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, December 8, 2021
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 8 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.

The tradition continues on the Rock after going virtual! Bring the whole family to this dazzling holiday celebration, Playhouse-style! An all-new show with the same great spirit and quality, A Playhouse Christmas 2021 will feature many seasonal classics along with several new adaptations and medleys. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, this song and dance revue is sure to bring you great holiday joy!

COLLEGE STUDY HALL
Dec 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grind Coffee House

 Mon-Fri from 2-5pm. You have access to high speed internet, work space and HALF-OFF pastries when you present your college ID.

Weaverville Tailgate Holiday Market
Dec 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

🎄 The Weaverville Tailgate Holiday Market begins THIS MONTH!!

🙌 We are so excited to have such an amazing vendor lineup!!! These amazing #localsmallbusinesses will be joining us! Make sure you shop at the market first for your holiday baking and shopping 💚

🎄 HOLIDAY MARKET LINEUP 🎄

SugaButta
Mars Hill Bread and Butter
High Top Bread Company
The Crunchy Baker
Fox Run Farm and Rabbitry
Notorious Roasted Coffee

Weaverville Tailgate Market Extended
Dec 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

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Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

OAKS Afterschool Program
Dec 8 @ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Oakley Community Center

OAKS Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
September 7-December 17, 2021 | Monday-Friday | 2:30-5:30pm
An inclusive recreation program designed to support rising 1st5th graders and their families. OAKS will provide homework
assistance and opportunities to play through a variety of activities
and field trips. Participants will benefit from lower child to
staff ratios, continuation of scholastic goals (as applicable),
and individualized treatment plans (facilitated by LRT/CTRS
and program staff). Participants who cannot meet eligibility
requirements may attend with a 1:1 worker.
Location: Oakley

Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Dec 8 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Dec 8 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Dec 8 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Santa Paws at Highland Brewing
Dec 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Santa Paws is going on tour, and he wants to take a photo with each and every one of you! Bring your dogs, your kids, and even if you’re just a kid at heart, come be a part of Photos With Santa Paws!!

To help all of his furry friends at Asheville Humane Society, Santa Paws asks that you give a minimum $5 donation (or more since it is the season of giving), and you will get to take a photo with Santa, $10 or more will get you a digital print, a Polaroid to take home and two raffle tickets, and the photos would be made available online.

Teen Ensemble Studio 52’s Auditions
Dec 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Audition Notice. Teen Ensemble. 8th - 12th Grades. Studio 52. frpstudio52.org.

Teen Ensemble is Studio 52’s all-new, audition-only class featuring the top teen creative artists in the area. This small company of pre-professional actors in 8th-12th grades will meet weekly at Flat Rock Playhouse for advanced training and rehearsals as they dive into the development of theatrical work incorporating acting, singing, and dance.

Auditions will be held BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on Wednesday, December 8, between 5 – 8 PM.

Teen Ensemble is Studio 52’s all-new, audition-only class featuring the top teen creative artists in the area. This small company of pre-professional actors in 8th-12th grades meets weekly at Flat Rock Playhouse for advanced training and rehearsals as they dive into the development of theatrical work incorporating acting, singing, and dance.

Auditions will be held by appointment only on Wednesday, December 8 between 5 – 8 PM.

Please email [email protected] with the subject line “Teen Ensemble Auditions” to reserve a 5-minute audition slot. Students must prepare 16-32 bars (approximately 1 minute) of a song. Students may sing a cappella or bring sheet music for the Studio 52 accompanist. Once your appointment time is reserved, more information will be sent regarding audition location and logistics.

Selected actors are expected to attend all classes and rehearsals. Please read about our COVID Safety Guidelines here. All students will be contacted via email by Friday, December 17 about final casting decisions.

Dates: January 24  – May 2 (14 weeks)
Days/Times: Mondays from 5:30  – 7:30 PM
Grades: 8th – 12th
Location: Studio 52 at 1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock, NC, 28731
Tuition: $250*

*Full and partial need-based scholarships will be available upon application for teen ensemble members. Applications will be available after casting. 

Teen Ensemble will meet the following Mondays from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Jan. 24, 31
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7
Spring Break
March 21, 28
April 4, 11, 18, 25
May 2 – Outdoor Performance
​May 3 – Rain Date

TEEN ENSEMBLE 8th – 12th Grades (In – Person) AUDITION ONLY
Dec 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Studio 52

Picture

Teen Ensemble is Studio 52’s all-new, audition-only class featuring the top teen creative artists in the area. This small company of pre-professional actors in 8th-12th grades meets weekly at Flat Rock Playhouse for advanced training and rehearsals as they dive into the development of theatrical work incorporating acting, singing, and dance.

Auditions will be held by appointment only on Wednesday, December 8 between 5 – 8 PM.

Please email [email protected] with the subject line “Teen Ensemble Auditions” to reserve a 5-minute audition slot. Students must prepare 16-32 bars (approximately 1 minute) of a song. Students may sing a cappella or bring sheet music for the Studio 52 accompanist. Once your appointment time is reserved, more information will be sent regarding audition location and logistics.

Selected actors are expected to attend all classes and rehearsals. Please read about our COVID Safety Guidelines here. All students will be contacted via email by Friday, December 17 about final casting decisions.

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Dec 8 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Free Outdoor Holiday Movie: NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
Dec 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Free outdoor movies on our giant LED screen are always a hit with all ages.  Rabbit Rabbit is a huge outdoor venue with enough space to accommodate 3000 people, so we have plenty of seats for everyone!

ZUMBA WITH GINA CORNEJO
Dec 8 @ 5:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio
Gina Cornejo

Bringing the party back in our lives! Gina Cornejo is a genuine seeker of a party, c’mon! Learn the choreography details of your favorite Zumba songs. Within this free 1-hour class, Gina will offer a breakdown of the intricacies of Zumba choreography and also provide the opportunity to let go and party. Her direction and care will build your confidence on the dance floor and allow for better memorization. Join Gina’s Zumba class to see and feel the improvement of your fitness. Her classes are spirited and sweet with a focus on empowerment through encouragement. All levels welcome — come as you are. A cool down is always offered.

 

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Dec 8 @ 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Winter Lights at the Arboretum are back! They do a beautiful job of decorating, and we can stroll through sipping hot cocoa. They also have food and wine available for purchase. You must purchase a ticket beforehand because they do sell out. One ticket is $30, and that is for a CARLOAD of people, so you might want to coordinate with others. There is an Ingles up the road that might be a good gathering point. There is no max attendance limit. When the tickets sell out, that will be it. Here’s the link to tickets: https://www.ncarboretum.org/purchase-tickets-to-winter-lights/

 

What we’re about

I started this group to bring together women in their 50’s who want to gather with other like-minded women. We’re dealing with a lot of issues at our age, and having other women who can understand us, support us, and laugh with us is so valuable! This group is open to any woman in her 50’s: married, single, gay, straight, black, white or any other color. We will gather, eat, drink, laugh and commiserate when necessary. I am hopeful many of us will make meaningful friendships along the way

Cookie Decorating Downtown Pop-Up with 3 Eggs Cakery
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing’s Downtown Taproom

cookie decorating

Decorate holiday cookies like a pro with Jackie from Three Eggs Cakery at Highland Brewing’s Downtown Taproom. The tickets are $18 per person and include hands on instruction with inspiration pages, 12 cookies, royal icing, and boxes for the take home cookies. Draft beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase from Highland Brewing’s Downtown Taproom bar.
Please no groups larger than 6 people. Tickets are non refundable and sales end Monday, December 6.
Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

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Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Trivia Night at Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Dust off your thinking caps, grab your friends, and join us for Trivia Night at the taproom every Wednesday at 6pm!

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Jus’ Running Pub Run
Dec 8 @ 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing
Join us every Wednesday, rain or shine, for the best Pub Run in Asheville! All ages and experience levels welcome! We ❤️ you all!
Come for the run and stay for the beer at Archetype Brewing! The perfect way to make new connections or keep current ones fresh.
P.F. CHANG’S ! Add Some Spice To Your Midday Week! 🥡🥢
Dec 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
P.F. Chang's
P.F. CHANG’S ! Add Some Spice To Your Midday Week! 🥡🥢

P.F. Chang’s is an Asian restaurant concept founded on making food from scratch every day in every restaurant. Created in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming, P.F. Chang’s is the first multi-unit restaurant concept in the U.S. to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. Please note that due to cold weather this will be an indoor seating. See you all there. Iris
UNCA Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Central University
Dec 8 @ 6:30 pm
KIMMEL ARENA
Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center

 

Logo for Charlotte Hornets                      vs.                     Logo for Philadelphia 76ers

 

 

TV: BALLY SPORTS SOUTHEAST – RADIO: CHARLOTTEWFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM

Live Stream: UNC Press Presents G. Samantha Rosenthal, author of Living Queer History, in conversation with Samantha Allen
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm
online
Image shows event title, date, time, headshots of participants and the cover of the featured book.

This event is a free event, but registration is required.  Click here to register. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

If you decide to attend and purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


Queer history is a living practice. Talk to any group of LGBTQ people today, and they will not agree on what story should be told. Many people desire to celebrate the past by erecting plaques and painting rainbow crosswalks, but queer and trans people in the twenty-first century need more than just symbols–they need access to power, justice for marginalized people, spaces of belonging. Approaching the past through a lens of queer and trans survival and world-building transforms history itself into a tool for imagining and realizing a better future.

Living Queer History tells the story of an LGBTQ community in Roanoke, Virginia, a small city on the edge of Appalachia. Interweaving historical analysis, theory, and memoir, Gregory Samantha Rosenthal tells the story of their own journey–coming out and transitioning as a transgender woman–in the midst of working on a community-based history project that documented a multigenerational southern LGBTQ community. Based on over forty interviews with LGBTQ elders, Living Queer History explores how queer people today think about the past and how history lives on in the present.

Gregory Samantha Rosenthal is Associate Professor of History at Roanoke College and co-founder of the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project.

Samantha Allen is the author of Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States (Little, Brown; 2019), a travelogue that the New York Times Book Review called “a powerful book of memoir and reportage” and that the Los Angeles Times dubbed “a book necessary for anyone in or allied with the queer community.”

Living Queer History: Remembrance and Belonging in a Southern City Cover Image
$29.95
ISBN: 9781469665801
Availability: Coming Soon – Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: University of North Carolina Press – December 7th, 2021
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol A Play With Music
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company w/ Virtual option

This two man adaptation is a fast-paced and imaginative production that combines Dickens’ brilliant original text with both traditional and unexpected Christmas music, along with  old-fashioned foley-style sound effects. These dynamic performers beautifully impart this epic, timeless story of discovery of the heart, appealing to both adults and children in a fresh way.

$25.00 Virtual Tickets at See Upcoming Dates for Zoom – A Christmas Carol at North Carolina (thundertix.com)

Flamingosis
Dec 8 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Flamingosis splices together old school soul, wild funk, and D.I.Y. electronic with a radiant message meant for any moment. After generating 100 million streams, attracting 100K cumulative social media followers, and receiving acclaim from PitchforkMTVThisSongIsSick, and many more, the New Jersey-raised and Brooklyn-based artist and producer embeds an important affirmation within the framework of his first full-length album in four years, Daymaker.

Since 2012, he has carved out a niche of his own in addition to collaborating in the studio and on stage with Big Gigantic, GRiZ, Madeon, Tokimonsta, and Matoma, among others. Not to mention, he graced the bills of festivals such as Austin City LimitsElectric ForestOkeechobeeHoly Ship!, and Voodoo Music + Arts, to name a few. Critical acclaim followed with Pitchfork describing “Believe In Me” as “a new summer anthem.” Regarding 2016’s Bright MomentsMTV wrote, “The producer’s new album weaves smooth 1970s and 1980s samples into perfect grooves.” In 2019, he began to widen the sonic palette. For the first time, he hit the studio with collaborators to architect what would become Daymaker. He worked closely with an all-star cast of musicians, including keyboardist Borahm Lee [Pretty Lights], Jeff Franca [Thievery Corporation], Eddie Roberts [The New Mastersounds], Hunter Roberts, hip-hop funk duo Recess, Mike Tallman of funk and roots outfit Euforquestra and the Color Red label, and more. Now, he introduces Daymaker with a Brazilian bounce, tropical house flavor, and chilled beats on lead single “Wild Summer.”

flamingosis.com

MIKE ZITO WITH ROOTS AND DORE
Dec 8 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

Mike Zito

Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Those are the qualities that have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.

“I have nothing to hide; it seems my honesty is what people relate to most,” he once told Vintage Guitar magazine. “Anders (Osborne) told me early on, ‘If you don’t believe what you’re singing, you’ll never be a good singer.’ I try not to write fluff; I try to make every word count.”

Thursday, December 9, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Dec 9 all-day
online