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.

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Holiday Seconds Sale and Open House Odyssey ClayWorks
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks

Join us on Saturday, December 14th for our Holiday Seconds Sale and Open House from 10am-6pm! Enjoy complimentary refreshments, free kids activities from 11-2pm AND one of our truly epic holiday seconds sales with 50-80% off overstock and seconds! Be sure to arrive early for the best selection. This event is free and open to the public.

Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration A Winter’s Tail
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Join us for the Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration. There will be festive arts and crafts, games, educational programs, animal encounters and of course an appearance from SANTA! Get your child’s photo taken with Santa from 12-4pm.

Regular admission rates apply. As always, Friends members get in free!

Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Makers SALE
Dec 14 @ 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.

Be the Change Festival
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Middle School

Get ready for the Be The Change Festival hosted by SaulPaul from America’s Got Talent on Saturday December 14th from 11AM-3PM! Join us at this free family festival for interactive exhibits, live musical performances, fun games, delicious food, DJs and more! We will be giving away $5,000 in gift cards, multiple 40″-50″ flat screen TVs, and a free gift to the first 300 people who register and attend. Enjoy fun times and free food at Asheville Middle School on 211 S. French Broad Ave in Ashevill, NC!

Be The Change Festival
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Middle School

Get ready for the Be The Change Festival hosted by SaulPaul from America’s Got Talent on Saturday, December 14th from 11AM-3PM! Join us at this FREE family festival for interactive exhibits, live musical performances, fun games, delicious food, DJs and more! We will be giving away $5,000 in gift cards, multiple 40″-50″ flat screen TVs, and a free gift to the first 300 people who register and attend. Enjoy fun times and free food at Asheville Middle School on 211 S. French Broad Ave in Asheville, NC!

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Firestorm Books and Coffee

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up

A three part pop-up series featuring the work of eighteen local artists. This event is a great opportunity to find unique, locally made art for yourself or your loved ones. A portion of each sale will help to underwrite social movement space and grassroots community programming at our co-op. Different artists will be featured on each date, so plan to attend all three! Hours will be 11am to 4pm.???️ December 14th: Including Abacus Corvus Artwork, Bear Dog Designs, Ell’s Nalbinding, Plants and Knits, Running Rabbit Stickers, Sam Davis, and Waymaker Creations??? December 15th: Including Analog Adornments, Chrysalis Earth Farm, The Dicey Dungeon, Weedlady Herbals and Punkcraft, and Talia Scarpelli??? December 21st: Including Emily Eagan Art, Eva Leach, Harvest Gap Forge, Phlox Design, .retool., and Sleepybowie.

Ignite Holiday Trunk Show!
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studio

Asheville-holiday-trunk-show-jewelry-gallery-gifts

Come enjoy our warm, cozy studio to shop jewelry creations made by talented local artists. Our studio will be filled to the brim with work made by specially invited guest jewelers. Support small business and buy local this holiday season!

Some of the artists on display include: Deb Karash, Matthew Smith Studios, Gayle Weiss, Meredith Tibjash, Netty DiSunno, Susan McDonough, Priscilla Frake, and Una Barrett – just to name a few.

Hot beverages and snacks will be provided.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 14 @ 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

Holiday Concert and Market
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Catawba Brewing South Slope

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Holiday Concert and Market

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Holidays Around the World Hendersonville Symphony
Dec 14 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Concert Hall

Holidays Around the World

Our community celebrates together the most wonderful time of the year.

Whether you are observing Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or another seasonal occasion, a musical trip around the world offers a glimpse into the traditions and customs that make holidays so special.

Plus a special Mystery Conductor and Arthur Harris’ medley of sing-a-long carols will add sparkle to the concert.

North Carolina Glass Center Holiday Open House
Dec 14 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
North Carolina Glass Center

Join the staff and artists of the North Carolina Glass Center for our holiday open house! Explore the gallery and newly renovated space, shop for handmade gifts, watch hot shop and flame shop demonstrations, and enjoy libations with our glass community.

Four-Hand Holiday Concert
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Restaurant & Music Hall

AmiciMusic presents a special FOUR-HAND HOLIDAY program featuring pianists Alex Watson and Daniel Weiser performing holiday favorites together on a single piano. Watch the ballet of four hands and twenty fingers up close with their special Keyboard Camera.  The program will feature a fantastic arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” as well as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Bells”, Aaron Copland’s “Tis a Gift to be Simple”, Johann Strauss’ “Blue Danube Waltz” as well as some great renditions of favorite Carols such as “Deck the Halls,” “Away in a Manger”, and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Holiday Concert Asheville Gay Mens Chorus
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Holiday 2019 Concert

Come share beautiful music for the holidays and enjoy our special guest Casey Coppenbarger. The concert will also feature selections by Man Treble, the men’s ensemble of Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus.

Let it Be, Christmas
Dec 14 @ 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
Winter Dance Performance
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

Sunday, December 15, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 15 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.

TWO DAY Uncommon Asheville Event at WNC Ag Center
Dec 15 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

$5 Admission (Good for Both Days)
• Kids are FREE!!!

It’s the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR…time to buy gifts for those you “TRULY” LOVE at our upcoming TWO DAY INDOOR Uncommon Asheville Event at WNC Ag Center! ❄️

Visit Asheville’s Largest Event for the Old, the Bold, the Creative, and Unexpected! Uncommon Asheville gathers quality curators of antiques, craft, vintage decor, objects, art, jewelry, and home furnishings! Come see what UNCOMMON treasure you’ll find at this incredible TWO DAY INDOOR event!

Details:
• TWO DAYS: Saturday 9AM-4PM AND Sunday 10AM–4PM
• $5 Admission (Good for Both Days)
• Kids are FREE!!!
• Service dogs only

So make your “Naughty or Nice” list, check it twice, and find an UNCOMMON gift at a great price!!

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up
Dec 15 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Firestorm Books and Coffee

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up

A three part pop-up series featuring the work of eighteen local artists. This event is a great opportunity to find unique, locally made art for yourself or your loved ones. A portion of each sale will help to underwrite social movement space and grassroots community programming at our co-op. Different artists will be featured on each date, so plan to attend all three! Hours will be 11am to 4pm.???️ December 14th: Including Abacus Corvus Artwork, Bear Dog Designs, Ell’s Nalbinding, Plants and Knits, Running Rabbit Stickers, Sam Davis, and Waymaker Creations??? December 15th: Including Analog Adornments, Chrysalis Earth Farm, The Dicey Dungeon, Weedlady Herbals and Punkcraft, and Talia Scarpelli??? December 21st: Including Emily Eagan Art, Eva Leach, Harvest Gap Forge, Phlox Design, .retool., and Sleepybowie.

Ignite Holiday Trunk Show!
Dec 15 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studio

Asheville-holiday-trunk-show-jewelry-gallery-gifts

Come enjoy our warm, cozy studio to shop jewelry creations made by talented local artists. Our studio will be filled to the brim with work made by specially invited guest jewelers. Support small business and buy local this holiday season!

Some of the artists on display include: Deb Karash, Matthew Smith Studios, Gayle Weiss, Meredith Tibjash, Netty DiSunno, Susan McDonough, Priscilla Frake, and Una Barrett – just to name a few.

Hot beverages and snacks will be provided.

Kids at Hart presents Holly Jolly Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Haywood Arts Regional Theater

Directed and Conceived by Shelia Sumpter

The Performing Arts Main Stage

Join us as our KIDS AT HART celebrate the holidays in this festive musical review.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

Let it be, Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:30 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”.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Dec 15 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Holiday Concert Asheville Community Band
Dec 15 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Unca: Lipinski Auditorium

Celebrate the holiday season with the Asheville Community Band!  This family-friendly concert features our symphonic winds playing your holiday favorites, plus this year we are featuring a collaboration with the Children’s Chorus from Fairview Elementary. See you there!
Tickets are $12, Students and children with paying adults are free.

Holiday Concert – Asheville Gay Mens Chorus
Dec 15 @ 4:00 pm
Grace Covenent Presbyterian Church

Holiday 2019 Concert

Come share beautiful music for the holidays and enjoy our special guest Casey Coppenbarger. The concert will also feature selections by Man Treble, the men’s ensemble of Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus.

Uncle Kurtis and Friends Holiday Showcase
Dec 15 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall
Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.