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 5, 2019
CHON & Between The Buried And Me w/ Intervals
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

All Ages

Since forming in 2008 in San Diego, the trio -guitarists Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel and drummer Nathan Camarena -have become one of the most buzzed-about acts in the new era of progressive rock, on the back of more than 40 million Spotify streams and tours with the likes of Coheed and Cambria, Animals As Leaders and Circa Survive.

Friday, December 6, 2019
Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 6 all-day
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition! One weekend only, Dec. 6th & 7th at the Colonial Theater in Canton, just west of Asheville!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 6 @ 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

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 6 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 6 @ 4:00 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
Holiday Arts Market
Dec 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Shop local this holiday season! Come support the Refinery’s many artists at this year’s Holiday Market. 

The Carols of Christmas
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
First Baptist Church

Choir and orchestra concert of popular carols and new Christmas songs.

Showtimes: Friday & Sunday at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm

Creedence Clearwater Revival by the Ross Osteen Band
Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

Listen to the music of the iconic 60’s band Creedence Clearwater Revival, who had such hits as “Heard It On The Grapevine,” Have You Ever Seen The Rain” and “Born on the Bayou,” as performed by the Ross Osteen Band.

 

RESCHEDULED Performance. Originally Nov. 9 now Dec. 6. Tickets still available.

Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”. 

  • Fri Dec 6th 7:30pm Opening night / Reception following
The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
Violet Bell
Dec 6 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Violet Bell — Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, 2019, 8 p.m. (Tina McGuire Theatre) Duo Violet Bell pairs “atmospheric, captivating vocals” (IndyWeekly) with incendiary instrumentals, putting an avant-garde twist on traditional roots music while exuding a refreshing positive energy on stage. These two will make you fall in love with their unique blend of folk, bluegrass and soul that draws inspiration from the natural world, ancient mythology and the green hills of North Carolina. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Tina McGuire Theatre. Tickets: Regular $32; Student $27; Child $20; Student Rush day-of-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Box office: 828-257-4530 or worthamarts.org. EXTRA: Connect with the artists at a special Saturday, Dec. 7 master class, “Where Do Songs Come From?” at 5 p.m. in the Tina McGuire Theatre.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 7 all-day
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition! One weekend only, Dec. 6th & 7th at the Colonial Theater in Canton, just west of Asheville!

Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 7 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.

Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

Papertown Christmas Craft Fair
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Town of Canton Armory

Holiday shoppers will want to get ready for the eighth annual Papertown Christmas Craft Fair. A wide variety of crafters will be selling handmade goodies and all types of Christmas items. Every inch of the Armory will be filled with Christmas items for sale. Artisans and crafters from all over North Carolina will be represented at the Canton craft fair. Shoppers can find homemade cookies, candy, cakes, an array of Christmas decorations for the home, handmade ornaments, stocking stuffers, candles, soap, perfect for everyone’s Christmas list. Shoppers need to arrive early and stay for door prizes. Spend time with family and friends.

Holiday Makers Sale Folk Art Center
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Sales

December 7 & 14 | 10:00a-4:00p

The Holiday Makers SALE is a chance to shop fine craft at a discounted rate. Over 30 of our makers gather their leftover stock from 2019, and give a peak at their 2020 designs! Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Shop local!
Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Makers SALE
Dec 7 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Maker Sale

During the first two Saturdays in December, over 30 Guild members* will fill the auditorium of the Folk Art Center for our annual Holiday Makers Sales on December 7th & 14th, from 10am-4pm.

Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Buying from artisans supports the local economy and promotes the Guild’s mission to cultivate the crafts and makers of the Southern Highlands for the purpose of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar!! | Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall bring you the Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar in Downtown, Asheville!!!

TWO FLOORS of 27+ vendors, Full Kitchen/Bar, Bloody Mary Bar & Kids Area!

FREE ADMISSION

Come check out an array of over 27 Local Vendors (full list below!) and support local craft for the holidays! This event will surely be a one stop shop for all of your holiday gifts for family and friends alike!

Live music from 12:30PM-2:30PM and 3:30PM-5:30PM featuring local live music .

ALSO, to top things off, for every item purchased, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a craft basket compiled by the vendor AND tickets to either the late night show at Asheville Music Hall ‘4th Annual Very Jerry Xmas’ or tickets to Jam By Day!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 7 @ 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

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Dec 7 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Free for Members or included with Museum admission

Join us for the debut of this new family program! This month we’ll visit artworks that feature animals of all kinds. We’ll mimic their sounds and movements and discover what they eat, where they live, and how they behave.

Artful Adventures

Taking place each first Saturday, Artful Adventures are 30–45 minute kid-friendly, themed interactive gallery tours followed by an optional related art-making activity in our Wells Fargo Art PLAYce. Families of all ages and abilities are welcome; no reservations required.

The Big Crafty
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

Voted WNC’s favorite art event for the past decade, The Big Crafty returns for a day of hand-to-heart artful craft on Saturday & Sunday December 7 & 8 from 12-6pm at Asheville’s US Cellular Center.

Join us for a tour of the creative landscape, with 150 creative venturers and total art stars, craft-infused good times, hugs and high fives.

 

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 7 @ 2:30 pm
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition!

One weekend only:  December 6 at 7:30 PM and December 7 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM.

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert Revels!
Dec 7 @ 3:00 pm
Lipinsky Auditorium

2019Revels 11x17v3.png

The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s hallmark holiday concert series returns, again marrying the beloved and the unexpected for a boisterous wintertime treat that rings in the holiday season! With classical repertoire, pops favorites, and the soaring voice of soprano Megan McConnell, this year’s Revels! is sure to be a holiday treat.

Program

A selection of holiday favorites, including carols, classical music, and pops tunes, performed by the entire Blue Ridge Orchestra, with Megan McConnell, soprano.

Snow Contingency

If this concert is canceled due to snow, one performance of BRO Revels! 2019 will be held at 3pm on Saturday, December 14, in Lipinsky Auditorium. All tickets will be honored at that performance.

The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 7 @ 4:00 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Porter Center, Scott Concert Hall
Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”. 

  • Fri Dec 6th 7:30pm Opening night / Reception following
The Asheville Choral Society Yuletide Candlelight Concert
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
Womansong’s “Be Brave – A Salute to Sheroes”
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center

This concert honors the many “sheroes” in our world: well-known public figures such as Malala, Pauli Murray, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who have changed history, along with everyday women who rise above life’s challenges to lead with love.  The concert theme comes from our own Lytingale’s rousing new song, which encourages everyone to “Speak out your truth, let your story be told. You’ve got the power, be brave!” The concert features Annie Lennox’s anthem “Sing” and a medley of Aretha Franklin classics like “Respect”. There’s something for everyone — music to make you laugh, cry, dance, and of course, sing along.

Directed by Althea Gonzalez with Assistant Director, Katie Cilluffo, Womansong celebrates the unity, diversity, and empowerment of women through musical expression. Concerts are accessible to the hearing impaired through music sign language interpretation by Shiner Antiorio.

Our concerts and raffles help fund the operation of our nonprofit organization including the choir’s New Start Program, which provides scholarships and emergency funds to local women in need.

Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children (12 and younger). Tickets go live on October 7th and are available from Womansong members and online at www.womansong.org.  Raffle tickets are $25 for Wine and $10 for Chocolate and are available online and at the door.

Home Free
Dec 7 @ 8:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Home Free | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

DIVE BAR SAINTS, is the title track in Home Free’s upcoming album release, out this summer.  The band’s rich, Southern harmonies from their four vocalists Tim Foust, Rob Lundquist, Austin Brown, Adam Chance, and beatboxer Adam Rupp are coming to town this winter.

With praise rolling in wide ranges from the likes of Rolling Stone, Country Living, Perez Hilton, FOX & Friends, and AXS.com, the extraordinary showmen electrify crowds with a one-of-a-kind live show, mixing Nashville standards, soaring originals, and quick witted-humor that brings audiences to their feet with energy and laughter.