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 19, 2019
Asheville Comedy Showcase
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Come laugh with us at The Orange Peel MainStage with some of the funniest comics in Asheville!

Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring 10 of Asheville’s funniest and up-and-coming-comics:

Ten comics for only $10!

Becca Steinhoff
Ryan Cox
Morgan Bost
Moira Goree
James Burks
James Harrod
Jake Koll
Derek Boskovich
Kenny Stempien
Katy Hudson

Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy. For more info contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

Sneak Preview Screening of Killer Raccoons! 2!
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Come to Fleetwood’s for a sneak preview of the action/comedy feature “Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark!” 8pm

On a cold Christmas Eve, former mild-mannered college student Casey Smallwood is released from prison after serving ten years for underage drinking. Eager to get out of town, he plans to meet his longtime pen pal on a train to Washington, D.C., but after the holiday express enters the winter wilderness, it’s hijacked by an angry gang of domestic terrorists and highly-intelligent, government-trained raccoons! Not one to back down from a raccoon fight, Casey joins forces with a porter on the train to fight the terrorists and help bring down a top secret, raccoon-controlled, military laser satellite!

The long awaited sequel to the Overbites Pictures and Troma Entertainment cult classic “Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night” is finally here! “Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark” is a send up of several bad action movie sequels, using plot elements from “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory,” “Die Hard 2” and “Speed 2: Cruise Control.”

Tickets $10, will be shown as a double feature with a surprise second film. Also meet and greet with the creators after the screening!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sneak-preview-screening-of-killer-raccoons-2-tickets-83112873843

Friday, December 20, 2019
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

Holiday City Comedy Tour
Dec 20 @ 3:00 pm
LaZOOM Tours

The Holidays have never felt so magical! Get on Asheville’s homegrown purple bus tour and experience a sightseeing history tour injected with enough seasonal cheer to make your belly laugh like a bowl full of jelly. We explore Downtown, the South Slope, Historic Montford, and the River Arts District. This 90 minute holiday extravaganza only happens in December. Get your tickets now!

 

BMCAT presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

Evening performances on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and matinees on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Handle With Care
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

LaZoom Comedy: Jay Light
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Growing up outside of conservative Dallas, Texas, Jay Light had to sneak late-night viewings of Comedy Central and Adult Swim with the volume turned low. His parents wouldn’t have approved. Today things have come full circle: He’s appeared on both seasons of Comedy Central insult competition Roast Battle, been named a “local eclectic noise maker” by L.A. Weekly, and praised as “one of the best Roasters in Los Angeles” by no less than Comedy Central mainstay Jeff Ross.

Self-deprecating, slyly dark, and always eager to subvert audience expectations, Jay began his stand-up career as a freshman at North Carolina’s Elon University. As an undergrad he hosted frenetic student TV gameshow Win Stuff and wrote/directed 2011’s Shock Jock, which screened at the Cannes Festival’s Short Film Corner. Follow-up effort Rocketeer received the Sprite Films Competition’s national Viewers Choice Award the following year. Jay’s Media Arts & Entertainment degree came with the Communications department’s high-profile A.J. Fletcher Award, granted annually to “an outstanding graduate…who reflects wide-ranging interest in the field.”

Now a regular performer at famed Sunset Strip institution the Comedy Store, Jay co-produces weekly live editions of Roast Battle. He credits the latter with helping him tap into his true comedic voice, become a better joke-writer, and elevate his confidence as a performer…not to mention score the opportunity to open for Dave Chappelle. Onstage Jay may look like the clean-cut, naïve boy next door and readily admit, “I suffer from camp-counselor face!” But as crowds quickly learn, he doesn’t shy from discussing his sheltered religious upbringing or the formative lessons learned along his path to sobriety.

In addition to making the finals of Comedy Central’s Roast Battle II: War of the Words, Jay has appeared on the network’s Not Safe with Nikki Glaser and HBO’s Project Greenlight. Most recently he’s honed his improv skills at emerging L.A. venue The Pack Theater, and in 2018 became both a contributing writer for Pete Holmes’ HBO series Crashing and staff writer for the Discovery Channel’s BattleBots reboot.

Aside from touring clubs, music venues and colleges across the country, other stand-up credits include the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, the Motor City Comedy Festival, the Golden Spike Comedy Festival, the Blue Whale Comedy Festival, and South by Southwest.

In the podcasting realm, Jay puts his film degree to use every Monday morning on Blockbusting with Jay Light. The show first invites top comics and filmmakers to discuss industry news and the latest box-office results. Guests then dissect a successful mainstream movie they don’t consider a personal favorite – no gimmicks, no remorse, no punches pulled. Everything may be subjective in comedy, but on Blockbusting unpopular opinion rules.

As for Jay’s parents? Though his mom may have disowned his earliest career choices, it’s safe to say she’s coming around. They’re admittedly still not his target demographic, but Comedy Central now plays loud and proud in the Light household whenever he’s on.

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-jay-light-tickets-79794839513

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 20 @ 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 21, 2019
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.

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

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.

Handle With Care
Dec 21 @ 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 21 @ 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!

Holiday City Comedy Tour
Dec 21 @ 3:00 pm
LaZOOM Tours

The Holidays have never felt so magical! Get on Asheville’s homegrown purple bus tour and experience a sightseeing history tour injected with enough seasonal cheer to make your belly laugh like a bowl full of jelly. We explore Downtown, the South Slope, Historic Montford, and the River Arts District. This 90 minute holiday extravaganza only happens in December. Get your tickets now!

 

BMCAT presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

Evening performances on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and matinees on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Handle With Care
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 21 @ 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!

LaZoom Comedy: Geoff Tate
Dec 21 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Geoff Tate is most likely watching “Cheers” right now. A Cincinnati-based comedian, he has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and regularly tours with Doug Benson and Doug Stanhope. He made his television debut on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, and is a regular on Doug Loves Movies, as well as Getting Doug with High. He has performed at music and comedy festivals like Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, Limestone and he has two albums available at the Doug Stanhope store and he’s the host of the popular geofftate’s MSHD PODCASTO, in which he discusses topical Cheers-related issues, gets his dad to try things, talks to people he graduated with and just has a good time.

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-geoff-tate-tickets-80584156381

Sunday, December 22, 2019
Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 22 @ 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!

BMCAT presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris
Dec 22 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

 

Handle With Care
Dec 22 @ 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

Holiday City Comedy Tour
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm
LaZOOM Tours

The Holidays have never felt so magical! Get on Asheville’s homegrown purple bus tour and experience a sightseeing history tour injected with enough seasonal cheer to make your belly laugh like a bowl full of jelly. We explore Downtown, the South Slope, Historic Montford, and the River Arts District. This 90 minute holiday extravaganza only happens in December. Get your tickets now!

 

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!
Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 22 @ 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!

Queer Comedy Party: A Very Queer Holiday Recital
Dec 22 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

This months Queer Comedy Party is getting festive! Join all your favorite local queer comics for a very queer holiday recital.
Standup, sketch and song all in one show

Tickets $10, VIP $15
General admission: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-a-very-queer-holiday-recital-tickets-84689188643
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-queer-comedy-party-a-very-queer-holiday-recital-vip-tickets-84689802479

Queer Comedy Party: A Very Queer Holiday Recital
Dec 22 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Fleetwood's

This months Queer Comedy Party is getting festive! Join all your favorite local queer comics for a very queer holiday recital. Standup, sketch and song all in one show.

Tickets $10, VIP $15

General admission: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-a-very-queer-holiday-recital-tickets-84689188643

VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-queer-comedy-party-a-very-queer-holiday-recital-vip-tickets-84689802479

Monday, December 23, 2019
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