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.

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.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 27 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

Plantsgiving 2019
Nov 27 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Plant

This is our annual benefit dinner for the animal haven of Asheville! it is reservation only and will be a 3 course, prix-fixe dinner at $60 per person (beverages not included).  we look forward to an amazing evening!

we will not accept reservations via Facebook, Instagram, or email. it is by phone only!

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 27 @ 8:15 pm – 9:30 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.

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

Pack’s Tavern Thanksgiving Buffet
Nov 28 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pack's Tavern
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Nov 28 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Season’s at Highland Lake

Season’s at The Highland Lake Inn hosts a special Thanksgiving Day Buffet! $52 for adults and $26 for children. Reservations are required.

Starters Butternut Squash-Granny Smith Apple Bisque  Lentil & Italian Sausage Soup

In-House, Hot-Smoked Salmon  with Red Onion, Chopped Egg and Capers

Court Bouillon Poached Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon Wedges
Warm French Onion – Gruyère Dip Pita Chips, Crostini and Crackers
Season’s Salad Bar  Baby Greens, Sliced Cucumbers, Julienne Carrots,  Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion & Assorted Cheeses. Creamy Buttermilk Dressing and Oak-Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fresh Fruit Display with Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Red Grapes and Assorted Berries

Composed Salads Baby Red Potatoes with Bacon, Celery, Red Onion and a  Whole Grain Mustard Dressing

Wild Rice Salad with Spinach, Mushrooms, Carrots, Onions and a Rice Wine Vinaigrette

Orzo with Broccoli Florets, Roasted Red Peppers, Water Chestnuts and a Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Thanksgiving Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore
Nov 28 @ 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville

Thanksgiving Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville - Biltmore

Dishes include:
– Golden Beet Salad (Veg) – Arugula, Blue Cheese, Pralines & Ver Jus
– Kale Citrus Salad (Veg, GF) – Autumn Greens, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Almonds & Lemon Vinaigrette
– Pumpkin Bisque – Creamy Roasted Pumpkin with Hint of Autumn Spice
– Roasted Turkey – Brined Turkey with Fresh Herbs & Rosemary Giblet Gravy
– Braised Beef Brisket – Caramelized Onion & Wild Mushrooms
– Sugar Rubbed Ham – Root Beer Glaze
– Sweet Potato Casserole (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Brown Sugar & Marshmallows
– Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Cream & Garlic
– Cauliflower Gratin (Veg)
– Roasted Butternut Squash – Bourbon Maple Glaze
– Southern Cornbread Stuffing – Local Sage, Savory Sausage
– Green Bean Casserole (Veg) – Cream, Cremini Mushrooms, Roasted Onions
– Cranberry Sauce (V) – Fresh Cranberries, Orange & Herbs
– Wild Rice Pilaf (Veg) – Roasted Onion, Carrots, Celery & Fresh Herbs
– Peanut Butter Fudge Pie
– Strawberry Shortcake Tuxedo
– Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding
– Pumpkin Pie
– DoubleTree Cookies

Complimentary Beverages:
Iced Tea, Tea, Coffee & Apple Cider

Beer & wine are available for an additional cost.

Pricing does not include fees or taxes.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 28 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

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

Archetype Holiday Beer Release & Hipster Santa Photo Booth
Nov 29 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing - West Asheville

Archetype Holiday Beer Release & Hipster Santa Photo Booth

Baby, it’s cold outside, and few things are better than enjoying a winter warmer this season. We’re releasing our 2019 Holiday Beer for you to enjoy with friends and family by the fire, whether that’s a campfire or a fireplace. To celebrate, come join us on Black Friday to get your photo with a very Asheville Santa Claus at our West Asheville taproom! We can promise, it’ll be way more fun than waiting in line at Best Buy. Santa will be set up from 3-6pm, but bottles go on sale starting at 12 when we open! This year’s Holiday Beer is a Belgian Quad aged on American Oak spirals to round out the flavor. Ringing in at 11.5%, this one will warm your cold, cold heart. Delicious beer, festive photos…this is the way to kick the holiday season off right.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 29 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 29 @ 8:15 pm – 9:30 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.

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.

Period Bomb//Snake Prophecy//Jane and Tonic
Nov 29 @ 9:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Period Bomb//Snake Prophecy//Jane and Tonic

BabyMartian-digging-thru-a-radioactive-toy-box-that’s-on-fire

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Christmas at Connemara Sandburg Home
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home


Christmas at Connemara

Musicians and storytellers, crafts and sing-a-longs, hot cider and cookies. This free festive celebration will honor Carl Sandburg and his family holiday traditions. Young visitors will find many opportunities for participation in storytelling, sing-a-longs and crafts. The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburgs with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2020.

Image result for Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

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.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 30 @ 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

Chocolate & Beer Pairing
Nov 30 @ 2:00 pm
Highland Brewery Event Center Mezzanine

We are teaming up with local chocolatier French Broad Chocolate for a seasonal tasting experience during the our Holiday Market. Representatives from the French Broad Chocolate and Highland will walk you through the processes for making chocolate and beer with expertly paired samples along the way.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 30 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 30 @ 8:15 pm – 9:30 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.

Sunday, December 1, 2019
Good Tidings: A Fair Trade Pop Up Shop
Dec 1 all-day
Trade and Lore Coffee Shop

Purchase fair trade gifts for everyone on your list this season! Handmade, fair trade international gifts including coffee, jewelry, home goods, accessories, clothing and more. With hot drinks, refreshments, beer & wine available from Trade & Lore.

WHEN: Friday November 29th – Sunday December 1st

OPEN: 8am-8pm

WHERE: Trade and Lore Coffee Shop – 37 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801

First hour of parking is free at the Downtown Wall Street Parking Garage

Pisgah Market on Small Business Weekend
Dec 1 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

Join us for the 5th annual big 2 day event!
(formerly Asheville Flea For Y’all / Holiday Flea For Y’all)

A must-do for antiquers, vintage collectors, art seekers and sellers. The finest vintage picking around, local handmade art and objects, people watching, collecting, and connecting with over 100 local and regional vendors and artists.

Apply Now!
https://goo.gl/forms/AzV10VIe1806UX4g1

$5 adult admission Kids FREE!

Highland Brewing Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing

Sunday, December 1st, at 1pm on the Event Center Mezzanine. This is a ticketed event during Highland’s free Holiday Market. Join the WNC Cheese Trail, The American Pig, and Highland Brewing for a cheese, meat and beer tasting experience during the Highland Holiday Market! Sample offerings from three local cheese makers, Appalachian charcuterie, and beers from Asheville’s first brewery.

Kids Day Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Image may contain: outdoor

‘Tis the season for crafting!

Come celebrate the holidays with us by decorating Ornaments at the historic Grove Arcade. Our annual Winter Wonderland will be going on, meaning Grove Arcade will be covered head-to-toe in holiday lights, decorations, and indoor SNOW! ❄️❄️

Don’t miss it! ?

*** this is a FREE event

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Dec 1 @ 3:00 pm – 4:15 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 1 @ 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 1 @ 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.