Calendar of Events
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.
The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.
The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.
Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.
Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.
Come meet new people and participate in our BINGO game and social hour. Prizes are donated from the Friends of the Library. Free to play!
To maximize safety we will be limiting participation to people 12 years of age and older. Advance registration will be required. Participation will be limited to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required. No food or beverage will be served.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Thursday, October 28 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Friday, October 29 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Scavenger Hunt
How well do you know the Fairview Public Library? Throughout the month of November, a library scavenger hunt will challenge everything you think you know about FPL! The scavenger hunt is in-doors and DIY. Ask for the clues at the circulation desk
The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.
WINTER TREE CARNIVAL
Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE
- $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
- $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.
The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.
Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.
Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.
What better way to celebrate fall than enjoying a cold beer in the crisp mountain air? Tryon’s 10th Annual Beer Fest, presented by Tryon Downtown Development Association and New View Realty, will take place at the Historic Tryon Depot on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 1pm-6pm. Join us for regional and local craft beer, local food truck favorites, fun games and live music. Event organizers will be closely monitoring state and national COVID-19 guidelines, and staff will adhere to hygienic practices throughout the event (hand sanitizer provided, contactless pours, etc.). Contact Paige Henderson at [email protected] for questions. Early bird and VIP tickets will be available August 1, 2021
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.
Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.
- Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Thursday, October 28 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Friday, October 29 – 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Saturday, October 30 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
- Sunday, October 31 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. **spooky spectacular**
Scavenger Hunt
How well do you know the Fairview Public Library? Throughout the month of November, a library scavenger hunt will challenge everything you think you know about FPL! The scavenger hunt is in-doors and DIY. Ask for the clues at the circulation desk
The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.
WINTER TREE CARNIVAL
Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE
- $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
- $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.
The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.
Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.
Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Scavenger Hunt
How well do you know the Fairview Public Library? Throughout the month of November, a library scavenger hunt will challenge everything you think you know about FPL! The scavenger hunt is in-doors and DIY. Ask for the clues at the circulation desk
The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.
WINTER TREE CARNIVAL
Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE
- $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
- $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
 The holidays are right around the corner. We have a few holiday promotions downtown businesses can participate in:
If your business is interested in participating in any of the above, please fill out this short form. |
The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.
The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.
Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.
Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.
Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!
Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1
Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.
You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.
We hope you will join us this holiday season!
Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.