big Crafty returns for a day of hand-to-heart artful craft on Saturday & Sunday December 7 & 8 from 12-6pm at Asheville’s US Cellular Center.

Join us for a tour of the creative landscape, with 150 creative venturers and total art stars, craft-infused good times, hugs and high fives.

 

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

Sunday, December 8, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 8 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.