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 17, 2019
Annual Holiday Party! Asheville Community Theatre
Dec 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
In the Mainstage lobby ACT

EAT, DRINK and BE MERRY! Join us for a holiday party to celebrate YOU! During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s important to take a break with friends. We have been so busy this past year with shows and classes galore! Stop in for drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the ACT lobby to celebrate all of the successes that we created together over the past year! As always, we look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

Experience Music at Ambrose West
Dec 17 @ 5:15 pm
Ambrose West

TICKETS: FREE SHOW
AGES: ALL AGES

Youth-centric band showcase presented by Experience Music. The next generation of Asheville musicians write their own music and perform songs from their favorite bands.

Experience Music is a rehearsal studio and youth-centric lessons studio in Asheville who link together like minded, aspiring young musicians.

Learn more about Experience Music here: www.experiencemusicavl.com

A Christmas Carol, a Dinner with Dickens
Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm
Red Rocker Inn

“A Christmas Carol” appears for one week at the Red Rocker Inn in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

“A Christmas Carol” is a raucous and fun retelling of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. This one-man show will be appearing in December at the Red Rocker Inn for the week before Christmas.

Beautifully staged at the historic Red Rocker Inn Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant in Black Mountain, NC. Always charming, the inn will be lavishly decorated in her holiday finest. Menu includes prime rib and other festive delights served with impeccable style.

“A Christmas Carol” is a call to return to family and to bring love and caring for the less fortunate. The production is one-third Masterpiece Theater and two-thirds live interactive Comedic Theater. Dickens’s biting commentary on a life based on a banker’s balance sheet is as fresh and funny as yesterday’s news.
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Performance Dates in 2019:
Tuesday December 17th at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, December 18th at 6:00 PM
Friday, December 20th at 6:00 PM
Saturday, December 21st at 6:00 PM

Think Tank Tuesdays Trivia Night
Dec 17 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillman Beer

Hillman Beer’s Trivia Night is on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm! Get ready to drink some beer, test your wit, and have some fun!

Details:
– Please arrive at 6:30pm
– Max 6 people per team
– First place gets a $50 Hillman Beer Gift Card!

Christmas With The Chorale
Dec 17 @ 7:30 pm
McAlister Auditorium, Furman University

One of the Upstate’s most popular and enjoyable holiday traditions is this Chorale concert of Christmas favorites. This year’s program will include the beautiful “Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten, along with carols, audience sing-along

(including the Chorale’s beloved “12 Days of Christmas”), and a guest high school choir. This is a family-friendly concert, with musical gifts for all ages.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 17 @ 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!

Reverend Horton Heat’s Holiday Hayride
Dec 17 @ 8:00 pm
The Gray Eagle

Reverend Horton Heat’s Holiday Hayride w/ Voodoo Glow Skulls, The 5.6.7.8’s, & special guest appearance by Dave Alvin at The Grey Eagle

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Nghtmre’s The Portal Tour
Dec 17 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 17 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Vintage Kava

Open Mic at Vintage Kava

Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)

Stop by to sign up for your slot!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Dec 18 @ 9:00 pm – Dec 19 @ 3:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748911052909

Hometown Holiday Jam Mix
Dec 18 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Featuring Riyen Roots, Joe Lasher, Sons of Ralph, Mike Barnes & Friends, Emma’s Lounge, and many more. Benefiting Compassionate Community and Manna Food Bank.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 18 @ 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!

Thursday, December 19, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 19 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

SMCPA’s Singing Christmas Card
Dec 19 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Join family and friends as the community comes together to enjoy stories and songs of the Christmas Season. A heart-warming event full of joy, laughter and a few surprises.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Ticket Prices: $10 General Admission

Bad Santa – A Holiday Murder Mystery
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Antidote

Face it – you’ve been DYING to get away with murder!

$40 tickets are sold in advance, but there are limited tickets. Admission includes your first beer, wine, or craft cocktail. This is an event like none other, and RSVP is necessary. There will not be food available at this event, so make sure you have something before. Join us for great drinks and mysterious happenings!!!

7:00pm-7:30PM Check In

7:30pm-9:00pm Murder Mystery Event

BAD SANTA

A master of deception, the reclusive Christopher Clause tricked many people into attending what he referred to as the ‘most wondrous party of the year.’ After everyone arrived at Clause Manor, Christopher had his staff lock the guests inside with no chance of escape. The party-goers were shocked to see Christopher, wearing a Santa suit in a faraway location, pop onto a monitor in the living room. He warned that someone would be leaving in a coroner’s bag!

The eccentric millionaire was a mastermind and had selected the guest list meticulously. It wasn’t long before tempers flared inside of the holiday pressure cooker while they worked on Chris’s demented riddle. There wasn’t much surprise when a dead body emerged, and a killer lurked among them…

The guests scurried about, interrogating each other until they could turn over no more stones. Once they found the killer, the detainees were able to leave the manor, never to speak of the night’s events again.

This is a MyMysteryParty.com mystery party game, in association with Mystery Men Productions. Tickets subject to Terms and Conditions.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 19 @ 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!

The Mountain Friends Trio Holiday Concert
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts
A trio of local musicians take the BMCA stage for a multi-music style holiday concert

The Mountain Friends Trio is an ensemble made up of multi-instrumentalists Mike Gosey, Cheryl and Doug Frey who will share their wide musical tastes ranging from traditional Appalachian folk and gospel to jazz and the Beatles (with some holiday music thrown in) on Thursday, December 19 at 7:30pm. Enjoy rich vocal harmonies and the satisfaction of dulcimer, autoharp, guitar and bass played by veteran musicians.

Friday, December 20, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 20 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

The 2020 AIR Passport: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Dec 20 all-day
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association

The AIR Passport is your buy-one-get-one (BOGO)* ticket to some of Buncombe County’s highly acclaimed independent restaurants. Visit an old favorite or try a new member of the area’s vibrant independent restaurant community. AIR Passports make great gifts, but they go fast.

The AIR Passport offers BOGO from 60 area eateries with discounts up to $15 per participating restaurants. All proceeds from the AIR Passport go to benefit the ongoing efforts of AIR to keep Asheville’s food scene eclectic and authentic.

“It is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” Anderson said.  “We are able to use these funds throughout the year for educational classes,  events and other opportunities for our members and their staff.”

Participating restaurants in the 2020 AIR Passport:

828 Pizzeria North Ducker Tea Room Rosabees
828 Pizzeria South Early Girl DT Rosetta’s
AUX Bar Early Girl West Roux
Baked Pie North Early Girl North Rustic Grape
Baked Pie South Farm Burger Sante
The Barrelhouse French Broad Choc Sawhorse
Bhramari The Glass Onion The Social Lounge
The Bier Garden The Grey Eagle Strada
Black Bear BBQ Hemingway’s Cuba Sunny Point
The Blackbird Isa’s Bistro Tupelo Honey DT
Blue Dream Curry Jack of the Wood Tupelo Honey South
Bouchon Karen Donatelli Daphne-Twisted Laurel
Button & Co Bagels The Laughing Seed Twisted Laurel West
Buxton Hall Little Jumbo Ultimate Ice Cream N
The Cantina The Lobster Trap Ultimate Ice Cream E
Chai Pani Luella’s North Vinnie’s Italian
Chestnut Luella’s South Well Played
Chupacabra The Native Social White Labs
Collaboratory Pack’s Tavern White Duck Taco DT
Copper Crown The Oysterhouse White Duck Taco RAD
The Corner Kitchen The Red Stag Grill White Duck Taco South
Creekside Taphouse RendezVous
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 20 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Town and Mountain Realty’s 8th Annual Home for the Holidays FUNdraiser
Dec 20 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Join us FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH from 5PM – 10PM and share the love as we celebrate the season by supporting local non-profits that concentrate on the homeless population and those in crisis throughout our Asheville and WNC community. *Admission is by donation at the door, you choose what you want to give!* Your gift will go a long way to help members of our community have a place to call HOME. ALL proceeds will benefit 5 LOCAL non-profit organizations: Homeward Bound of WNC, Helpmate, BeLoved Asheville, Eliada, & Haywood Street Congregation! We have set our goal to raise $20,000! We are thrilled to have kids’ activities, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, LIVE LOCAL music from LYRIC & Swing Step, photo booth fun, dinner & drinks, silent auction & raffle!

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

Greenville Symphony Orchestra Holiday at Peace
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

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Edvard Tchivzhel, Conductor
Diane Penning & Paul Langford, Vocalists

The “most wonderful time of the year” can only mean one thing…Holiday at Peace! Making their Greenville debut are the universally praised vocal duo, Diane Penning and Paul Langford.  You and your family will be swept into the season spirit with Diane and Paul’s heartfelt vocals and magical chemistry.  Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family.

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
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 21 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

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.

The 2020 AIR Passport: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Dec 21 all-day
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association

The AIR Passport is your buy-one-get-one (BOGO)* ticket to some of Buncombe County’s highly acclaimed independent restaurants. Visit an old favorite or try a new member of the area’s vibrant independent restaurant community. AIR Passports make great gifts, but they go fast.

The AIR Passport offers BOGO from 60 area eateries with discounts up to $15 per participating restaurants. All proceeds from the AIR Passport go to benefit the ongoing efforts of AIR to keep Asheville’s food scene eclectic and authentic.

“It is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” Anderson said.  “We are able to use these funds throughout the year for educational classes,  events and other opportunities for our members and their staff.”

Participating restaurants in the 2020 AIR Passport:

828 Pizzeria North Ducker Tea Room Rosabees
828 Pizzeria South Early Girl DT Rosetta’s
AUX Bar Early Girl West Roux
Baked Pie North Early Girl North Rustic Grape
Baked Pie South Farm Burger Sante
The Barrelhouse French Broad Choc Sawhorse
Bhramari The Glass Onion The Social Lounge
The Bier Garden The Grey Eagle Strada
Black Bear BBQ Hemingway’s Cuba Sunny Point
The Blackbird Isa’s Bistro Tupelo Honey DT
Blue Dream Curry Jack of the Wood Tupelo Honey South
Bouchon Karen Donatelli Daphne-Twisted Laurel
Button & Co Bagels The Laughing Seed Twisted Laurel West
Buxton Hall Little Jumbo Ultimate Ice Cream N
The Cantina The Lobster Trap Ultimate Ice Cream E
Chai Pani Luella’s North Vinnie’s Italian
Chestnut Luella’s South Well Played
Chupacabra The Native Social White Labs
Collaboratory Pack’s Tavern White Duck Taco DT
Copper Crown The Oysterhouse White Duck Taco RAD
The Corner Kitchen The Red Stag Grill White Duck Taco South
Creekside Taphouse RendezVous
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.

A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.