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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Rustic Grape’s NYE: A Sparkling Sweet Date Night!
Dec 31 @ 9:30 pm – 12:30 am
Rustic Grape Wine Bar

Say goodbye to 2019 and toast in the New Year with us, live music, sweet treats, and of course, lots of bubbly! Rustic Grape is hosting a ticketed date night event in our cozy, intimate wine bar with Lindsey Meyers, an incredibly talented local musician who will be singing all of our favorite songs. Bring your date or bestie for a fun NYE!

We will be offering a fun & festive drink menu which includes the cutest half bottles of Champagne, sparkling wines, rich fruity red wines, full-bodied whites, house-made mocktails, and our fabulous Pomsettia Champagne Cocktail. All of these drinks pair sweetly with our array of dark chocolates, local cheeses, and other decadent bites!

$50 per couple, What your ticket includes: (ticket includes gratuity)

  • Reserved seating for your sweet treat, Artisan dessert board for two filled with Patty’s house-made sweet bites, Melissa’s chocolate truffles, along with local gourmet cheeses.
  • A complimentary midnight bubbles toast!
  • Live local music with Lindsey Meyers.

Can’t make our festive night? Wine bar opens at 6pm to start your celebratory night out! Come grab a cozy glass of wine before dinner or swing by after to catch some fantastic live music and toast to 2020!

*A limited number of event tickets will be available at the door for $60 IF available, but we expect this event to sell out! Walk-ins welcome for free music and our regular menu.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 1 @ 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!

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jan 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, January 2, 2020
Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 2 @ 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!

Slice Comedy Open Mic
Jan 2 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday night Jan. 2nd
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$7
Professional and Newbi comics
Comics get in free (+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m)

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Jan 2 @ 9:00 pm
The Pulp

Ages 21+

Tickets At The Door

RSVP on Facebook

Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]

Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Friday, January 3, 2020
A Wild Food Stroll at The Grove Park Inn
Jan 3 @ 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.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 3 @ 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, January 4, 2020
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Jan 4 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.
Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 4 @ 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!

Jon Reep w/ special guest Mike Elis
Jan 4 @ 6:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Jon Reep is a nationally touring comedian whose contemporary country point of view has won over legions of fans in comedy clubs, on tv and in film. As a stand-up he’s built a following through his hilarious comedy specials and as the winner of NBC’s fifth season of Last Comic Standing. He can currently be seen in Netflix’s Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo and his new standup album Ginger Pain was released in March 2019 on 800 Pound Gorilla Records. Jon’s hour standup special Jon Reep: Metro Jethro and his half hour standup special both aired on Comedy Central.

Jon is also host of the popular podcast Fried on Bill Burr and Al Madrigal’s All Things Comedy digital platform. As an actor, Jon has been seen in Tig Notaro’s Amazon Series One Mississisppi, CW’s Jane The Virgin, ABC’s Black-ish, HBO’s Eastbound and Down, and as the “Hemi Guy” from Dodge’s popular ad campaign. On the big screen he appeared in the feature film Into the Storm and as the beloved “Raymus, the pot smoking farmer” in Harold and Kumar: Escape From Guantanamo Bay.

On a nonstop tour since he burst onto the scene, Jon performs to sold-out audiences at clubs and theaters across the country.

Your feature is Mike Elis. Mike has been doing comedy since 2016, but in the few short years he has performed, he has shared the stage with Pam Stone, Emo Philips, Judy Tenuta, Jon Reep, and even Molly Ringwald. Mike is working on his first comedy album titled “I Have No Beef with Vegans” and his first book about his struggles and successes with the entertainment business titled “My Demons Come Out on Stage.”

This is going to be a fun show you will not want to miss.

New Year, New Crew, Local Comedy Showcase
Jan 4 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LaZoom Room

So many amazing new comics have popped up in Asheville in the last year and we want to celebrate the best way possible, with a giant new faces showcase!!!
Join Kenny Stempien, Derek Boskovich, Marlene Thompson, Corey Smathers, Ben Atkins, Kelsey Rosen and so many more!!!

Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-year-new-crew-local-comedy-showcase-tickets-83489257617

Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 4 @ 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!

Jon Reep w/ special guest Mike Elis
Jan 4 @ 9:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Jon Reep is a nationally touring comedian whose contemporary country point of view has won over legions of fans in comedy clubs, on tv and in film. As a stand-up he’s built a following through his hilarious comedy specials and as the winner of NBC’s fifth season of Last Comic Standing. He can currently be seen in Netflix’s Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo and his new standup album Ginger Pain was released in March 2019 on 800 Pound Gorilla Records. Jon’s hour standup special Jon Reep: Metro Jethro and his half hour standup special both aired on Comedy Central.

Jon is also host of the popular podcast Fried on Bill Burr and Al Madrigal’s All Things Comedy digital platform. As an actor, Jon has been seen in Tig Notaro’s Amazon Series One Mississisppi, CW’s Jane The Virgin, ABC’s Black-ish, HBO’s Eastbound and Down, and as the “Hemi Guy” from Dodge’s popular ad campaign. On the big screen he appeared in the feature film Into the Storm and as the beloved “Raymus, the pot smoking farmer” in Harold and Kumar: Escape From Guantanamo Bay.

On a nonstop tour since he burst onto the scene, Jon performs to sold-out audiences at clubs and theaters across the country.

Your feature is Mike Elis. Mike has been doing comedy since 2016, but in the few short years he has performed, he has shared the stage with Pam Stone, Emo Philips, Judy Tenuta, Jon Reep, and even Molly Ringwald. Mike is working on his first comedy album titled “I Have No Beef with Vegans” and his first book about his struggles and successes with the entertainment business titled “My Demons Come Out on Stage.”

This is going to be a fun show you will not want to miss.

Sunday, January 5, 2020
Brunch of Jokers Comdey Show
Jan 5 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Brunch Of Jokers Comedy Show

Spamilton: An American Parody
Jan 5 @ 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
Jan 5 @ 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!

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
The Justin Ray Big Band CD Release
Jan 8 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Isis Restaurant & Music Hall

On holiday break from a 100-city world tour, Justin Ray is home in Asheville for the release of his first big band recording. Join us for this live performance from Justin & his 18-piece orchestra!

The Justin Ray Big Band plays original music deeply rooted in the swing of Ellington and Basie, with lyrical themes that are both current and timeless.

Justin Ray started his musical career as a bebop trumpet player, performing in venues all over the country. In 2003, he began to tour the world with the Michael Bublé band as the trumpet soloist. While with Bublé, Justin was given the opportunity to perform the works of some of the great composers/arrangers of the big band genre (Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones, etc.), and he began working for Bublé in that capacity as well, becoming the primary orchestrator for the band in 2008. In 2015, Justin founded Elephant Sword Studios. The studio’s initial focus was to produce and record original big band arrangements of the standard American songbook repertoire, but that focus changed in 2017. Elephant Sword is now dedicated to original music for big band. Style and swing are still at the center, but no musical or lyrical influence is out of bounds. This is big band music for the millennium.

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jan 8 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, January 9, 2020
DIY Sausage & Beer
Jan 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Chop Shop Butchery

What ingredients go into making sausage? How do you grind, mix, and stuff a sausage by hand? What’s the difference between an Italian sausage and a bratwurst?

Learn about these topics and more in one of our most popular classes: DIY Sausage & Beer!

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • MIX & MINGLE: Before the sausage-making begins, we’ll give you an overview of the process while you sample local and house-made charcuterie and sip on beer from a local brewery (TBA) or a glass of wine. You’ll also get to mingle and chat with other students in the class.
  • MIX, GRIND & STUFF: Next, we’ll head into our cut room. (Dress warmly! It’s chilly in there!) You’ll learn about the ingredients and spices that go into different kinds of sausages. Then, our butchers will show you how to mix, grind, and stuff sausages. This is a hands-on class and you’ll get to make your own sausages from start to finish.
  • LEARN: During the class, we’ll explain how to cook sausages and pair them with other foods and beverages. Questions are not only welcome, but encouraged!
  • TAKE IT HOME: Take home the sausage you make, plus PDF notes and recipes from the class.

Where does our pork come from?

We source our pork from two local, North Carolina farms: Warren Wilson Farm and Hickory Nut Gap.

Slice Comedy Open Mic
Jan 9 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday night Jan. 9th
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$7
Professional and Newbi comics
Comics get in free (+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m)

Friday, January 10, 2020
Managing Weeds Holistically
Jan 10 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Virginia Highland Community College

Effectively managing weeds can be the most labor-intensive task for ecological crop and vegetable production. This one-day workshop will cover common weed biology, ecology, and identification. You will also learn preventative as well as mechanical and cultural practices you can implement on your farm to reduce weed pressure, save time, and money.

A Wild Food Stroll at The Grove Park Inn
Jan 10 @ 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.

Saturday, January 11, 2020
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Jan 11 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.
Game Night
Jan 11 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing Company

ENJOY YOUR LIFE Asheville

Enjoy Your Life GAME NIGHT at the ARCHETYPE Come join us for a Game Night! Bring your favorite game (board game, cards, dominoes, etc.) and your favorite snack. There are also restaurants nearby where you can purchase food and bring it…
Pancake Apocalypse (a night of sketch comedy)
Jan 11 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

A night of sketch comedy starring Cameron Davis, Carin Metzger, Jared Eriksen, Jessica Barlow, Joe Carroll, and George Awad

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pancake-apocalypse-a-night-of-sketch-comedy-tickets-85835649739

Sunday, January 12, 2020
Improving Farm Communications
Jan 12 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm

Effective communication is essential, and can be transformative for your farm operation. In this two day long interactive workshop, Improving Farm Communication, participants will address real life situations to learn about communication styles, ways to have better conversations, and have a chance to practice new skills. In this workshop we will cover the basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), aka, Compassionate Communication, and how it can be applied to your personal as well as your farm life and business. On-farm communication is critical for farm viability, and is one of the most common sources of conflict and frustration for farmers, family members, business partners, employees, and customers.

NVC has been used around the world for decades in all areas of people’s lives and has one of the most proven track records for reducing conflict and creating teamwork, increasing efficiency, and boosting morale.

By using examples from participants’ lives we will create a highly interactive learning environment and learn skills that can be immediately applied to your home and work life.

 

Come if you:

  1. Are part of a farm family or farm team
  2. See the benefit of improved communication skills
  3. Would like to have conversations that aren’t so awkward
  4. Are ready to tackle difficult conversations
  5. Find the stress of farm life difficult to express to others
Queer Comedy Party ft. Dwayne Duke
Jan 12 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Asheville’s monthly all Queer stand up comedy showcase!
Our Jan. headliner is Dwayne Duke

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dwayne Duke has honed his craft at venues across the nation. Dwayne’s act is not a leap into debauchery, more a gentle nudge into the profane. He’s been part of multiple comedy festivals including Cleveland Comedy, Broken Record, Burning Bridges, and Whiskey Bear. His second album “Shame Flashbacks” (2018) is available now. Dwayne is also the founder/ executive Producer of the Midwest Queer Comedy Festival.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-dwayne-duke-tickets-84686516651

Queer Comedy Party ft. Dwayne Duke
Jan 12 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Details

Meetup members pay just $7 at the door and stick around after the show for a meet and greet with the comics!

Asheville’s monthly all Queer stand up comedy showcase!
Our Jan. headliner is Dwayne Duke

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dwayne Duke has honed his craft at venues across the nation. Dwayne’s act is not a leap into debauchery, more a gentle nudge into the profane. He’s been part of multiple comedy festivals including Cleveland Comedy, Broken Record, Burning Bridges, and Whiskey Bear. His second album “Shame Flashbacks” (2018) is available now. Dwayne is also the founder/ executive Producer of the Midwest Queer Comedy Festival.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-dwayne-duke-tickets-84686516651

Monday, January 13, 2020
Whole Hog Butchery Class
Jan 13 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Learn about how their hogs are pasture raised from their farm director Asher Wright.  He will discuss heritage breeds, health benefits of pasture raised pork and how various inputs on the production side impact the quality of the meat. Enjoy a beautiful spread of their in-house made charcuterie & a locally crafted adult beverage of your choice. Watch head butcher Brian Bermingham demonstrate how to break down each part of a Heritage breed hog, explaining each step of the process along the way. Class is $100 per person.