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.

Thursday, December 19, 2019
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

SMCPA’s Singing Christmas Card
Dec 19 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Join family and friends as the community comes together to enjoy stories and songs of the Christmas Season. A heart-warming event full of joy, laughter and a few surprises.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Ticket Prices: $10 General Admission

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

The Mountain Friends Trio Holiday Concert
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts
A trio of local musicians take the BMCA stage for a multi-music style holiday concert

The Mountain Friends Trio is an ensemble made up of multi-instrumentalists Mike Gosey, Cheryl and Doug Frey who will share their wide musical tastes ranging from traditional Appalachian folk and gospel to jazz and the Beatles (with some holiday music thrown in) on Thursday, December 19 at 7:30pm. Enjoy rich vocal harmonies and the satisfaction of dulcimer, autoharp, guitar and bass played by veteran musicians.

Friday, December 20, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 20 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 20 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Town and Mountain Realty’s 8th Annual Home for the Holidays FUNdraiser
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Join us FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH from 5PM – 10PM and share the love as we celebrate the season by supporting local non-profits that concentrate on the homeless population and those in crisis throughout our Asheville and WNC community. *Admission is by donation at the door, you choose what you want to give!* Your gift will go a long way to help members of our community have a place to call HOME. ALL proceeds will benefit 5 LOCAL non-profit organizations: Homeward Bound of WNC, Helpmate, BeLoved Asheville, Eliada, & Haywood Street Congregation! We have set our goal to raise $20,000! We are thrilled to have kids’ activities, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, LIVE LOCAL music from LYRIC & Swing Step, photo booth fun, dinner & drinks, silent auction & raffle!

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Greenville Symphony Orchestra Holiday at Peace
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

20-gso-660pop2.jpg

Edvard Tchivzhel, Conductor
Diane Penning & Paul Langford, Vocalists

The “most wonderful time of the year” can only mean one thing…Holiday at Peace! Making their Greenville debut are the universally praised vocal duo, Diane Penning and Paul Langford.  You and your family will be swept into the season spirit with Diane and Paul’s heartfelt vocals and magical chemistry.  Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Saturday, December 21, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 21 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 21 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.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.

A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Finally, on Saturday November 30th after Thanksgiving, we’re excited that it’s Kid Hop time again! Kid Hop Hooray (our awesome indoor family dance party that happens monthly all winter long) is back. This event is for kids of all ages, with family-appropriate music from DJ Oso! Drop in anytime – it goes from 10am til 1pm. There will be FREE Glow accessories for little dancers while they last, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery, as well as popcorn and juice boxes! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments.

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

Kids at Hart presents Holly Jolly Christmas
Dec 21 @ 2:00 pm
Haywood Arts Regional Theater

Directed and Conceived by Shelia Sumpter

The Performing Arts Main Stage

Join us as our KIDS AT HART celebrate the holidays in this festive musical review.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 21 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Asheville Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance with Kaminanda
Dec 21 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Families and community members from the larger Buncombe County area and beyond will be coming together for this unique outdoor dance experience in Pack Square Park. Honoring and bringing together different subcultures, this gathering is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event featuring world renowned tribal fusion dance music artist, Kaminanda. Come celebrate life and the winter solstice with music and ecstatic dance!

Tickets can be purchased online at startribe.org for $12 for only the first 200 tickets, and then $15 at the door. Pack Square Park provides a beautiful downtown Asheville setting for this family-friendly gathering on a Saturday afternoon from 3-5pm, with doors at 2:30pm. Children 12 and under may enter for free, and it is suggested to bring ear protection for them. There will be hot chai to stay warm and superfood energy bars provided by Infinity Greens, and raw chocolate delights by Asheville legends, Silvermoon Chocolate. Startribe is partnering with Asheville Movement Collective, a community of dancers who gather together for free-form dance by hosting dance waves for personal and community transformation.

Kaminanda is an electronic dance music artist that has been performing in the transformational music scene for over a decade. Kaminanda’s live sets involve yoga fusion instrumentation and music theory designed to take the audience on a journey of hypnotic elements of house, techno and trance while remaining in the slower tempos. A kaleidoscope of warm melodies and twisting, winding compositions will inspire the young and the young-at-heart to connect with their inner dancers.

Startribe is a special events company based in Taos, New Mexico, that has produced a variety of one day events and full weekend festivals around the country. Coming in to the Asheville scene strong, this year they produced the highly acclaimed Full Moon Ecstatic Dance in Carrier Park with Porangui in May, and the well-attended and loved Ecstatic Dance in Pack Square with Random Rab in October. StarTribe events fulfill a passion for dance in the natural elements. They believe that dance in outdoor settings is among the most consciousness enhancing activities we can do for ourselves. Sponsors for this event include Blue Horizons Project, a renewable energy community initiative and Red Wing Marketing, a local music festival management and digital marketing agency.

Greenville Symphony Orchestra Holiday at Peace
Dec 21 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

20-gso-660pop2.jpg

Edvard Tchivzhel, Conductor
Diane Penning & Paul Langford, Vocalists

The “most wonderful time of the year” can only mean one thing…Holiday at Peace! Making their Greenville debut are the universally praised vocal duo, Diane Penning and Paul Langford.  You and your family will be swept into the season spirit with Diane and Paul’s heartfelt vocals and magical chemistry.  Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family.

18th Annual Make-A-Wish Benefit Concert
Dec 21 @ 6:30 pm
The Oragne Peel

The Log Noggins with Andalyn, Marvin King Revue, Billingsley, Andrew Thelston Band and STIG

Scott Thompson – Christmas Back Home
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Christmas Back Home opened its inaugural season in December 2017 to rave reviews with Scott Thompson and an eight-piece, all-star band of musicians for a new take on timeless holiday masterpieces. A classic Christmas show with a twist, Christmas Back Home will win its way into your heart as a new family tradition.

Ticket Prices: $17, $20

Greenville Symphony Orchestra Holiday at Peace
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

20-gso-660pop2.jpg

Edvard Tchivzhel, Conductor
Diane Penning & Paul Langford, Vocalists

The “most wonderful time of the year” can only mean one thing…Holiday at Peace! Making their Greenville debut are the universally praised vocal duo, Diane Penning and Paul Langford.  You and your family will be swept into the season spirit with Diane and Paul’s heartfelt vocals and magical chemistry.  Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Sunday, December 22, 2019
New Year’s Eve Decade Party
Dec 22 @ 2:24 am – 3:24 am
Burntshirt Vineyards

Ring in 2020 with Burntshirt Vineyards at their “Decade Party,” where you dress in the attire of your favorite decade! The event will be held in The Summit at Burntshirt Vineyards, and the evening will feature DJ GetVocal, Hors d’Oeuvres, a Champagne Toast with party favors at midnight, raffles and Burntshirt wine! The tickets are $60 per person ($55 for Wine Club Members). **Club members, please contact the Wine Club Manager, Emily for your ticket: [email protected]**

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

A Swannanoa Solstice
Dec 22 @ 2:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A Swannanoa Solstice, December 22, 2019 at 2PM and 7PM

For the last 17 years, A Swannanoa Solstice has delighted local audiences with a world class display of folk, becoming a beloved holiday tradition that’s ushered in the winter season and drawn more devoted fans each year. With renowned recording artists like Al Petteway, Amy White, Robin Bullock, Grammy-winner David Holt and special guests Ellie Grace, Doug Orr, Phil Jamison and E.J. Jones, this selection of creative Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music will dazzle both local and visiting audiences with the annual Asheville event — reflecting the heritage of the hills and spreading a peaceful, united and uplifting message perfect for the holiday season.

 

Kids at Hart presents Holly Jolly Christmas
Dec 22 @ 2:00 pm
Haywood Arts Regional Theater

Directed and Conceived by Shelia Sumpter

The Performing Arts Main Stage

Join us as our KIDS AT HART celebrate the holidays in this festive musical review.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Dec 22 @ 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/

Traditional Irish Session
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Stop in for the pub’s long running Traditional Irish Session each Sunday afternoon beginning around 3pm. Many talented local musicians come from WNC to jam away into the night – all on our pub stage! Come see why Jack of the Wood is Asheville’s favorite neighborhood pub!

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 22 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!