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, December 7, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

The NaNoWriMo NoMo’ Party for Novel Writers
Dec 7 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Lord Auditorium in the Pack Library

The NaNoWriMo NoMo’ party will be held at the Lord Auditorium in the Pack Library on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2-3:30 pm. The party is for any writer who participated in NaNoWriMo. There will be food, activities and opportunities to meet other writers, as well as a “micro mic” that will give each writer a chance to read one paragraph from their novel to the group.

Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 7 @ 2:30 pm
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition!

One weekend only:  December 6 at 7:30 PM and December 7 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM.

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert Revels!
Dec 7 @ 3:00 pm
Lipinsky Auditorium

2019Revels 11x17v3.png

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert series returns, again marrying the beloved and the unexpected for a boisterous wintertime treat that rings in the holiday season! With classical repertoire, pops favorites, and the soaring voice of soprano Megan McConnell, this year’s Revels! is sure to be a holiday treat.

Program

A selection of holiday favorites, including carols, classical music, and pops tunes, performed by the entire Blue Ridge Orchestra, with Megan McConnell, soprano.

Snow Contingency

If this concert is canceled due to snow, one performance of BRO Revels! 2019 will be held at 3pm on Saturday, December 14, in Lipinsky Auditorium. All tickets will be honored at that performance.

The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 7 @ 4:00 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 7 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 7 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Porter Center, Scott Concert Hall
Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”. 

  • Fri Dec 6th 7:30pm Opening night / Reception following
The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
Womansong’s “Be Brave – A Salute to Sheroes”
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center

This concert honors the many “sheroes” in our world: well-known public figures such as Malala, Pauli Murray, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who have changed history, along with everyday women who rise above life’s challenges to lead with love.  The concert theme comes from our own Lytingale’s rousing new song, which encourages everyone to “Speak out your truth, let your story be told. You’ve got the power, be brave!” The concert features Annie Lennox’s anthem “Sing” and a medley of Aretha Franklin classics like “Respect”. There’s something for everyone — music to make you laugh, cry, dance, and of course, sing along.

Directed by Althea Gonzalez with Assistant Director, Katie Cilluffo, Womansong celebrates the unity, diversity, and empowerment of women through musical expression. Concerts are accessible to the hearing impaired through music sign language interpretation by Shiner Antiorio.

Our concerts and raffles help fund the operation of our nonprofit organization including the choir’s New Start Program, which provides scholarships and emergency funds to local women in need.

Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children (12 and younger). Tickets go live on October 7th and are available from Womansong members and online at www.womansong.org.  Raffle tickets are $25 for Wine and $10 for Chocolate and are available online and at the door.

Home Free
Dec 7 @ 8:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Home Free | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

DIVE BAR SAINTS, is the title track in Home Free’s upcoming album release, out this summer.  The band’s rich, Southern harmonies from their four vocalists Tim Foust, Rob Lundquist, Austin Brown, Adam Chance, and beatboxer Adam Rupp are coming to town this winter.

With praise rolling in wide ranges from the likes of Rolling Stone, Country Living, Perez Hilton, FOX & Friends, and AXS.com, the extraordinary showmen electrify crowds with a one-of-a-kind live show, mixing Nashville standards, soaring originals, and quick witted-humor that brings audiences to their feet with energy and laughter.

Violet Bell
Dec 7 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Violet Bell — Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, 2019, 8 p.m. (Tina McGuire Theatre) Duo Violet Bell pairs “atmospheric, captivating vocals” (IndyWeekly) with incendiary instrumentals, putting an avant-garde twist on traditional roots music while exuding a refreshing positive energy on stage. These two will make you fall in love with their unique blend of folk, bluegrass and soul that draws inspiration from the natural world, ancient mythology and the green hills of North Carolina. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Tina McGuire Theatre. Tickets: Regular $32; Student $27; Child $20; Student Rush day-of-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Box office: 828-257-4530 or worthamarts.org. EXTRA: Connect with the artists at a special Saturday, Dec. 7 master class, “Where Do Songs Come From?” at 5 p.m. in the Tina McGuire Theatre.

4th Annual A Very Jerry Xmas Asheville Music Hall
Dec 7 @ 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Asheville Music School Winter Recital
Dec 8 @ 1:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church

Recital times are 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, and 5:15. Talk to your teacher and they can sign you up. Everyone is welcome to play, as long as your song is performance-ready! 

 

WHAT WILL YOU PLAY?
Let it be, Christmas
Dec 8 @ 2:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Sacred Snow: Winter Music and Arts Festival
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sly Grog Lounge

Come join us as we empower change in our generation though music and art. This time, we will have 2 stages, one main Stage and one late night silent disco stage.

Music
Meditation
Flow arts
Yoga
Food
Arts & Crafts
Flow Arts

Workshops will be focusing on:
Embodiment
Permaculture
Mediation
Healing
Sustainability
Achievement
Outreach

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert Revels!
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lipinsky Auditorium

2019Revels 11x17v3.png

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert series returns, again marrying the beloved and the unexpected for a boisterous wintertime treat that rings in the holiday season! With classical repertoire, pops favorites, and the soaring voice of soprano Megan McConnell, this year’s Revels! is sure to be a holiday treat.

Program

A selection of holiday favorites, including carols, classical music, and pops tunes, performed by the entire Blue Ridge Orchestra, with Megan McConnell, soprano.

Snow Contingency

If this concert is canceled due to snow, one performance of BRO Revels! 2019 will be held at 3pm on Saturday, December 14, in Lipinsky Auditorium. All tickets will be honored at that performance.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Womansong’s “Be Brave – a Salute to Sheroes”
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center

This concert honors the many “sheroes” in our world: well-known public figures such as Malala, Pauli Murray, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who have changed history, along with everyday women who rise above life’s challenges to lead with love.  The concert theme comes from our own Lytingale’s rousing new song, which encourages everyone to “Speak out your truth, let your story be told. You’ve got the power, be brave!” The concert features Annie Lennox’s anthem “Sing” and a medley of Aretha Franklin classics like “Respect”. There’s something for everyone — music to make you laugh, cry, dance, and of course, sing along.

Directed by Althea Gonzalez with Assistant Director, Katie Cilluffo, Womansong celebrates the unity, diversity, and empowerment of women through musical expression. Concerts are accessible to the hearing impaired through music sign language interpretation by Shiner Antiorio.

Our concerts and raffles help fund the operation of our nonprofit organization including the choir’s New Start Program, which provides scholarships and emergency funds to local women in need.

Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children (12 and younger). Tickets go live on October 7th and are available from Womansong members and online at www.womansong.org.  Raffle tickets are $25 for Wine and $10 for Chocolate and are available online and at the door.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts Holiday Sing-along!
Dec 8 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Make this terrific, old-fashioned sing-along part of your family’s holiday tradition! Join us in singing along to some of the world’s most classic carols in this FREE event on December 8th. The whole family can enjoy this community experience of carols and holiday songs in the warmth of our theater.

Pan Harmonia: Community Benefit Concert
Dec 8 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
St Mary's Episcopal Church

Flutist Kate Steinbeck performs with early music masters, Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba, and Barbara Weiss, harpsichord. Music of JS Bach, GP Telemann and Wilhelmine von Bayreuth, older sister of Frederick the Great, Emperor of Prussia. Wilhelmine, also known as Princess of Prussia, lived from 1709 until 1758, was a gifted composer and lutenist.

Free admission: Donations encouraged!

Proceeds to benefit Beloved Asheville and Bountiful Baroque

Pan Harmonia: Community Benefit Concert
Dec 8 @ 4:00 pm
St. Mary’s Episcopal

Flutist Kate Steinbeck performs with early music masters, Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba, and Barbara Weiss, harpsichord. Music of JS Bach, GP Telemann and Wilhelmine von Bayreuth, older sister of Frederick the Great, Emperor of Prussia. Wilhelmine, also known as Princess of Prussia, lived from 1709 until 1758, was a gifted composer and lutenist.

Free admission: Donations encouraged!

Proceeds to benefit Beloved Asheville and Bountiful Baroque

BELOVED ASHEVILLE creates innovative solutions to some of the toughest challenges we face as a community. They try to put love into action daily through these solutions to make our community better.

https://belovedasheville.com/

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 8 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Ryan Kijanka Album Release Show
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Isis Restaurant and Music Hall

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 8 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Holiday Swing with Queen Bee and the Honeylovers
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Isis Restaurant & Music Hall

Queen Bee and the Honeylovers

https://www.queenbeeswing.com/

Queen Bee and the Honeylovers is an unabashedly joyful swing band that performs all-original compositions with a dedicated ‘nod’ to the small-jazz-combo and ‘hot club’ legends who first defined the genre. The Honeylovers hail from Asheville, North Carolina; a Historic township where tradition collides with contemporary innovation to create *brand new* art and culture. Their arrangements are upbeat and nostalgic – with enough ‘sweetness’ for the whole hive. Vocal-driven with an infectious groove, the Honeylovers are guaranteed to put a grin on your face and a tap in your toes.

Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”. 

  • Fri Dec 6th 7:30pm Opening night / Reception following
Monday, December 9, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.