Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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!

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?
Season Subscribers:– Get early access to our new season tickets and information– Save 20-30% off normal ticket prices– Get additional discounts on extra tickets– Park in a preferred parking zone– Avoid ticket purchase or exchange fees
For 2020 subscriptions, please call our box office at 828.693.0731.
Single tickets go on sale Monday, January 13.
To purchase single tickets, please call the box office or visit our website!

Auditions will be held at the Education Building located at 1855 Little River Road in Flat Rock on Friday, Jan. 10th and Saturday, Jan. 11th. Participants from all experience levels are welcome, from the young to the young at heart, rookies or seasoned veterans. Roles are both human and animal characters. For more information, including character lists and audition materials, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Friday, January 10 th 4pm-7pm Saturday, January 11 th 10am-2pm Callbacks will be held Tuesday, January 14th 4pm-7pm
Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.
Season Subscribers:– Get early access to our new season tickets and information– Save 20-30% off normal ticket prices– Get additional discounts on extra tickets– Park in a preferred parking zone– Avoid ticket purchase or exchange fees
For 2020 subscriptions, please call our box office at 828.693.0731.
Single tickets go on sale Monday, January 13.
To purchase single tickets, please call the box office or visit our website!

Auditions will be held at the Education Building located at 1855 Little River Road in Flat Rock on Friday, Jan. 10th and Saturday, Jan. 11th. Participants from all experience levels are welcome, from the young to the young at heart, rookies or seasoned veterans. Roles are both human and animal characters. For more information, including character lists and audition materials, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Friday, January 10 th 4pm-7pm Saturday, January 11 th 10am-2pm Callbacks will be held Tuesday, January 14th 4pm-7pm
We are thrilled to bring a preview of the 18th annual Asheville Fringe Arts Festival to Fleetwood’s in West Asheville on Saturday, January 11th, 7 to 9 pm (free). Get a taste of Fringe dance, installation and music from the edges, and grab one of the freshly printed festival guides! One week ahead of the festival, you’ll get a chance to talk to artists and organizers, and plan which of the 100+ shows, 55+ artists and 15+ venues you will visit. We recommend fully immersing yourself! It’s a community, an international movement, an adventure!
Do you take this performance art to be your love-fully wedded Fringe favorite? Site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals will be performing a fun, wedding-themed interactive piece.
After the wedding, enter the “Womb”, a one-on-one shadow puppetry experience with live music, created by Geneva Bierce Wilson. You are invited to be reborn in this empowering and intimate performance.
Outside Fleetwood’s you can explore the Asheville Zed “Emerge n See”, a mobile museum constructed in a converted ambulance. 20+ artists have created dioramas, interactive sculptures, multimedia projections and instagramable moments in every nook and cranny.
This awesome free event is co-hosted by Asheville FM! AshevilleFM’s DJ Avel Veeta, of Flytrap, will be spinning energized tunes from across the universe, while Fleetwood’s friendly bartender offers refreshments. Come get Fringey with us!
Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.
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
Season Subscribers:– Get early access to our new season tickets and information– Save 20-30% off normal ticket prices– Get additional discounts on extra tickets– Park in a preferred parking zone– Avoid ticket purchase or exchange fees
For 2020 subscriptions, please call our box office at 828.693.0731.
Single tickets go on sale Monday, January 13.
To purchase single tickets, please call the box office or visit our website!

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.
Winter Chautauqua kicks off the 2020 theme of “Reinventing America,” with Teddy Roosevelt. What better way to “Reinvent America” then with the Rough Rider, Nobel Prize winning President who stepped down at the height of his popularity to four years later bolt the Republican Party and challenge his hand picked successor? In ninety days, Roosevelt’s “Bull Moose” Party humbled a sitting president and decisively beat a party that had dominated national politics for forty years. American politics was never then same again.
Join an audience that loves talking back to history to discuss Teddy Roosevelt – with AV Huff. This event is NOT a costumed performance. (Doug Mishler from Reno NV will perform as Teddy Roosevelt in Winter Chautauqua – Jan 31, Feb 1, Feb 2.)
AV Huff, PhD is a distinguished author, award-wining teacher, and public servant. AV is passionate about southern history and is author of Greenville: The History of the City and County in the South Carolina Piedmont. Dr. Huff has led previous Chautauqua Talks on historic South Carolina figures ranging from the controversial John C. Calhoun to escaped slave and Civil War military commander Robert Smalls.

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.
This class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. People who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.
Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.
Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!
Heather and Dylan will discuss truly terrifying Appalachian true crime cases!
Come hang out with the biggest creeps in town & Warm up with a hot blooded murder
Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.
Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.
On the culinary side, we have “Dinner Bell” from Taproot Ensemble, a dance, song and storytelling exploration of what you’re not supposed to talk about at the dinner table, southern style. Includes treats from Early Girl Eatery. Lauren French brings us “Intimate Dinner or ‘Tap water is fine'”, a comic solo show about fine dining. A celebrity chef will perform actual cooking demos with audience help. Customers become more demanding, chaos ensues. Will the server keep her cool?
Our Fringe always has a strong dance component and this year is no exception with returning favorites like Yuhas and Company and Stewart Owen Dance, plus 16 other works incorporating dance.
Music will ring out through many shows and, of course, the parties. We have several experimental works, a growing theme over the last few years, including Perspective Collective (“The Pride of Pripyat” an opera about Chernobyl), Matthew Marcum (“Hymns and Oscillations” healing frequencies), and Emmalee Hunnicutt (“Biophilia” multimedia meditation on local green space).
Solo shows, interactive theater, and puppetry abound along with things that defy category, like “Ra Ra RA Da Da Da” a dadaist experiment in avant-garde, marginal, post neo-absurdist after-hours durational variety cabaret! The 18th annual Fringe has something for every weirdo.
Find all the shows, ticketed and free, searchable by venue and date on our newly revamped website AshevilleFringe.org
The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for your Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!
For more information on The Frozen Experience, please visit https://www.theapaa.com/frozenjr. There will be no refunds or exchanges for tickets purchased for the incorrect cast.
Comedian Michael Palascak
Live at The Mothlight
Sunday, January 19th
Doors 7pm
Tickets: $15
Michael Palascak was named the 2018 Stand-up of the Year by the Late Nite Last Week podcast for his performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He’s also done stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Letterman, Comedy Central’s HALF HOUR, was a top 5 Finalist on LAST COMIC STANDING, and this past summer he performed at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival where he taped a set for Kevin Hart’s LOL network. Norm Macdonald said Michael reminds him, “…of a guy that’s just as funny offstage as on, which is like magic.” Michael’s short film You’re Alive was accepted into numerous festivals including the Hollywood Comedy Shorts Festival and was the winner of the Audience Award at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
http://www.michaelpalascak.com/
Featuring James Harrod and Kelly Morgan

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.
Retreatants will be invited to pause, to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to calm minds and bodies and be at ease. During this retreat, the focus is on reconciliation, transformation, healing and how to bring quantitative change in one’s life by the mindfulness practices of walking, eating and sitting meditation, connecting with ancestors, deep listening, loving speech and the practice of touching the earth. A retreat is an opportunity to let go of worry and anxiety about the past and the future, rest, and begin to be present for what is happening in the present moment.
The retreat is being led by Sister True Moon of Clear Grace, a resident nun at Heartwood who received her novice ordination in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition headed by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Sister Clear Grace shares that, “the practice of mindfulness has been the greatest source of insight and transformation to heal from injustices of all kinds. It has helped me to learn truths and unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that have kept me away from the liberation of such sufferings in my daily life.”
This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners. Participants may register to stay at Heartwood or sign up for the commuter option. More information, registration and other retreats at www.heartwoodrefuge.org.
Sister Clear Grace is a member of the Care Taking Council for the Earth Holder Community, a mindful Earth/Social justice initiative in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. She is a Core member for ARISE Sangha (Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity), a community of mindfulness practitioners and monastics who come together to heal the wounds of racial injustice and social inequity, beginning with looking deeply within oneself and using energy of compassion, understanding, and love in action.
Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides interfaith meditation and wellness retreat. Heartwood is neither defined by a single lineage, nor confined by any single sect or practice. Heartwood hosts teachers from all faiths and wisdom traditions to share teachings and activities that promote compassion and clarity, whether through traditional wisdom or new thought.
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You are invited to get your tickets today, BEFORE they go on sale to the public. Just use the presale password VMAIL to purchase your tickets by Thursday, January 23.
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