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.

Sunday, December 15, 2019
Reel Sisters Celtic Christmas concert Isis Music Hall
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

The Reel Sisters are a duo steeped in the musical tradition of Scottish harp and smallpipes. Piper Rosalind Buda and harpist Kelly Brzozowski share lifetimes of experience in the traditional music community and the technical expertise of classical training. The Reel Sisters’ music is uplifting, stirring, and just sweet fun. While the “Sisters” have been asked many times if they truly are sisters, the answer is technically no. The music is what binds them together and connects them deeply to their audiences. Come and get in the spirit with The Reel Sisters!

Monday, December 16, 2019
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 16 @ 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

Jazz Hour at Pack Library Back for the Fall
Dec 16 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Our free Jazz Hour is back for the fall season!  Please join us in our auditorium to listen to an hour of jazz from Steinway pianist and composer Michael Jefry Stevens and his musician friends. Each performance is different and will take place on the third Monday evenings of each month. Everyone is welcome.

Lindsey Stirling – Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour
Dec 16 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Lindsey Stirling remains fearless enough to always dream big. Since the release of her 2012 self-titled debut, the electronic music impresario, violinist, dancer, and artist quietly and humbly became one of the 21st century’s most innovative stars by clinging to her groundbreaking vision of cinematic violin-driven electronic music.

Her sophomore opus, Shatter Me, held #1 on the Classical Album Chart for 21 consecutive weeks, ranked as the #2 Dance/Electronic Album and the #1 Classical Album on Billboard’s 2015 Year-End charts, and won a Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album. Her third studio album, Brave Enough, scored the #1 spot on Billboard’s year-end Top Dance/Electronic Album list and earned Stirling a 2017 Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album.

In 2017, she released her first holiday album, Warmer in the Winter. Featuring classic and original songs, the album went on to become the #1 new Christmas album of 2017, ahead of pop music heavyweights such as Gwen Stefani and Sia.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 17 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.

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

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
Storytime & Art Enka-Candler Library
Dec 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Enka-Candler Library on third Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

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.

Storytime & Art Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Dec 19 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at Skyland/South Buncombe Library on third Thursdays at 10:30am.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 19 @ 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

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

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.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 20 @ 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

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!

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.

Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Finally, on Saturday November 30th after Thanksgiving, we’re excited that it’s Kid Hop time again! Kid Hop Hooray (our awesome indoor family dance party that happens monthly all winter long) is back. This event is for kids of all ages, with family-appropriate music from DJ Oso! Drop in anytime – it goes from 10am til 1pm. There will be FREE Glow accessories for little dancers while they last, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery, as well as popcorn and juice boxes! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments.

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Market Grey Eagle
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
  • FREE ADMISSION
  • TAQUERIA OPEN AT 11AM
  • 10AM – 4PM

We’ll have local vendors set up selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving. Be sure to grab a bite from our in-house Taqueria and a drink from the bar as you peruse Asheville’s finest makers. Plus, we’ll set the mood with some classic holiday tunes!

Firestorm Holiday Craft Pop-up
Dec 21 @ 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.