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 26, 2019
City Dance
Dec 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 26 @ 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!

Thursday Night Flicks: Christmas Vacation
Dec 26 @ 8:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

The holidays don’t stop at Aloft! Join us on Thursday, December 26 at 8 p.m. to celebrate most wonderful time of the year by watching a holiday classic: Christmas Vacation. Munch on small bites, sip on cocktails and enjoy complimentary popcorn while indulging in the holidays. We hope to see you there!

Friday, December 27, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 27 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.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Dec 27 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

For the Love of Beer Holiday Workshops: Beer Basics – Hops & Malt
Dec 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

This hour-long workshop will give you an introduction to the hops and malt that go into your favorite Highland beers. Highland’s R&D brewer, Trace Redmond, will guide you through how hops are harvested, selected, and used for brewing. You’ll then take a whiff of a number of different hops and taste a variety of malts. You’ll leave with a greater understanding and an even more overwhelming love of beer. Each ticket includes a redeemable beer token and a pint glass to take home. Please note that this class is limited to 20 participants. A minimum of 10 participants will be necessary for this event to take place. If fewer than 10 tickets are sold, then Highland will refund all purchased tickets.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 27 @ 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 Wild Food Stroll at The Grove Park Inn
Dec 27 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
The Grove Park Inn

Ready to go WILD? Join us for a trip “off the eaten path.” You’ll learn how to safely gather edible wild plants, mushrooms, and other “extreme cuisine.” Stay for a stunning view of the sunset and enjoy dinner at Vue 1913 featuring a free appetizer with the edibles you met on your tour. Suitable for all ages and abilities. To register or for more info, see here. Three-hour foraging tours also available, year-round, by arrangement.

Wild food is the ultimate natural food: ultra-local, fresher, more flavorful, 10 to 100 times more nutritious than its garden-variety descendants, AND it’s free! With over 300 wild edibles, Western North Carolina is the richest temperate ecosystem on Earth. For a taste of the wild life, forage ahead and experience the life of a modern hunter-gather firsthand. It’s a unique experience in self-catering, a memorable lesson in high-class survival.

For the Love of Beer Holiday Workshops: Sensory Seminar & Tasting
Dec 27 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

For the Love of Beer Holiday Workshops: Sensory Seminar & Tasting

This hour-long workshop is for those beer lovers who want to take the next step in learning about their favorite drink of choice. Our Quality Assurance Scientist will lead you through how to properly taste beers as well as how to identify off-flavors that can occur. Test your taste buds across seven different common off-flavors and see if your palate is as spot on as you think. By the end of this class, you’ll sound like a pro at your next brewery visit! Each ticket includes a redeemable beer token and two taster glasses to take home. Please note that this class is limited to 20 participants. A minimum of 10 participants will be necessary for this event to take place. If fewer than 10 tickets are sold, then Highland will refund all purchased tickets.

For the Love of Beer Holiday Workshops: Chocolate, Cheese, and Beer Pairing
Dec 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

For the Love of Beer Holiday Workshops: Chocolate, Cheese, and Beer Pairing

Experience an evening of expertly paired sets of decadent chocolates, local cheeses, and fine beers. Representatives from French Broad Chocolate, the WNC Cheese Trail, and Highland Brewing will guide you through each pairing. A taste of Asheville is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday. Each ticket includes a redeemable beer token and a pint glass to take home. Please note that this event is limited to 40 participants. A minimum of 10 participants will be necessary for this event to take place. If fewer than 10 tickets are sold, then Highland will refund all purchased tickets.

80’s Dance Party – Breakin’ on Buxton
Dec 27 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. - South Slope

80's Dance Party - Breakin' on Buxton

Every Fourth Friday from 8pm to 1am @ our South Slope location the Free Range DJ will be spinning consciously sourced vinyls! Dressing up and Dancing is HIGHLY encouraged. Break dancing isn’t a requirement, but please feel free to do so if you are blessed with that talent. It is going to be RAD!

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 27 @ 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 28, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 28 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.

Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Dec 28 all-day
Mars Hill University

Get the Early Registration Discount!

Early-registration prices for the 2020 Spring Conference are available through Friday, January 31, 2020.
Sandburg Home Free Tour Day
Dec 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Free Tour Days
Visitors can enjoy free tours of the Sandburg Home on the following days:

  • December 28, 2019 (Saturday after Christmas)
  • January 6, 2020 (Carl Sandburg’s Birthday)
  • April 11, 2020 (first Saturday of local school spring break)
  • June 13, 2020 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
  • October 17, 2020 (Park Anniversary)
  • December 26, 2020 (Saturday after Christmas)
  • Facilities within Carl Sandburg Home NHS including the Home and Barn are open everyday 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Park grounds, including hiking trails and gardens are open everyday, all year, from sunrise to sunset.
“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Dec 28 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 28 @ 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!

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 28 @ 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 29, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 29 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.

City of Asheville shares Code PURPLE network resources
Dec 29 all-day
City of Asheville

As temperatures begin to drop we want to make sure people know where to go when frigid weather strikes. If you or someone you know needs shelter, the following sites are available when the Asheville-Buncombe CODE PURPLE is in effect.

 

Code Purple is a voluntary effort among private sector shelter providers, coordinated by the Asheville Homeless Coalition. The City of Asheville does not fund, direct, coordinate, or manage any aspects of Code Purple, but information on when Code Purple is in effect may be found at this link on the City of Asheville website

 

In extremely cold conditions, the Code Purple shelter providers will provide shelter beyond their normal program capacity. Code Purple does not include natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes; in these events, all citizens will be able to access services at the community disaster shelters.

 

Code Purple network sites:

  • ABCCM Veteran’s Quarters, 828-259-5333: Overnight emergency shelter, men only.
  • Homeward Bound A-Hope, 828-252-8883: Day center.
  • Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 828-254-0471: Indoor space during the day (all); overnight emergency shelter for women and children only; identification required; police escort required after 6 p.m.; background check necessary to assure individual is not registered sex offender.
  • Steadfast House, 828-259-5365: Limited space availability/overnight emergency shelter for women and children only.

 

   Code Purple network partners:

    • United Ways 2-1-1 information and referral line: Dial 211 or 828-252-HELP (4357)
    • ABCCM Steadfast House, transitional housing: 828-259-5365.
    • American Red Cross (crisis services)
    • BEACON members (crisis services)
    • Helpmate, overnight domestic violence shelter: Call 24-hour crisis line, 828-254-0516
    • Trinity Place (overnight shelter for ages 7-17 only: Amy Hobson,  828-777-5715

 

The City of Asheville is deeply grateful for the work of all homeless shelter providers. We know they do everything they can do to get people indoors during extreme weather events. We also recognize that despite everyone’s best efforts, there may always be people who choose to remain outdoors, even in the coldest months.

RiverLink’s Art & Poetry Contest Grades PreK-12
Dec 29 all-day
online
“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Dec 29 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 29 @ 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!

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 29 @ 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!

Monday, December 30, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 30 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.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Dec 30 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 31 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.

NYE Masquerade Party at Storm
Dec 31 all-day
Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro

It’s the start of a brand new decade, y’all! Show up in your very best masquerade evening attire and let’s party like it’s 1919 again! Join us at Storm for a multi-course chef’s dinner, classic prohibition-era cocktails, and entertainment by local DJ Molly Kummerle!

We are excited to offer a special NYE prix fixe dinner menu prepared by Chef Jay Medford, along with rum & cigar pairings, a special classic cocktail menu and full bar service all evening long! We are offering two seatings for dinner service, with an earlier option for those looking to enjoy dinner before the party, and a later option that guarantees space on the dance floor and full cocktail service for you and your friends all evening long. Each ticket option will include access to our full bar menu, as well as a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

First Seatng (5-7PM): $75/person — Includes table seating with a three course prix fixe menu and a complimentary glass of champagne.

Second Seating (8pm-close): $175/person — Includes table seating with a three course prix fixe menu and a complimentarty wine or beer pairing, finished with a special cocktail and dessert pairing for the final course. This also includes table/cocktail service for your party all evening long, and a champagne toast at midnight.

*$130/person: Special reduced ticket price for tables that will move to make room for the dance floor at 10pm. Full cocktail service will still be provided to these parties all evening long along with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Bar Seating/Party Only (10pm-close): $85/person — This is general admission to our NYE party at Storm, beginning at 10pm. This includes full bar service, a small bites menu, DJ and dancing, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

*IN ORDER TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR NEW YEARS, CALL AND BOOK AT (828) 505-8560 WITH YOUR PARTY SIZE AND PREFERRED TICKET TIER.

*YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE A CARD NUMBER IN ORDER TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Dec 31 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Ellis Dyson and the Shambles ISIS New Year Celebration
Dec 31 @ 5:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

“This will be a full evening of celebration,” said Lillianna Woody, owner. “Our Executive Chef Neal Mitchell and our kitchen staff have created an amazing menu that you do not want to miss. “We’ll have room to dance, late night snacks and champagne available to toast at midnight.”

Doors open for dinner at 5 p.m. with limited reservations.

The special New Year themed menu features fun twists designed to give you all the luck you need in 2020 like crispy deep-fried pig ears with a black-eyed pea relish, arugula, & a “Crystal” hot sauce gastrique; pan-seared scallops with sweet potato mousseline, shaved white truffles, crispy collards, & a “Steens” cane syrup brown butter; and Southern bread pudding with a maple caramel sauce with strawberries & champagne cake balls with champagne infused strawberries.

After dinner, dance the night away with Ellis Dyson and the Shambles kicking off the New Year celebration at 9 p.m.

Ellis Dyson & the Shambles expertly blends old-time influences ranging from Piedmont murder ballads, to traditional jazz, to big band swing. The result: whiskey-soaked, foot-stompin’ songs that bring party music of departed eras to crowds both young and old.

The Shambles have made waves with their theatrical and explosive live shows and masterful musicianship that electrifies every audience. Bursting with exuberance and effortless expertise, this playfully hootin’ and hollerin’ act is guaranteed to bring the ruckus.