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.

Monday, December 9, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 9 @ 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.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 10 @ 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 10 @ 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.

Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

In a career that has spanned over 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 58 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMYs, an American Music Award, 48 No. 1 singles, selling more than eleven million albums and with ten RIAA-certified gold or platinum albums to his credit. He has been on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, MSNBC, 60 Minutes, E! Entertainment, The Today Show, Fox & Friends, CBS This Morning, and The Tonight Show, Glenn Beck’s The Blaze, along with appearing in the pages of People, Billboard, Parents Magazine, and more. A vocal supporter of adoption, Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth, founded Show Hope in 2003, a nonprofit organization that helps restore the hope of a family to orphans.

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 10 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Vintage Kava

Open Mic at Vintage Kava

Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)

Stop by to sign up for your slot!

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 11 @ 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 11 @ 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.

Studio Zahiya Dance Spectacular
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

VIP Front Row Seating available!

Join Studio Zahiya as we celebrate the end of the year with a Dance Spectacular! Performances include Studio Zahiya instructors, student dance troupes, our kids and teen groups, and special guests!VIP Front Row Seating available!

Thursday, December 12, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 12 @ 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 12 @ 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.

Johnny Gandelsman: Bach’s Complete Cello Suites
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center

Johnny Gandelsman, a thin white man with brown hair and beard looks down at a violin which he holds in both hands at his waist.

 

Johnny Gandelsman performs Bach’s complete cello suites. 

Grammy award-winning violinist and producer Johnny Gandelsman brings his new project to BMCM+AC, presenting Bach’s complete cello suites on the violin. A founding member of Brooklyn Rider and a member of the Silkroad Ensemble, Johnny has recently collaborated with Tyondai Braxton, Bela Fleck, Nico Muhly, Yo-Yo Ma, Caroline Shaw, and Mark Morris.

Johnny Gandelsman is the one of the first to record or perform Bach’s complete cello suites on violin. This is Gandelsman’s second initiative towards adapting Bach’s compositions to violin, following his recordings of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas in 2018. Having worked with incredible masters of various world music traditions, like Bela Fleck, Martin Hayes and Kayhan Kalhor, Gandelsman’s playing of the Suites is equally inspired by folk and fiddling traditions, as it is by historically informed performance.

In these compositions, Bach captured every human emotion imaginable, making the compositions truly universal. These works are known and beloved all over the world, thanks to legendary recordings and performances by giants like Pablo Casals, Anner Bylsma and Yo-Yo Ma.

 

Friday, December 13, 2019
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 13 @ 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.

18th Annual Enter the Earth Xmas Party
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enter the Earth

You’re invited to Enter the Earth’s 18th Annual Christmas party on Friday, Dec 13, 2019. Join us from 6-8pm at the Enter the Earth gallery in the Grove Arcade for nibbles and drinks and to kick off the raffle with all proceeds donated to LEAF Community Arts.

At 9pm we will head over to the Asheville Music Hall for a night of funk with George Porter Jr. featuring Joe Marcinek and the Josh Blake Trio. We also welcome local musicians to jam! Showtime is 9:30pm. There will be an online silent auction starting a week before the event. Keep an eye out for some AMAZING items to fulfill your holiday gift list and support LEAF as we enter our 25th year!  All proceeds from this event will also benefit LEAF Community Arts.

Friday, December 13th, 2019
6pm-8pm: FREE Pre-party at Enter the Earth

Grove Arcade
1 Page Ave Suite 125
Asheville, NC 28801

9pm-2am: ETE’s 18th Annual Xmas Party
Asheville Music Hall
31 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 13 @ 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.

Holidaze For Habitat Benefit Concert
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, 88.7 WNCW and the Orange Peel have joined forces to present Holidaze for Habitat. Join us for an evening of Americana, Bluegrass and Southern Rock with headliners Drivin n’ Cryin, plus Unspoken Tradition, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Mike Barnes and Friends, and other surprise guests. Enjoy a great night of live music and celebrate the Holidays at the Peel with your friends from WNCW, while supporting a worthy cause: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

 

Holidaze For Habitat Benefit Concert
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

featuring Drivin n’ Cryin, plus Unspoken Tradition, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Mike Barnes and Friends, and other surprise guests

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Handel’s “Messiah”
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
Stuart Auditorium - Lake Junaluska

Handel's "Messiah"

A group of regional choristers, orchestra and the Lake Junaluska Singers will sing selections from Handel’s “Messiah” which tells of Christ’s birth. “Messiah” is a baroque-era music composition for orchestra, choir and soloists composed by George Frideric Handel from 1741-42. Notable musical selections include the Hallelujah Chorus, For Unto Us A Child Born, and Glory to God.

Kids at Hart presents Holly Jolly Christmas
Dec 13 @ 7:30 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.

Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 13 @ 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
LaZoom Comedy: Andrew Michael
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Andrew Michael is an Atlanta raised comic who is fueled by his love for comedy, claw machines, and chimichangas. Andrew provides a goofy yet intimate look into his life and the people that surround it. Andrew’s comfortable presence on stage has made him a favorite in the Atlanta comedy scene. In 2015 Andrew was audience choice for “Best Local Comedian” and his show WonderComedy won “Best Comedy Night” in the Creative Loafing ATL’s “Best of Atlanta” issue in 2015 & 2018. Andrew is a regular at the world famous Laughing Skull Lounge in Atlanta where he performs on weekend “Best of Atlanta” showcase shows and opens for headliners. He’s also performed at the Crom Comedy Festival, The Fest in Florida, Red Clay Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Festival. The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and the High Plains Comedy Festival in Denver.

featuring Shaunak Godkhindi

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-andrew-michael-tickets-73164189059

Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefit Planned Parenthood Votes!
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Odditorium

Dance and Vote for reproductive autonomy and rights!

Come out Friday, December 13 for the first-ever Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefiting Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and our critical advocacy and political work.

Let’s throwback to the 1970s when abortion was made legal in the landmark supreme decision, Roe v. Wade, the outfits were incredible, and the dance moves were totally groovy!

Rock your ugliest sweater or your coolest disco outfit and come shake it out for PPVSAT!

Friday, December 13
8 pm – 12 am
The Odditorium
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806
$10 suggested donation at the door
Click here for more info!

Reach out with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dancing Strong,
Nikki Harris and Katlynn Millette

18th Annual Enter the Earth Xmas Party!
Dec 13 @ 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall

You’re invited to Enter the Earth’s 18th Annual Christmas party on Friday, Dec 13, 2019. Join us from 6-8pm at the Enter the Earth gallery in the Grove Arcade for nibbles and drinks and to kick off the raffle with all proceeds donated to LEAF Community Arts.

At 9pm we will head over to the Asheville Music Hall for a night of funk with George Porter Jr. featuring Joe Marcinek and the Josh Blake Trio. We also welcome local musicians to jam! Showtime is 9:30pm. There will be an online silent auction starting a week before the event. Keep an eye out for some AMAZING items to fulfill your holiday gift list and support LEAF as we enter our 25th year!  All proceeds from this event will also benefit LEAF Community Arts.

Friday, December 13th, 2019
6pm-8pm: FREE Pre-party at Enter the Earth

Grove Arcade
1 Page Ave Suite 125
Asheville, NC 28801

9pm-2am: ETE’s 18th Annual Xmas Party
Asheville Music Hall
31 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Celtic Woman: The Best Of Christmas Tour
Dec 13 @ 9:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Resort Event Center

This is an image of the all female Irish musical ensemble, Celtic Woman.

The all-female Irish musical ensemble will bring timeless holiday favorites accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. Celtic Woman promises to be an enchanting and festive evening, with a few Celtic twists that are as memorable as the Irish global phenomenon.

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Holidays Around the World – Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra
Dec 14 all-day
Blue Ridge Community College Concert Hall

Our community celebrates together the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are observing Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or another seasonal occasion, a musical trip around the world offers a glimpse into the traditions and customs that make holidays so special.

Be The Change Festival
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Middle School

Get ready for the Be The Change Festival hosted by SaulPaul from America’s Got Talent on Saturday, December 14th from 11AM-3PM! Join us at this FREE family festival for interactive exhibits, live musical performances, fun games, delicious food, DJs and more! We will be giving away $5,000 in gift cards, multiple 40″-50″ flat screen TVs, and a free gift to the first 300 people who register and attend. Enjoy fun times and free food at Asheville Middle School on 211 S. French Broad Ave in Asheville, NC!

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 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 14 @ 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.

Holiday Concert and Market
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Catawba Brewing South Slope

Image

Holiday Concert and Market

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.