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 4, 2023
Old Farmer’s Ball Needs Volunteers
Nov 4 all-day
various locations

We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:

  • Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!

ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!

The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.

Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.

Volunteer Opportunities

Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.

Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.

Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.

Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done

Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.

Haywood Road Cleanup
Nov 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Westville Pub/ All Sevens Brewing

Join Asheville GreenWorks, the West Asheville Business Association, Wrong Way Campground, and OnHaywood for a cleanup of the Haywood Road corridor in West Asheville. Breakfast and post cleanup rewards will be provided to volunteers.

What is a Haywood Road Clean Up Day? A day where volunteers work to pick up trash and recycling along the Haywood Road corridor.

How do you participate? 1-RSVP by “joining” this project 2-Meet and sign in at Westville Pub, 10am 3-Grab some breakfast, receive instructions and gear, and head out as a group to pick up of trash along Haywood Road and side streets 4-Return gear to Westville Pub and enjoy volunteer rewards!

Is this a family-friendly event? Yes, although please consider that Haywood Road is a busy street and it is important that you and your children stay alert and safe throughout the clean up.

Should you bring anything? Asheville GreenWorks will supply gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, and trash bags for everyone. Please bring water and any personal items that you need.

Need to know

Dress in comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Meet at Westville Pub, 777 Haywood Road, at 10am. After signing in, volunteers will receive a free breakfast and their cleanup gear. We’ll go over safety and instructions before heading out to cover the Haywood Road corridor. Return your gear to Westville Pub and enjoy volunteer rewards!

We rely on financial support from our community in order to inspire, equip and mobilize volunteers who make an impact. Please consider making a gift in support of this event.

Post Halloween Clean Up Day
Nov 4 @ 10:00 am
Westville Pub

It’s here, the last official Haywood Road Clean Up Day of the year with the West Asheville Business Association. Join us at Westville Pub at 10am on Saturday, November 4. We’ll have a yummy breakfast provided by Sunny Point Cafe, Biscuit Head, West Village Market, and West End Bakery, then head out to pick up trash along Haywood Road and neighboring streets.

 

Upon your return to Westville Pub there will be rewards from All Sevens Brewing and The Hop Ice Cream

DESIGNER SERIES: QLAB + AUDACITY BASICS
Nov 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!

About the instructor: Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.

MAGNETIC U – DESIGNER SERIES: QLab + Audacity Basics
Nov 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Taught by Abby Auman

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!

 

About the instructor:

Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.

Funny Girl
Nov 4 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 4 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

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A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The Heat Is On is an explosive yet moving solo musical production which celebrates and reveals the woman behind the “Love Goddess,” Rita Hayworth.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

Who Does She Think She Is? A One-Woman Show
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig

Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!

Funny Girl
Nov 4 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Sunday, November 5, 2023
2 Adult Tickets = 2 Free Youth Tickets: Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise + Hare
Nov 5 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

NOV. 3 – 5 ONLY! 2 Adult tickets + 2 Free Youth Tickets

A NEW WORKS PREMIERE by PLAYHOUSE JR.

The race of the century is on, and the fate of the little town of Fable Farms hangs in the balance!
Find out what happens when hometown hero Tori the Tortoise faces off with big city bunny Harriet the Hare in this hilarious retelling of Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare.
Even if you think you already know the story, we promise there are plenty of new twists and turns to this race!
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Nov 5 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!
Funny Girl
Nov 5 @ 1:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Audition Workshop for Children
Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Class cost: $30

Min students: 5

Max students: 14

Class Dates: Sunday, November 5, 2023

Time: 2 pm to 4 pm

Ages: 8-12 (grades 3-7)

The last day to receive a full refund is October 5, 2023. After October 5, 2023, no refund will be issued.

Advance registration is required. Registration deadline is Friday, November 3 at 5 pm.

Need-based scholarships are available upon application.

Class Description:
This audition workshop is designed for young actors who want to learn to audition or improve their auditioning skills. This workshop will take participants step-by-step through most theatre’s audition process and give young actors pointers to make the whole experience more relaxing and familiar. The workshop will cover techniques for better auditioning, including theatre etiquette, what to bring to an audition, how to make a great and memorable impression, cold reading skills, and how to find acting opportunities in our area. All actors, regardless of experience, ages 8 to 12, are eligible to attend.

Participants will have multiple opportunities to get up and perform short scenes during the workshop, as well as break off into groups. Actors need to come prepared for a high-energy, action-filled afternoon.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

Who Does She Think She Is? A One-Woman Show
Nov 5 @ 4:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig

Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!

Funny Girl
Nov 5 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Monday, November 6, 2023
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Nov 6 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 6 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!

Dogwood Alliance Ambassador Meeting
Nov 6 @ 6:00 pm
online w/ Dogwood Alliance

We need inspired, compassionate Ambassadors. You can help to spread the word and speak truth to power. You can help us grow the movement to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging.

By signing up to be an Ambassador, you’ll receive:

  • Regular updates
  • Exclusive event invitations
  • Opportunities to shape this important work
Enough! Plays to End Gun Violence
Nov 6 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre is proud to participate in the nationwide play reading event, Enough! Plays to End Gun Violence. On November 6, 2023, one year from the 2024 elections, we will debut six new short plays presented in an evening of readings staged, simultaneously staged in more than 100 theaters, schools, and community groups across the country.

The six plays were written by student writers and selected by a panel of nationally-recognized dramatists from hundreds of submissions from throughout the United States in a call for teens to write 10-minute plays that confront the issue of gun violence.

The plays tackle gun violence through different lenses, from the threat of and anxiety over school shootings, police shootings, community violence, race, and gun culture in American history.

Enough! Plays to End Gun Violence is a theatre activism campaign launched by Michael Cotey in 2019. Enough! strives to spark critical conversations and incite meaningful action in communities across the country on the issue of gun violence through the creation of new works of theatre by teens. Its mission is to promote playwriting as a tool of self-expression and social change, harnessing this generation’s spirit of activism and providing a platform for America’s playwrights of tomorrow to discover and develop their voices today.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Nov 7 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!
Litercy Together Online Orientation Meeting
Nov 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
online
134 people have attended our online volunteer orientation meeting in 2023 so far. We’ve modified the format of our online orientation meeting to be more inclusive. Everyone is welcome to join us, from prospective volunteer tutors to community members to local business owners and nonprofits wanting to learn more about Literacy Together’s work. This is what one participant said after the orientation meeting:
The facts and statistics were new and interesting. I enjoyed learning about all the different programs offered by Literacy Together, and I’m looking forward to helping others and growing myself!
People can sign up online to attend or send an email to [email protected].
Upcoming Online Orientation Meetings
Tuesday, November 7th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday,  November 9th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Sneak Preview: Elf the musical with Asheville Community Theatre
Nov 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Join us for this special sneak preview of “Elf the musical” with actors from Asheville Community Theatre!

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

THE 7 FINGERS
Nov 7 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Your train is about to depart the station and a cirque spectacular awaits. Through theatre, dance, music, and death-defying acrobats, a breathtaking series of vignettes tells the unique stories of reunions and goodbyes from the strangers that surround you onboard. From contemporary physical theater troupe The 7 Fingers comes this jaw-dropping ride you must see to believe.

“This train is bound for glory.” – Boston Globe   

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers w/ Asheville on Bikes
Nov 8 all-day
Pack Square Park
Co-founders Rachel Reeser and Mike Sule ride the Holiday Parade in 2008
Asheville on Bikes is coordinating with the Asheville Downtown Association to support the Asheville Holiday Parade on Nov. 18 with Bike Marshall volunteers. The “Bike Marshall In Parade” option is a great way to experience the event because you get to pedal the parade route and take in the spectacles and participants. If you’re interested, sign up to volunteer!