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.

Friday, December 20, 2019
Great Smoky Mountain Grapple 2019
Dec 20 all-day
US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville

Door Times: Friday (5pm), Saturday (8am), Sunday (8am)

This third-year wrestling tournament will field teams across the region competing on eight mats on the floor of the US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville. This is an individual tournament, double elimination format with wrestle backs to 6th place. This event is hosted by the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with our local high schools.

We will have a Girls Invitational Division this year. The fee will be $10 for a girls wrestler affiliated with a registered boy’s varsity team and $20 for a girls wrestler who is unaffiliated with a varsity team participating. The deadline for registering Girls individuals is December 1, 2019. The fee for the registration of any Girl after December 1 will be $30. Because this is a new division, it is important to get the girls registered early. We are excited about this new division and the promotion of girls wrestling.

Schedule: The schedule will be determined when the final field of teams is established. This will be a two-day event with the Finals on Saturday, December 21st. Weigh-ins will start at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20th with first matches to start about 5 pm. This may be adjusted to a later start based on the school academic and exam schedules.

Admission: All Tournament Package- $20; Single Day Passes- $13; Finals Only- $8; Student/Youth Ticket- $5.

Concessions: NO OUTSIDE CONCESSIONS ALLOWED. Concessions will be available all day in the arena.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 20 @ 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

Saturday, December 21, 2019
Fall Personal Training Specials YWCA
Dec 21 all-day
YWCA Asheville

We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages!  Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
 

Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 21 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

Great Smoky Mountain Grapple 2019
Dec 21 all-day
US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville

Door Times: Friday (5pm), Saturday (8am), Sunday (8am)

This third-year wrestling tournament will field teams across the region competing on eight mats on the floor of the US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville. This is an individual tournament, double elimination format with wrestle backs to 6th place. This event is hosted by the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with our local high schools.

We will have a Girls Invitational Division this year. The fee will be $10 for a girls wrestler affiliated with a registered boy’s varsity team and $20 for a girls wrestler who is unaffiliated with a varsity team participating. The deadline for registering Girls individuals is December 1, 2019. The fee for the registration of any Girl after December 1 will be $30. Because this is a new division, it is important to get the girls registered early. We are excited about this new division and the promotion of girls wrestling.

Schedule: The schedule will be determined when the final field of teams is established. This will be a two-day event with the Finals on Saturday, December 21st. Weigh-ins will start at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20th with first matches to start about 5 pm. This may be adjusted to a later start based on the school academic and exam schedules.

Admission: All Tournament Package- $20; Single Day Passes- $13; Finals Only- $8; Student/Youth Ticket- $5.

Concessions: NO OUTSIDE CONCESSIONS ALLOWED. Concessions will be available all day in the arena.

Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Market Grey Eagle
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
  • FREE ADMISSION
  • TAQUERIA OPEN AT 11AM
  • 10AM – 4PM

We’ll have local vendors set up selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving. Be sure to grab a bite from our in-house Taqueria and a drink from the bar as you peruse Asheville’s finest makers. Plus, we’ll set the mood with some classic holiday tunes!

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up
Dec 21 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Firestorm Books and Coffee

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up

A three part pop-up series featuring the work of eighteen local artists. This event is a great opportunity to find unique, locally made art for yourself or your loved ones. A portion of each sale will help to underwrite social movement space and grassroots community programming at our co-op. Different artists will be featured on each date, so plan to attend all three! Hours will be 11am to 4pm.???️ December 14th: Including Abacus Corvus Artwork, Bear Dog Designs, Ell’s Nalbinding, Plants and Knits, Running Rabbit Stickers, Sam Davis, and Waymaker Creations??? December 15th: Including Analog Adornments, Chrysalis Earth Farm, The Dicey Dungeon, Weedlady Herbals and Punkcraft, and Talia Scarpelli??? December 21st: Including Emily Eagan Art, Eva Leach, Harvest Gap Forge, Phlox Design, .retool., and Sleepybowie.

Last Minute Holiday Craft Market & Flea at Regeneration Station
Dec 21 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Regeneration Station

Find a special gift for everyone on your Nice and Naughty lists in one stop!
100 + Local Vendors
Hot Chocolate, until runs out
Handcrafted Jewelry
Holiday Decor
Natural Beauty Products
Knitted Goods
Records
Books
House Plants
Postcards
& much more!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 21 @ 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

Skating On The Big Ice
Dec 21 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.

Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3

Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3

Asheville Art Museum Appalachia Now! Public Tour
Dec 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Today’s public tour is led by Hank Bovee, touring docent.

Join docents for tours of the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. No reservations are required.

Great Smoky Mountain Grapple
Dec 21 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
US Cellular Center Asheville

This third-year wrestling tournament will field teams across the region competing on eight mats on the floor of the US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville. This is an individual tournament, double elimination format with wrestle backs to 6th place. This event is hosted by the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with our local high schools.

We will have a Girls Invitational Division this year. The fee will be $10 for a girls wrestler affiliated with a registered boy’s varsity team and $20 for a girls wrestler who is unaffiliated with a varsity team participating. The deadline for registering Girls individuals is December 1, 2019. The fee for the registration of any Girl after December 1 will be $30. Because this is a new division, it is important to get the girls registered early. We are excited about this new division and the promotion of girls wrestling.

Schedule: The schedule will be determined when the final field of teams is established. This will be a two-day event with the Finals on Saturday, December 21st. Weigh-ins will start at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20th with first matches to start about 5 pm. This may be adjusted to a later start based on the school academic and exam schedules.

Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Fall Personal Training Specials YWCA
Dec 22 all-day
YWCA Asheville

We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages!  Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
 

Great Smoky Mountain Grapple 2019
Dec 22 all-day
US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville

Door Times: Friday (5pm), Saturday (8am), Sunday (8am)

This third-year wrestling tournament will field teams across the region competing on eight mats on the floor of the US Cellular Center in Downtown Asheville. This is an individual tournament, double elimination format with wrestle backs to 6th place. This event is hosted by the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with our local high schools.

We will have a Girls Invitational Division this year. The fee will be $10 for a girls wrestler affiliated with a registered boy’s varsity team and $20 for a girls wrestler who is unaffiliated with a varsity team participating. The deadline for registering Girls individuals is December 1, 2019. The fee for the registration of any Girl after December 1 will be $30. Because this is a new division, it is important to get the girls registered early. We are excited about this new division and the promotion of girls wrestling.

Schedule: The schedule will be determined when the final field of teams is established. This will be a two-day event with the Finals on Saturday, December 21st. Weigh-ins will start at approximately 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20th with first matches to start about 5 pm. This may be adjusted to a later start based on the school academic and exam schedules.

Admission: All Tournament Package- $20; Single Day Passes- $13; Finals Only- $8; Student/Youth Ticket- $5.

Concessions: NO OUTSIDE CONCESSIONS ALLOWED. Concessions will be available all day in the arena.

Skating On The Big Ice
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.

Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3

Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3

Rhythm + Resilience : House of Kuumba
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES

Collectively, this specially curated lineup of experiences is a welcoming space for ALL, while centering the celebratory and gratitude-based culture that we know to be Kwanzaa. As a cultural tradition reflective of those from the African diaspora, Kwanzaa took root in the United States in 1966, and for many is more than simply a 7-day holiday, but also a reflection of the way we would like to build community year-round. Event features + highlights include ::

  • Community event rooted in art, culture, and heritage co-organized by adé PROJECT, Southside Rising + friends!
  • Celebration of the original Black Nativity: Liberation Holiday team + cast, along with an unveiling/viewing of a featured film on this community production.
  • Special holiday meal prepared by The Ettison Group, available at the event and to residents of the Asheville public housing communities.
  • Showcasing of Southside Stories, a short film about the changes, people and culture of Asheville, NC’s historic black Southside neighborhoodproduced, produced by youth from Word on the Street/La Voz de los Jovenes
  • Cultivating support for the Stephanie Maeweather Clothes Closet by accepting gently used winter coats (and clothes) on site..and more!
Monday, December 23, 2019
Skate, Roll & Stroll disability-friendly time on the Big Ice!
Dec 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Skate, Roll, & Stroll is a disability-friendly time on the Big Ice! Come out in your wheelchair or walker, be pulled around the ice on a sled or in a wagon, walk on the ice or try your hand at ice skating!

Skate Roll and Stroll sessions will be held from 10am – 12pm. Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleds, wagons, and helmets. Volunteers will be available to assist with guests as needed.

This event is free of charge and offers free parking in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street. Be sure to arrive early at 9:30am to lace up your skates!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 23 @ 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

Skating On The Big Ice
Dec 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.

Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3

Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3

Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Skating On The Big Ice
Dec 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.

Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3

Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3

Thursday, December 26, 2019
Skating On The Big Ice
Dec 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Grab your friends, lace up your skates and shake up your weekly routine at The Well! Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy ice skating while listening to music and socializing with family and friends. Get a free skate rental when you donate! Bring 5 canned goods or a case of water to assist our STAGE partners, Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity.

Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street.

Adults: $8 (age 7 and older)
Children: $6 (age 6 and under)
Skate Rental: $3

Group Rate (groups of 15 or more):
Adults and Children: $6
Skate Rental: $3

Friday, December 27, 2019
Fall Personal Training Specials YWCA
Dec 27 all-day
YWCA Asheville

We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages!  Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
 

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball
Dec 27 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Norfolk Admirals
Dec 27 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Swamp Rabbits Hockey offers fantastic fun for the whole family! The Greenville Swamp Rabbits play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECHL, the premiere AA hockey league. The Swamp Rabbits play 36 home games (October-April) and offer endless entertainment opportunities! For more information on Swamp Rabbits hockey, visit swamprabbits.com. Proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Saturday, December 28, 2019
Fall Personal Training Specials YWCA
Dec 28 all-day
YWCA Asheville

We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages!  Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
 

Adventure Center of Asheville- Twilight in the Treetops- Holiday Night Climb
Dec 28 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Adventure Center of Asheville- Twilight in the Treetops- Holiday Night Climb

Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested: www.adventureavl.com or 877.547.5539

  • Holidays in the Treetops Dec 28 at 4:30

Rates: $49/person

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Norfolk Admirals
Dec 28 @ 6:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 28 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Fall Personal Training Specials YWCA
Dec 29 all-day
YWCA Asheville

We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages!  Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.