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 23, 2019
The Fantasticks Musical Auditions
Nov 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ACT

THE FANTASTICKS

MUSICAL

Music by Harvey Schmidt, with Lyrics by Tom Jones

Directed by Mark Jones; Music Direction by Rob Blackwell; Choreography by Jessica Garland

AUDITIONS: November 23-24, 2019
Saturday, November 23: 6:00-9:00 pm
Sunday, November 24: 12:00-3:00 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: February 7 – March 1, 2020; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm; Additional Thursday night performances February 20 and 27 at 7:30 pm; Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: December 15 – February 6, 2020; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: 6-7 men, 1-2 women (Read character descriptions here!) All roles open to actors of any race or ethnicities.

Escanaba In Da Moonlight
Nov 23 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

 Director: Zach Eden When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, thirty-five year old Reuben Soady brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of the Soadys never to bag a buck. In the hunting story to beat all hunting stories, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Reuben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book. Not included in Season Ticket Subscriptions

In The Nick of Time: Mountain Political Action Committee Meets Again!
Nov 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

a world premiere by honor moor

The Mountain Political Action Committee has to meet again to protect Asheville – In the Nick of Time! This group of local native Democrats will have to take matters into their own hands in order to stop threats of facism. Per usual, their mountain, southern, un-orthodox ways of handling a tough situation is the only way to stop it from happening. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the hilarity of the true south that is often hidden in plain sight in Asheville. Run, don’t walk, and get your ticket for what is becoming a local favorite!

Mixed Fandango Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective
Nov 23 @ 7:30 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

“Mixed Fandango,” a new play exploring the unique but universal aspects of romantic love. Three couples confront family, relationships, and loss in the days before Thanksgiving; but things get complicated as this structurally unique play mixes and matches lovers!

LaZoom Comedy: Gabe Pacheco
Nov 23 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Gabe Pacheco, originally from Washington, DC, is an actor, comedian, host, friend, and roving academic. He’s an entertainer who inspires you to think, moments after you’ve already laughed. A bilingual performer with progressive leanings, watching 10 minutes of Gabe on stage can feel like you’ve smoked a joint of Ghost Train Haze sativa and mockingly laughed at headlines from the Sunday Times.

Animated, literate, and with a touch of sly post-Millennium wit, Gabe shimmies and flickers his way through a set. No one gyrates their hips better to the notion of the world crumbling around us, and no one better evokes the spirit of norteño music with the message of early-80’s DC hardcore. It’s comedy that is steeped in the present, while hoping for a less ridiculous future.

With a decade of experience on the NYC scene under his belt, Gabe has appeared on stages as big as Caroline’s, as experimental as The Creek & The Cave, and as buzzed about as the Knitting Factory. He’s been accepted into the Asheville Comedy Festival and the Accidental Comedy Festival. He’s shared insights on Sirius XM’s “Tell Me Everything with John Fugelsang” and “Affirmative Reaction with Xorje Olivares”, while also sitting in as the permanent guest host of the widely popular, left-wing humor and journalism podcast, “The Katie Halper Show”.

Gabe has trained at the UCB Theater in NYC and is a veteran in the Story Pirates Acting Company, preparing him for his starring role in the short film “Leaves in Autumn”, which was screened at the Anthology Film Archives (NYC) as part of the New Filmmakers Festival in 2018.

Gabe Pacheco is a performer. And a storyteller. And an informed bystander of the seemingly never-ending spectacle of current world affairs and humanity that demand our attention…moments after we’ve already laughed.

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of; visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-gabe-pacheco-tickets-71321718179.

Sunday, November 24, 2019
Bellagio Art to Wear Open House
Nov 24 all-day
Bellagio Art to Wear

Join Bellagio Art to Wear for our Annual Open House in our beautiful gallery. Bellagio features collections from renowned artists of handcrafted clothing, accessories, jewelry and gift items. Enjoy cookies, hot cider and free parking in beautiful Historic Biltmore Village.

Ten percent of sales during our annual Holiday Open House will be donated to the Asheville MANNA Food Bank.

Holiday Open House Dates and Times:
Saturday, November 23rd 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, November 24th 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Marshall Handmade Market
Nov 24 all-day
Marshall High Studios

The Marshall Handmade Market is held the weekend before Thanksgiving in the Marshall High Studios, a 1920s two story brick high school nestled on an island in the French Broad River. Some of the most talented makers in the region fill the spacious, sunny auditorium, and the resident artists of Marshall High spruce up the classrooms-turned-studios and open their doors to share their process and art with visitors.

Enjoy coffee and pastries from local artisan bakers and a delicious lunch from the Smashbox Kitchen food truck, as well as music and plenty of seating on the generous back deck. The idyllic island setting, charming historic high school and fantastic artists all combine to make the Marshall Handmade Market a favorite among holiday shows for locals and visitors.

New Morning Holiday Open House
Nov 24 all-day
New Morning Gallery

Join us for our Annual Open House and enjoy cookies, hot cider and live music. New Morning Gallery features handcrafted ornaments and gifts by over 1,000 American artists that are housed in an amazing 2 story, 12,000 square foot gallery. There is free parking in beautiful Historic Biltmore Village. Ten percent of sales during our annual Holiday Open House will be donated to the Asheville MANNA Food Bank.

Holiday Open House Dates and Times:
Saturday, November 23rd 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, November 24th 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Marshall Handmade Market
Nov 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Marshall Handmade Market

The Marshall Handmade Market is held the weekend
before Thanksgiving in the Marshall High Studios, a
charming 1920s high school nestled on an island in
the French Broad River. From 10am to 5pm Saturday
and Sunday, the sunny auditorium is filled with
some of the most talented makers in Western North
Carolina, and the resident artists of Marshall High
spruce up the classrooms-turned-studios and open
their doors to share their process and art with visitors.

Grab some bites from the food truck and relax on
the back deck or stop for coffee and sweet treats in
the upstairs lounge. Come enjoy a delightful day of
handcrafted holiday shopping, a stroll around the
island, and a wander through historic downtown
Marshall, NC.

Plan to come – and spread the word!!

Tis the Season Holiday Fair
Nov 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

A festive three day shopping event featuring fabulous art, crafts, gifts, adornments for the home as well as delectable food and NC wines for that perfect gift.

The cost is $4 with the printable coupon available here, $5 for regular adults & free for children under the age of 12.

The Fantasticks Musical Auditions
Nov 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
ACT

THE FANTASTICKS

MUSICAL

Music by Harvey Schmidt, with Lyrics by Tom Jones

Directed by Mark Jones; Music Direction by Rob Blackwell; Choreography by Jessica Garland

AUDITIONS: November 23-24, 2019
Saturday, November 23: 6:00-9:00 pm
Sunday, November 24: 12:00-3:00 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: February 7 – March 1, 2020; Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm; Additional Thursday night performances February 20 and 27 at 7:30 pm; Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: December 15 – February 6, 2020; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

DIRECTOR SEEKS: 6-7 men, 1-2 women (Read character descriptions here!) All roles open to actors of any race or ethnicities.

Escanaba In Da Moonlight
Nov 24 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

 Director: Zach Eden When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, thirty-five year old Reuben Soady brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of the Soadys never to bag a buck. In the hunting story to beat all hunting stories, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Reuben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book. Not included in Season Ticket Subscriptions

Readers Theatre: The Last Night of Ballyhoo
Nov 24 @ 2:30 pm
Reuter Center at UNCA

Performed as Readers Theatre by The Autumn Players! Director Wendy Strauss leads a cast of 7 in this play that’s both a comedy and a drama!

Only three performances of this play by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Alfred Uhry.

The God of Hell Asheville Community Theatre
Nov 24 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Performed in 35below

Ellipsis Theatre Company (Lobby Hero, Oleanna, The Mercy Seat) specializes in producing thought-provoking contemporary American drama. They return to 35below with The God of Hell, which asks the question; is there a state religion in America, and if so what is it? Written by Sam Shepard; directed by David Sebren.

In The Nick of Time: Mountain Political Action Committee Meets Again!
Nov 24 @ 3:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

a world premiere by honor moor

The Mountain Political Action Committee has to meet again to protect Asheville – In the Nick of Time! This group of local native Democrats will have to take matters into their own hands in order to stop threats of facism. Per usual, their mountain, southern, un-orthodox ways of handling a tough situation is the only way to stop it from happening. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the hilarity of the true south that is often hidden in plain sight in Asheville. Run, don’t walk, and get your ticket for what is becoming a local favorite!

Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Keith Bergman & Kass Smiley
Nov 24 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Keith Bergman started telling jokes nine years ago, after spending enough time in rock bands to realize he loved the road and hated tearing down drum kits. Equally at home in A-list comedy clubs and dive bars, he tours the country telling stories of mortality, poverty, fatherhood, home fries and getting old in a world gone weird. He’s released two albums, been on the Limestone and Whiskey Bear comedy festivals, his comedy has been featured on Funny Or Die and CollegeHumor.com, and he’s opened for the likes of Andy Kindler, Fortune Feimster, Joe List, Sara Schaefer, The Amazing Johnathan and Guy Branum. He owns maybe four t-shirts without death metal logos on them.

Kass Smiley is a comedian and ice cream sandwich enthusiast from Anchorage, Alaska. From humble beginnings in the arctic wasteland, she’s gone on to record albums of musical comedy (“Hooker on Spenard”), create one-woman shows (“The Virginity Diaries”), and land spots opening for everyone from Doug Stanhope to Eddie Griffin. She founded and curated the Alaska B4UDie Comedy Festival which debuted in 2019 to rave reviews. She’s already won over the biggest state there is with her brash, confessional, raw but empathetic approach to comedy – the Lower 48 should be a cakewalk.

Hosted by Stef Bright

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of; visit www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-keith-bergman-kass-smiley-tickets-72895754163.

Monday, November 25, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 25 @ 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, November 26, 2019
Artist Business Brainstorm: Business Tips for the Creative Entrepreneur
Nov 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Presented by Kathleen Lewis
 
These sessions provide an artist looking for individual coaching on a specific topic the opportunity to meet with a skilled professional willing to offer suggestions to help grow their business. The AAAC is interested in supporting artists who are serious about strengthening, developing and growing their businesses. We believe Asheville area businesses and artists can support each other through creative collaboration that will ultimately enhance our community.

FREE for members | $15 for nonmembers

If you can’t register online, feel free to show up and we’ll register you on site! 

Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Social Justice Book Club
Nov 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Thursday, November 28, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 28 @ 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, November 29, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 29 @ 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

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Nov 29 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

 

A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain.  Join us for the celebration

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Nov 29 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

 

A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain.  Join us for the celebration

LaZoom Comedy: Mary Kennedy
Nov 29 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Boston Native Mary Kennedy can be seen as recurring character “New Fiona” on Shameless, Season 7. She wrote and stars in her one woman show, Mid Life Mood Swing, about being a roadie for her mom’s wedding band in the 80’s. It premiered in Los Angeles and now is touring.

In Los Angeles, she was in the theatre production of AfterGlow the Musical Experience with the #originalgorgeousladiesofwrestling (GLOW) as the legend manager, Jackie Stallone. Tiffany Johnson’s Girl Callin with production company REFINERY 29 has cast Kennedy in their new short, as the Waitress. The waitress plays a pivotal role in the dark comedic ending plot.

She is in the feature film, Shattered starring, Ray Wise, Arianne Zucker and Molly Burnett. Guest star on People Magazine Investigates-ID Discovery. She is a supporting character in the short, The Layover. She co-stars in the feature film Creative Differences. You can also see her comedic acting regularly in various sketches for CONAN, TBS.

Was a featured mom commentator on The Mom Rules Webseries, TLC Pilot and did the pilot, for Nickelodeon’s new network, NickMOM called Road Mamas which she also Co-Created. She was a featured dancer in Allee Willis’ BADEYA BABY! with choreographer, Keith Young (RENT). She was also a recurring on NBC’s ER as “Officer Trudy Lange” for Season 12. Recently she appeared as Queen Elizabeth, on VanityFair.com which accompanied their cover, The Queen and Her Corgis.

You have seen her in national commercials for, FLIR, HULU Plus, FORD, Vonage, Cingular Wireless, Sony Ericcson, Captain Morgan and E-Trade. Promos, for George Lucas’ Star Wars and CBS Sports, with sports personality, Jim Rome.

A Professional Comedian, she Headlines all over the country and appears regularly at The Laugh Factory, The Ice House and Flappers Comedy Clubs in Los Angeles.

Featuring Craig Holcombe

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of; visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mary-kennedy-tickets-79789838555.

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Holiday Artist Market
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Center for Art and Inspiration

Stop by The Center for Art & Entertainment on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30. From 10-5 the lobby will have 8 carefully selected local artists that will make your gift-giving unique and easy. Pottery, acrylic art, encaustic art, handweavers, jewelry maker, glass ornaments and illustrations & hand made story dolls. Stop by to see what Santa has in store for your whole gift-giving list.